8 Best Workout Headphones That Stay Put No Matter What 2024

We tested 193 headphones on 9 key categories to find the best headphones for working out that stay secure on the head.

Find test results for audio quality, battery life, and our hands-on experience below.

Most headphones suck for working out. But there are some models that stay stable on the head when moving.

We test all headphones for stability during movement with our head-shaking and running tests. We also evaluate them on 9 key factors (Sonic9Score). The on-ear and over-ear headphones we recommend are the most suitable for exercise. See our testing and ranking methodology.

The best workout headphones are picked based on the following:

• Stability when exercising
• Sound quality
• Battery life and reliability of Bluetooth connectivity
• Build-quality
• Water and sweat resistance
• Ambient noise isolation

If you’re looking for smaller earphones, check the best sports earbuds here or the best earbuds for running here. If you don’t mind the cable, also check the top wired workout headphones.

Best Workout Headphones

1. Sony WH-1000XM5

The most feature-rich and best workout headphones for most people we’ve tested are the Sony WH-1000XM5 – See review.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones offer a range of features that make them an excellent choice for working out.

Sound: Amazing customizable audio quality

The Sony WH-1000XM5 are one of the best-sounding over-ear wireless headphones and deliver a rich sound experience, especially after custom EQ adjustments. If you’re a workout enthusiast, you can enjoy a dynamic and immersive audio experience that keeps you motivated and energized during your fitness routine.

Comfort & Fit: Stable for most activity

With a lightweight and stable design, these headphones are ideal for active use. They stay comfortably in place during vigorous movements, ensuring a distraction-free workout session.

During gym testing, the headphones proved to be a reliable workout companion. Their stable fit ensured they stayed in place during various exercises thanks to their reasonably lightweight and decent clamping force.

Durability: Sturdy but not sweatproof

The entirely plastic body, while not the most premium, offers a balance of durability and lightness, making them suitable for active use without adding extra weight or discomfort.

Impressive battery

An impressive battery life we tested at over 40 hours with ANC enabled means you can rely on these headphones for multiple workout sessions without frequent recharging, making them a convenient choice for busy fitness enthusiasts.

Packed with features

The headphones come packed with features like Adaptive Sound Control and Speak-to-Chat, enhancing your workout experience by automatically adjusting noise cancellation based on your activity and allowing seamless interaction with others without needing to pause your music.

Noise isolation & superb noise canceling

The solid passive noise isolation performance allows you to focus on your workout by effectively blocking out distracting noises, creating an immersive exercise environment.

The class-leading active noise cancellation ensures that you can maintain focus on your workout, undisturbed by external noise, which is particularly beneficial in noisy gym environments.

There’s also an Ambient sound mode for when you want to amplify the background noise for maximum awareness.

Reliable Bluetooth

With reliable Bluetooth connectivity, you can enjoy a seamless, wireless workout experience without the hassle of tangled cords.

Why get the Sony WH-1000XM5 for working out?

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are a fantastic choice for fitness enthusiasts looking for a high-quality, feature-rich audio experience to complement their active lifestyle.

With their comfortable fit, excellent audio quality, and robust noise-canceling capabilities, they enhance any workout session, making them a worthwhile investment for those who prioritize sound and functionality in their fitness journey. Get all the details in our review.

Sony WH-1000XM5 review

Best Sweatproof Headphones for Working Out

2. Treblab Z7 Pro

If you’re a heavy sweater or want a pair for outside use, the Treblab Z7 Pro are the best sweatproof headphones we’ve tested – See review.

Sound: Pleasing but Lacks Detail

The Treblab Z7 Pro offers a balanced sound with boosted bass and smooth treble, similar to Apple AirPods Max in midrange tuning. While the sound is enjoyable, it lacks the finer details and dynamics, which might not satisfy audiophiles but is sufficient for a casual listener during workouts.

Comfort & Fit: Secure and comfortable

These headphones feature thick memory foam earpads and a lightweight body, ensuring comfort during extended use. Their tight clamping force keeps them securely on your head, making them suitable for vigorous workout sessions without the worry of them slipping off.

Durability: Sturdy with sweat resistance

Constructed primarily from plastic with an aluminum-reinforced headband, the Z7 Pro feels sturdy. They come with an IPX4 rating, making them sweat-resistant, so these are suitable for heavy sweaters and wearing outside in the rain.

Battery: Long-lasting

The Z7 Pro impresses with a battery life of nearly 40 hours, ensuring multiple workout sessions without the need for frequent charging. Fast charging capabilities add to the convenience, making them a reliable choice for fitness enthusiasts.

Features: Good, but no app

While offering essential features like ANC, transparency mode, and touch gestures, the absence of a companion app for sound customization is a drawback. The headphones work well overall, but the lack of customization options might be a limitation for some users.

Noise isolation and cancelling: Effective but not exceptional

The passive noise isolation is average, requiring activation of ANC for a more immersive experience. The ANC performs well for the price, effectively reducing low frequencies, which is beneficial in noisy gym environments.

Bluetooth: Reliable with advanced codecs

The inclusion of aptX and aptX HD codecs is a plus. The headphones support multipoint and show no noticeable audio lag, making them suitable for various multimedia uses in addition to workouts.

Should You Get Treblab Z7 Pro?

The Treblab Z7 Pro is a good choice for those seeking comfortable, well-built headphones with decent sound and effective ANC. They are particularly suited for fitness enthusiasts due to their secure fit and sweat resistance. However, the lack of sound customization might be a dealbreaker for some.

Treblab Z7 Pro review

Best Open Workout Headphones for Awareness

3. TOZO OpenReal

If you want to be aware of your surroundings, the TOZO OpenReal are the best open-ear headphones we’ve tested – See review.

Sound: Clear and balanced

TOZO OpenReal headphones offer a clear, full, and natural sound, especially after EQ adjustments. They are perfect for audiophiles who enjoy outdoor activities, delivering a balanced audio experience that doesn’t compromise on quality.

They’re great for listening to all music genres, as well as audiobooks and podcasts.

Comfort & fit: Ergonomic and stable

Designed with an ergonomic shape, these headphones provide rock-solid stability, making them ideal for vigorous workouts. They are comfortable to wear and compatible with bike helmets, ensuring they stay in place during any physical activity.

Durability: Robust and waterproof

They have a durable build with an IPX8 rating, ensuring complete water resistance. This feature makes them suitable for all kinds of sports, including activities where they get wet. You can even use them for swimming and showering.

Battery: Long-lasting performance

We tested the battery duration at 12 hours per charge. The headphones also support quick charging and come with a proprietary magnet charger. One charge easily lasts for multiple workouts, making them convenient for long activities.

Features: Functional but limited

The TOZO OpenReal offers features like a customizable audio equalizer and exceptional Bluetooth range. It lacks support for Bluetooth multipoint or Game mode. This limitation might affect users looking for more versatile headphones.

Noise Isolation: Adequate for outdoor use

These headphones provide good wind noise resistance, which is good for outdoor activities. However, they suffer from relatively audible sound leakage, which might be a concern in quieter environments. And there’s no noise cancelation for obvious reasons.

Bluetooth: Superior range

The TOZO OpenReal excels in Bluetooth connectivity with an outstanding indoor range of around 65 feet. This extended range is perfect for users who need to move around a lot during their workouts in a big gym.

Should you get TOZO OpenReal?

While they’re no the best choice for those who prioritize deep bass or need features like Bluetooth multipoint or gaming mode.

If you’re an active person who values high-quality sound and a stable fit, TOZO OpenReal is an excellent choice. They are particularly suited for outdoor runners and cyclists who need reliable, comfortable, and durable headphones.

TOZO OpenReal review

Best Gym Headphones Under $100

4. Soundcore Life Q30

If you prefer over-ear workout headphones under $100, the SoundCore Life Q30 are the best we’ve tested – See review.

Sound: Customizable and balanced

The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 have a sound profile that is initially boomy and muddy but becomes impressively neutral and balanced with EQ adjustments. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who want to tailor their listening experience to their workout intensity or music preference.

They’re suitable for all music genres but especially for modern bassy music. Hear the A/B sound test below:

Comfort & fit: Lightweight and secure

Despite their bulky appearance, the Life Q30 headphones are lightweight and provide a comfortable fit with plush memory foam earpads. Their stability during movement, even when running or jumping, makes them suitable for various workout activities.

During our head-shaking test, they stayed surprisingly secure on the head.

Durability: Sturdy with a protective case

Constructed mostly of plastic with an aluminum frame, the Life Q30 over-ear headphones are durable and come with a hard-shell carrying case for added protection.

However they lack sweat resistance, which might be a concern for intense workout sessions.

Battery: Exceptional

They excel in battery life. We tested it at over 44 hours per charge with active noise cancelation. And up to 60 hours of listening time without ANC.

The long battery life is ideal for extended workout sessions or for those who don’t want to charge their headphones frequently.

Features: Rich and user-friendly

Packed with features like active noise cancelation, ambient noise mode, a companion app with EQ, and good microphone quality, the Life Q30 provides a premium experience at an affordable price.

These features improve the workout experience and make the headphones suitable for daily listening outside a gym.

Noise isolation and cancelling: Effective with minor flaws

While the passive noise isolation is average, the active noise cancellation is great for the price. There are 3 different modes for various environments. They’re suitable for commuting and use in public.

Bluetooth: Superior connectivity

They have an excellent Bluetooth range with no audio stutters and with multipoint connectivity. This feature is beneficial if you want to stay connected to multiple devices, such as a phone and a laptop, without the hassle of re-pairing.

Should you get Anker Soundcore Life Q30 for exercising?

The Anker Soundcore Life Q30 over-ear headphones are an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts looking for quality, comfort, and versatility.

They are particularly suitable for those who value long battery life and customizable sound. However, they might not be the best option for users who prioritize a tight clamping force or need headphones with a higher IP rating (water resistance) for intense workouts.

Soundcore Life Q30 review

More top picks under $100:

• Best headphones under $100
• Best wired earbuds under $100
• Best wireless headphones under $100

Best On-Ear Workout Headphones

5. Adidas RPT-01

Adidas RPT-01 are the best on-ear workout headphones if you prefer a smaller body and washable padding.

The Adidas RPT-01 on-ear headphones are specifically designed for exercise enthusiasts, offering a combination of features and benefits that cater to active lifestyles.

Sound: Good for the price

The Adidas headphones have a bass-forward presentation that might sound overwhelming to some. However, punchy bass is excellent for working out, pumping the beat to finish your exercise.

While they won’t win awards for audio fidelity, they provide good audio quality that’s versatile enough for various music genres. However, they do have some limitations in clarity, which might affect the listening experience of more intricate music.

Comfort & fit: Snug but potentially tight

These headphones are designed with a tight fit to ensure they stay in place during vigorous activities. The earcups are covered in a sweat-wicking fabric, adding to the comfort during workouts. If you have small ears, you should find them comfy. The on-the-ear design uses enough clamp force to help headphones stay in place during workouts.

However, the snug fit might be uncomfortable for day-to-day use outside of exercise routines. It exerts a bit too much pressure on the skull.

Durability: Sweat-wicking and washable

They’re dressed in washable fabric that covers most of the headphones, so you can always keep them clean and fresh-smelling. This design choice adds to the longevity of the headphones by protecting them from moisture but also allows for easy maintenance, as both the earcups and the headband sleeve are detachable and machine washable.

Also, they have an IPX4 rating for sweat resistance and light water splashes. A note on design: there’s a reflective Adidas logo on the headband, which looks cool.

Battery: Long-lasting

One of the most impressive features of the RPT-01 is its battery life, which extends beyond 40 hours. Even though they’re small in size, you get a solid battery life with USB-C charging. The long battery life means less frequent charging, making the headphones a convenient choice for regular gym-goers.

Features: Basic

The headphones come with basic features like USB-C charging and an action button on each earcup for voice assistant activation or playlist control.

The control nub allows for easy track skipping, pausing music, or adjusting volume. Additionally, the Adidas Headphones app provides more control over the sound with a full equalizer and sound presets.

Noise Isolation: Moderate

They have moderate noise isolation, primarily due to their tight earcup fit. However, there’s no active noise cancelation (ANC), which means that in noisy environments like gyms, you might need to increase the volume.

Bluetooth: Standard Connectivity

The RPT-01 have an average Bluetooth range of around 30ft (10m) and provide reliable wireless connectivity for exercise.

Should you get Adidas RPT-01? for working out?

They are an excellent choice for those who prioritize a secure fit and durability for exercise. Their sound quality, battery life, and practical features make them a solid option for fitness enthusiasts. However, they might not be the best choice for those looking for all-day comfort or advanced features like ANC.

Top deals today:

Best Sweatproof Workout Headphones Under $100

6. Treblab Z2

If you’re looking for affordable full-sized gym headphones with a sweatproof body, the Treblab Z2 are the best we’ve tested – See review.

Sound: Bass-heavy, enhanced with ANC

The Treblab Z2 headphones offer a sound profile that appeals to bass lovers, with the ability to become brighter and more detailed when active noise cancellation (ANC) is turned on.

Without noise canceling, the sound is quite bassy and warm but lacks detail. With ANC, the sound signature becomes more balanced and detailed. However, the bass is almost completely gone. For bassy options, see the best bass headphones.

Comfort & fit: Lightweight and stable

With soft pleather ear pads and a lightweight design, the Z2 headphones provide a comfortable fit, ideal for long workout sessions.

Their clamping force is loose enough to prevent discomfort but secure enough to stay in place during activities like running or rope jumping. They stayed secure during our head-shaking test and they’re suitable for running too.

Durability: Robust with sweatproof body

Their build quality feels nice, with a hard plastic body that has a soft, premium finish. The design is quite understated yet trendy, so they don’t look weird on your head.

They’re mostly plastic with an aluminum frame and feel decent in hands. They come with an IPX4 rating, making them sweatproof and suitable for intense workouts and use outside in the rain.

Battery: Long-lasting for extended use

The Z2 boasts an impressive 35-hour battery life, ensuring they last through multiple workout sessions without the need for frequent charging. This long battery life is a significant advantage for those who spend a lot of time at the gym or outdoors. One charge lasts for many workouts.

Features: Practical and user-friendly

Equipped with physical buttons for easy navigation, aptX codec support, and a 3.5mm port for wired listening, they are practical and user-friendly. Their simple control scheme is particularly useful when exercising, as it allows for hassle-free operation.

But there’s no app or equalization or any customization options. So, while they’re great for the gym, they aren’t the best for daily listening.

Noise Isolation and cancellation: Effective passive isolation & decent ANC

They provide great noise isolation thanks to their soft and plush ear cups, which effectively seal off external noise.

This feature is beneficial for maintaining focus during workouts, although the ANC performance is average at best. So, if you want to reduce a lot of background noise, these aren’t the best.

Bluetooth: Adequate wireless coverage

While the Bluetooth 5.0 coverage is average, the inclusion of aptX support ensures a better audio and video experience. This is particularly useful for those who like to watch workout videos or listen to music without worrying about audio lag.

Should you get Treblab Z2 for activity?

The Treblab Z2 headphones are a great choice for active people looking for comfortable, sweatproof over-ear workout headphones for an affordable price.

However, they might not be the best option for those who prioritize advanced ANC performance or more customization options.

Treblab Z2 review

Honorable Mentions

7. Shokz OpenRun Pro

8. Apple AirPods Max

How We Test

We evaluate headphones on 9 decision-making categories, combining technical measurements with real-world user experiences to assess their overall performance. Read more in our testing and scoring methodology.

To pick the recommendations for headphones suitable for working out, we primarily focused on fit security during movement, build suitability for active use and audio quality.

What to Look for in Workout Headphones

Let’s be honest. Most headphones are NOT suited for working out.

You need to look for specific features. Ask yourself these questions:

• How will they fit during a workout?
• Are they sweat-resistant?
• How durable are they?
• Wireless or wired?
• Do I want good noise isolation or better awareness?
• How is the sound quality?
• What’s the minimum battery life I need? (if wireless)

To learn why asking this is an important factor, check the explanations below.

How will they fit during a workout?

You want a fit that is suitable for working out. For over-ear headphones, it’s important they stay secure when moving your head or lying down on a bench to do bench presses.

Look for stronger clamping force and an adjustable headband to ensure a tight fit. Pick smaller headphones over bigger ones.

Are they sweat-resistant?

You want resistance to moisture…

• When you’re pushing yourself and sweating heavily.
• If working outside and getting caught in the rain.

Sweat can ruin your headphones if you’re not careful.

If you mainly workout inside and don’t sweat profusely, then you can get away with headphones that have no water resistance. But if you exercise outside, in the rain, or sweat excessively, then IPX4 sweatproof headphones are a better pick. In-depth IPX explanation here.

Keep in mind, just because the manufacturer says the headphones are waterproof, it doesn’t mean you can shower with them.

If you don’t know, it’s better not to try it. We’ve made a guide for the best waterproof Bluetooth headphones that are suitable for showering.

How durable are they?

Build quality is an essential factor.

If you’re a regular gym-goer, you’ll be using your headphones quite a lot. Picking a well-built product that doesn’t break after a couple of months will save you money in the long run. Perfect gym headphones have to sustain hits and bumps without suffering damage.

In this guide, we recommend only better-quality workout headphones with lower failure rates.

Wireless or Wired?

For working out, wireless headphones are the most popular. They offer a better overall experience and convenience.

Here are the benefits and flaws of wireless workout headphones.

You can put your iPhone or Android smartphone somewhere in the gym, connect to it, and start working out.

If you’re exercising outside, you can put your phone in a pocket and never worry about pulling on wires.

The single issue with wireless headphones is the battery.

• It needs constant charging
• It adds weight
• Is prone to deterioration

Thankfully, the new wireless headphones last for 30+ hours, and many support quick charging. If you don’t mind charging the battery, wireless headphones are the way to go.

When to get wired workout headphones?

On the plus side, wired sports headphones are usually cheaper and more reliable.

In case you aren’t working out too intensely and have a 3.5mm audio device (many new smartphones don’t have the AUX), then wired workout headphones are a solid choice.

We advise to wire the cable under your shirt or behind your back. That way, it doesn’t dangle right in front of you.

In the end, it comes to personal preference. Overall, wireless headphones have become excellent. Thus they easily out-compete the wired competition.

Do I want good noise isolation or better awareness?

Reducing ambient noise is great for:

• When you don’t want to be bothered by external sounds (like noisy gym music, traffic noise, etc.).
• When you don’t want other people to hear your music, which might be embarrassing.

To block the maximum amount of background noise, check the best noise-isolating headphones.

On the other hand, good situational awareness is critical in situations like running in the city. Being aware of your surroundings can save you from injury.

In this case, get open headphones that let through all the background noise.

How is the sound quality?

Audio quality that gets you going. Most people aren’t criticaly listening to music during a workout. They just want a fun, enjoyable sound, preferably with a stronger bass response for extra motivation.

You’re not going to hear the details due to heavy breathing anyways. Get a pair that has good sound, and don’t fret about not sounding as good as the latest audiophile cans.

Most people prefer boosted bass for exercising because it gives them rhythm and motivation.

Most of the Bluetooth workout headphones in this guide have a bass-emphasized sound signature. Also, many come with an equalizer that makes it easy to change the sound to what you want (those at a higher price tag).

What’s the minimum battery life I need? (if wireless)

Workout headphones need to have enough power to get you through at least a couple of workouts.

The good thing is that, nowadays, many can surpass that duration. Better models can last up to 40 hours with ANC, while it’s reasonable to expect over 20 hours from most.

More related guides:

• Best waterproof Bluetooth headphones

Are Over-Ear Headphones Good for Gym?

Over-ear headphones are good for working out in a gym if you lift weights and cardio. Any more intensive exercise where you move quickly and with force can make your headphones lose the fit.

The majority of exercises in a gym are light or moderate in intensity, so over-ear headphones are suitable.

If you exercise in positions with the head down or moving haphazardly, then smaller workout earbuds are a better fit.

Is it better to work out with earbuds or headphones?

Which type of headphones is better for you depends on your exercise type and intensity.

Here’s a comparison between headphones and earbuds for working out:

Pros & cons of over-ear workout headphones

Pros & cons of workout earbuds

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions