9 Best Headphones for Running in 2023 (that don’t fall off)

Here are the best running headphones in 2023 that stay in your ears. And survive bad weather and sweat with ease.

Introducing, the latest Bluetooth and wired headphones best fit for runners.

After thorough research and choosing from over 50 headphone models here are the 9 best running headphones.

We looked at:

• Water-resistant rating
• Sturdy fit & stability
• Energetic, fun sound

These are the most “running-friendly” headphones on the market, whether you’re running outside in the heavy rain or just jogging inside on a treadmill.

The Best Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds for Running

1. Jaybird Vista 2

The second-generation Vista 2 have an overall superior sound. It’s has a more relaxed and slightly V-shaped sound signature, with good extension in the sub-bass. Of course, you can tweak their EQ inside the app to make them sound even better.

These are the best running headphones for harsh conditions. They have a fully waterproof rating (IP68) and can survive a couple of drops thanks to the MIL-STD-810G standard. Even the charging case can withstand a sudden downpour of rain (IP54).

They provide a comfortable listening experience even when running. You can use the included ear gels with wing tips, which offer better stability.

Eight hours of battery life can last you through at least a few runs. To save on juice, you can use each earbud independently

If you need quick fill-up, their wireless charging case supports a quick charge feature, which provides an hour’s worth of listening time in 5 minutes.

Jaybird Vista 2 review

2. Jabra Elite 7 Active

Unlike Jabra Elite Active 75t, the new ones output a surprisingly impressive sound. A more balanced sound signature makes them an excellent choice for audio purists, as well.

Of course, you can change the sound to your taste inside the app’s audio settings. Furthermore, the app allows you to tweak controls, locate lost earbuds, and activate Hear Through mode (to hear potential hazards) or active noise canceling.

The latter works better than in Active 75t, but it’s still not on par with the best earbuds. Nevertheless, Elite 7 Active should do a good job blocking external sounds on your daily commute.

Most importantly, earbuds stay comfortably in your ears even during long runs and are fully sweat proof (IP57 rating).

Check related sports headphone guides:

Best workout headphones

Best waterproof headphones for swimming

Best MP3 players for swimming

3. Beats Fit Pro

Unlike other Beats headphones, the Fit Pro output a fairly bright sound. It adds clarity, but some might miss a bit of bass. At least you get the Adaptive EQ feature that ensures an equal listening experience for all users.

Earbuds are very similar in shape to the Beats Studio Buds. They’re equally small and splash proof, but use large ear fins to lock themselves in place. They aren’t bouncing around in your ears, so they’re more than suitable for running.

Moreover, the Fit Pro come with an H1 chip, adding an overall better experience on iOS devices. Android users have to download the Android app to access some features.

Apart from active noise cancellation, runners will appreciate the Transparency mode, giving them better awareness.

Check out Beats PowerBeats Pro, another excellent running headphones.

Related: Best bass earbuds.

4. Anker Soundcore Life A1

Earbuds have boosted bass and treble, with a fairly balanced midrange in between. The sound isn’t crazy detailed but lively enough to make your daily running routine more exciting.

The Life A1 earbuds design is very inconspicuous and sits flush with your ears. The latter ensures minimal wind noise, which is vital in headphones for running.

On top of that, earbuds fit comfortably and stay firmly inside your ears. Thanks to large ear wings, they won’t budge, even if you shake your head hard.

Physical buttons, instead of touch controls, work reliably and are positioned in a way they don’t cause pain when you press them.

Another great feature is the long battery life of nine hours on a single charge. The Qi wireless charging case holds another 26 hours of juice.

Anker Soundcore Life A1 review

5. AfterShokz Aeropex

While they aren’t the best bass headphones, their boosted bass makes them the best sounding bone conduction headphones on the market.

The frequency response is good, and they have plenty of power. Just don’t expect them to rival the elite headphones as the lack of lows is still apparent.

Stability keeps these headsets sturdy around the head while you run. They’re also waterproof, so you don’t need to worry about rain while jogging.

The bone conduction design leaves your ears open while listening to music. You have a better situational awareness when running outdoors.

With up to eight hours you get better battery life than most other models, which is enough for an entire day or really long runs. It’s worth noting they use a proprietary charging dock.

AferShokz Aeropex review

Related: Best bone conduction headphones.

6. Bose Sport Earbuds

Punchy, well-balanced sound, with good detail and control on bass. Earbuds provide an enjoyable audio experience with most genres, and a good for movies, too, with a wide soundstage.

These in-ear buds have surprisingly excellent comfort. The housing sits comfortably inside the ear without going into the ear canal. Thanks to the ear fin, they lock firmly in their place, even during sports activities.

Apart from Bluetooth 5.1 support, Google assistant, and auto-pause/play sensor, there aren’t many big features on these earbuds. While an IPX4 isn’t a waterproof rating, they can handle both sweat and light rain.

With the Bose Connect app, you can check earbuds battery status and enable a couple of touch control gestures. But you don’t get the same features as more expensive models.

Bose Sport Earbuds review

To get active noise cancellation, you have to opt for more expensive Bose QuietComfort Earbuds model.

Related:

• Best noise cancelling earbuds.
• Best waterproof Bluetooth headphones.

The Best Headphones For Running

Here are the top wired and wireless on-ear running headphones. On-ear headphones are better than over-ears since the over-ears are just too big and wobble around too much.

7. Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100

If you like a punchy bass response that gives you rhythm and energy during your runs, these will sound good to you. Apart from Balanced, there’re also Bright and Bass EQ presets.

These over-ear headphones are specially designed for working out and running.

They have big earpads that fully surround your ears for maximum comfort. While the pads are made of faux leather, the headband uses breathable fabric for better air circulation on top of your head.

The best thing is a pretty high IPX5 rating (for over-ear headphones). That means you can use these cans outdoors and not panic if it starts raining.

Another cool feature is the Sound Mix, which mixes ambient noise into your music, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite songs while being aware of your surroundings.

8. JBL Live 660NC Wireless

Stock tuning gravitates towards a bass-heavy sound and sparkly treble. If you prefer a more neutral response, you can play around with EQ inside the JBL Headphones app.

These over-ear cans boast good build quality materials like canvas and aluminum. They offer generous padding, especially in the earpads.

What makes them good for running is the clamping force. It’s pretty tight, so they should fall off your head.

It’s also worth noting they don’t have an IP rating, and due to leather earpads, they might get a bit sweaty. Learn how to clean your headphones to keep them fresh.

Last but not least, these running headphones offer the best battery life in this guide. With normal usage, their 50-hour battery life can last you an entire week.

9. JBL Under Armour Sport Wireless Train

Under Armour collaborated with JBL to make ultimate sports headphones. It’s no surprise they output a good amount of bass. That boosts your energy levels when listening to your workout playlist.

The design is sporty yet straightforward, with a big UA logo on both earcups. On-ear earpads are decently padded and dressed in breathable fabric, which is also washable.

You don’t have to worry about excess sweat since headphones are rated for an IPX4 sweat-resistant rating.

Since headphones have to stay on your head during running, they use a strong clamping force. While that shouldn’t be a problem for many, someone with a larger head might find them uncomfortable.

Honorable Mentions

Jaybird Vista – Still a fantastic running headphones that sell at a lower price. They’re durable and provide a stable fit, regardless of how much you shake your head. Jaybird Vista review

Apple AirPods Pro – Despite their looser fit (they like to slide out from the ear canals when you get sweaty), many people use them for sports activities. Nonetheless, these are among the best noise canceling earbuds with an excellent built-in microphone for voice calls. Apple AirPods Pro review

Aukey EP-T32 – Aukey EP-T32 are the top choice for jogging earbuds under $50. They have both USB-C charging and Qi wireless charging and even support for aptX Bluetooth codec. Aukey EP-T32 review

TaoTronics Soundliberty 97 – Tiny Bluetooth earbuds with a low price but similar technologies than some more expensive models. They come with long battery life, good isolation thanks to deeper ear tips, and sibilant-free sound. TaoTronics Soundliberty 97 review

Koss SportaPro – Retro and cheap on-ears that are light, have great sound quality and are suitable for running. (Check SportaPro price)

Bose Sport Open Earbuds – A decent pair of wireless earphones with an ear hook and open-ear design that sound surprisingly good. While they come with an app, you can’t create your own sound profile. (Check Sport Open Earbuds price)

Jaybird X4 -If you want running headphones that have a secure fit for all ears, fantastic audio quality, and dependable water resistance, get the Jaybird X4. Jaybird X4 review

MEE Audio X1 – If you’re looking for dedicated wired running headphones that sound great, are durable, stable, and comfortable, all for a low price, MEE Audio X1 are excellent. Check more best cheap earbuds. (Check Audio X1 price)

Treblab X3 Pro – Running headphones with quality sound (if original ear tips fit you). If you don’t mind the over-ear hooks and want superb stability during exercise, Treblab X3 Pro are a good pick. Treblab X3 Pro review

How to Pick Best Running Headphones for Yourself

Before you pick your running headphones, you need to know where and how you’ll be using them.

If you run in the outside world in all weather, even light rain, you need good waterproof headphones. IPX5 and more is recommended as this ensures complete rain and sweat resistance.

If you run inside on a treadmill, you don’t really need extra water and sweat protection unless you sweat excessively. It’s still beneficial for headphones to handle sweaty exercise session, but not crucial.

Check the most durable earbuds on the market right now.

Getting a Tight Fit is Crucial.

Stability is the most important thing when choosing running headphones. If they don’t stay in, you won’t be able to run with them.

Because of fast movement, big, bulky running headphones aren’t suitable. The most common sports headphones are small in-ear designs. They are lightweight and offer a good in-ear fit.

In case you don’t like earbuds, lightweight on-ear headphones are a good alternative. See why in earbuds vs. headphones guide.

Overall, you need to pick a good pair of headphones with a good fit that doesn’t fall off when soaked in sweat.

What Kind of Sound Do You Like?

Sound quality is important but not crucial. You probably don’t focus on the detailed high-quality audio during a run.

On the other hand, you still want an engaging sound profile that will make you push towards the finish line. Many people prefer a bass-forward sound signature, but it really comes down to personal preference.

If you like energetic music genres (like hip hop) and more of a well-balanced sound signature, then you should look for that. But if you listen to audiobooks and podcasts, any decent running headphones will do.

How Much Isolation Do You Need?

There are 2 options. Closed-back and open-back headphones.

Just because the outside noise bothers you doesn’t mean you should turn up the max volume. You can damage your hearing fast if you’re not careful, so keep it low volume if you can.

Good Comfort Always Plays a Role.

When you’re physically exerting yourself, the last thing you want is getting your ears rubbed the wrong way.

Pick earbuds with many variations of ear tips so you can change them to fit your ear canal comfortably and create a tight seal.

Having Control of the Music.

Some of you use your smartphones for your music and want a convenient way to change the songs and volume on the go.

This is where the built-in (or in-line) controls become useful. There are many iPhone and Android compatible running headphones that makes controlling music playback (skip tracks, adjust volume) much easier.

To sum up…

The best running headphones won’t have you worry about fit, discomfort, breaking the headphones, or annoying you with horrible sound quality. Furthermore, they’re let you hear street noise to alert you about dangers.

There are many great picks on this page that do great in all the categories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Check the video explaining how to fit buds over the ear style.

Here is a video explaining how to fit Vi Sense (mentioned above) in an under-the-ear fit.