Best Running Headphones Features for Your Next Workout

1. New Waterproof Open

We tested the New Waterproof Open earbuds with a focus on their suitability for active lifestyles. Their IPX7 rating is certainly a major plus, allowing for worry-free use during sweaty workouts or unexpected downpours. The overall fit felt secure during moderate activity, though a vigorous shake did cause a slight shift.

Sound quality is decent for casual listening, offering a balanced profile that won’t overpower your surroundings. However, bass response is somewhat lacking, which might disappoint audiophiles seeking a richer sound. The open-ear design does allow for environmental awareness, a critical safety feature for runners on busy streets.

The controls are a bit finicky; we found ourselves accidentally pausing music when trying to adjust the fit. This is a minor annoyance, but one that can disrupt your flow during a run. Battery life met our expectations, providing enough juice for several training sessions before needing a recharge.

This product is ideal for casual runners or gym-goers who prioritize water resistance and ambient sound. However, serious athletes demanding robust bass and intuitive controls might want to look elsewhere. The charging case is also a bit bulkier than we’d prefer for a pocket.

2. Occiam Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

The occiam Active Noise Cancelling Earbuds promise a lot, particularly their ANC capabilities for immersive listening. While the noise cancellation does a respectable job of muting low-frequency hums like air conditioners, it struggles with sharper, more unpredictable sounds, which is a common limitation in this price bracket. The sound profile leans towards treble, making vocals clear but sometimes piercing.

During our testing, the fit was generally secure, although the included ear tips didn’t offer the best seal for everyone. We experienced a slight pressure feeling after extended wear, which might be an issue for some users. The touch controls are responsive but can be overly sensitive, leading to accidental activations when adjusting the earbuds.

The ANC is not ideal for outdoor running where situational awareness is paramount. We found ourselves having to lower the volume significantly to hear traffic. Battery life is satisfactory, and the charging case provides a few extra charges, which is convenient for travel.

These earbuds are best suited for commuters or office workers who want to isolate themselves from background noise. Runners who need to hear their surroundings should avoid these entirely, as the ANC will severely impair your ability to detect dangers. The build quality feels a bit plasticky, which raises some durability concerns.

3. Shokz Openrun Pro 2

We approached the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 with high expectations, and for the most part, they delivered on the promise of being among the best running headphones features. The bone conduction technology is the standout, providing a safe and immersive audio experience without blocking your ear canal. Sound quality is surprisingly robust for this type of driver, with a noticeable improvement in bass over previous iterations.

The fit is exceptionally secure; even during high-intensity interval training, these headphones stayed put without any adjustment needed. The lightweight design also contributes to long-term comfort, making them ideal for marathon training. We noticed a slight vibration on the cheekbones at higher volumes, which is a characteristic of bone conduction but not necessarily a dealbreaker.

Battery life is excellent, easily lasting through multiple long runs on a single charge. The physical buttons are well-placed and offer good tactile feedback, making it easy to control playback and volume without looking. This is a significant advantage over touch controls for sweaty hands.

These are ideal for serious runners, cyclists, and anyone who prioritizes safety and comfort during their workouts. However, if you’re looking for deep, rumbling bass or absolute silence from your audio, traditional earbuds might be a better fit. The open-ear nature means they aren’t ideal for quiet environments where you want to avoid disturbing others.

4. Shokz Openrun Bone Conduction Open

The SHOKZ OpenRun Bone Conduction headphones are a well-established player in the open-ear audio market. We found their core strength to be the unparalleled awareness they provide, allowing you to hear traffic, people, and other crucial environmental cues while still enjoying your music or podcasts. The fit is lightweight and secure, designed to rest comfortably on your cheekbones and stay put during vigorous exercise.

Sound quality is clear for spoken word and podcasts, but music can sound somewhat thin without the resonance that comes from in-ear buds. We noticed a slight tinny quality to the treble, which might not appeal to everyone. The physical buttons are a definite plus, offering reliable control without the accidental presses common with touch interfaces.

Battery life is adequate for most users, easily covering several shorter runs or one longer session. The charging mechanism is proprietary, which can be a minor inconvenience if you forget the specific cable. The open-ear design means that at higher volumes, people nearby might be able to hear what you’re listening to.

These are perfect for runners, cyclists, and anyone who needs to stay aware of their surroundings for safety reasons. If you prioritize booming bass or a completely private listening experience, these are not the headphones for you. The build, while durable, feels a little basic in its aesthetics.

5. Soundcore V20i by Anker

We put the Soundcore V20i by Anker through its paces, focusing on its open-ear design and everyday usability. The fit is quite comfortable, resting lightly over the ears without inserting into the ear canal, which many users find preferable for long listening sessions. Sound quality is surprisingly good for casual listening, offering a balanced profile with decent clarity for podcasts and music.

However, the open-ear design inherently means less bass impact and a reduced sense of immersion compared to closed-back headphones. We noticed some sound leakage at moderate volumes, which could be an issue in quieter environments like a library. The touch controls are generally responsive, though they can occasionally register an unintended tap when adjusting the fit.

Battery life is a strong point, providing ample playback time for a full day of use. The charging case is compact and easy to carry, making it convenient for on-the-go charging. The overall build quality feels sturdy, with a matte finish that resists fingerprints well.

These are a solid choice for users who want an unobtrusive listening experience for commuting, walking, or light exercise. Runners who need extreme security during high-impact activities might find them less reliable than sport-specific models. Those seeking powerful bass or complete noise isolation should look elsewhere.

6. Shokz Openmove

We put the SHOKZ OpenMove through its paces on a few trail runs, and the open-ear design is undeniably its biggest strength for safety. Being able to hear approaching cyclists or the crunch of gravel underfoot significantly boosted our confidence, especially on busy paths. The fit is secure enough for moderate activity, staying put without the discomfort of ear tips.

However, the audio quality, while clear for podcasts and spoken word, lacks the richness needed for truly immersive music listening. Bass is particularly weak, which is a trade-off for the open-ear concept. We also found the physical buttons a bit fiddly to locate and press accurately when on the move, occasionally leading to accidental pauses or track skips.

This is a fantastic option for runners who prioritize situational awareness above all else. If your runs often take you through mixed environments with traffic or other trail users, the OpenMove excels. It’s also a good choice for those who find in-ear headphones uncomfortable or irritating during extended wear.

7. Bmani Ear Buds Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones

The bmani Ear Buds boast an impressive 80-hour playtime, which is frankly astounding for a pair of true wireless earbuds. This means you can go weeks between charges, a massive convenience for frequent travelers or forgetful users. The charging case itself feels robust and offers a satisfying magnetic snap when closing.

During our testing, the sound profile was surprisingly balanced for the price point, offering decent clarity for podcasts and a passable amount of punch for casual music listening. However, the fit, while generally comfortable, could feel a bit insecure during more vigorous movements, leading to minor adjustments. We also noticed a slight delay when syncing audio and video, which might be a concern for those who watch a lot of content on their phones.

For anyone seeking the absolute longest battery life in a pair of earbuds and who doesn’t demand audiophile-grade sound or perfect video sync, these are a solid contender. They’re ideal for long commutes, extended travel, or simply if you hate the idea of charging your earbuds constantly.

8. Gnmn Active Noise Cancelling Ear Buds Wireless Earbuds

The GNMN Active Noise Cancelling Ear Buds deliver on their promise of extended playback with a remarkable 96 hours on a single charge, a feature that truly stands out. The active noise cancellation (ANC) is surprisingly effective for this price range, significantly reducing ambient noise on a busy street, making our runs more focused. The earbuds themselves are lightweight and come with multiple ear tip sizes, aiding in a secure and comfortable fit.

While the ANC is a highlight, the sound quality, though clear, leans towards a brighter profile, which might not appeal to bass enthusiasts. We also encountered a minor annoyance with the touch controls; they were a bit too sensitive, leading to accidental track skips or play/pause commands when simply adjusting the fit. This is a crucial consideration for anyone seeking the best running headphones features that include intuitive controls.

These earbuds are an excellent choice for runners who value peace and quiet during their workouts and don’t want to worry about frequent charging. If you frequently run in noisy environments and find ANC a must-have, these are worth a serious look. However, those who crave deep bass or prefer more tactile physical buttons might want to explore other options.

9. Psier Bone Conduction Headphones

The PSIER bone conduction headphones offer an open-ear listening experience, similar to the Shokz, allowing us to remain aware of our surroundings during outdoor activities. The Bluetooth 6.0 connection felt stable and paired quickly with our devices, which is always a plus when you’re eager to get moving. The design is lightweight and sits comfortably on the head, avoiding the pressure points often associated with in-ear designs.

However, the audio fidelity is a significant compromise with bone conduction technology. While adequate for podcasts, music playback lacks depth and clarity, with a noticeable lack of bass. We also found that at higher volumes, the vibrations on the cheekbones became quite pronounced, bordering on distracting. This is a trade-off for the open-ear design, but it’s something to be aware of.

These are best suited for individuals who prioritize safety and environmental awareness above all else, such as runners, cyclists, or hikers who need to hear traffic or nature. If your primary goal is to have background audio for navigation or podcasts while staying completely aware of your surroundings, these are a good option. However, if rich, immersive music is your priority, you’ll likely be disappointed.

10. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 deliver a secure and comfortable fit, thanks to their signature ear hooks that we found stayed firmly in place even during intense interval training. The sound profile is classic Beats – punchy bass that’s great for motivating tracks, and clear mids and highs that make vocals stand out. Pairing with Apple devices is instantaneous, and the controls are intuitive and easy to access on the earbuds themselves.

While the bass is a strong point for many, we did notice that it can sometimes overpower subtler details in the music, which might not be ideal for all genres. Battery life, while decent, is not class-leading, and we found ourselves needing to top up the case more often than with some competitors offering extended playtime. The charging case, while compact, doesn’t feel as premium as some other options on the market.

These are an excellent choice for Apple users who engage in rigorous physical activity and love a bass-heavy sound signature for their workouts. If you’re a runner or gym-goer who wants earbuds that will stay put no matter what and provide an energetic soundtrack, these are hard to beat. However, if you prefer a more balanced audio profile or prioritize the longest possible battery life, you might want to look elsewhere.