In addition to playing music, the best running headphones could do a lot more. However, it’s important to remember that having a workout music playing while you’re pounding the pavement is a great way to keep yourself going when things get difficult.
Running headphones, on the other hand, require a more specialized fitness emphasis in order to be genuinely outstanding. That may entail a clever design that will stay in your ears even while you exercise, or IP-rated water and sweat protection. In our comprehensive testing, these are the finest headphones for jogging: the most efficient types. Learn more about the best running headphones currently available by following this link.
JABRA ELITE ACTIVE 75T
Our ratings
- Weight: 0.2 ounces
- Battery: 7.5 hours; 28 hours (with charging case)
- Bluetooth range: 30 feet
- Water resistant: Yes
- Noise canceling: Yes
Editor’s choice!
BEATS POWERBEATS PRO
Our ratings
- Weight: 0.7 ounces
- Battery: 9 hours; 24 hours (with charging case)
- Bluetooth range: 100 feet
- Water resistant: Yes
- Noise canceling: No
Highly recommended
SHOKZ OPENRUN
Our ratings
- Weight: 0.9 ounces
- Battery: 8 hours
- Bluetooth range: 33 feet
- Water resistant: Yes
- Noise canceling: No
Recommended
JLAB EPIC AIR SPORT ANC
Our ratings
- Weight: 0.3 ounces
- Batttery: 15 hours (ANC on); 55 hours (ANC on with charging case)
- Bluetooth range: 30 feet
- Water resistant: Yes
- Noise canceling: Yes
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BEATS FIT PRO
Our ratings
- Weight: 0.2 ounces
- Battery: 6 hours (ANC on); 27 hours (ANC on with charging case)
- Bluetooth: 40 feet
- Water resistant: Yes
- Noise canceling: Yes
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JLAB JBUDS AIR PRO
Our ratings
- Weight: 0.18 ounces
- Battery: 9 hours; 36 hours (with charging case)
- Bluetooth range: Not specified
- Water resistant: Yes
- Noise canceling: No
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JABRA ELITE 4 ACTIVE
Our ratings
- Weight: 0.17 ounces
- Battery: 7 hours (ANC on); 28 hours (ANC on with charging case)
- Bluetooth range: 40 feet
- Water resistant: Yes
- Noise canceling: Yes
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AMAZFIT POWERBUDS PRO
Our ratings
- Weight: 0.2 ounces
- Battery: 5.5 hours (ANC on), 9 hours (ANC off), 19 hours (with charging case and ANC on), 30 hours (with charging case and ANC off)
- Bluetooth range: 30 feet
- Water resistant: Yes
- Noise canceling: No
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BOSE SPORT EARBUDS
Our ratings
- Weight: 0.2 ounces
- Battery: 5 hours; 15 hours (with charging case)
- Bluetooth range: 30 feet
- Water resistant: Yes
- Noise canceling: No
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JABRA ELITE 7 ACTIVE
Our ratings
- Weight: 0.2 ounces
- Battery: 9 hours (ANC on); 35 hours (with charging case)
- Bluetooth range: 33 feet
- Water resistant: Yes
- Noise canceling: No
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Lastly, there’s the IP57-rated weatherproofing, which protects the device from dirt and even full immersion in shallow water. It’s not dangerous to get a little wet or a little drenched. Jabra’s ANC-enabled earbuds cost less than Apple’s AirPods Pro, yet their battery life is better than the AirPods Pro’s. To discover if the AirPods 3 can defeat the Jabra Elite Active 75t, check out our AirPods 3 versus Jabra Elite Active 75t clash.
Read our full Jabra Elite Active 85t review.
What we like
- Full, booming sound.
- The perfect suit for long runs.
- Intelligence (EQ).
What we don't like
- Priceless.
However, how does the Powerbeats Pro handle a long run? It turns out to be a huge success. Even on long runs, the ear hooks keep the earbuds securely in place. The sound is robust, and the IPX4 classification indicates that the headphones are water-resistant. The Powerbeats 3 aren’t completely water-resistant.
What we like
- Battery life is long.
- The sound is well-balanced.
- Stable and comfortable for long runs.
What we don't like
- A clumsy charging bag.
In addition, they have an impressive IP67 certification, which is more than adequate to protect them from perspiration and water splashes, and despite the lack of adjustability, they still fit well. It’s safe to run with these “headphones” since they won’t come undone, and they’re comfortable enough to wear for long periods of time.
What we like
- A tight, comfortable fit.
- Excellent battery life.
- Waterproof to the core.
- It was a pleasant sound.
What we don't like
- Adjustment options are not available during the fitting process.
They were more comfortable to wear for longer lengths of time than the Beats Powerbeats Pro, which was critical for jogging. If it rains, you’re protected by IP66, and the Be Aware transparency mode lets you hear traffic without removing either earbud from your ears.
What we like
- Fits comfortably and securely.
- Transparency mode is useful.
- Batteries can last for hours on end.
What we don't like
- Battery life indicator is unreliable
- Poor phone reception.
Since the H1 processor is proprietary to Apple, most of the features that iOS users enjoy are unavailable to Android users. As far as we can tell, Android just has one major flaw: that one.
What we like
- The sound is well-balanced.
- Modes with high ANC and high transparency.
- The features of the AirPods Pro are available at a reduced cost.
- Design that makes you feel safe and protected.
What we don't like
- More functionality are needed in the Android app.
- This test doesn't work.
Aside from fundamental functionality like playback, call management, and digital help, you also get more complex features like EQ selection, listening mode activation, and volume. Single, double, triple, and long taps are all options for input, making this a great running companion for those on a tight budget.
What we like
- Solid construction and a tight, comfortable fit.
- Customized EQ for a bass-heavy sound.
- Ambient listening mode that works well.
- Longer than average time between charges.
What we don't like
- USB-A port for charging.
The awkward button design and lack of high-end functionality (e.g., MySound and MyControls) may deter some buyers. These earbuds are more affordable than the Elite 7 Active, yet they still deliver better value.
What we like
- High quality sound.
- Excellent sound quality during the phone call.
- Effective use of ANC technology.
- Support for the Jabra Sound+ app.
What we don't like
- Utilizing earbud controls can be a little aggravating.
In my experience, they have a better overall sound than the PowerBuds Pro. While jogging, adaptive noise suppression and ambient Thru mode let you keep an look out for oncoming vehicles. A little looser fit would allow you to wear them for both jogging and everyday use.
What we like
- The sound has a vivacious energy.
- It also functions as a fitness monitor.
What we don't like
- It's a little too big.
- Not as accurate as specialist fitness tracking gadgets.
Additionally, these earbuds are more compact and lighter than the QuietComfort Earbuds while still providing a rich, immersive sound experience, whether you’re working out or relaxing. The IPX4 water resistance and 5 hours of battery life should be plenty for most workouts, even if they fall short of the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC’s 10 hours of battery life.
What we like
- Bright and well-balanced sound.
- Custom-tailored fit.
What we don't like
- Battery life is poor when compared to similar devices from competitors.
- Transparency Mode is not enabled.
Both the Elite 7 Active’s noise cancellation and the Eartip Fit Test were found to be less effective than those found in the Apple/Beats version in our testing. In spite of this, the actual value of these earphones lies in their ability to be customized.
What we like
- The sound is powerful.
- Intuitive ANC settings.
- Battery life is long.
What we don't like
- Noise reduction was disappointing.
- Some people may be put off by the bass's intensity.
CHOOSING THE BEST RUNNING HEADPHONES
We all have preferences when it comes to the type of earphone design we like. In terms of stability, we observed little difference between the two types of ear hooks when jogging, however if you wear glasses, you may find that the ear hook gets in the way of your spectacles.
Jogging headphones that are water-resistant even if you’re not a fan of running in the rain are a must-have accessory. The IPX7 grade implies complete waterproofing, while the IP4 level reflects basic moisture resistance; assess what you’ll need and the chances of your headphones being significantly wet before making a purchase decision.
This function may be found on many of the finest headphones for running, but it isn’t required. Depending on how important it is to have the finest possible sound quality when exercising, you may wish to disable the feature altogether. In order to keep you safe, ANC may have to be interrupted from time to time.
Let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each of the variables we’ve identified to make it easier for you to prioritize them.
Type of connection:
True wireless earbuds eliminate the need for cords to link the two earpieces altogether. As a practical matter, this implies that you won’t be able to wriggle anything around your neck. It’s also more likely that you’ll lose your earphones. Some devices, but not all, include a Find My Buds feature that might be useful in this situation.
When it comes to keeping your ears free of tangled wires while jogging, the more traditional wired earbuds have gone a long way. One of them is the Skullcandy Method’s band approach. Reverse lenses, like those on the Aftershokz Trekz Air, aren’t the only unique features of these headphones.
You may be able to save some money if you simply wanted to get rid of that one (although annoying) cable that was keeping you from going wireless.
Added stability:
It’s amazing how many headphones on the market don’t have ear hooks, ear wings, or any other kind of adjustable stability. Most of them will stay in your ears no matter how long you run since they’re so soft and comfortable. That’s not all, of course.
We believe that such a feature can significantly contribute to an individual’s sense of security and well-being. Having one of the earphones fall out might be much more dangerous with genuine wireless earbuds.
Durability:
Water resistance and, more crucially, perspiration resistance are two critical elements you should not skimp on if you want your gear to last. Even with high-end (non-running) headphones, this isn’t a standard function, so you should always check to make sure it’s present. It’s not a good idea to have your earphones die the first time you work out.
In general, choosing a gadget with an IP rating is the wisest course of action. Here, you’ll learn how well the item stands up to a wide range of environmental conditions. If you’re looking for sturdy headphones without an IP rating, like the PowerBeats Pro, you can find them, but Apple was simply showing off on how secretive they are about their product since they know it would sell like hotcakes (we still don’t know what codecs the PowerBeats Pro utilize).
It’s always a good idea to read user evaluations, but relying on earbuds that aren’t IP-rated for water and sweat resistance is a surefire way to be let down.
Features:
We can’t possibly mention all of the extra options that may or may not be useful when jogging, but two in particular stand out: active noise cancellation and transparency modes.
In spite of the fact that ANC is an excellent function to have, it hasn’t always been popular with runners. It’s just too disconcerting to be on the go while fully disconnected from the outside world, even if you don’t need it for safety concerns (say you’re jogging laps around an empty football field).
This is why the community values openness so much. With these, you can keep one ear on your music and the other on your surroundings while still having the best of both worlds. When jogging through busy city streets, this is a necessity, but it isn’t a must-have feature.
HOW WE EVALUATE THE BEST EARBUDS FOR JOGGING
During our week-long testing period, we listen to a wide variety of music genres on a wide variety of headphones – including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical, and electronic. Let’s see how they sound and how comfy they are to wear for lengthy periods of time by doing this.
Explore our testing methodology and discover how to achieve the finest possible sound from your headphones.
To test the durability of running headphones, we’ll go for a few runs with them. Also, consider how well they remain in place when you’re jogging or working out at the gym because little earbuds, in particular, may have a seemingly stable fit when you’re resting come undone easily.
We use a five-point scale to evaluate the performance of running headphones, with 1 being the worst and 5 representing the best. An Editor’s Choice badge is granted to the best running headphones.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Jabra Elite Active 75t: Despite lacking ear hooks or wingtips, these genuine wireless earbuds fit securely in our ears throughout lengthy runs. Good battery life, strong audio quality, and waterproofing make them among the best running headphones.
Beats Powerbeats Pro (iOS): They’re expensive yet employ the same Apple H1 chip as AirPods Pro. The ear hooks keep them in place during runs and jogs. They’re not waterproof, but IPX4-rated, so they can handle perspiration. Our second choice for the best running headphones.
JLab Epic Air Sport ANC: JLab Epic Air Sport is a great noise-cancelling deal. The fit is robust and comfortable for lengthy wear. The IP66 certification protects the buds from heavy rain, and the Be Aware mode helps you run safely.
FAQs
Q.How can I run with headphones?
Use open-ear headphones or those with hear-through technology when running outside.
Roche: “Safety is awareness.” Open-ear headphones “help you keep attentive without becoming bored with jogging”
Instead, you may listen to music or a podcast while still hearing your surroundings.
Q. Waterproof or sweatproof headphones for running?
Even if you don’t sweat much, it’s excellent. Most workout headphones are sweatproof or waterproof. IPX4 is a fantastic choice for active headphones (can resist splashes from any direction), but anything over IPX2 should be OK (protected against dripping water of about 3 millimeters per minute).
Q. How can I tell whether earphones fit?
Small, medium, and large ear tips are available for in-ear headphones. The ear tip should form a seal so the music is clear and the buds don’t bounce around.
Bose Sport Open Earbuds and Skullcandy Push Active are in-ear headphones with a hook for increased support.
Q. When should headphones be cleaned?
A weekly cleaning protects headphones from growing nasty and extends their life.
Ortiz-Hawkins says once a week is plenty for ordinary use. “Water can harm headset electronics. Use an alcohol pad or hearing aid wipes.”
She suggested using a desiccant or dehumidifier to extend the life of their equipment, especially if they sweat a lot. Every few months, replace the eartips.
Q. Should I limit my jogging music volume?
Yes, headphones’ loudness should be considered when jogging or exercising.
“Noise exposure is the leading cause of hearing loss, and it’s avoidable, says Candice Ortiz-Hawkins, an audiologist from Capital Institute of Hearing and Balance. You know how loud music can ring your ears? Hearing loss causes that.”
Repeated exposure and small hearing alterations might add up to a quantitative loss. Healthy listening practices, especially when exercising, can help you preserve your hearing as you age.
If you can’t hear someone speaking normally at arm’s length, the volume is too high.
