Best Headphones for Running: Top Picks & Reviews

1. New Waterproof Open

As an avid runner who often braves unpredictable weather, I was keen to test the “New Waterproof Open” headphones. The fit around the ear is surprisingly secure, even during intense sprints, and the IPX rating means you don’t have to worry about sweat or a sudden downpour. The audio quality for podcasts and music is clear enough for outdoor listening, allowing crucial ambient sounds to filter through.

However, the overall sound profile leans a bit heavily on the mids, lacking a bit of punch in the bass department for more energetic music genres. While comfortable for shorter runs, I did notice a slight pressure point forming on my ear after about an hour of continuous wear. This might be something to consider if you plan on using them for ultra-marathons.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: I took these on a trail run during a light drizzle. The waterproofing performed admirably, keeping the electronics safe and the sound consistent despite the damp conditions. Being able to hear the crunch of leaves underfoot and distant bird calls while still enjoying my audiobook was a definite plus for safety.

These are a solid option for casual runners, commuters who want situational awareness, or anyone who frequently encounters wet conditions during their workouts. If you’re a basshead seeking an immersive music experience, you might want to look elsewhere.

2. Shokz New Openrun Pro 2

The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are a familiar favorite for many runners, and after putting them through their paces, I can see why. The bone conduction technology delivers a unique listening experience where you can hear your music or calls clearly while remaining fully aware of your surroundings. The build quality feels robust and premium, with a comfortable titanium band that feels lightweight and stays put.

I found the audio clarity to be excellent for spoken word and podcasts, though for music, the sound can feel a little thin compared to traditional earbuds. The charging port, while convenient, feels a tad exposed to the elements, and I always worry about a stray drop of water getting in. This is a minor annoyance, but one that lingers.

Who is this specifically for? These are ideal for serious runners, cyclists, and triathletes who prioritize safety and performance. The ability to hear traffic, other athletes, or your coach calling out splits is invaluable. They are also great for office environments where you need to stay connected to both your work and your colleagues.

For those seeking a deep, resonant bass experience for their music, these might not be the ultimate choice. However, for situational awareness and reliable audio during athletic pursuits, they are hard to beat.

3. Bone Conduction Headphones, Wireless Bluetooth Open

When looking for the best+headphones+for+running, situational awareness is paramount, and these “Bone Conduction Headphones, Wireless Bluetooth Open” certainly deliver on that front. The open-ear design allows traffic noise, wind, and other ambient sounds to pass through, which is a significant safety advantage. The Bluetooth connectivity was stable throughout my testing, and pairing was straightforward.

I noticed that while the audio is clear for calls and podcasts, music playback can sound a bit tinny, and the volume might not be sufficient for very noisy environments. The fit, while generally secure, did have a tendency to shift slightly during very quick directional changes, requiring a quick readjustment. This could be a dealbreaker for some during high-intensity interval training.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: I used these on my usual city route, which involves crossing several busy intersections. The ability to clearly hear approaching cars and cyclists while still listening to my podcast was incredibly reassuring. The open design made me feel much more in control and less isolated from my surroundings.

These are a good choice for anyone who values safety and needs to stay connected to their environment during outdoor activities. If your primary concern is high-fidelity music playback with deep bass, you’ll likely find these lacking.

4. Shokz Openrun Bone Conduction Open

The SHOKZ OpenRun Bone Conduction headphones offer a familiar and reliable experience for runners prioritizing safety. The open-ear design ensures you can hear your surroundings, a critical factor for any outdoor athlete. I found the fit to be very comfortable, with the band resting lightly against the head without creating pressure points, even after extended wear. The build quality feels durable and ready for regular use.

While the audio is perfectly adequate for podcasts and calls, music enthusiasts might find the sound signature a bit lacking in richness and depth. The buttons for control are quite small and can be a little fiddly to locate by feel, especially when you’re in the middle of a strenuous workout. This minor tactile issue can lead to accidental presses sometimes.

Who is this specifically for? These are an excellent choice for runners, cyclists, and anyone who needs to be aware of their environment while enjoying audio. They are particularly well-suited for those who find traditional earbuds uncomfortable or worry about them falling out during exercise.

If your main goal is an immersive, bass-heavy music listening experience, these are probably not the headphones for you. However, for their intended purpose of safe, open-ear audio, they perform very well.

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

The bmani wireless earbuds boast an impressive 80-hour playtime, which is genuinely remarkable and means you’ll rarely find yourself reaching for the charger. The earbuds themselves fit snugly in the ear canal, providing a decent passive seal that helps to block out some ambient noise, which is great for focus. Pairing was quick, and the connection remained stable throughout my testing period.

However, for running, this passive seal can be a double-edged sword; while it enhances music quality, it significantly reduces situational awareness, making them less ideal for outdoor exercise where you need to hear traffic. I also found the touch controls to be overly sensitive; a slight adjustment of the earbud often resulted in an unintended pause or skip. The charging case, while functional, feels a bit plasticky and not as premium as I’d hoped.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: I used these for a gym workout where the ambient noise was already high. The isolation was beneficial for enjoying my playlist without distraction. However, I would hesitate to use them on an outdoor run because I’d feel too cut off from my surroundings.

These earbuds are best suited for indoor workouts, commuting on public transport, or for anyone who prioritizes long battery life and a more immersive audio experience over situational awareness. Runners who need to hear their environment should definitely look elsewhere.

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

We put the Boean Bluetooth Headphones through their paces during several long runs, and for the most part, they held their own. The 16-hour playtime is a significant advantage for marathon training or extended outdoor sessions, meaning you’re unlikely to run out of juice mid-workout. The sound quality, while not audiophile-grade, is perfectly adequate for podcasts and energetic playlists, offering a decent balance for the price point.

However, I did find the fit to be a little less secure than I’d prefer during particularly vigorous sprints. While they stayed in place during moderate jogs, there was a slight tendency to shift, requiring occasional readjustment. The physical buttons on the earcups, though functional, felt a tad flimsy under my fingertips, raising some concerns about long-term durability.

This is a solid option for the casual runner or someone who prioritizes battery life above all else. If you’re a serious athlete who demands a rock-solid fit through every stride, you might want to explore other, more sport-specific designs.

7. Soundcore V20i by Anker Open

When considering the best+headphones+for+running, the Soundcore V20i by Anker presents an intriguing proposition with its open-ear design. I appreciated the awareness it provided of my surroundings, a crucial safety feature when navigating busy streets or trails. The audio quality was surprisingly robust for an open-ear model, with a clear mid-range and surprisingly punchy bass that kept my motivation high during uphill climbs.

The comfort level was also a highlight; the lightweight design and ergonomic fit meant I barely noticed them after the first few minutes of my run. However, the ambient sound leakage is quite noticeable at higher volumes, which could be an issue if you prefer to keep your music private or run in quieter environments where external noise is already minimal.

These are ideal for runners who prioritize safety and situational awareness. If you’re someone who enjoys hearing traffic, cyclists, or just the general ambiance of your running route, the V20i is a strong contender. Those who prefer complete sonic immersion should look elsewhere.

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

The PSIER Bone Conduction Headphones offer a unique listening experience, particularly for runners who want to keep their ears entirely free. I found the bone conduction technology to be effective, delivering audio without obstructing my ear canal, which was great for staying aware of my surroundings. The Bluetooth 6.0 connection was stable, and I experienced no dropouts even when my phone was stowed away in a running belt.

While the concept is appealing for safety, the audio fidelity is where these headphones show their limitations. The sound can feel a bit tinny and lacks the depth and richness I’ve come to expect from traditional earbuds. Furthermore, the pressure from the transducers against the cheekbones can become noticeable and slightly uncomfortable during very long runs, almost like a persistent vibration.

These are best suited for trail runners or individuals who absolutely prioritize hearing their environment above all else. If you’re a runner who enjoys detailed music reproduction or has sensitive cheekbones, these are likely not the best fit for your needs.

9. Joywise Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Earbuds Ipx7 Waterproof Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones

We tested the JOYWISE Bluetooth Headphones through some rather damp conditions, and their IPX7 waterproofing certainly lived up to its promise, shrugging off sweat and even a light drizzle without issue. The Bluetooth 5.3 provided a reliable connection, and the earbuds stayed put in my ears during a series of interval sprints. The sound profile is generally balanced, offering clear vocals and a respectable amount of bass for an energetic workout.

However, I found the touch controls to be overly sensitive. A slight brush against the earbud while adjusting them often resulted in accidental pauses or track skips, which became quite frustrating. The charging case, while compact, felt a little lightweight and less robust than I’d prefer for something that’s going to be tossed into a gym bag regularly.

These are a good choice for runners who frequently encounter wet weather or sweat profusely. If you’re someone who prefers tactile buttons over touch controls or needs a super durable charging case, you might want to consider alternatives.

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

The JLab Go Sport+ earbuds were designed with activity in mind, and it shows. We found them to be exceptionally comfortable, with a secure fit thanks to the included ear hooks that kept them firmly in place even during my most aggressive downhill runs. The sound quality is punchy and energetic, perfect for motivating music, and the battery life is more than sufficient for most training sessions.

My main gripe, however, lies with the microphone quality for calls. While taking a brief call mid-run, the person on the other end reported significant wind noise, making the conversation difficult. Additionally, the plastic construction of the earbuds, while lightweight, feels a bit basic and doesn’t exude premium quality.

These are a fantastic option for runners who value a secure, comfortable fit above all else and primarily use their earbuds for music. If you frequently take calls while running or are looking for a more premium build material, you might want to explore other options.