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 yourself, which is why we conducted tests on them during high-energy workouts, relaxed strolls, and activities in nature. 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 is superb, and the IP68 protection guarantees they can handle intense sweat and rain during runs. We also admire the affordable JLab Epic Air Sport ANC, which effectively cancels out surrounding sounds, allowing you to concentrate on your exercise. However, these aren’t the only choices available, as we’ve compiled a list of the best exercise earphones for various activities, including the gym, outdoor jogs, and home workouts for both iPhone and Android devices. 12-Best Wireless over Ear Headphones for the Gym
1. Jabra Elite 8 Active
After months of using the Jabra Elite 8 Active for everything from intense workouts to casual strolls and strength training, we can confidently declare them as the top choice for most individuals looking for workout earbuds. 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 vigorous exercises like burpees, they remained firmly in 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 the touch-sensitive controls found in other earbuds, such as the Apple AirPods Pro.
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 budget-friendly pair of exercise headphones, the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC (2nd Gen) stand out. We were pleasantly surprised 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 complex designs for stability (like with the Jabra Elite 8 Active), the ear hook design might be a better fit. We found them to be comfortable for extended use, making them suitable for a variety of workouts. However, we found the ANC to be less effective than the first-generation Epic Air Sport ANC. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re bad — they do a decent job at blocking out ambient sounds — but it’s unusual to see a decline in performance after an upgrade.
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 excellent for working out at home, 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 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 that your ears remain open to the sounds of traffic and other runners, making them a top choice for running headphones as well.
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 is also responsible for the AirPods Pro’s functionality. Therefore, you enjoy superior noise reduction and seamless connection with your iPhone. They are compatible with Android devices as well, but the absence of the “Hey Siri” activation feature, a key attraction, is a downside. Additionally, the ear-hook design, which we discovered provided a secure fit throughout our exercise sessions. 12-Best Wireless over Ear Headphones for 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
When it comes to powering through an intense workout, having the right pair of headphones can make all the difference. Whether you’re pounding the pavement, crushing a HIIT session, or pushing your limits in the weight room, the best workout headphones will not only keep you motivated but also provide the audio quality and performance to match the demands of your active lifestyle.
As you navigate the vast array of workout-focused headphones on the market, there are several key factors to consider:
Sweat and Water Resistance: The headphones you choose should be able to withstand the rigors of your workout, including exposure to sweat, water, and even rain. Look for models with an IPX rating that indicates their level of water and dust protection.
Secure Fit: A secure and comfortable fit is essential for workout headphones, as you don’t want them slipping or falling out during your activities. Opt for designs that feature ear hooks, wingtips, or other stabilizing features to keep the headphones in place, even during high-intensity movements.
Wireless Connectivity: Cutting the cord can be a game-changer when it comes to workout headphones, allowing you to move freely without the hassle of tangled wires. Consider wireless or true wireless models that offer a reliable Bluetooth connection and decent battery life.
Audio Performance: While the fit and durability of workout headphones are crucial, you’ll also want to ensure they deliver high-quality audio to keep you energized and engaged during your workout. Look for features like powerful drivers, advanced codec support, and balanced sound profiles that can handle your favorite workout playlists.
Versatility: Depending on your workout routine, you may want headphones that can adapt to different environments. Features like ambient awareness modes or transparency settings can allow you to stay aware of your surroundings for safety during outdoor activities.
Lastly, don’t forget to factor in comfort and design. Workout headphones should be lightweight, breathable, and ergonomically shaped to minimize fatigue and discomfort, even during extended training sessions.
By considering these key criteria, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect pair of workout headphones to elevate your fitness journey. With the right audio companion, you can stay motivated, focused, and immersed in your workout, pushing yourself to new heights with each stride, rep, and jump.
HOW WE TEST THE BEST WORKOUT HEADPHONES
To ensure that we only suggest earbuds that can withstand a rigorous workout, we put them to the test during intense workouts, walks, jogs, and weightlifting. Additionally, we use them daily to evaluate their comfort level. Since being fit is important, we test the earbuds’ durability during vigorous activities such as burpees and various resistance training exercises like dumbbell presses. You also want your preferred music to sound great, so we maintain a regular playlist to evaluate the sound quality of each earbud and to aid in comparing them. Moreover, we check how long the battery holds up between charges.
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. 12-Best Wireless over Ear Headphones for the Gym