The top-notch exercise earphones are built to last through intense workouts and extended jogs, ensuring they stay securely in your ears even during vigorous activities. However, it’s challenging to assess their performance until you try them out yourself, which is why we conducted tests during high-energy exercises, relaxed strolls, and outdoor activities. A particular pair stood out to us, earning the title of the best exercise earphones for the general public; the Jabra Elite 8 Active. The ShakeGrip in-ear technology ensures a snug fit, the sound quality is superb, and the IP68 protection guarantees they can withstand moisture from sweat and rain during workouts. 20- Best bluetooth Headphones to Workout in
We also love the affordable JLab Epic Air Sport ANC, which effectively eliminate ambient sounds, allowing you to concentrate on your workouts. However, they’re not the only choice available, as we’ve compiled the top fitness headphones for various activities, including the gym, outdoor jogs, and home exercises, for both iPhone and Android devices.
1. Jabra Elite 8 Active
After months of using the Jabra Elite 8 Active for everything from listening to music and podcasts to high-intensity workouts, walks, and strength training, we can confidently declare them as the top choice for most individuals. Similar to the Jabra Elite 7 Active, these earbuds feature Jabra’s ShakeGrip technology, which combines different materials and weights to ensure they stay securely in position. Even when performing intense exercises like burpees, they never slipped out of our ears. Additionally, we appreciated the physical buttons on each earbud for pausing music, changing noise cancellation settings, and adjusting the volume. This design is much more convenient for use during workouts compared to touch-sensitive controls.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Water resistance: IP68
- Battery life: 8 hours, 32 hours with case
- Noise cancellation: Yes
- Transparency mode: Yes
2. JLab Epic Air Sport ANC (2nd Gen)
If you’re in search of a pair of budget-friendly workout headphones, the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC (2nd Gen) are a great option. We were amazed by the quality of sound these earbuds offered for under $100, and their impressive 70-hour battery life was a bonus. For those who prefer not to depend on fancy designs for stability (such as with the Jabra Elite 8 Active), the ear hook design might be more appealing. We discovered that they were comfortable for extended use, making them suitable for various workouts.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Water resistance: IP66
- Battery life: 11 hours, 70 hours with case
- Noise cancellation: Yes
- Transparency mode: Yes
3. Amazfit Powerbuds Pro
Indeed, the Amazfit PowerBuds Pro bears a striking resemblance to AirPods, yet they function on both Android smartphones and iPhones, offering compatibility beyond Apple’s ecosystem. However, despite their visually striking design, they diverge significantly from the well-liked AirPods. Remarkably, these PowerBuds Pro are equipped with sensors that transform them into a fitness tracker, tracking your heart rate, steps, and distance, eliminating the necessity for an additional wearable device to monitor your vital fitness information.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Water resistance: IP66
- Battery life: 5 hours, 19 hours with case
- Noise cancellation: Yes
- Transparency mode: Yes
4. Shokz OpenRun Pro
Headphones that block out background noise are perfect for working out indoors, but when you’re jogging outdoors, it’s important to remain alert to potential dangers and fellow joggers, which is why a lot of fitness earphones feature a mode that allows you to hear some sounds. However, the Shokz OpenRun Pro offer a unique solution by employing bone conduction technology to transmit sounds directly to your inner ear, just above your jawbone, instead of inside your ear canal. This design ensures your ears remain open to the sounds of traffic and other runners, making them a top choice for joggers as well. These earbuds are secured by a band that encircles the back of your head, equipped with small adhesive pads to ensure a comfortable and secure fit, which we discovered to be quite effective, even during intense workouts.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Water resistance: IP55
- Battery life: 10 hours
- Noise cancellation: No
- Transparency mode: No
5. Beats Powerbeats Pro
The Beats Powerbeats Pro maintain the brand’s outstanding low-frequency sound quality, while also featuring Apple’s advanced technology through the H1 chip, which also supports the AirPods Pro. Therefore, you enjoy superior noise reduction and seamless connection with your iPhone. They are still compatible with Android devices, but the absence of the “Hey Siri” activation feature, a key attraction, is noticeable. Additionally, the ear-hook design, which we found secure during our workouts, is a plus. However, we encountered a slight issue with putting them in if you have long hair, as the hooks tend to tangle. Nonetheless, once they’re secured, they stay in place. Moreover, after your workout, the buds sync with Apple’s Find My platform, allowing you to locate them if you accidentally leave them at the gym.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Water resistance: IPX4
- Battery life: 9 hours, 24 hours with case
- Noise cancellation: Yes
- Transparency mode: Yes
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST WORKOUT HEADPHONES
As the fitness and wellness revolution continues to transform our lifestyles, the demand for high-performance, durable, and comfortable workout headphones has never been higher. Whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer, an avid runner, or someone who enjoys a wide range of physical activities, choosing the right workout headphones can make a significant difference in your overall exercise experience.
When it comes to selecting the best workout headphones, there are several key factors to consider. Firstly, you’ll want to prioritize durability and sweat resistance, as your headphones will be subjected to the rigors of an active lifestyle. Look for water-resistant or even waterproof designs that can withstand the effects of perspiration and light rainfall, ensuring your investment remains reliable and protected.
Next, comfort and fit are crucial, as you’ll be wearing these headphones for extended periods during your workouts. Opt for earbuds or over-ear designs that offer a secure and stable fit, preventing them from falling out or causing discomfort during your exercises. Adjustable and customizable options are often ideal, as they allow you to find the perfect balance between comfort and stability.
Audio quality is another essential consideration, as you’ll want to ensure your workout tunes and motivational playlists are delivered with clarity and depth. Look for headphones that boast powerful, dynamic drivers and advanced audio processing capabilities, providing you with an immersive and energizing listening experience.
Finally, consider the additional features that can enhance your workout experience, such as built-in controls for volume adjustment, track selection, and voice assistant access. Wireless connectivity, with support for seamless pairing and low-latency performance, can also be a game-changer, freeing you from the constraints of tangled cables.
By carefully weighing these factors and prioritizing your specific needs, you’ll be able to find the perfect workout headphones that strike the ideal balance between performance, durability, and comfort. Investing in a high-quality pair of workout-focused headphones can not only elevate your fitness journey but also inspire you to push your limits and achieve your health and wellness goals.
HOW WE TEST THE BEST WORKOUT HEADPHONES
At the forefront of the fitness technology industry, our team of expert reviewers is dedicated to ensuring that our recommendations for the best workout headphones are backed by thorough and unbiased testing. We understand that finding the perfect pair of headphones for your active lifestyle is more than just a matter of personal preference – it’s about identifying the models that truly excel in terms of performance, durability, and user experience.
Our testing protocol is designed to put these workout-focused headphones through a gauntlet of real-world scenarios, simulating the demands and challenges that active individuals face. From high-intensity cardio sessions and strength training workouts to outdoor runs and cross-training activities, we meticulously evaluate each pair of headphones to assess their comfort, stability, and resilience.
Sweat resistance is a crucial factor, as our testers subject the headphones to rigorous perspiration tests, ensuring they can withstand the elements without compromising audio quality or connectivity. We also assess the water-resistant capabilities of these headphones, subjecting them to light rain and submersion in water to verify their ability to protect the internal components from moisture.
Beyond just the physical attributes, we delve deep into the audio performance of these workout headphones, analyzing the clarity, soundstage, and bass response to ensure they provide an immersive and energizing listening experience. Our team of audio enthusiasts utilizes industry-leading equipment and calibrated listening environments to meticulously assess the sonic capabilities of each model.
Connectivity is another key area of focus, as we test the seamless pairing, low-latency performance, and range of the Bluetooth and wireless technologies employed by these headphones. We also evaluate the user-friendly nature of the controls, the effectiveness of the built-in microphones, and the overall ease of use during active sessions.
By combining our rigorous testing protocols with real-world usage scenarios, our team is able to provide comprehensive and insightful reviews that help fitness-minded consumers make informed decisions when investing in the best workout headphones. Our commitment to excellence ensures that our recommendations are not only backed by data but also reflect the practical needs and preferences of active individuals across a wide range of fitness levels and activities.
Can you repair workout headphones?
Usually, no. This is mainly because the complex patterns needed to create tiny earbuds filled with power cells, sensors, and audio parts make it difficult. Additionally, it’s because most companies don’t focus on making them easy to fix. A lot of models, such as those in our top picks for workout headphones, are tough, so they’re unlikely to break easily. And since many have some level of water protection, a little sweat or a light drizzle shouldn’t be an issue. Therefore, any major damage is likely to result from mishaps, like accidentally dropping a weight on a misplaced earbud. However, you might experience a decrease in battery life over time, which is something you can’t usually fix. The only solution to this is to choose the Fairphone Fairbuds, which might be the most fixable earbuds available because you can swap out seven components, including the battery and casing. They’re currently only sold in the EU and UK, and we’re eagerly awaiting information on any availability in the US. However, we’re hopeful that Fairphone will introduce these eco-friendly earbuds in the US soon.
Are wired headphones good for the gym?
Every single pair in our top list of workout headphones is wireless and can pair with your phone or other gadgets through Bluetooth. However, you’ll also find options with cords, like the Apple EarPods, which resemble AirPods but feature a cable and a Lightning connector for connecting to your iPhone. Corded options are often more affordable, making them a good choice for those who don’t need to be as concerned about damaging or replacing them. Yet, it’s crucial to think about your preferred workout style before deciding on a corded pair. To maintain a connection, you’ll need to keep your phone close to your body, either in a pocket, waistband, or a running phone holder. This means you’ll have two devices in motion while you exercise; your earphones and your phone. The movements are communicated through the cable, so if you extend your leg, the cable tightens and might pull on your earphones, potentially causing them to fall out. Additionally, if you’re lifting weights or using other gear, there’s a chance the wire could become tangled, which could result in the headphones falling off or the cable getting damaged. 20- Best bluetooth Headphones to Workout in