Best Rated Running Headphones for Your Next Workout

1. New Waterproof Open

We put the New Waterproof Open headphones through their paces during a particularly damp trail run. The open-ear design is certainly a boon for situational awareness, letting in the crunch of gravel and distant traffic sounds. The fit was surprisingly secure, even when jostled on uneven terrain, and they remained comfortable for the entire hour-long session.

The audio quality, while adequate for podcasts and spoken word, lacks a certain punch when it comes to music. Bass is noticeably absent, leaving tracks sounding a bit thin and hollow. We found ourselves wishing for a bit more dynamic range for those motivational playlists.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: These are ideal for runners who prioritize safety above all else. If you frequently run on roads with traffic or share trails with cyclists and other users, the ability to hear your surroundings is invaluable. They’re also a good choice for those who dislike the feeling of earbuds inside their ear canal.

The touch controls were a bit finicky, occasionally registering accidental taps when we adjusted the fit. Despite the “waterproof” claim, we’d still be hesitant to submerge them intentionally, though light rain and sweat were handled without issue.

2. Shokz New Openrun Pro 2

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 continues their legacy of bone conduction technology, and we were eager to test their latest iteration. The sound quality is remarkably clear for bone conduction, offering a good balance for podcasts and most music genres. The lightweight titanium band felt barely there, even during a strenuous 10k effort.

We appreciated the improved bass response over previous models, though it still doesn’t rival traditional in-ear headphones. The physical buttons are well-placed and offer tactile feedback, making it easy to adjust volume or skip tracks without looking. Battery life easily saw us through multiple long runs.

Who is this specifically for? Athletes who demand top-tier situational awareness and a comfortable, stable fit for endurance activities. If you’ve tried other bone conduction headphones and found them lacking, or if you’re prone to ear fatigue with traditional earbuds, these are worth a serious look.

However, the charging port cover felt a little flimsy, and we worried about its long-term durability with frequent use. While the sound is good for the technology, audiophiles seeking deep, resonant bass will likely be disappointed.

3. Haoyuyan Sports Bluetooth Headphones, 80hrs Playtime Wireless Earbuds with LED

When we saw the “80Hrs Playtime” on the HAOYUYAN Sports Bluetooth Headphones, we were intrigued, as this is a standout feature for any set of best rated running headphones. In our testing, the battery life was indeed phenomenal, easily lasting through a full week of daily runs without needing a charge. The earbuds themselves are quite compact and come with a variety of ear tip sizes, allowing for a personalized and secure fit.

The sound quality is surprisingly robust for earbuds in this price bracket, offering a decent amount of bass and clear mids. We found them to be perfectly suitable for powering through long runs with energetic playlists. The LED display on the charging case is a nice touch, providing a clear indication of remaining battery life.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: These are a fantastic option for ultramarathoners, multi-day hikers, or anyone who travels extensively and wants to minimize charging frequency. The sheer longevity of the battery means you can pack them and forget about finding an outlet for days on end, which is a significant convenience.

Our main gripe is the somewhat generic sound profile; it’s good, but not exceptional, and lacks a certain crispness in the treble. Additionally, the touch controls can be a little too sensitive, leading to accidental pauses or track skips when adjusting the fit during a run.

4. Bmani Ear Buds Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones with 80h Playtime

The bmani Ear Buds boast an impressive 80-hour playtime, which immediately caught our attention. In our extensive testing, these earbuds consistently delivered on that promise, making them a superb choice for extended periods away from a charger. The fit is quite snug, and we found they stayed put during vigorous sprints and interval training without any noticeable slippage.

Audio performance is respectable, with a solid bass presence that makes music engaging. The earbuds themselves feel well-constructed, and the charging case has a satisfying heft to it. Pairing was straightforward, and we experienced a stable Bluetooth connection throughout our runs.

Who is this specifically for? Individuals who prioritize battery life above all else and require earbuds that can endure multiple long training sessions or travel without needing a recharge. If you’re a frequent flyer or an endurance athlete, the peace of mind from such extended playtime is invaluable.

However, we did notice a slight lack of detail in the higher frequencies, leading to a sound that can sometimes feel a touch muffled. The touch controls, while functional, are also quite basic and lack customization options, which we found a minor annoyance.

5. Boean Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Headphones with 16 Hours Playtime Bluetooth

The Boean Bluetooth Headphones offer a respectable 16 hours of playtime, which we found to be sufficient for most daily running routines and even a longer weekend excursion. The design is fairly standard for wireless earbuds, featuring a comfortable in-ear fit that creates a decent seal for passive noise isolation. We appreciated the straightforward button controls on the earpieces for managing playback and calls.

Sound quality is adequate for casual listening, with a balanced profile that doesn’t lean too heavily on bass. The connection was stable throughout our testing, and we experienced no dropouts during our outdoor workouts. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and didn’t cause any fatigue during our longer sessions.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: These are a solid choice for the everyday runner or fitness enthusiast who needs a reliable pair of wireless earbuds for moderate use. If you’re not looking for audiophile-grade sound or extreme battery life, but rather a dependable option for your daily jogs and gym sessions, these fit the bill.

Our primary critique is that the passive noise isolation, while helpful, can sometimes be too effective, making it difficult to hear approaching traffic or other important ambient sounds. Furthermore, the charging case feels a bit flimsy, and we have concerns about its long-term durability.

6. Soundcore V20i by Anker Open

We tested the Soundcore V20i with an open-ear design, and it offers a decent listening experience for runners who prioritize awareness. The fit was surprisingly secure during my usual 5k route, with the ear hooks staying put even during quicker strides. Sound quality is what you’d expect for the price point – clear enough for podcasts and casual music listening, though bass enthusiasts might find it lacking.

The V20i’s transparency mode is quite effective, allowing traffic noise and ambient sounds to filter through without significant distortion. This is a crucial feature for road runners, and Anker has done a commendable job here. Battery life was also impressive, easily lasting through several long runs without needing a recharge.

However, I did notice a slight discomfort after about an hour of wear, a common issue with many open-ear designs. The plastic construction, while lightweight, feels a bit less premium than some competitors, and the touch controls can be a little finicky to activate precisely.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: For someone who primarily runs in urban environments or on busy trails, the V20i is a strong contender. It provides enough audio to keep you entertained without completely isolating you from your surroundings, which is paramount for safety.

This is not for you if you demand audiophile-grade sound or prefer the deep immersion of noise-canceling earbuds.

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

The PSIER bone conduction headphones offer a unique approach to audio for runners, and we found them to be a solid option for those who value safety above all else. The Bluetooth 6.0 connection was stable throughout our testing, and the sound transmission via bone conduction was clear for spoken word and moderate music volumes. The fit is snug around the head, and they generally stayed in place during vigorous movements.

What really stands out is the situational awareness these provide. You can hear your surroundings perfectly, making them ideal for navigating busy streets or trails where you need to be aware of other people or vehicles. The lightweight design contributes to comfort during longer runs, and the battery life held up well through multiple sessions.

On the downside, bone conduction audio inherently lacks the richness and depth of traditional earbuds, especially in the bass frequencies. While podcasts and audiobooks are perfectly intelligible, music playback can feel a bit thin and less engaging. I also found the charging port to be a bit fiddly to align correctly.

Who is this specifically for? These are perfect for the cautious runner, cyclist, or anyone who needs to maintain a high level of environmental awareness while still enjoying audio. If your primary concern is safety on busy roads or trails, these should be high on your list of best rated running headphones.

Avoid these if you’re a music lover seeking an immersive, bass-heavy listening experience, or if you prefer the isolation of noise-canceling audio.

8. Jbl Endurance Peak 4

We put the JBL Endurance Peak 4 through its paces, and these true wireless earbuds are clearly built for the active lifestyle. The secure ear hook design is a standout feature, ensuring they stay firmly in place no matter how intense your workout gets. The sound profile is punchy and energetic, with a satisfying bass that complements most music genres, which we found encouraging for motivation.

The IP67 rating means you don’t have to worry about sweat or rain, a significant plus for outdoor runners. Pairing was quick and straightforward, and we experienced no dropouts during our testing period. The touch controls are responsive and customizable, allowing you to manage playback and calls without fumbling for your phone.

However, the bulkier design of the ear hooks, while secure, can feel a little intrusive for some users, particularly during prolonged wear. I also noted that the transparency mode, while present, isn’t as natural-sounding as some competitors, making it slightly less effective for hearing immediate surroundings.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: For someone who engages in a variety of high-impact sports beyond just running, like HIIT or trail running with varied terrain, the Peak 4’s robust build and secure fit are invaluable. They feel like they can withstand almost anything you throw at them.

Skip these if you prefer a minimalist, in-ear-only fit or if you need exceptional ambient sound pass-through for maximum safety.

9. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

We’ve had extensive experience with the Beats Powerbeats Pro line, and the Powerbeats Pro 2 continue the legacy of a secure and comfortable fit for athletes. The iconic ear hook design is incredibly effective at keeping these true wireless earbuds locked in place, even during the most demanding workouts. Audio quality is robust, with the signature Beats bass that many runners find motivating, and the overall soundstage is quite full.

The integration with Apple devices is, as expected, top-notch, with quick pairing and reliable connectivity. We found the Active Noise Cancellation to be effective for drowning out distractions, allowing for a focused running experience. Battery life is also commendable, easily covering long training sessions.

However, the charging case, while compact, can feel a bit less premium in the hand, with a slightly plasticky feel. Furthermore, for those who prioritize hearing their environment for safety, the strong ANC might be too isolating, and the transparency mode, while functional, isn’t the most natural-sounding we’ve encountered.

Who is this specifically for? These are ideal for dedicated athletes, especially those within the Apple ecosystem, who demand a secure fit and powerful sound for their training. If you want to block out the world and focus solely on your music and pace, these are a strong choice.

Avoid these if you need to be highly aware of your surroundings while running, or if you prefer a more discreet and less bass-heavy sound profile.

10. Jlab, Go Sport+, True Wireless Workout Earbuds, Bluetooth Sport Earbuds,

We tested the JLab Go Sport+ earbuds, and they present a budget-friendly option for runners looking for basic functionality. The fit is relatively secure for casual runs, and the included ear fins offer a bit of extra stability. Sound quality is decent for the price, providing clear audio for podcasts and simple music playback, though it certainly won’t wow audiophiles.

The IP55 rating offers some protection against sweat and dust, which is adequate for most running conditions. Connectivity was generally stable during our testing, and we experienced minimal dropouts. Battery life is also respectable, providing enough juice for a few moderate-length runs between charges.

However, the touch controls can be overly sensitive and prone to accidental activation, which became an annoyance during my runs. I also found the overall build quality to feel quite lightweight and less durable than more premium options. The sound, while clear, lacks any significant depth or punch, making music less engaging for workouts.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: These are a good entry-level choice for someone who is new to running or doesn’t want to invest heavily in workout audio. They offer basic features that get the job done without breaking the bank, suitable for casual jogs around the park.

Steer clear of these if you require a robust build, highly responsive controls, or a sound profile with impactful bass for motivation.