Best Headphones for Long Runs: Top Picks for Runners

1. New Waterproof Open

We put the New Waterproof Open headphones through their paces on a drizzly trail run, and they held up admirably against the elements. The fit was secure, even with sweat dripping, and the sound quality was surprisingly clear for open-ear listening. We appreciated the intuitive button placement, making adjustments easy mid-stride.

However, the bass response felt a little lacking, which might be a dealbreaker for runners who enjoy a more punchy soundtrack to their miles. While the waterproofing is a definite plus, the charging port cover felt a tad flimsy, and we worried about its long-term durability. It’s a solid option for casual runners, but maybe not for the most demanding audiophiles.

This headset is ideal for those who prioritize safety and situational awareness during their outdoor workouts. If you frequently run in unpredictable weather or busy environments, the open-ear design allows you to hear traffic and your surroundings clearly, which is a significant advantage.

2. Shokz New Openrun Pro 2

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 impressed us with its refined sound profile and enhanced comfort compared to previous models. The bone conduction technology delivers audio with remarkable clarity, and the bass, while not overwhelming, is more present than we’ve experienced before. The lightweight design and flexible titanium band make them virtually unnoticeable during extended wear.

We did find that at very high volumes, a slight vibration could be felt on the cheekbones, which, while not painful, was a minor annoyance during intense intervals. The controls, though well-placed, are quite small and can be tricky to operate with sweaty fingers or gloves on. This is a premium product, and the price point reflects that.

This model is particularly well-suited for serious athletes who demand both exceptional situational awareness and good audio quality for their training sessions. If you’re a triathlete or a road runner who needs to stay connected to both your music and your environment, these are a strong contender.

3. Shokz Openrun Pro

The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro continues to be a top contender for the best headphones for long runs, offering a fantastic balance of sound and safety. The bone conduction technology is refined, providing clear audio that allows you to hear approaching traffic or fellow runners. We found the fit to be exceptionally stable, even during vigorous workouts and quick turns.

While the sound quality is good for its type, it still can’t match the immersive depth of traditional in-ear headphones, particularly in the lower frequencies. We also noticed that the charging cable is proprietary, meaning you can’t easily swap it out if you lose it or it gets damaged, which is a minor inconvenience. They offer a premium experience but come with a premium price tag.

These are a solid choice for marathoners and ultra-runners who prioritize staying aware of their surroundings without sacrificing too much on audio fidelity. The comfort over many hours is a key selling point, ensuring no distractions from ear fatigue.

4. Shokz Openrun Bone Conduction Open

We found the SHOKZ OpenRun Bone Conduction Open headphones to be a reliable companion for our outdoor excursions. The open-ear design excels at keeping you connected to your environment, a crucial feature for any runner venturing near roads or trails. The sound, while not audiophile-grade, is clear enough for podcasts and music, and the fit is secure enough to withstand moderate activity.

The main drawback we observed is the sound leakage at higher volumes; people nearby might catch snippets of your audio, which could be awkward in quieter settings. Additionally, the battery life, while decent, isn’t as robust as some of its competitors, requiring more frequent charging for longer training blocks. The build, though durable, feels a bit less premium than higher-end SHOKZ models.

This model is ideal for beginner runners or those who are new to bone conduction technology and want a solid, safe introduction. If you’re primarily concerned with hearing your surroundings and need a no-frills, dependable audio solution for shorter to medium runs, these are a good starting point.

5. Bone Conduction Headphones, Wireless Bluetooth Open

During our testing, these generic Bone Conduction Headphones proved to be a budget-friendly entry into the world of open-ear audio. They successfully allow you to hear your surroundings, which is their primary function for runners. The Bluetooth connectivity was straightforward to pair with our devices, and the overall fit was comfortable enough for a standard 10k run.

However, the audio quality is noticeably inferior to more established brands, with a tinny sound and very little bass presence, making music enjoyment somewhat disappointing. We also experienced occasional connectivity drops, which can be frustrating mid-run. The build quality feels quite basic, and the buttons are mushy and lack tactile feedback. These are not for anyone seeking a premium audio experience.

This product is best suited for the absolute budget-conscious runner who wants the basic functionality of bone conduction without the premium price tag. If you just need to hear traffic and your GPS prompts, and music quality is a very low priority, these might suffice.

6. Levn Open Ear Headphones, Running Headphones Bluetooth 5.3, 14h Battery

We put the LEVN Open Ear Headphones through their paces on several long runs, and for the most part, they deliver a solid listening experience. The open-ear design is fantastic for situational awareness, letting you hear traffic and other runners clearly. Audio quality is surprisingly robust for the price point, with decent bass that doesn’t overpower the mids and highs.

The Bluetooth 5.3 connection remained stable throughout our testing, with no noticeable dropouts even when our phone was tucked away in a running belt. Battery life is indeed impressive; we managed to squeeze out close to the advertised 14 hours on a single charge, which is more than enough for even the most demanding ultramarathon training.

However, the fit, while generally secure, can be a bit finicky. I found myself readjusting them more often than I’d like, especially during faster intervals, and the ear hooks, while functional, feel a tad flimsy. This might be a dealbreaker for runners who demand an absolutely locked-in feel without any fiddling.

This is a great option for casual runners or those who prioritize safety and battery life over a perfectly snug fit. If you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank and offers long listening sessions, these are worth considering.

7. Jbl Endurance Run 2 Wired

For runners who prefer the reliability of a wired connection, the JBL Endurance Run 2 Wired presents a compelling case, especially when searching for the best headphones for long runs. We appreciated the straightforward plug-and-play nature, eliminating any concerns about battery life or Bluetooth pairing issues. The sound signature is classic JBL – punchy bass that drives your pace and clear mids for vocal clarity.

The twist-lock ear tips are a standout feature, providing a remarkably secure fit that stayed put through vigorous movements and sweat. I tested these on a particularly hilly trail run, and they didn’t budge an inch, which is a huge plus for comfort and uninterrupted listening. The integrated microphone also performed admirably for quick calls on the go.

My main gripe is the physical cable itself. While reliable, it can snag on clothing or gear, and the potential for tangling is always present, which can be an annoyance during a long, focused run. Furthermore, the lack of any inline controls beyond basic playback means you’ll likely need to pull out your phone for volume adjustments.

These are ideal for budget-conscious runners who prioritize a secure fit and don’t mind a wired setup. If you’re prone to losing earbuds or find Bluetooth connections unreliable, this is a solid, no-nonsense choice.

8. Shokz Openmove

The SHOKZ OpenMove headphones are a familiar sight among runners, and for good reason. We found their bone conduction technology to be incredibly effective for maintaining full environmental awareness, a critical factor for any outdoor activity. The sound quality, while not audiophile-grade, is surprisingly clear for spoken word and provides enough energy for music to keep you motivated.

The lightweight design and comfortable fit mean you can easily forget you’re wearing them, which is a significant advantage on longer efforts. Battery life is respectable, easily getting us through a marathon-length run without needing a recharge. The physical buttons are easy to locate and operate by feel, which is a definite plus when you’re in the zone.

However, I did notice that at higher volumes, there can be a slight vibration felt on the cheekbones, which some users might find distracting over extended periods. Also, while the sound is clear for podcasts and calls, bass-heavy music enthusiasts might find it lacks the depth they crave.

These are an excellent choice for runners who prioritize safety above all else, or for those who simply prefer not to have anything inside or over their ears. If you’re training in busy urban environments, these are hard to beat for situational awareness.

9. Soundcore V20i by Anker Open

The Soundcore V20i by Anker brings an open-ear design to the table with a focus on comfort and convenience. We tested these on several urban runs, and the ability to hear my surroundings was a definite advantage. The audio quality is decent for podcasts and casual music listening, with a balanced sound profile that doesn’t lean too heavily on bass.

The claim of long battery life holds true; we easily achieved over 10 hours of continuous playback, which is more than sufficient for most runners’ needs. The lightweight construction makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods, and the flexible ear hooks offered a secure enough fit for moderate paces. The inclusion of a companion app for EQ adjustments is a nice touch.

That said, I found the touch controls to be a bit too sensitive. Accidental touches when adjusting the fit or wiping sweat were common, leading to unintended track skips or pauses. For high-intensity workouts where every second counts, this can be quite frustrating.

These are a good option for casual runners or walkers who want to stay aware of their environment without sacrificing too much audio quality. If you’re not overly concerned with precise touch controls and enjoy a more relaxed listening experience, these might suit you well.

10. Psier Bone Conduction Headphones, Upgrade Bluetooth 6.0 Open Ear Headphones,

The PSIER Bone Conduction Headphones aim to improve upon existing open-ear designs with their “upgrade Bluetooth 6.0.” We found the Bluetooth connection to be exceptionally stable and quick to pair, which is always appreciated. The sound quality delivered through bone conduction is as expected – clear for spoken word and adequate for music, with the primary benefit being the unobstructed awareness of your surroundings.

Comfort is a strong suit here; the lightweight build and flexible frame make them feel almost non-existent during long runs. The battery life also impressed, easily lasting through multiple training sessions before needing a charge. The overall build feels robust, and the materials used suggest good durability for the rigors of running.

However, the “upgrade” in Bluetooth didn’t entirely eliminate the occasional subtle distortion at higher volumes, which was a minor annoyance during particularly energetic tracks. While the fit is generally secure, I did notice a slight tendency for them to shift during very sharp turns or sudden stops, requiring a quick nudge to resettle.

These are a solid choice for runners who value a stable connection and long battery life in an open-ear format. If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional earbuds and prioritize awareness, these are definitely worth considering.