Best running headphones 2023: top earphones from Beats, Wireless, and more
Having a pair of the best workout earbuds can revolutionize your run. The top running earbuds from the likes of Bose, Beats, Jaybird, Jabra and more all come with a range of different options, and it’s a minefield for anyone looking to upgrade their audio experience.
That’s where we come in. We’ve hand-picked some of the best running headphones, from noise-canceling options to true wireless and cheaper one-cable headphones. The best running headphones will be different for each person depending on style preference, design, and how much you want to spend as well. However, if you’re opting for wireless running headphones, battery life and charging speed are absolutely key metrics to take a look at.
The options we've included are designed to sit in your ears without causing you discomfort, but if in-ear isn’t your thing, consider some bone-conducting headphones instead as these sit over your ears but don’t touch them.
Of course, aside from design and comfort, the actual sound quality is really what sets the best running headphones apart from the rest, and you’ll be able to find out which models are the front runners below. So, whatever your budget or style preference, there’ll be an option for you. Alternatively, check out our best running earbuds guide or monitor your fitness with the best running watch.
THE BEST RUNNING HEADPHONES TO BUY RIGHT NOW
Wissonly Hi Runner
This is the fastest growing brand of bone conduction headphones in the last six months. The team are all engineers with 10 years of accumulation in the field of bone conduction technology. They started to develop bone conduction headphones that don't hurt ears as early as 2012. To solve the problem of sound leakage of bone conduction headphones, wissonly has made comprehensive improvement in the aspects of vibrator, body design and software optimization. The final result has been applied to Wissonly Hi Runner, and the final sound leakage can be reduced by 90% after laboratory test. I actually used the test myself. At a distance of 2cm, the volume reached 70%, but I still didn't hear the sound of the headphones, which protected my privacy.
Wissonly Hi Runner’s body is made of titanium, which can self-adjust the fitting position to ensure a good wearing experience for headphones, so that more people can wear it. As the core component of the product, the headphones plays a key role in the product experience. Hi Runner model is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 chip, which makes Bluetooth connection faster and more stable. It also has 32GB of built-in storage so you can use it as an MP3 player.
Other parameters of Wissonly Hi Runner are also excellent. For example, the waterproof level reaches IPX8, and you can wear it to swim or even dive. The battery life reaches 8-10 hours, which is very important to me, because I go out for sports on weekends, and I go out for a whole day.
PLANTRONICS BACKBEAT 500 FIT
Running is a sweaty endeavour – at least it should be – and we are not sure the Plantronics Backbeat 500 Fit would stand up to too much of it. However for more sedate jogs and certain gym activities this is a nifty – and cheap – option.
These over-ear headphones offer a P2i-rated water-repellent coating that’ll keep the innards safe in a rain or sweat shower. Runners will enjoy the relatively snug fit, as they won’t be dislodged easily, but it can turn to discomfort over longer distances. The 18-hour battery life will ensure plenty of trips to the gym between charges and there’s a 3.5mm input as well, if the battery does run out.
Sound quality from the 40mm drivers is good for the price, but don’t expect noise cancellation, epic depth or to weep tears of joy at their musical beauty. We do love the rock solid Bluetooth connectivity, however.
BOSE SPORT OPEN EARBUDS
Rather than using bone conducting tech like the Aftershokz, the Bose Sport Open Earbuds keep the ear canal open by resting in the top portion of the ear, held in place by an ear hook. The buds use directional sound to ensure the listening experience is a little more natural. You can have a chat with a running mate or hear the traffic around you while enjoying great sounds - something that Bose calls OpenAudio. You can hear the world around you along with your soothing long-run playlist. There’s IPX4 sweat and water resistance to protect you from the elements. Unlike others in our list, there’s no battery in the charging case for on-the-go replenishment, but that does mean a lighter, more compact case. You will get eight hours from a single charge or three hours from a 30 minute blast.
BANG & OLUFSEN BEOPLAY SPORT E8
For the longest time, sound quality wasn’t the biggest priority for running headphones. Sweat and weather resistance, rock solid connectivity, durability, and a comfortable, secure fit have taken precedence over sound and, in some cases, style. But who says you can’t have the lot? The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay Sport E8 true wireless earbuds deliver on that promise, albeit for a high price tag. They’ve got style in droves, won’t drop out mid-run, are featherlight, and promise a really detailed soundscape. They’re waterproof and you’ll get seven hours from a single charge and up to 30 thanks to the charging case. There’s passive noise cancellation for those treadmill runs too. If the audiophile in you won’t be sacrificed even when you’re sucking on air during a run, then these might be the buds for you.
AFTERSHOKZ AEROPEX
Bone-conducting earphones are great for people running in busy/noisy environments who want to be able to listen to music and their surroundings. They can also be a godsend for those who just can’t get a good fit with in-ear buds.
AfterShokz leads the pack here and the AeroPex is a great option for runners, cyclists and others. Bone conducting headphones do come with some sound quality sacrifices and the vibrations can feel distracting, so it’s advisable to try before you buy. AfterShokz is clearly confident you'll warm to AeroPex, however: it offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.
They’re IP67 rated for water and sweat resistance meaning they can be submerged for 30 minutes at a time in 1m of water. Not that you’ll want to, but it’s reassuring to know they can handle the most torrential of downpours. Add 8 hours of battery life you have a winner.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST RUNNING HEADPHONES FOR YOU
The days of cables flapping around, snagging on random branches, and dragging out your running headphones are over. Guess what? We’re never going back. There are too many great, dedicated options offering solid wireless connectivity for us to consider wiring-up our runs ever again.
However, beyond that, there are a number of factors that go into choosing the best running headphones for you. The distances you undertake may require you to prioritize battery life, while those taking on tough terrain in varying conditions will require security and weather resistance.