How to Train for a Half Marathon | Running Tips for Your First Half Marathon | Best Half Marathons | Long-Distance Running Shoes | Running Socks | Running Water Bottles | Running Backpacks | Running Belts | Wireless Earbuds for Running | Garmin Fitness Watches
Music plays a significant role in any exercise regimen for motivation, so the headphones you use can be just as integral to your cardio workout as your running shoes.
The best wireless earbuds for running should stay in place, be resistant to sweat and water damage, have superior sound quality, and boast a robust battery life that can keep up with you during your longest runs.
If you are in the market for the best earbuds for running—earbuds that not only enhance your running experience but perform well, too—you have landed in the right place.
The ACTIVE Reviews Team has reviewed the top seven pairs of earbuds available online and provided a breakdown of the most important factors to keep in mind while you search.
Why Trust Us?
The ACTIVE Reviews Team is made up of fitness experts that include athletes, coaches, and certified trainers who bring years of knowledge and experience to each review. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
The Best Earbuds for Running - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Wireless Earbuds for Running: Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
- Best Cheap Wireless Earbuds for Running: Anker Soundcore Life P2 True Wireless Earbuds
- Best Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds for Running: Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds
- Best Budget Wireless Earbuds for Running: JLab Go Air Pop
- Best Fitting Wireless Earbuds for Running: SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds Pro
- Best Women's Wireless Earbuds for Running: Apple AirPods Pro
- Best Men's Wireless Earbuds for Running: Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds
Best Overall Wireless Earbuds for Running – Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
SPECS
- Charging: Fast charging
- Battery life: 9 hours
- Battery life w/ case: 24 hours
- Water/sweat rating: IPX4
- Personal assistant: Siri, voice assistant compatibility on Android devices
- Active noise cancellation: Yes
Made for movement, the Powerbeats Prosrank as the best overall wireless earbuds for their ability to move with you, regardless of whether you're running or lying in bed. The Powerbeats Pros come equipped with a reinforced design, making them both sweat and water-resistant. The adjustable, secure-fit ear hooks help you customize the buds to fit your unique ear shape and ensure they'll stay in place no matter what type of terrain you're training on.
If you're preparing for a long-distance race, you'll be happy to know these buds can last for up to nine hours. Independent earbud connection also allows you to use one earbud or both, depending on the traffic around you, as some running routes might require you to keep an ear out for noises. You can also adjust the sound via the built-in controls on the earbuds themselves. And for those looking for tunnel vision on their run, the Powerbeats Pros eliminate all background noise by detecting speech with the motion and speech accelerometer.
What We Like
- High-quality sound and noise isolation
- Ear hooks secure them in place
- Sweat- and water-resistant
- 1.5 hours of listening time from 5-min. charge
What We Don't Like
- Higher price point
BUY: Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
Best Cheap Wireless Earbud for Running – Anker Soundcore Life P2 True Wireless Earbuds
SPECS
- Charging: Average
- Battery life: 7 hours
- Battery life w/ case: 40 hours
- Water/sweat rating: IPX7
- Personal assistant: Siri, Google Assistant
- Active noise cancellation: Yes
For runners on a budget, shelling out $250 on earbuds isn't ideal regardless of how great they may be for running. That's why we chose the Soundcore Life P2 earbuds as the most affordable choice for running enthusiasts. Like most wireless earbuds, the Soundcore Life P2 comes with a clamshell charging case that is easy to slip into your pocket and go. As for the battery life, these buds can last up to 40 hours when charged in the case and up to 7 hours when not.
One-step pairing allows the earbuds to remember the last paired device. You can also use the buttons on the earbuds to access personal assistant capabilities—a longer press gives the user access to Siri or Google Assistant as well as answering, rejecting, and ending a phone call. Its BassUp technology promotes better sound quality, ensuring a seamless transmission between your device and the earbuds. Plus, these buds are waterproof, making them an excellent choice for outdoor runs.
What We Like
- Affordable price
- Long battery life
- Great water resistance
- Noise-canceling
- Can use one earbud at a time
What We Don't Like
- Earbud fit isn't very adjustable
BUY: Anker Soundcore Life P2 True Wireless Earbuds
Best Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbuds for Running – Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds
SPECS
- Charging: Average; 2 hours for full earbuds and case charge
- Battery life: 6 hours
- Battery life w/ case: 12 hours
- Water/sweat rating: IPX4
- Personal assistant: Siri, Google Assistant
- Active noise cancellation: Yes
If you love nothing more than to tune out the world and take off for a run, the Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds are right up your alley. Pick from two different noise-canceling modes based on where you're running: Quiet Mode completely cancels all noise, while Aware Mode allows you to stay more alert to your surroundings while minimizing loud sounds. These features help you stay safer on your run, too, by allowing you to stay more alert to outside noise.
Another feature we love about these buds is their comfortable material. Soft silicone coats every surface of the bud that touches your ear, plus when you start moving, its proprietary StayHear Max tips design keeps the earbuds in place. This focus on comfort makes these earbuds ideal for longer runs—nothing is worse than your ears starting to grow sore from the uncomfortable feeling of wearing earbuds for a bit. These tips also come in three sizes, enabling you to find the right fit for your ear.
The earbuds are controlled by intuitive taps and swipes, allowing you to change the volume, flip between different noise-canceling modes, and answer calls. When you are finished listening to them, simply pop the earbuds out, and they'll automatically pause your music by sensing movement.
What We Like
- Top-notch noise cancellation tech
- Sweat- and water-resistant
- Extremely durable and well-made
- Keeps track of the last 7 devices paired
- Signal extends within 30 ft of paired device
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Larger than average charging case
- Charge doesn't last as long as other earbuds
BUY: Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Best Budget Wireless Earphones for Running – JLab Go Air Pop
SPECS
- Charging: Average
- Battery life: 8+ hours
- Battery life w/ case: 32+ hours
- Water/sweat rating: IPX4
- Personal assistant: Google Assistant and Siri
- Active noise cancellation: No
The JLab Go Air Pop earbuds prove that good things can come in small packages. With a compact case and budget-friendly price point of just $20, these earbuds are ideal for runners looking for an affordable, lightweight option. They come with 32 hours of charge—when charged within the case—which makes them a great option for long-distance training. Additionally, intuitive touch sensors allow you to access the personal assistant mechanism with ease.
Dual connect also lets you use the earbuds independently or together, and three different sound options allow you to customize the type of sound quality you want. For runners looking for a quality earbud without the high expense, the JLab Go Air Pop earbuds are our top choice.
What We Like
- Super affordable
- Sweat- and water-resistant
- Longer than average battery life
- Compact charging case
What We Don't Like
- No noise cancelation
- Sound quality isn't the best
Best Fitting Wireless Earbuds for Running – Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro
SPECS
- Charging: Fast charging
- Battery life: 5 hours with ANC, 8 hours with ANC turned off
- Battery life w/ case: 18 hours with ANC, 28 hours with ANC turned off
- Water/sweat rating: IPX7
- Personal assistant: Google Assistant
- Active noise cancellation: Yes
Are you looking for the best fit? The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro comes with three different tip options (small, medium, and large), helping you find the right fit for your ears. With its unique Intelligent ANC (Active Noise Canceling) tech, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro lets you seamlessly switch between noise-canceling mode and adjustable ambient sound mode. Meaning, that you can allow some outside noise or block it out entirely. You can also use the personal assistant to detect how much battery you have left, though chances are you won't have to be too concerned with the battery life. With ANC turned on, you get 18 hours of battery life when charged in the case. However, with ANC turned off, you get up to 28 hours of battery, making these earbuds a foolproof fit for marathon running or training.
And if you're someone who struggles to keep track of their wireless earbuds, you can utilize the SmartThings app to find them. They'll emit a beep so you can find your earbuds in your home, or if you're worried that you left them somewhere else, use the Offline finding option to track down the last location you used them. Technology for the win!
What We Like
- High-quality sweat and water resistance
- Excellent Noise Cancellation tech
- Feel premium yet lightweight
- Comes with an app to help you track earbuds if lost
What We Don't Like
- Struggles with software on iPhones
Best Women's Wireless Earbuds for Running – Apple Airpods Pro
SPECS
- Charging: Average, 2 hours for full earbuds and case charge
- Battery life: 4.5 hours
- Battery life w/ case: 24 hours
- Water/sweat rating: IPX4
- Personal assistant: Google Assistant, Siri
- Active noise cancellation: Yes
The Apple Airpods Pro earbuds are a top-rated option for female runners due to their sleek minimalism and lightweight design featuring three different soft silicone tips to find the size that fits. The earbuds also feature an extended mesh microphone port which improves call clarity in windier environments or when you need to talk during your run.
Another feature that makes these earbuds especially suited to women is the ability to personalize them through Apple's official site. Engrave a mix of emojis, numbers, names, and initials onto your AirPods. Most importantly, the noise-canceling, water-resistance, and long battery life of up to 24 hours (when charged with the case) make the AirPods a top choice for fitness-minded women on the go.
What We Like
- Sleek and elegant design
- Weightless fit
- Noise-canceling ability
- Easily pairs with other Apple devices
What We Don't Like
- Higher price tag
Best Men's Wireless Earbuds for Running – Sony WF - 1000XM4 Earbuds
SPECS
- Charging: Fast charging
- Battery life: 8 hours
- Battery life w/ case: 24 hours
- Water/sweat rating: IPX4
- Personal assistant: Google Assistant, Siri
- Active noise cancellation: Yes
The Sony WF 1000xm4 earbuds offer several features that make them a modern and savvy option for male runners. They come in black or light gray with rose gold accents and a small, compact case for stowing it in your pocket with ease. Noise-canceling, the Sony earbuds use special noise isolation tips to block extraneous noises and a pausing function that detects conversations. And for outdoor runs, the Automatic Wind Noise feature detects and suppresses any distracting wind noises.
These earbuds also use an ergonomic surface design to better adhere to your ears for a comfier fit. Keep in mind that these earbuds come in at a higher price point of nearly $300, so if you're a runner on a budget, you might want to opt for a more affordable pair.
What We Like
- Simple, reliable touch controls
- Sweat- and water-resistant
- Snug ear fit
- Large range of controls without using an app or connected device
- Advanced noise-canceling features
What We Don't Like
- More expensive than other options
- Ear tips can degrade over time
Are Wireless Earbuds Worth It?
You might be wondering—are wireless earbuds worth the investment? We've summarized some of the benefits of owning wireless earbuds below.
Comfort
It's all about comfort when searching for the right gear as a runner. And the clear benefit to wireless earbuds is in the name: no more wires getting in the way. Your range of motion can become limited with wired earbuds or headsets, however, with wireless earbuds, you can perform a wide range of high-intensity movements (jump squats, sprints, etc.) without worrying about your headphones falling off or getting tangled. And because wireless earbuds are smaller, you almost forget you're wearing anything at all. Lastly, the compact nature of these earbuds makes them comfortable to wear when working out.
Minimalist Look
Wireless earbuds tuck neatly into your ears, maintaining a minimalist look. You don't have to worry about big, bulky headphones getting in the way of your hair or your workout. Wireless earbuds have a simple design that enables you to listen to music without crowding your headspace.
Lightweight
For runners especially, it's crucial that any device you carry with you is lightweight and doesn't weigh you down during your workout. Wireless earbuds are also very portable, making them an excellent choice for runners or hikers who navigate various terrains. Most come with compact charging cases as well so that they can be easily stowed in your pocket when not in use.
What to Look for When Buying Wireless Earbuds
So, now that you are convinced that a new pair of wireless earbuds are a worthy purchase, we've compiled a list of our top four factors to consider before clicking "buy" on that pair of earbuds.
Battery Life
For those who participate in long-distance running or training—marathon runners, we're looking at you—extended battery life is crucial for your earbuds. Most wireless earbuds come with a battery life of at least 8 hours from a single charge and up to 40 hours when charged inside its case. Consider what your battery life needs are before browsing the different earbud options.
Extra features
Some runners like to take calls or check-in with family and friends when out for a longer period. In this case, having a call feature is essential for some. Some earbuds also come with a personal assistant functionality, like Siri or Google Assistant. If you're someone who doesn't like to hear extraneous noise when working out, a noise-canceling feature may be of interest to you. For outdoor or bad weather runs, water resistance is an important feature. It's also helpful to know which features are important to you and how much you're willing to spend on extra features.
Cost
While some cardio enthusiasts are okay with paying over $200 for quality earbuds, other runners might find that unrealistic. If that sounds like you, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available. Wireless earbuds can range from as affordable as $20 to as expensive as nearly $300. Also, know that wireless earbuds with more high-tech features tend to cost more, but keep in mind that you're paying for top-notch sound and durability. Luckily, many earbuds fall somewhere in the middle of this price spectrum.
Fit
While a pair of earbuds may have great sound quality, they may not fit your ears the way you'd like. Be sure to check whether different ear tip options come packaged with the earbuds you buy. You'll regret buying a set of earbuds that easily fall out of your ears.
Not to mention, a bad set of earbuds starts to hurt your ears after a bit of repeated use. Find a pair that adjusts to the shape of your ear instead of imposing its own into yours.
For the best experience, we recommend purchasing earbuds with ear tips made from materials that nestle gently in your ear hole. Plastics tips are more durable but come at the expense of comfort. Consider earbuds with rubber or foam tips.
FAQs About Wireless Earbuds
Do wireless earbuds fall out when running?
Initial releases paid little attention to how securely the earbuds fit inside your ear, but today wireless earbuds fit more snugly. The best way to ensure your earbuds will stay in place while running is to select a pair that fits nicely into your ear. Look for options that come with different tip sizes or some other kind of adjustability. The goal is to be able to take them on the bumpiest of terrains without worrying about them falling out and getting lost.
Are wireless earbuds easy to lose?
Despite the numerous conveniences of owning wireless earbuds, they are notoriously easy to misplace or lose because each earbud is small and not connected to anything. To minimize the risk of losing your wireless earbuds, we recommend bringing the charging case along with you on your run. Another option is to find a pair of earbuds that connect to a tracking app (similar to Find my iPhone for Apple users). While this technology typically costs more, it can be worth it in the long run, should you misplace your earbuds.
Which wireless earbuds are best for running?
Earbuds that strike a good balance between comfort, sweat resistance, noise cancelation, and handsfree usage are the best overall for running. However, the best wireless earbuds for running will be which option works best for your workout regimen and lifestyle.
How to Train for a Half Marathon | Running Tips for Your First Half Marathon | Best Half Marathons | Long-Distance Running Shoes | Running Socks | Running Water Bottles | Running Backpacks | Running Belts | Wireless Earbuds for Running | Garmin Fitness Watches
About the Author
For the past 13 years, Erin Chancer has worked in digital publishing in the fitness and sports nutrition field. Erin has experience writing and editing workout-based, human interest, and advertorial stories within the fitness industry.
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