Earbuds, earphones, in-ear headphones, whatever you call them, these are the best for working out.
| Rating | Price | Water protection | Connection | Battery (charging) | Mic & Controls | More info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jabra Elite Active 75t Best overall  | 4.3 | Under $150 | IP57 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 7 hours, 20h in case (USB-C) |  | |
| Beats PowerBeats Pro Best bass  | 4.6 | Under $250 | IPX4 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 11 hours, 24h in case (Lightning) |  | |
| Jaybird Vista Best sound  | 4.4 | Under $180 | IPX7 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 6 hours, 10h in case (USB-C) |  | |
| Bose Sport Earbuds Best Bose  | 4.5 | Under $170 | IPX4 | Bluetooth 5.1 | 5 hours, 10h in case (USB-C) |  | |
| EarFun Free Pro Budget noise cancelling  | 4.6 | Under $60 | IPX5 | Bluetooth 5.2 | +8 hours, 25h in case (USB-C & Qi Wireless) |  | |
| AfterShokz Aeropex Best bone conduction  | 4.6 | Under $160 | IP67 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 8 hours (proprietary) |  | |
| Jlab Audio Jbuds Air Best under $50  | 4.2 | Under $40 | IP55 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 5.5 hours, 15h in case (Micro-USB) |  | |
| TaoTronics SoundLiberty 92 Best classic earphones  | 4.4 | Under $40 | IPX8 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 5 hours, 20h in case (USB-C) |  | |
| Aukey EP-T32 Best value  | 4.1 | Under $40 | IPX8 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 7 hours, 28h in case (USB-C & Qi Wireless) |  | |
| iTeknic IK-BH001 Best battery  | 4.2 | Under $30 | IPX7 | Bluetooth 5.0 | 24 hours (Micro-USB) |  |
Workout buds are compact and convenient for use on the move due to their small size. For this reason, many people choose them to wear for gym sessions and other activities.
We’ve compared the best workout earbuds in this guide. You’ll find top choices for everything from weightlifting to running.
The options on the list all have features you should expect from best workout headphones, like water-protection, stable fit that doesn’t annoy you, and enjoyable sound.
Everyone’s workout needs are slightly different, so take a look at the top 10 options we recommend. You’re likely to find good choices for you.
Key Features of Earbuds for Working Out
Looking for great earbuds for working out is not just about finding the top earbuds on the market.
You need to think about your workout, and the strain it will put on the buds.
Features you may not care about on the train or at home might be very important for your workout.
Stability
If your wireless buds are keep falling out of your ears, they’re pretty useless for workouts. It’s also extremely frustrating.
Imagine you are on an elliptical trainer, your heart rate is going up and you need all of your limbs. If your earbuds keep falling out, then you will have to stop the exercise to put them back in. That’s super annoying.
Manufacturers of workout headphones know that it’s key that the buds stay in your ear throughout. A winged design which molds to fit inside your ear, or a hooked design that hooks around the back of your ear, are great for combating this.
Earbuds are usually better for workouts than on-ear headphones due to better stability.
Durability
Slightly different to stability. They need to be durable, too. This means they can stand up to regular sweaty use.
When you’re running or in the gym, there’s a chance they’ll have to cope with a lot of movement, being stored in a gym bag and more. Nobody wants buds that will break at the first sign of trouble.
Waterproof Protection (or at least sweat-resistant)
If you don’t sweat when you exercise, you’re probably not doing it right. The best earbuds for working out have been made with this in mind. IPX (waterproof rating) will tell you how waterproof the headphones are. About IPX4 and upwards is sweat-resistant.
Noise Isolation
This isolation feature is a big thing for a gym-goer since it allows you to drown out the gym noise and focus on your workout.
Don’t mistake active noise cancelling earbuds, that actively cancel sound waves in the ear, with passive noise isolating that physically block external sounds. More info about the difference here.
If you plan to work out in a gym or another busy location, then blocking out ambient noise is the way to go. Pick earbuds with longer or foam ear tips for best results.
However, if you need to hear noise such as traffic for your safety, then get earbuds with less noise isolation.
Wireless or Wired?
Do you need wireless workout headphones or will a wired option do?
Obviously, wires get in the way. If you’re using equipment in the gym, this can be particularly annoying. Many people like to tuck their wires under their clothes, but this can cause chaffing.
Instead of wireless earbuds, which don’t have a cable leading to the device, you can opt for true wireless buds (TWS). These have no wires at all.
TWS buds can be convenient, but it’s even more important that you find a stable option that will stick in the ears.
Battery Life
If you are going wireless, think about battery, too. This is one of the few downsides to having wireless functionality. The longer your battery, the better.
Also, think about other features and functionality such as whether they have a quick-charge capability. Great for people who forget often.
Best Workout Earbuds
1. Jabra Elite Active 75t
Best overall 
Overall best workout earbuds.
Active 75t’s are the best workout earbuds right now (in our opinion).
Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 
Driver size: 6mm 
Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz - Reliably stable during movement
- Comfortable for hours thanks to smart ergonomics
- Fully waterproof with IP57 (IPX7)
- Great sound quality with equalization
- HearThrough awareness mode (useful for runners, cyclists…)
- Competitive battery life at 7 hours per charge (+20h in case)
- Perfectly designed physical controls
- High build quality
- Tiny soundstage (all sounds come from the middle of your head)
- Pricier than most alternatives
- Only right earbud can be used as mono
The Elite Active 75t have a bass-heavy sound. Additionally, you can equalize it with the Sound+ app (it also offers other options like find my earbuds and searching for software update).
As the most versatile earbuds that you can use in a loud gym or playing basketball, the Jabra Elite Active 75t make the top choice.
The buds block the ambient noise with an effective in-ear design, but you’re also able to hear your surroundings by activating HearThrough mode. Those microphones are also helping with good call quality.
They provide a secure fit and are comfortable to wear for hours. Add a generous 7-hour battery life with quick charging, and you’ll understand why these are so popular.
You can expose them to dust and water thanks to the highest yet IP57 protection.
As the best workout earbuds, the Jabra Elite Active 75t make for a great choice. You can opt for Jabra Elite 75t, which are slightly cheaper.
2. Beats PowerBeats Pro
Best bass 
The best workout earbuds if you like powerful bass.
Beats made superb workout earbuds that sound great, and provide an outstanding stability.
Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 
Driver size: 12mm 
Frequency range: n/a - Deep, punchy bass that energizes modern music (slight V-shaped signature)
- Great battery life with quick charging (we got over 11 hours out of them)
- Perfect stability for working out
- High build-quality and nice materials
- Sweatproof, but can’t be submerged
- They get slightly uncomfortable after 30 minutes
- Pricey
- Large charging case
- No way to turn them off without the charging case
- Mids sound a bit subdued
This time around, the sound is very controlled and enjoyable to listen to. The midrange is slightly reduced, while the treble shows a significant amount of sparkle.
Construction on these is of high-quality. Housing is made from hard plastic, with a matte black finish and ear hook design. The latter work exceptionally well at providing stability during movement.
While you can’t wash them under a tap, they have no problem with excess sweat (IPX4 certification makes them sweat proof).
Even if your workout routines are incredibly long, PowerBeats Pro come with 11 hours of battery life per single charge. To make their longevity even better, you get an additional 24 hours inside the case, while the ear buds themselves can quick charge.
Beats headphones are usually bassy. The same goes for the PowerBeats Pro, which have powerful, rumbling low-end with good sub-bass extension (that’s why they’re among the best bass earbuds).
3. Jaybird Vista
Best sound 
Best workout earbuds that sound great.
There are many well-built earbuds, but only one has passed a military standard of ruggedness.
Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 
Driver size: 6mm 
Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz - Comfortable fit
- Excellent stability, even with small ear fins
- Good Bluetooth 5.0 connection
- Robust build quality
- IPX7 rating and MIL-STD-810G standard
- Superb sound quality (after EQ)
- Proprietary silicone ear tips
- Treble stays grainy, even after EQ
- Annoying notifications when opening the app
Right out from the box, it might disappoint you with its harsh midrange and messy treble. Changing the EQ inside the app makes them completely different earbuds. We managed to change their sound to almost neutral levels, while still retaining punchy bass.
From the unboxing to the user experience, Jaybird Vista are a very premium-feeling in-ear sport headphones. Earbuds themselves are similar in build and finish, but with extra silicone wing tips and ear fins for improved stability.
Despite the shallow seal, they isolate reasonably well and remain comfortable for long listening sessions. You can continuously monitor the 6-hour battery with your phone. The charging case gives another 10 hours of juice.
Vista’s are prepared for the majority of real-world situations. They have a water-resistant rating of IPX7 and military standard MIL-STD-810G, which makes them shockproof.
They might not be a “plug and play” type of workout earbuds, but after some tweaking, they are incredible.
4. Bose Sport Earbuds
Best Bose 
Best workout earbuds from Bose.
Connection: Bluetooth 5.1 
Driver size: n/a 
Frequency range: n/a - Exceptional fit and comfort
- Great audio quality with controlled bass
- Massive soundstage (for an in-ear headphone)
- Sweatproof housing with an IPX4 rating
- Support for Bluetooth 5.1
- Good passive noise isolation
- A barebones mobile application without EQ
- Somewhat average battery life
- Lack of extra customizations
Bose knows how to make a refined yet punchy sound profile that makes gym-goers happy. While the whole frequency spectrum is clean and detailed, the bass stands out. It’s controlled and packs a good slam, making every song much more exciting.
Thanks to big wing fins that latches into your ears, Bose Sport Earbuds provide great stability, no matter how hard you shake your head during movement. Note that their bulkiness can produce wind noise.
They’re comfortable to wear. Ear tips rest in front of the ear canal, and while that hurts overall isolation, you can wear these for hours without noticing them.
Sweat is completely harmless due to an IPX4 rating, whereas Bluetooth 5.1 ensures optimal connection quality. With up to five hours of battery life in the earbuds and another 10 hours in the charging case, you can use it for an entire day or two.
Earbuds can also connect with a companion app that after some firmware updates received many useful features.
5. EarFun Free Pro
Budget noise cancelling 
Great workout earbuds with active noise cancellation on a budget.
Connection: Bluetooth 5.2 
Driver size: Dual composite dynamic 
Frequency range: n/a - Excellent sound quality for the price
- Natural, dynamic audio performance
- Punchy bass with good extension
- Great comfort and stability
- Stable connection with Bluetooth 5.2
- Long battery life
- Many useful extra features
- Decent active noise cancelling effectiveness
- … but not the best ambient mode
- No mobile app or built-in EQ presets
- Flimsy charging case
These tiny true wireless earbuds surprises with good dynamics and air across the frequency response. For the price point, the sound is excellent.
The bass is punchy and outputs rumble when a song demands it, whereas the midrange portrays vocals and instruments like snare drums naturally.
Once in your ears, Free Pro earbuds lock safely in there thanks to ear fins. Due to design and 4 different sizes of ear tips that go deep into the ear canal, these shouldn’t fall out, even during exercise.
Their IPX5 rating means they can easily repel sweat, while noise cancellation ensures you don’t get distracted from the outside world.
They establish a reliable connection via the latest Bluetooth 5.2. Touch commands aren’t remappable, but they offer a wide array of commands, even volume control.
On top of that, their pocketable case supports Qi wireless charging and can store up to 25 hours of battery life. There are more than 8 hours packed inside the buds.
You can also check out another option for best noise cancelling earbuds.
6. AfterShokz Aeropex
Best bone conduction 
Best bone conduction earbuds.
Bone conducting technology leaves your ears clear to the environment, great for working out outdoors, where you have to hear ambient sound.
Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 
Driver size: Bone conduction transducer 
Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz - Stable fit for all types of sports
- Perfect environment awareness due to open-ear design
- Lightweight (almost 30% lighter than Air)
- Waterproof and dustproof (IP67)
- Good battery life (8 hours)
- Improved bass response from previous models
- Vibrating transducers might be annoying
- Sound quality is suffering (compared to regular earphones)
- Lack of bass
Once you’ve converted to bone-conducting, you may well love it. The sound fidelity is brilliant, with wide frequency response and a tailored bass boost (exceptional among the best bone conduction headphones).
But it falls short to regular headphones that have more and deeper bass.
AfterShokz is a top brand for this style of sports earbuds, and they have multiple patents. The Aeropex weigh only 26g, which is incredibly lightweight, but they still don’t compromise on features.
PremiumPitch 2+ is an improved technology in these latest earbuds for improved bass through bone vibration. Also, it lessens the vibration feel in your cheeks, which is annoying some people.
A titanium wrapped headband is designed to be extremely flexible and fit well on all sort of head shapes.
With IPX7 water-resistant design and a super secure fit, you can use them as a gym or running headphones.
For perfect awareness during your workout and good sound quality, check the bone-conducting AfterShokz Aeropex headphones.
Most Affordable Workout Earbuds
7. Jlab Audio Jbuds Air
Best under $50 
The best true wireless in-ears under $50 for working out.
Jlab Audio Jbuds Air are great true wireless headphones for a workout due to secure fit, excellent noise isolation, and enjoyable sound (for cheap buds).
Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 
Driver size: 8mm 
Frequency range: n/a - Good water protection IP55
- Stable fit suitable for sports
- User-friendly magnetic design
- Good sound quality for the price
- Annoying physical controls (Air Icon have touch controls)
- Can become uncomfortable after prolonged time for small ears
- Phone calls require the right earbud
Jbuds Air come with 3 EQ settings with decent sonic fidelity. These are cheap true wireless headphones, so the sound isn’t Hi-Fi but more than good enough for working out. Read more in the full review.
If you’re short on money but need dependable workout earbuds that don’t need to be exceptional in every way, but just good enough for an enjoyable gym experience, then these are it.
Sure, the battery is on the lower end with five hours, but most people don’t spend more time than 1.5 hours per workout. With the charging case, you get a week’s worth of workout music.
Moreover, solid noise isolation protects you from bad gym noise so that you can focus on your lifting. And, when you want to call your friends, you can do so hands-free with a built-in microphone.
IP55 rating also brings water and dust resistance. That is more than enough security for workout purposes.
8. TaoTronics SoundLiberty 92
Best classic earphones 
Best true wireless headphones for workouts at an affordable price tag.
If you don’t like in-ear headphones, you might want to check these classic earbuds instead. They’re built well, offer almost neutral sound, and come with an IPX8 rating.
Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 
Driver size: 13mm PU 
Frequency range: 20-20.000Hz - Comfortable and lightweight
- The fairly neutral sound signature
- Responsive touch controls
- 5-hour battery life on a single charge
- Good build quality
- IPX8 water-resistance
- Loose fit
- Poor noise isolation
TaoTronics SoundLiberty 92 review
Earbuds sound surprisingly full, with a decent bass punch, and relatively even response throughout the range. Treble is smooth to prevent sibilance.
92’s are a great AirPods replacement for just a fraction of the price. They come in sturdy-looking housing with a glossy finish. They’re somewhat chunky, but they fit well, considering the classic earphone design.
While their battery is pretty amazing for truly wireless in-ears of this type (5 hours per charge, with another 20 hours inside the charging case), the most impressive thing is their water-resistance rating.
IPX8 makes them submergible up to 3 meters, which might be overkill, but better safe than sorry.
TaoTronics SoundLiberty 92 are a great value if you like this type of earbuds (without ear tips). They’re comfortable and fun sounding.
TaoTronics SoundLiberty 92 review
9. Aukey EP-T32
Best value 
The best value workout earbuds.
Their ear hook design and bassy tuning makes them suitabe as sport headphones.
Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 
Driver size: 12mm 
Frequency range: n/a - Excellent comfort and stability thanks to ear hooks
- Reliable touch controls
- Extreme water protection (IPX8)
- Enjoyable, punchy sound
- Great Bluetooth stability and coverage
- Support for Qi wireless charging
- No multipoint support
- Subpar microphone quality
- Mediocre passive isolation due to shallower fit
The sub-bass elevation makes for an enjoyable listening experience, especially if you prefer more popular music genres. 12mm drivers produce a well-controlled bass response that doesn’t feel congested. The midrange and treble remain smooth and free of sibilance.
Their hooks make them an excellent choice for sports activities. Earbuds stay in place without causing discomfort.
EP-T32 come with an IPX8 rating, so you can even submerge them in water up to 1 meter without causing damage.
Aukey equipped these earbuds with an aptX Bluetooth codec, Qi-compatible case, and a proximity sensor that pauses or resumes the music playback as soon as you put them out of your ears.
Battery is more than long enough for a few days of use. You get 7 hours per charge, with an additional 28 hours in the case.
10. iTeknic BH001
Best cheap 
The best battery in wireless workout buds.
Connection: Bluetooth 5.0 
Driver size: n/a 
Frequency range: n/a - Best-in-class battery life (up to 24 hours)
- Comfortable and stable fit
- Cheap price
- Pleasant, balanced sound
- Big casing protruding out of the ears
- Not a lot of bass (more balanced)
Though not award-winning fidelity, the respectable sound, and decent frequency response are some of the plus points of these pair of headphones. It’s decent and should satisfy average users for music, audiobooks, and podcast listening.
It’s hard to believe that wireless headphones that are so affordable have an incredible battery life of 24 hours.
They’re pretty good at staying in your ears, and in spite of bigger earbud casings, the ear pieces don’t fall out often. The tight buds also do a good job of blocking noise.
Another impressive feature is that these are IPX7 water-resistant, which makes these great for exercise.
So, if you’re looking for cheap earbuds for working out that have a fantastic battery, you should consider these.
If you’re looking for amazing battery on a budget, consider the iTeknic BH001 wireless in-ears.
Honorable mentions
Jaybird X4: Earbuds are a great option for anyone who wants that extra level of control via an EQ app. Sound is still a key feature for workout headphones. (Jaybird X4 review)
Apple AirPods Pro: While they aren’t the most rock-solid in-ear gym headphones out there, they’re very popular among athletes with Apple devices (due to the H1 chip). They charge wirelessly or via Lightning cable, have a sweat resistance rating, and offer excellent call quality. (Apple AirPods Pro review)
JBL Under Armour Flash X: Durable sport earbuds are one of the most important workout essentials. These are built rock-solid with an IPX7 rating, making them water and sweat-resistant. (Check UE Flash X price)
Related:
How to Choose Earbuds for Working Out
There’s no way someone can recommend one set of earbuds for everyone. You need to consider your needs before you can make this choice.
What is Your Type of Earbuds?
Chances are you’ve decided on earbuds instead of on-ear headphones.
- In-ear headphones are lightweight and fit great
- On-ear headphones are the smaller type of “normal” headphones, but they aren’t suitable for fast movement
- Over-ear headphones aren’t good for exercise at all. They can be great for active noise canceling, and they can provide a full sound, but earbuds are usually far more convenient for exercise.
Buds are smaller, can comfortably fit with a wing or hook design, and aren’t likely to get in the way. Get more info on the subject of earbuds vs. headphones.
You can also check earbuds or on-ear headphones for workout guide.
Where are You Working Out?
Obviously, you can exercise in different places. However, it makes sense to base a lot of your decision on where you’ll be for most workouts.
- If you go to a noisy gym a lot, think about background noise isolation.
- If you exercise somewhere where there’s traffic, you need to hear it. So go for awareness instead of background noise isolation. For instance, bone conduction headphones don’t block your ear canals and let you be aware of your surroundings perfectly.
- If you exercise outside, even in the rain, waterproof functionality is a must for your buying decision.
- Running requires a more stable fit than just lifting weights in the gym. Ear wings and hooks help with stability.
What is Your Budget?
You don’t have to buy the best headphones, which are usually the most expensive options on the market. You can often get by with paying a lower price and getting a great value pair of headphones.
Here’s a general price range to consider:
- $100-$200: high-end workout headphones, wireless and true wireless
- $50-$100: mid-range where you can expect better value for money but fewer features and customization
- under $50: low-end sport earbuds that come with basic features
One exception are true wireless headphones. Budget models start at the $50-$100 range.
