Best Earbuds for Running | What Actually Stays In During Hard Workouts

Finding the best earbuds for running can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. Instead of randomly picking a pair while scrolling online, we’ve pulled together some of our team’s favorites, whether you’re heading outside for a run or getting in a workout at the gym.

When shopping for a pair of earbuds, it helps to think about how you’ll actually be using them.

Are they mostly for running? Gym workouts? Or a little bit of both?

Comfort and battery life are definitely important, but there’s another thing worth thinking about: open ear vs. active noise cancellation (ANC).

Open Ear vs Noise Cancelling Earbuds

Safety while running outside has become a big topic in the running community, and for good reason. When you’re out on the roads or trails, it’s important to be able to hear what’s happening around you, things like cars, cyclists, other runners, and animals if you live in places like Colorado.

That’s why some runners prefer open-ear earbuds or models that let outside sounds in while listening to music or podcasts.

At the gym, it’s often hard to listen to open ear options and that’s when you might prefer the more standard workout earbud to help block some noise. Luckily we’ve got price points to help you have both if you want options!

Many of the best earbuds for workouts now include ANC. Small microphones in the earbuds detect the noise around you and create sound waves to cancel it out. This is where it sounds like the treadmill and clanking weights fade into the background, and you hear more of your music or podcast instead.

5 Best Earbuds for Workouts

This list is in no particular order, and each pair is here for a particular reason. If you’re looking for options like around the head Shokz or a larger variety tested on the run, checkout our best headphones for running.

Our team of gear testers has put these earbuds through the miles and reps to see how they withstand the wear and tear and maybe some sweat.

These are the best of the best currently in the market of earbuds for running and workouts.

Best Open Air Earbuds for Running – SHOKZ OpenDots ONE

These are different from their standard bone conduction headphones. The OpenDots are light and stable, no matter what you’re doing.

These are perfect for running because, even though they’re earbud-style, you can still hear what’s going on around you. You can run with your music or favorite podcast, but still feel safe.

You can run, shake your head, or have a mid-run dance break, and they don’t move. The earbuds are made of soft silicone, so they aren’t stiff or snappy; they just gently rest in place.

Plus, the earbuds are interchangeable, so it doesn’t matter which ear you put them in; they work either way.

Misplaced your OpenDots? Just use the Find My Earbuds feature in the Shokz app! While they won’t pinpoint them on a map, they will emit a ringing sound to help you locate them. Not perfect, but better than hunting with no help at all.

Quick Take

Best Earbuds for Workouts To Block Noise – Beats Fit Pro Wireless Earbuds

The fit of these Beats Fit Pro is a little unique and may take some getting used to. The Wingtip style sits on the inner part of your ear and can be twisted so the tip sits securely in the upper ear.

This design makes these earbuds perfect for gym workouts. They’re not going to slide around or fall out, especially if you’re jumping around doing plyometrics.

The entire earbud is made of super-smooth rubber that doesn’t cause irritation, but if you don’t like having anything in your ear, you may want to consider a different option.

There are different listening modes, so you can either tune out your surroundings or stay fully aware while still listening to your favorite tunes or podcasts.

The fit is a little unique, but once you figure out a comfortable placement, you barely even notice that they are there.

Quick Take

Best Earbuds to Take Phone Calls on the Run – Apple AirPods Pro 3 

It’s like each version of the Apple AirPods Pro just keeps getting better and better.

These are still the top pick for the best earbuds for phone calls on the run or during a workout.

There’s no need to take your phone out for anything while wearing the AirPods Pro 3. Just tap your AirPods using the custom settings you picked, and you’re good to go.

The Pro 3 has even better noise cancellation, so that if you decide to wear these in the gym, you’re not going to hear the gym bro across the way throwing his weights on the floor.

With the most recent updates, Apple added an extended battery life of 8 hours of listening with noise cancellation, which means they would get you through a long training run or marathon (just make sure to check the race’s rules first!).

Bonus points for the adjustable ear tip options to ensure an even more custom fit, which means you won’t have to worry about your AirPods falling out mid-run or workout.

Quick Take

Running Earbuds with Top Sound Quality – Beats Powerbeats Pro

The Powerbeats Pro is an earbud that combines comfort, a secure fit, and concert-like audio quality.

If you love listening to music while you run or work out, these headphones are worth the cost.

They are super lightweight and will fit snugly around the ear, so you don’t have to worry about them falling out, especially when you start to pick up the pace. The earpiece even comes in three sizes, so you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all solution.

Don’t get caught in a heavy rainstorm, jump into a pool, or accidentally throw them in the washing machine. You may have to get yourself a new pair!

Quick Take

Quality Running Earbuds at a Budget Price  – JBL Vibe Beam Earbuds

This pair of earbuds has it all- the best sound, comfortable fit, hands-free calls, 32 hours of battery life, and an affordable price.

You’re going to get the most from the battery life with the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds, with 8 hours on the earbuds and 24 hours in the case. Bonus points for being able to speed charge in just two hours if you need a little extra in a pinch.

These are going to be great if you’re running or walking outside or heading to the gym for a workout. While they’re not noise-canceling, you’ll still be able to take advantage of the JBL deep bass sound for whatever you’re listening to.

JBL is another brand that prioritizes comfort and fit. In the box, you’ll find different sizes of eartips for a more custom fit.

Quick Take

There’s our list for the best earbuds for running and workouts.

We’ll keep updating it as new gear comes out, but in the meantime, if there’s a pair of earbuds you think should be added to this list, let us know below.

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