Best wireless earbuds for working out
1. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
These wireless earbuds are engineered for those who need performance that matches their intensity. With their secure over-ear hook design, these earbuds stay in place through every jump, squat, and sprint. Featuring improved sound quality and better battery life, Powerbeats Pro 2 is one of the top choices for fitness enthusiasts.
Key features
- Design: Over-ear hooks for a secure fit
- Sound: Powerful bass and clear vocals for energetic playlists; advanced Active Noise Cancelling with Transparency Mode
- Battery: Up to 10 hours of playback per charge; 45 hours with charging case
- Sweat & Water Resistance: IPX4 rated
- Health: Heart Rate Monitoring w/ real-time performance data
- Connectivity: Apple H2 chip for seamless pairing with Apple devices, or pair with Android via Bluetooth
What we like most. The secure fit and excellent sound quality make Powerbeats Pro 2 a standout for intense workouts, offering no-slip stability and long-lasting performance. They’re also the only one on the list that monitors your heart rate during workouts.
Other considerations. At just around $250, Powerbeats Pro 2 may be more than you need if you’re just looking for something for casual workouts without all the bells and whistles.
2. Beats Fit Pro
These earbuds boast a snug, ergonomic design and the audio quality Beats is known for. They’re ideal if you love to stay active without sacrificing superior sound while you’re running, rowing, or doing HIIT.
Key features
- Design: Secure-fit wingtips for a comfortable, secure hold
- Sound: Custom Apple H1 chip delivers excellent audio quality, plus Active Noise Cancelling with Transparency Mode
- Battery: Up to 6 hours of playback per charge; 18 hours with the charging case
- Sweat & Water Resistance: IPX4 rated
- Connectivity: Quick pairing with Apple and Android
What we like most. The compact design and comfortable fit make Beats Fit Pro great for long sessions without the need for constant adjustments. Plus, at just under $200, they’re a bit more budget-friendly than the previous option.
Other considerations. Battery life is shorter compared to Powerbeats Pro 2, and they don’t offer heart rate monitoring, but the Fit Pro may be perfect for quick workouts and the design and portability are amazing.
3. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
These earbuds are perfect for outdoor workouts where awareness of your surroundings is key. Their open-ear design allows you to hear both your music and the environment around you, making them an ideal choice for running, cycling, or outdoor training.
Key features
- Design: Open-ear design for maximum environmental awareness
- Sound: Clear, balanced audio with volume optimization; Snapdragon Sound Certification for Android
- Battery: Up to 7 hours of playback; 19.5 hours with charging case
- Sweat & Water Resistance: IPX4 rated
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 for stable, long-range pairing
What we like most. The open-ear design ensures you’re always aware of your surroundings, making it a great choice for outdoor runners or cyclists who need to hear traffic or other runners, while also giving you surprisingly immersive sound. Snapdragon Sound Certification delivers an even better listening experience if you’re an Android user.
Other considerations. The design doesn’t offer the same level of sound isolation as the in-ear options, which could affect the experience if you prefer to block out more noise and stay completely immersed in your music or audio. They’re also pricier than the last option, at around $250, and Apple users will miss out on the Snapdragon Sound booster.
Best headphones for working out
4. Beats Solo 4 Headphones
If you prefer the security and feel of on-ear headphones, Beats Solo 4 provides powerful sound and a comfortable fit for long workout sessions. These headphones combine the signature bass-heavy Beats sound with wireless convenience and a foldable design for easy portability.
Key features
- Design: Ultra-Plush on-ear cushions for maximum comfort and sound isolation; feather-light at just 217 grams; foldable design
- Sound: Rich, dynamic sound with deep bass; multiple microphones
- Battery: Up to 50 hours of battery life; Fast Fuel charging delivers up-to 5 hours of playback in 10 minutes
- Water Resistance: Not rated
- Connectivity: Seamless pairing with Apple or Android
What we like most. Beats Solo 4 headphones are known for their comfortable on-ear fit and long battery life, making them perfect for longer, more stationary workout sessions, like weightlifting or indoor cycling, without sacrificing sound quality. Plus, at just under $200, they cost less than some options on the list.
Other considerations. While the on-ear design is comfortable when movement isn’t quite as intense, they might feel bulky if you’re running, jumping, or doing other high-impact activities. Also, they’re not sweat- or water-resistant, which may be an issue if you do a lot of heavy workouts or exercise outdoors.
5. Bose QC Ultra Headphones
If you’re looking for a premium, noise-canceling experience, Bose QC Ultra headphones are a fantastic choice. These true over-ear headphones provide the best noise isolation and sound to keep you immersed in your workout, while their comfortable fit ensures no distractions during your routine.
Key features
- Design: Luxe materials and full over-ear design; foldable
- Sound: World-class noise cancellation, immersive audio, customizable listening modes, and 8 microphones.
- Battery: Up to 24 hours of battery life; up to 18 with immersive audio
- Water Resistance: Not rated
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 for seamless pairing with Apple or Android devices
What we like most. The noise-canceling feature ensures an uninterrupted workout, especially in noisy environments like crowded gyms. These are the crème de la crème of headphones for those who want a truly premium sound experience.
Other considerations. Starting at about $430, the higher price may not be worth it for someone just looking for solid audio for their workouts. As with the Bose earbuds, only Android users can fully experience the upgraded Snapdragon Sound feature. They’re also not sweat- or water-resistant.
Choosing the right headphones or earbuds for your workouts will come down to your personal style, needs, and budget. If you're all about minimalism and intense outdoor exercise, these top-rated earbuds are excellent choices. For indoor exercisers who crave premium noise cancellation and prefer an on-ear or over-ear feel, headphones may be the perfect fit for delivering superior comfort and audio.
Still undecided?
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*Please note that product availability may vary, and some items mentioned may no longer be in stock or available at the time of reading. Browse all of our latest phones, devices, and accessories here.
Sources:
https://www.beatsbydre.com/earbuds/powerbeats-pro-2/MX753/hyper-purple
https://www.beatsbydre.com/earbuds/beats-fit-pro
https://www.bose.com/p/earbuds/bose-ultra-open-earbuds/ULT-HEADPHONEOPN.html