13 Best Earbuds for Running (That Don’t Fall Out) in 2024

We’ve tested over 100 earbuds for fit stability when running and water resistance.

Here are the best running earbuds that stick in ears like glue and take on sweat with ease.

All earbuds on our list are evaluated based on 9 key factors (Sonic9Score).  The main criteria we looked at were secure fit and comfort when running, audio quality, and durability for outside use. See our testing and ranking methodology.

The best running earbuds stay in your ears with ease, feel comfy for hours, deliver sound that’s good, and survive rain and sweat like a hero. That’s the ideal world.

But you know that’s not true for most earbuds. A lot of “running buds” die in a couple of months, provide a bad audio experience, and constantly fall out of your ears due to looser fit.

It’s frustrating.

As a result, we made a list of the best running earphones that fit the job perfectly. These are the best options for avid runners who want to focus on their training and jogging style.

What to Look for in Running Earbuds

Stability is crucial

Earbuds that don’t fit fall out. This is extremely frustrating when running. You want to focus on your tempo without worrying about the bad fit.

Most earphones come with multiple eartip sizes and types.

• Use memory foam ear tips or tight-fitting silicone ones for improved stability.
• Another option is to get earbuds with ear hooks. These tend to stick to ears no matter what.

You need sweat resistance if not more…

If you run outside and you get caught in the rain, you need waterproof earbuds to avoid damage. They need to stand up to the environment, whether you’re accidentally dropping them in a puddle or sweating profusely during a marathon.

Look for a minimum IPX4 (sweatproof) or higher IPX6+ rating, which means the sports earbuds are fully waterproof.

Do you need noise isolation or awareness?

Depending on where you run, you may want to block or hear surrounding noise to avoid dangerous situations.

1. You might want to block outside noise if you run on a treadmill in a gym so you can focus on your tempo. Look for in-ear earbuds with memory-foam ear tips or the best noise canceling earbuds.
2. But if you’re running outside, hearing your environment is crucial for safety. You want to hear traffic around you so you don’t get into an accident. Look for shallow-fitting classic earbuds or earbuds with good Ambient sound mode that lets you hear the surroundings.

Wired or wireless?

• For most people, we recommend wireless: They are the most convenient for all running situations, with water resistance and Bluetooth connectivity.
• Wired earbuds are cheaper, but the wires tend to get in the way, plus many smartphones can’t be connected to wired models.

Best Earbuds for Running

1. Jaybird Vista 2

Our top pick for the best wireless earbuds for running we’ve tested. These are perfect for active people who enjoy a well-balanced audio – Jaybird Vista 2 review.

Ambient sound mode: Yes

Hear the Jaybird Vista 2 A/B Sound Test:

The sound is punchy, detailed, and with a good bass depth. The second generation of Jaybird earbuds is overall smooth and slightly V-shaped, which is quite normal in sport-oriented wireless earphones.

Thanks to the tiny wing tips, Vista 2 earbuds stay firmly in your ear canal, providing a high level of stability. They’re comfortable earbuds to wear under a hat for running in cooler months.

They can be fully submerged (IP68). This time around, even the charging case has an IP54 rating, making it both dust-resistant and sweat-resistant. This is useful for outside use if you get caught in a downpour, the charging case is protected.

The battery on the buds lasts around 8 hours. The charging box is rather small, which translates to an additional 16 hours of playtime.

You can also use only one earbud and extend the excellent battery life to 48 hours in total.

Vista 2 come with a mobile app that can make personalized EQ settings. You can also customize the controls and play with an EQ to a great degree.

For top-notch wireless earbuds for running that have excelled in all tests we did, get the Jaybird Vista 2.

2. Jabra Elite 7 Active

Jabra Elite 7 Active are still one of the top earbuds for running for ergonomics and a high level of customization.

Ambient sound mode: Yes

Replacing Jabra Elite Active 75t, a very popular model, the Elite 7 Active wireless earbuds for running now provide a more well-balanced sound signature instead of pumping lots of bass.

Although that’s great for audiophiles, most runners might want a bit punchier sound. Thankfully, the Jabra app lets you tweak the sound to your liking, on top of customizing other features as well.

Earbuds support ambient sound mode for greater awareness near busy roads and improved active noise cancellation to block ambient noise on your daily commute.

Jabra Elite 7 Active rely entirely on ergonomics to stay in your ears during running. Thankfully, they do a pretty good job while retaining high levels of comfort, as well.

For solid wireless earbuds you can use for running, check the Jabra Elite 7 Active.

3. Beats Fit Pro

Beats Fit Pro are the top Beats earbuds for running.

Ambient sound mode: Yes (Transparency mode)

Beats is no longer a brand with a bass-heavy sound. Instead, the Fit Pro opt for a more balanced albeit bright tuning. It’s great, although most people might want a bit more bass.

Compared to the Beats Studio Buds, there’s a strong resemblance between the two earbuds, but with added ear fins. The latter grab your pinna and prevent the buds from wobbling around. That way, they don’t fall out when you run.

Do you also compete in running? Find out if it’s allowed to wear headphones during a race.

Moreover, Fit Pro are equipped with the latest tech, from active noise cancellation, Transparency mode, Adaptive EQ, and an H1 chip, making them better suited for Apple users.

Thankfully, by downloading the Beats app for Android, you regain some of the functionalities.

The total battery life is relatively low, with around six hours on a single charge. While they won’t last you for an entire day, that’s still enough juice for many runners.

4. Sony WF-1000XM5

If you want to run with active noise cancellation, Sony WF-1000XM5 are the best running buds that check all the boxes and all the features you can want – Sony WF-1000XM5 review.

Ambient sound mode: Yes

Hear the Sony WF-1000XM5 A/B Sound Test:

Sony WF-1000XM5 are a perfect option to listen to high-quality tunes while taking a long run. The app allows you to make them sound either balanced or bassy.

You now get a much more stable fit thanks to redesigned hybrid ear tips. The tip’s surface is rougher, which ensures a better grip. No matter how much you shake your head, the earbuds don’t fall out.

Moreover, the wireless earbuds are now smaller than WF-1000XM4, making them more comfortable. With the addition of excellent passive isolation and great noise cancellation, these are perfect for commuting, as well (make sure to activate Ambient sound mode when running near busy roads).

On top of that, they’re rated for an IPX4 rating, so you don’t have to fear about excess sweating.

If you’re looking for premium, fully fleshed-out running earbuds, the Sony WF-1000XM5 are the best for you.

5. Beats PowerBeats Pro

Beats PowerBeats Pro are the best ear-hook earbuds we’ve tested. A gold standard for runners who enjoy deep bass and a secure fit – Beats PowerBeats Pro review.

Ambient sound mode: No

These are the best-sounding Beats earbuds to date. They still produce strong bass depth which the Beats audio products are known for. But it’s more refined and detailed, together with a slightly boosted treble.

Beats PowerBeats Pro have a superior fit that’s suitable for sprinting as well as long runs. The ear hook design does a good job of keeping them in place.

To keep them playing your favorite music, you get a better battery life than advertised (11 hours on a full charge), and 24 hours of battery life altogether with the fast-charging case. You need to charge them using a Lightning cable.

These wireless earbuds for running are sweat-resistant with an IPX4 rating which means you can confidently take them to the outside world.

In case you’re struggling with keeping the earbuds in ears, try the Beats PowerBeats Pro with flexible ear-hook design.

For more bass-heavy options, see the top bass earbuds.

6. Treblab X3 Pro

Treblab X3 Pro are great running earbuds with ear hooks, the best under $100 we’ve tested – Treblab X3 Pro review.

Ambient sound mode: No

When getting the tight seal, the sound gets very clean and dynamic. The bass is tight and fast, with good control.

Bleed in the midrange is minimal, which is why you can admire good clarity across the mids and treble. Also, the soundstage is pleasantly spacious.

Due to big housing, these produce wind noise. So they’re best suited for indoor running where there’s no wind.

Stability is excellent due to ear hooks that hug your ears tightly. You can move your head around like crazy and don’t fear them falling off your head. 9-hour long battery life should be enough for a full workout.

Earbuds are completely waterproof with a high waterproof rating (IPX7), meaning you don’t have to worry about excessive sweat. Apart from standard SBC and AAC Bluetooth codecs, you also get aptX, which helps with high-quality audio transmission.

7. JBL Reflect Mini NC

JBL Reflect Mini NC are the best running wireless earbuds with ear fins under $150 we’ve tested. Strong running performance across the board makes them a top choice – JBL Reflect Mini NC review.

Ambient sound mode: Yes

Hear the JBL Reflect Mini NC A/B Sound Test:

The wireless earbuds somewhat follow the Harman curve but with greater emphasis on bass. The sound is quite dynamic and energetic, just the sound signature you want when running to push you that extra mile.

Circular housing with long ear fins sticks into your ears securely. Proprietary mushroom-shaped tips also add to the overall excellent stability.

Buds are a bit bulky, so you might start feeling the pressure after a couple of hours of use. They support active noise canceling, although it isn’t great. But they have a useful Ambient mode for staying aware during an urban run.

They’re also highly durable, made with a hard plastic shell, and protected with an IPX7 rating.

Reflect Mini NC provide excellent connectivity and extra features within the app. In there, you can customize touch controls and tweak EQ audio settings based on your personal preference.

For great wireless running earbuds under $150, check out the JBL Reflect Mini NC.

8. Anker Soundcore Life A1

Anker Soundcore Life A1 are the best cheap running earbuds we’ve tested. A great choice for budget runners – Anker Soundcore Life A1 review.

Ambient sound mode: No

Hear the Anker Soundcore Life A1 A/B Sound Test:

Fun-sounding true wireless earbuds with a distinct V-shape. While you can’t pair them with a Soundcore app to make your own sound profile, you can switch between 3 different presets, one for boosting bass and one for reducing.

As for the design, it doesn’t protrude, so you shouldn’t expect too much wind noise when running. Additionally, the wireless earbuds provide a comfortable fit for a long exercise session.

More so, you get various ear wings to lock the earbuds in place firmly. And most importantly, physical controls aren’t annoying to use.

Sweating is non-problematic since Anker Soundcore Life A1 come with a high IPX rating (IPX7). On top of that, they pack around nine hours of playtime, with an additional 26 hours inside a Qi wireless charging case.

Not what you’re looking for? See other options:

• Best headphones for running (including on-ear)
• Best workout headphones
• Best waterproof Bluetooth headphones

Honorable Mentions: Other Models to Consider

9. Jaybird Vista 1

10. Jabra Elite Active 75t

11. Bose Sport Open Earbuds

12. Bose Sport Earbuds

13. Apple AirPods Pro

How We Tested

We test earbuds on 9 key points. The way we tested fit and stability is by trying them ourselves with all different eartips during normal use and running.

For audio quality we measured frequency response in charts to determine the sound signature and potential boost spots. See all the freq. response charts in reviews.

We tested build quality by exposing the earbuds to water. Either a water spray for IPX4 rated models, or full submersion for waterproof models. Read our testing and scoring methodology.

All the things we considered:

• Overall audio quality, clarity of treble, strength of bass, and frequency response across the spectrum. Good earbuds will be suitable for all music.
• Sibilance ensures that ‘s’ and ‘t’ sounds in the music are not harsh or overly pronounced.
• Soundstage size offers a sense of space and directionality in the audio, which improves the listening experience.
• Comfort during a long run, staying secure and comfortable even during extended runs like marathons.
• Security of the fit when you move, run, sprint, and jump, so the earbuds ensure consistent audio delivery without frequent adjustments.
• Ambient sound mode allows changing how much background you hear, either for more or less environmental awareness, depending on runners’ preference.
• Durability: It’s hard to asses it with a test; while we rarely experience build quality issues, we discuss how they feel in hands compared to proven models. We also checked Amazon user reviews to find common issues.
• Water resistance: It’s tested depending on their IPX rating; we generally don’t experience issues after exposing them to water.
• Battery life is also important, supporting long listening sessions for longer runs. If they have a quick recharge capability, it minimizes downtime.

All of this helped us compare and pick the best-performing earbuds for runners that we can confidently recommend.

How did we choose the models?

We primarily focused on key decision points for runners: fit security and comfort when running, audio quality, and durability with water protection.

All recommended earbuds perform well in the key categories, some better than others. We choose from earbuds we’ve tested (out of 193 models). We ranked them for various use cases and price points, : cheaper towards the bottom.

Is ambient sound mode useful for running?

Ambient sound mode is very useful for running outside.

• It drastically improves your safety when running.

If you run on the streets, on the road, or any other environment, you want to hear your surroundings. Road iD study showed 122,000 runners and walkers get hit by cars annually.

Does ambient sound mode eliminate the thumping footsteps you hear when running?

Unfortunately, the ambient sound mode doesn’t eliminate the thumping footsteps when running. It might slightly reduce it, but it depends on many things, like your footwear, the surface you’re running on, the loudness of ambient noise, etc.

This noise, referred to as “footstep noise” or “occlusion effect” is the sound of impact your feet create when hitting the ground. The effect is most noticeable when creating an airtight seal with in-ear earphones.

The ambient sound mode allows the environmental noise into your ears and mixes it with the music. Its purpose is to improve awareness of your surroundings for safety. But it doesn’t target the noise of footsteps.

If you want to avoid footstep noise, use open-ear headphones that leave your ears open to the environment.

Do Bluetooth Earbuds Interfere with Heart Rate Monitors?

Some runners asked us: Does wearing wireless Bluetooth earbuds when running interfere with the reliability of the heart rate strap worn on the body?

Generally, Bluetooth earbuds with the latest Bluetooth version 5.0 and newer shouldn’t interfere with the heat monitor. The latest Bluetooth versions support multiple wireless connections on a smaller bandwidth, improving connection stability.

Points to consider:

• Modern heart rate monitors (straps) use either Bluetooth or ANT+ technology for connecting. Plus, Bluetooth earbuds operate on different channels in the Bluetooth frequency band. This reduces the odds of interference.
• The physical distance between the earbuds (on your head) and the heart rate monitor (typically around the chest) also reduces the potential for conflict. The distance makes it unlikely for the signals from the two devices to disrupt each other.

If your Bluetooth earbuds interfere with your heart rate monitor, then it’s a unique issue. Either you’re using older devices or have a possible hardware malfunction.

Models That Didn’t Make the List

Here are other models we considered and previously listed earbuds:

• Plantronics BackBeat FIT 350: These are older ear hook earbuds, the models on the list are better.
• Jaybird X4: Outdated, replaced by Jaybird Vista 2.
• Aukey EP-T21: Solid choice of running buds, but the listed models are better.
• Bose Frames Tempo: Technically not earbuds but glasses with the ability to play music.
• Shokz OpenRun: Bone conduction headphones, these offer perfect awareness but the audio is below average.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

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• What to listen when running
• Can you wear headphones in a running race?