We’ve tested the best workout headphones in 2026 to soundtrack your gym sessions

Pump up the volume during your strength and cardio sessions with our testers’ picks of the best workout headphones and earbuds.

From motivational beast-mode playlists to distracting podcasts, science shows that being immersed in audio during your workouts can boost your enjoyment and your performance. So what better way to pump up your potential than with this tried-and-tested selection of the best workout headphones and earbuds?

Our expert testers have rounded up the best performing headphones and earbuds for any avid gym-goer. Whether you love lifting, are keen on cardio or mad for mobility drills, you’ll find the perfect pair of headphones in their choices below. As standard they are all wireless with Bluetooth connectivity. Some have active noise cancelling to block out surrounding noise; some are ultra secure for more dynamic workouts; others are fully waterproof to give you all-weather protection (as well as a soundtrack to your swims).

The common denominator, however, is their sound. Each of our shortlisted headphones deliver rich and crisp audio across the spectrum. From booming bass notes to punchy mids and ultra-clear highs, these picks will deliver awesome immersive audio to soundtrack you gym sessions. And knowing that music boosts your mental health, there are even more reasons to role out your favorite playlists and podcasts when you work out.

The best workout headphones and earbuds at a glance

Best headphones overall	It might be a surprise to award this accolade to an in-ear bud, but for us the Jabra Elite 8 Active (buy now) ticks all the boxes for the best gym headphones. Fit feels very secure despite the lack of hooks, sound quality is excellent with plenty of custom options, while battery life is great too.
Best headphones for versatility	It’s no surprise that the Apple AirPods Pro 2 (buy now) feature on this list. They would have been in contention for best workout headphones if the fit was a bit more secure. But we know how good the sound is and connectivity is seamless too.
Best open-ear headphones	You could run full tilt down a boulder-strewn path and the Shokz OpenSwim Pro (buy now) still wouldn’t budge. The sound is richer and bassier than the original Shokz bone conductor earphones but you can still keep aware of your surroundings.
Best budget bone conductors	For less than $100/£100, H2O Audio’s Tri Run (buy now) open-ear headphones offer a lot of bang for your buck. Sound, comfort and ease of operation are as good as that of bone conductors three times the price.
Best-value headphones	Just pipping the JLab Epic Air Sport (buy now) to the post is the JBL Endurance Peak 3 (buy now). For less than $100 / £100 you get robust buds with an unshakeable fit and one of the longest battery lives on test. Now that is a bargain.
Best-sounding earbuds	Not only do the Nothing Ear 2 (buy now) earbuds look the business, they sound pretty awesome too! Customisable ANC and transparency modes are a bonus.
Best headphones for tracking your workout	This isn’t a first for headphones, but in true Apple fashion, it waited for its moment with the Apple AirPods Pro 3 (buy now) to enter the fray to show the rest how to reliably track your workout from your earbuds.
Easiest headphones to operate	Big buttons on the Audio Technica CC500BT2 (buy now) bone conducting headphones means it’s easy to switch tracks or adjust volume, even when running at a decent pace.
Best over-ear headphones	The RIPT Ultra Headphones by H2O Audio (buy now) offer exceptional lows, mids and highs to provide an immersive soundtrack to your gym-based workouts.
Best open-ear earbuds	If you’re looking for bone or cartilage-conducting earphones but prefer buds to headphones, Bose has just the ticket – its Ultra Open Earbuds (buy now) offer phenomenal sound quality.

1. Jabra Elite 8 Active

Jabra’s Elite 4 Active and Elite 7 Active are highly regarded headphones for running as well as the gym, and the latest Elite 8 Active builds on this legacy. These lightweight, 5g earbuds fit securely and are designed to grip better when wet, making them ideal for runs. I found them comfortable at various paces, though they might shift on steep descents. The sound quality is excellent, with rich, bassy audio and customizable sound profiles.

Durability is a highlight, with IP68-rated buds and an IP54-rated case, ensuring they’re dust-proof, water-resistant, and robust. Battery life is impressive, offering 8 hours with ANC and up to 56 hours with the case if ANC is off. I found the ANC very effective in busy environments, although not the best I’ve tested. The HearThrough mode significantly reduces wind noise when running.

The controls are straightforward, and features like Find My Buds and Spotify Tap enhance usability. Often available at a discount, the Elite 8 Active delivers a comprehensive package for runners and gym-goers.

• Read our full Jabra Elite 8 Active review

2. Apple AirPods Pro 3

Whether you crave clarity for podcasts or punchy mids and bass to beef up your playlist, the new Apple AirPods Pro 3 is up to the task. If you thought the Pro 2 were great at blocking out noise, the Pro 3 does it even better. It’s the same for letting sound back in when you switch on the Transparency mode.

Then there’s workout tracking, which is the most reliable I’ve come across in any earbuds – and a first for Apple. Combine that with serious AI tech to give you a virtual Workout Buddy or try a spot of translation, and these Pro 3 buds have everything you need and much more.

• Read our full Apple AirPods Pro 3 review

3. Shokz OpenSwim Pro

When Shokz introduced its first swim-friendly bone conducting headphones, I remember they lacked Bluetooth playback. These new OpenSwim Pro headphones now include Bluetooth, a 9-hour battery life, IP68 waterproof rating and lightweight design. I tested them in various settings – along roads, and in the pool and the gym. They proved comfortable and secure, though not ideal during certain exercises. Sound quality is decent enough, and the built-in MP3 storage makes for easy music transfer – though I found playback management a bit cumbersome.

The controls are convenient, and they survived stress tests, including exposure to high heat. While battery performance met Shokz’ claims for its MP3 mode, Bluetooth wasn’t quite so good. Despite some limitations like playlist organization and the need for a specific charging cable, the OpenSwim Pro offers a good balance of features. I’d say they’re an excellent choice for multi-sport athletes seeking waterproof headphones with both MP3 and Bluetooth capabilities.

• Read our full Shokz OpenSwim Pro review

4. Nothing Ear 2

If your budget doesn’t extend to the Apple AirPods Pro 2 (review below), the Nothing Ear 2 offers fantastic value, balancing everyday use with workout demands. These stylish earbuds, costing nearly half of the AirPods, come with ear gels, an extended stem design, and weigh just 4.5g each, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit even on steep runs. The 51g case is IP55 rated for water and dust resistance.

The Nothing Ear 2 buds are IP54 rated, making them splash and sweat resistant. They sounded great with 11.6mm dynamic drivers providing up to 40dB. The customizable active noise cancellation (ANC), transparency modes, and custom EQ with ear tip fit tests are bonus features. The physical press controls, though not the most responsive on the run, are manageable.

Battery life is solid, with 6.3 hours (ANC off) and 4 hours (ANC on), and incredibly quick charging. In my marathon test, they lasted 4 hours with transparency mode. The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 and dual device connectivity, though switching isn’t as seamless as with the Jabra Elite 8 Active.

Missing features include advanced geolocation for finding lost buds. Overall, the Nothing Ear 2 enhances the original model with improved sound, battery life, and durability, making them a great choice for both running and daily gym use.

• Read our full Nothing Ear 2 review

5. H2O Audio RIPT Ultra

Reviewed by Laurence McJannet

RIPT is the active noise cancellation tech employed by H2O Audio in its Ultra over-ear headphones, and it’s one of the most effective I’ve tried. So much so that I’d stress these should be used for gym-based workouts only, so immersive is the experience. Of course there are other companies that offer similar ANC, but none that I’ve come across that provide the same IPX5 sweat-proof robustness that H2O does – and I found the interchangeable silicone and leather washable cushions are a great addition.

Lows, mids and highs combine for perfect clarity and punch, while the 50-hour battery and protective travel case combine to make this your headphone choice to sling in your everyday gym bag. A two-year warranty will give you peace of mind too.

6. H2O Audio Tri Run Open-Ear Headphones

Reviewed by Laurence McJannet

In terms of bang for your buck, the H2O Audio Tri Run headphones deliver in spades. Both sound and build quality are very good for the price. The ergonomics are nicely dialled in, and charge times and battery life are impressive. Perhaps the most important thing is, you slip the Tri Run on and almost instantly forget you’re wearing them – unlike the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, which cost three times the price. So that’s a huge plus for H2O Audio.

• Read our full H2O Audio Tri Run review

7. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Reviewed by Lee Bell

Bose has pulled off quite a coup here by producing unique-looking open-ear buds with a sound quality to rival many in-ear options. Of course you’ll pay through the nose to channel high-quality audio into your ears, but these buds’ ability to seamlessly blend in sounds from your surroundings has to be heard to be believed.

As such you can be confident running or riding amid traffic that you’ll hear everything you need to while listening to the tunes you want to. There might be a certain amount of flap with these buds independently hooked around your ears, and the price is certainly steep. But if the sounds of your surrounds are as important to you as your favorite playlists, you can’t go wrong with Bose’s premium open-ear buds.

• Read our full Bose Ultra Open Earbuds review

8. Suunto Sonic

Reviewed by Mike Sawh

Suunto, known for rugged sports watches like the Suunto Race, has ventured into running headphones with the Suunto Sonic. These open-ear headphones use bone conduction technology, similar to Shokz, to keep you aware of your surroundings. Weighing comfortably and featuring a soft silicone exterior, they never felt cumbersome during my runs. They’re IP55 rated, providing protection against sweat and light rain.

The box includes a charging cable, cloth bag, and earplugs. Though sound quality isn’t premium, it balances well for training playlists and podcasts. The Suunto companion app offers indoor and outdoor sound modes, enhancing clarity and bass. However, they do leak sound, which might disturb others.

Battery life is solid with up to 10 hours, and the quick charge feature offers 3 hours from just 10 minutes of charging. Physical buttons for volume and calls are easy to use during runs. The dual connection feature works well, allowing seamless device switching. Connectivity is reliable with various devices, including smartwatches.

Overall, the Suunto Sonic provides a secure, comfortable fit and efficient onboard controls, making them a worthwhile choice for runners and gym-goers alike.

• Read our full Suunto Sonic review

9. Audio-Technica CC500BT2

Reviewed by Laurence McJannet

It should be no surprise that headphones from Japanese hi-fi brand Audio-Technica should be sonically solid, but I was surprised how well the CC500BT2 sounded – particularly for cartilage conducting headphones. Sound definition is surprisingly good, given that the very nature of the design means you’re not sealed off from your surroundings. The bass could be a little deeper, but for the price I really had no complaints.

At 20 hours, the battery life is impressive too. As a runner I particularly appreciated how easy the large control buttons are to locate and operate when on the move. Their IPX4 rating and sturdy design mean they should be accompanying me on runs for many years to come.

10. JBL Endurance Peak 3

If you’re like me and often misplace headphones, or you’re on a budget, finding a capable yet inexpensive pair is crucial. Thankfully, the quality of running headphones under $100/£100 has greatly improved. Though you might not get premium sound and materials, models like the JBL Endurance Peak 3 offer good build quality, impressive battery life, and features like ambient awareness mode.

I found the JBL Endurance Peak 3 headphones a bit bulky at just under 26g, but their ear-hook design kept them securely in place during my runs. They were comfortable for runs up to an hour, but on longer sessions, the ear hooks began to press and felt irritating.

The 50-hour total battery life (10 hours on the buds, 40 hours in the case) is impressive, though the case is bulky and not running belt-friendly. The rapid charging feature is a lifesaver, giving me an hour of playtime from just 10 minutes of charging.

Sound quality is loud but lacks richness and depth. I wasn’t a fan of the app’s presets, but tweaking the EQ profiles improved the experience. The ambient awareness mode was ineffective in windy conditions, and I found the capacitive controls fiddly while moving. There’s no geolocation feature, but the IP68 rating means they withstand water and dust well.

Overall, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 provided a reliable fit, solid battery life, and good durability, though the sound quality could be better. For the price, they offer many features I appreciate in running headphones.

• Read our full JBL Endurance Peak 3 review

11. Beats Solo Buds

The Beats Solo Buds offer simplicity and functionality without breaking the bank. These buds prioritize essential features like a compact design, secure fit, and decent sound quality. While they lack an IP durability rating, which may limit their use during intense workouts, they provide a comfortable fit for various activities. With a battery life of up to 18 hours, the Solo Buds offer commendable playback time compared to competitors, though the lack of a charging case isn’t ideal.

The Solo Buds deliver a competent, balanced sound with good bass, making them suitable for most gym-goers and runners. Despite missing advanced features like custom EQ and ANC, the buds excel at passive isolation. Overall, these headphones combine compact simplicity, reliable fit, and perfectly-good-enough sound performance.

• Read our full Beats Solo Buds review

12. Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

Reviewed by Mike Sawh

I thought there was a lot to like about these second-gen OpenRun Pro bone conductors. The power and bass has been much improved over the originals, as has the battery and charging time. Unless you rock out at full volume the whole time, you should expect to get 12 hours on a full charge.

Fit is super secure too, so whether you’re banging out intensive interval sessions or bombing down steep off-road traverses, the OpenRun Pro 2 won’t budge an inch. However, I actually prefer the OpenSwim Pro model for its better sound and waterproofing, as well as its MP3 storage capability. But if three hours more battery life is more important to you that the option to dive into a pool with your ‘phones on, then you can’t really go wrong with the OpenRun Pro 2.

• Read our full Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review

13. OneOdio OpenRock X

Reviewed by Laurence McJannet

Designed specifically with athletes in mind, these OpenRock X open-ear earbuds are tailor-made for aerobic workouts. They feature 45-degree x 50-degree biaxial adjustability, so you can dial in a secure fit. The combination of noise reduction and its open-ear design offers a decent punchy sound while allowing you to stay aware of your environment.

I found the silicone hook comfortable enough to be able to wear them for long workouts, although the design made it difficult to wear glasses comfortably. You get up to 48 hours playing time with the luxury charging case and 12 hours on a single charge. They are rated IPX5 for water resistance with a robust design that feels it will last.

Best workout headphones compared

Best workout headphones FAQs

How we test the best workout headphones

We called on our best reviewers who have a wide range of experience testing fitness kit and consumer tech – including regulars Mike Sawh, Kieran Alger, Lee Bell and Laurence McJannet. Between them they have thousands of hours of testing experience. Each reviewer tested these workout headphones during strength training, aerobic and mobility sessions, as well as running over a range of distances and terrains. They reviewed each pair for at least a month before basing their overall score sound quality, primarily, but also on fit and gym suitability, weight, versatility and value. They would also take into consideration additional features including sweat- and waterproof performance, active noise cancelling and even workout tracking, in the case of the Apple AirPods Pro3.

What the experts say about the best workout headphones

We talked to athletes about what they look for in a good pair of workout headphones. Jake Dearden, HYROX master trainer and 247 Represent head coach and athlete, says: “My headphones have got to be the AirPod Pros, as they’re light – I can’t wear over-ear when running as they make my ears too hot. If you are outside for a run, the AirPods let you choose whether you have noise cancellation or not, which some people prefer not to have if running in a busy area, so they are more aware of their surroundings.”

Jonny Mellor, New Balance athlete and online running coach, adds: “There are many different types of headphones on the market to suit personal preferences and budgets. It’s important to find a headphone that’s comfortable and – it might sound obvious – don’t fall out when running or working out! A good pair of headphones will have a waterproof casing and offer decent sound quality, whilst still letting you hear the traffic. I personally use Apple AirPods because they’re so comfortable and I don’t even notice them in my ears when running. They pair flawlessly with my Garmin Forerunner 965 and offer a transparency mode to ensure I can still hear the world around me when running.”

• November 2025: Apple AirPods Pro 3 replacement for the Pro 2; how we test section expanded.
• December 2025: H2O Audio RIPT Ultra added to buyers guide and to summary box.
• January 2026: Intro paragraph extended; main image changed; Bose Ultra Earbuds added to summary box.
• February 2026: Main image changed; subhead extended; Audio Technica headphones added to summary box
• May 2026: H2O Audio Tri Run headphones added to main guide and summary box; Schema comparison table and FAQs added