10 Best Headphones for Running (That Don’t Fall Off) in 2024

After thoroughly testing 193 headphones, here are:

• The best over-ear headphones for running and jogging that stay on your head.
• The best sweatproof and rainproof headphones you can take outside in the rain.
• The best options with Ambient sound mode for situational awareness, perfect for running in a city.

Here’s the rundown:

Quick Overview

The headphones on the list are evaluated based on 9 key factors (Sonic9Score).  But the main criteria we looked at are fit stability for running, Ambient sound mode, and water resistance. See our testing and ranking methodology for details.

The most important thing when choosing headphones for running is fit and stability.

Most big headphones move and fall off when you start moving. But those with a strong clamping force keep them on the head.

Another thing is the Ambient sound mode, which is useful for running outside where you want awareness. This feature makes headphones suitable for running on a gym treadmill or on the streets.

Last but not the least is water resistance. Most headphones don’t have official water protection but are fine for listening in the rain and when you sweat.

Let’s check the list:

Best Over-Ear Headphones for Running

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

If you want modern headphones with great sound that stay on the head, the Sony WH-1000XM5 are the best we’ve tested. – Sony WH-1000XM5 review.

These modern over-ear headphones come with the latest features like active noise canceling, capable equalization, and a fantastically clear microphone for phone calls on a jog. They’re the best for a demanding runner who wants capable high-end headphones and isn’t squeamish paying for them.

And while might seem too big to stay secure on the head when running, they do a good job thanks to lightweight design and solid clamping force. They held up nicely during our head-shaking and running tests. You can easily use them for running and jogging at a decent pace.

Sound quality is superb, with ample EQ options that transform the sound to fit your music genre. They’re great for all audio media, including music, podcasts, and audiobooks.

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

While they have no official water resistance, they’re well made and as long as you don’t leave them out in rain, they work fine. But if you’re a heavy sweater, check the sweatproof recommendation below.

These feature-rich headphones come with all the modes you can imagine:

• Adaptive ANC: Noise cancelation adapts to the environment
• Ambient Sound mode: Lets you hear your surroundings
• Bluetooth multipoint: Lets you connect to multiple devices simultaneously
• Speak-to-Chat: Automatically switches to Ambient sound mode
• Equalizer: Adjust the sound profile to your liking
• Find Your Equalizer: Quickly find your prefered EQ settings
• 360 Reality Audio: Virtual surround sound increases soundstage
• Spatial Sound and Head Tracking: Sound follows your head movements
• Voice Assistant: Give commands with voice
• Spotify and Endel app connection: Streaming service integration
• Daily activity and Safe Listening logs: Tracks headphone usage and habits
• Badges: Achievement system

The Ambient sound mode lets you hear your surroundings, so you can run in all situations safely. More details in our review. Their quick-charging battery is top-notch. We tested it at 40 hours and 27 minutes with ANC on. This lasts for many runs without charging.

The only bad thing about them is the lack of water protection, so they’re not suitable for heavy sweaters or running in the rain.

Best Sweatproof Headphones for Running

2. Treblab Z7 Pro

If you’re looking for fully sweatproof headphones you can wear in rain, the Treblab Z7 Pro are the best we’ve tested – Treblab Z7 Pro review.

Hear the Treblab Z7 Pro A/B Sound Test:

These are the toughest water-resistant headphones suitable for running due to official IPX4 certification. If you get caught in a shower during a jog, it’s not a problem. Also, they’re the best headphones for runners who sweat a lot.

The stability of the fit is great for running thanks to a tight clamping force and lightweight body. The thick memory-foam earpads ensure long-term comfort. But they’re also prone to sweating due to pleather cover.

Their sound quality has boosted bass with balanced mids and an overall enjoyable sound that’s fun for listening to music.

Our battery test shows they last for 39.5 hours per charge with ANC on, which is plenty of time. And when you run out of juice, they fully recharge in only 2.5 hours.

They come with a built-in microphone for calls on the go, decent active noise cancellation that removes background noise, and Ambient sound mode that keeps you aware of the environment. You control them with touch control. But unfortunately, don’t come with a companion app or equalization.

Bluetooth connection is reliable and supports aptX and aptX HD Bluetooth codecs for high-resolution music. With multipoint support, you can connect them to multiple devices at the same time, and there’s no noticeable audio lag when watching videos.

The only caveat is the lack of equalization and customization because they don’t come with an app. So, these are not the best for demanding users who want full control over their headphones.

Apart from that, the Treblab Z7 Pro over-ear headphones were made for running.

Check other sports headphone guides:

• Best workout headphones
• Best headphones for swimming

Best Running Headphones for Bass

3. Skullcandy Hesh Evo

If you want basic wireless headphones with strong bass, the Skullcandy Hesh Evo stay secure on the head and don’t cost an arm and a leg.

These over-ear headphones have powerful bass and treble boost, producing a fun V-shaped frequency response that’s great for modern bassy music. They’re perfect for runners who prefer to listen to a good beat during a run.

Thanks to their lightweight design and thick pleather earpads, they’re comfortable to wear and run at a decent speed. But they might move if you try to sprint.

While they have no water proteciton, they’re well built and can easily survive a sweaty run, just make sure not to leave them our in the rain.

Their battery life of around 40 hours charges fast, a 10-minute charge gives 3 hours of playtime. Fully charging them takes 1 hour and 40 minutes.

The only criticism these receive is that they’re rather basic with limited features. There is no Ambient sound mode, no companion app, no active noise cancelling or EQ. So, these are the best for non-demanding users who want to enjoy bassy music without playing with all the settings.

All in all, if powerful bass is what you want, the Skullcandy Hesh Evo are your top choice.

Best Running Headphones Under $100

4. Anker Soundcore Life Q30

Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are the best budget running headphones under $100 we’ve tested. They stay put when running – Anker Soundcore Life Q30 review.

Hear the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 A/B Sound Test:

If you’re looking for solid budget headphones for running that don’t fall off when you run, these are our #1 recommendation. They perform great in all categories and offer amazing value for money for a budget-conscious user

They have a gentle clamping force, but thanks to a lightweight body, they stay secure during movement. They’re suitable for running and jogging at a decent speed. Thick foam earpads ensure comfort for daily listening.

Out of the box, they have a V-shaped sound with overpowered bass, but with the EQ options in the companion app, you can adjust it to get a balanced sound. It’s suitable for all music genres and audio content.

The aluminum frame provides structure, while the earcups are made of plastic, resulting in well-built headphones. They have no water protection but can survive some sweat. Just make sure to not wear them in the rain.

Their excellent battery life was tested at 44 hours per charge (ANC on). A 5-minute quick charge with a USB-C cable gives 4 hours of playtime. It’s top-notch performance.

And you get plenty of features too: Touch controls and physical button give you easy control, active noise canceling removes background noise, Ambient sound mode allows you to hear your surroundings, and the voice assistant hears your voice commands. The companion app offers plenty of customization from ANC modes, EQ, and Sleep mode. The only options missing is changing what touch controls do and the auto play/pause function.

In the end, the Anker Soundcore Life Q30 are a no-brainer running headphones if you’re on a budget.

Best Open Headphones for Perfect Awareness

5. TOZO OpenReal

If you want to hear everything around you when you run, the TOZO OpenReal are the best open headphones for running we’ve tested – TOZO OpenReal review.

Their biggest advantage is the open-ear design that leaves ears open to the environment. This means you can hear everything that’s going on around you. It’s a crucial feature if you run in traffic or out in nature where you want to hear oncoming vehicles.

These are made for sports, so they stay stable for running and even a short sprint. Having a familiar shape to bone conduction headphones, they grab around your head quite comfortably and securely. Their fit doesn’t change when you move.

They sport an IPX8 rating, meaning they’re fully waterproof, suitable for running in torrential rain, washing in water, and even swimming.

We tested the battery life at 12 hours and 3 minutes. It’s more than enough for a few days of running, especially because they get loud even at lower volume settings. Only their proprietary charging cable is a bit annoying due to weak magnets. Find the details in the review.

The companion app allows equalization of the sound and firmware updates. The built-in microphone does a good job for phone calls during a jog, but there’ no voice prompt of the caller ID. The onboard controls improve ease of use, so you don’t have to take out your phone.

There’s not much to complain about these, except that they’re specifically made for sports and have no noise isolation for daily listening. So, if you want headphones that perform well for running and casual listening, check another model.

Best In-Ear Headphones for Running

6. Jaybird Vista 2

Jaybird Vista 2 are the best wireless earbuds for running we’ve tested. With fun sound, a fully waterproof design, and a stable fit, they’re perfect for indoor and outdoor runners – Jaybird Vista 2 review.

For more in-ear options, see the best earbuds for running here.

If you prefer smaller, portable in-ear headphones that fit in any pocket, the Vista 2 tick all the boxes. These are the best for runners who want convenient headphones for running they can take out of a pocket.

They provide a comfortable listening experience when running. The included ear tips with fins attach to the earlobe for superior stability. They’re suitable for jogging, running, and even sprinting.

They have a superior sound in their category. It has a relaxed and slightly V-shaped sound signature, with good extension in the sub-bass. You can tweak their EQ inside the app to make them sound perfect for your music.

Hear the Jaybird Vista 2 A/B Sound Test:

These are the best for running in harsh conditions with IP68 dust and water protection. Thanks to a dustproof and waterproof design and the MIL-STD-810G build quality standard, they can survive a drops, dust and water. The charging case can also withstand a sudden downpour of rain with an IP54 rating.

We tested the battery life at almost 6 hours per charge with ANC on. It increases up to 8 hours without ANC to last through at least a few runs. For a quick fill-up, their Qi wireless charging case supports quick charging, which provides an hour’s worth of listening in 5 minutes.

They come with decent active noise cancelling, Ambient sound mode called “Surround Sense”, and a companion app with equalization, “Find my earbuds” feature, and control customization. 2 built-in microphones allow phone calls wherever you are.

These are perfect portable headphones you can easily tuck in a pocket and take out when needed. They’re suitable for indoor and outdoor running in all conditions.

for more in-ears, we made a separate guide on the top running earbuds.

Related:

• Best waterproof Bluetooth headphones
• Best noise cancelling earbuds
• On-ear headphones are better than over-ears

Honorable Mentions to Consider

7. Beats PowerBeats Pro

8. Beats Studio Pro

9. Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100

10. Koss SportaPro

How We Test

We test headphones on 9 key points that are important for users; see our testing and scoring methodology for all the details.

We combine objective measurements like frequency response graphs and ANC effectiveness with hands-on experience. This helps us compare and pick the best-performing models that we can confidently recommend.

For example, to test water protection, we spray the headphones with water. If they’re fully waterproof, we submerge them in water and see if they still work afterward. To test the fit, we do a head-shaking test, which gives us a general idea of headphone stability. For sports models like these, we also test them for walking and running.

How did we choose the models?

To pick the top models, we focused on the stability of the fit when running and moving,

the quality of the Ambient sound mode that lets you stay aware on the run, and water resistance. Most headphones don’t have official water protection, but most work fine even if you sweat.

We choose from 193 tested headphones and those we have tried. Then, we ranked them for different use cases and prices.

Can You Run With Over-Ear Headphones?

You can run with over-ear headphones if they stay STABLE when running.

Preferably, the headphones should fit snugly but not too tightly to be uncomfortable. Look for models with a stronger clamping force and a lightweight body. Also, look for water resistance if you run outside, even in rainy weather.

But most over-ear headphones have a loose fit that eventually makes them fall off. And there are other factors to consider. Follow the guide below.

Are headphones good for jogging?

Because jogging is basically slower running, big headphones are more suitable for jogging than running.

Slower speeds put smaller forces on headphones when jogging, resulting in a lower chance of them falling off. You might get away with jogging with bigger and heavier headphones, but this depends on personal style and speed.

It’s still best to pick headphones with a decent clamping force and lightweight body to ensure good stability.

Comparison of running with headphones vs earbuds

Here are the key differences between running with headphones and earbuds:

How to Pick Headphones for Running

Before you pick your running headphones, consider these points:

Water resistance: Yes/No?

If you run outside in all weather, including heavy rain, or if you’re a heavy sweater, you need water-resistant headphones. We recommend IPX4 or more for protection against rain and sweat.

If you run inside on a treadmill, you don’t need water protection. It might be useful if you sweat a lot, but it’s not crucial. Most headphones without water resistance can handle some sweat.

Related: See the most durable earbuds on the market.

Stable fit is CRUCIAL

Stability is the most important thing when choosing over-ear headphones for running. If they don’t stay on, you won’t be able to run with them. And most big, bulky headphones aren’t suitable.

• Read the reviews that comment on stability when running before buying them.
• Try all fitting options before giving up on a pair; sometimes, you have to learn how to put them on.

P.S. If no over-ear headphones fit your head for running, you might want to consider earbuds. See why in earbuds vs. headphones guide.

What kind of sound do you like?

Sound quality is important but not crucial. You probably don’t focus on sonic details during a run. There are too many distractions.

But, you want an engaging sound profile that makes you push towards the finish line.

• Many people prefer a bass-boosted sound signature, that’s great for modern music like hip hop, rap, pop.
• A well-balanced sound signature is suitable for all music genres (look for equalization in the app).
• If you mainly listen to audiobooks and podcasts, any decent headphones will do.

There is no “best sound”. It comes down to a personal preference.

Noise isolation vs. situational awareness

There are 3 types of headphones: Closed-back and open-back regular headphones, and open-ear headphones.

Closed-back headphones have far superior noise attenuation of external noise. They’re the best for running inside when you want to keep private or in nature, on a safe path where you don’t have to worry about traffic. They don’t bother other gym-goers with sound leakage and have an overall bassier sound profile.

Open-back headphones leak a lot more ambient noise in and out, which isn’t bad if you want to hear your surroundings. It’s useful if you’re running on streets where being aware and hearing traffic is a must. Generally, they have a more natural sound.

Open-ear headphones like air-conduction and bone-conduction headphones have a headband design and leave your ears completely open to the environment, giving you perfect situational awareness. These are best for runners who want maximum safety when running.

Comfort always plays a role

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

• Look for thick headband padding and earpads.
• Preferably, you want replaceable earpads to ensure longevity.

Control of the music

Do you want a convenient way to change the songs and volume without touching your phone?

Most wireless headphones have built-in controls. The only difference is what controls they support. Apart from controlling music and volume, the better models also support voice assistants, Ambient mode activation, EQ mode adjustment, etc.

To sum up…

There are no perfect running headphones. But if you decide on the important features you want, they’ll serve you well for years. You should look to avoid unstable fit, annoying lack of useful features, and horrible sound quality.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions