The Best Headphones for Working Out (2024)

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Adrienne So

Gear

Rock your inner jock with a pair of durable, sweatproof headphones. Here are our favorites.

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Featured in this article

The Best Headphones for Working Out (3)

Best Overall

Jabra Elite 8 Active

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The Best Headphones for Working Out (4)

Best Cheap Buds

JLab Audio Go Air Sport

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The Best Headphones for Working Out (5)

Best On-Ears

Koss Porta Pro

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The Best Headphones for Working Out (6)

Best for Apple Lovers

Beats Fit Pro

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Luxurious over-the-ear headphones are plush and comfortable, and they sound great. But for most everyday activities—working out, traveling, and wandering around my house pretending to put things away—you probably want something much more convenient, durable, and yes, cheaper. Since I started testing these headphones years ago, their sound and comfort have improved dramatically. I trail run, hike, work on my yard, lift weights, and watch mildly embarrassing barre and yoga videos on my laptop, all while testing the best wireless workout headphones around.

If you like listening to music while scrambling up stony slopes or mowing your lawn, here are a bunch of WIRED's favorite pairs. We've worn and sweated on all of them. Don't see anything you like? Check out our Best Wirefree Earbuds, Best Cheap Headphones, Best Bluetooth Speakers, or any of our other buying guides for more.

Updated March 2024: We added the Koss Porta Pro, the Sony WH-CH720, the Bose Open Ear Ultra, the Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro, the 1More Fit Open, and the Oladance Sport. We added a section on how to pick headphones, and we updated links and pricing throughout.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

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Adrienne So is a senior associate reviews editor for WIRED, where she reviews consumer technology. She graduated from the University of Virginia with bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish, and she previously worked as a freelance writer for Cool Hunting, Paste, Slate, and other publications. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Senior Associate Reviews Editor

TopicsShoppingbuying guideswireless headphoneaudioworkoutExerciseHeadphones

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The Best Headphones for Working Out (2024)

FAQs

The Best Headphones for Working Out? ›

To endure sweat, headphones should have a rating of IPX4 or higher. The more punishing the workout, the higher the rating needed. Your headphones should be easy to use and have all the buttons you require, so you can put away your phone during workouts. For gym headphones, we prefer those that block out external noise.

What are the best headphones for working out? ›

The best headphones for working out in 2024, tested and reviewed
Best overallApple Beats Fit ProSEE IT
Best battery lifeJabra Elite 8 ActiveSEE IT
Best budgetsoundcore by Anker Sport X10SEE IT
Apr 9, 2024

Which earphones are best for gym? ›

All Reviews
ProductSports/FitnessStyle Type
Bose QuietComfort 45/QC45 Wireless7.5Over-ear
Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless7.5Over-ear
AKG N700NC M2 Wireless7.4Over-ear
Bowers & Wilkins Px8 Wireless7.4Over-ear
11 more rows
Mar 28, 2024

How to choose headphones for workout? ›

To endure sweat, headphones should have a rating of IPX4 or higher. The more punishing the workout, the higher the rating needed. Your headphones should be easy to use and have all the buttons you require, so you can put away your phone during workouts. For gym headphones, we prefer those that block out external noise.

Are headphones worth it for gym? ›

According to research, listening to your favorite music can lower your rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and help your workout feel easier. Let's face it, wearing headphones is a universal signal to not be bothered.

What is better for gym headphones or earphones? ›

Which one to wear during workout? If you're using audio gear during physical activities, the type of device matters for ear health. Earphones, due to their snug fit, are less likely to fall out during exercise. On the other hand, headphones might move around more, potentially causing irritation or discomfort.

Are over ear headphones better for gym? ›

On or over-the-ear

They tend to be bulky in size and don't stay put. That said, the outer-ear headphones have the best fidelity (sound quality). So if you are going to use them for a low-impact activity—like lifting—he would recommend wireless, Bluetooth cans, so the cords don't get in the way.

Is AirPods good for gym? ›

AirPods Pro (2nd generation) with MagSafe Charging Case (USB-C) are dust resistant, and sweat and water resistant for non-water sports and exercise, and have a rating of IP54 under IEC standard 60529. AirPods Pro and AirPods (3rd generation) are sweat and water resistant, but they are not waterproof or sweatproof.

Which Beats headphones are sweat resistant? ›

Are my Beats wireless earphones waterproof? Your Powerbeats, Powerbeats Pro, Beats Studio Buds, Beats Studio Buds +, and Beats Fit Pro earbuds are sweat and water resistant*, but not sweatproof or waterproof.

Are wired earphones good for gym? ›

Although wireless headphones have an advantage that there is no risk of the wires getting in the way of your movement. You can use wired headphones but just make sure whichever exercise you are doing, the wires do not come into the way of the movement or else your workout will be impacted.

What headphones do gym guys use? ›

Best Workout Headphones of 2024
  • Best Workout Headphones Overall. Beats Fit Pro. ...
  • Best Audio Open-Ear Workout Headphones. SHOKZ OpenFit Open-Ear Headphones. ...
  • The Toughest Pair of Workout Headphones. Jaybird Vista 2. ...
  • Beats Studio Pro. ...
  • Best Fit Open-Ear Workout Headphones. ...
  • Best Workout Headphones for Audiophiles.
Mar 21, 2024

Is Beats owned by Apple? ›

The brand's continued success helps bring the energy, emotion and excitement of playback in the recording studio back to the listening experience for music lovers worldwide. Beats was acquired by Apple Inc. in July 2014.

Are Apple beats worth it? ›

Beats headphones tend to be rather pricey, especially compared to other brands. The quality of the more recent models we've tested better matches their premium price point. However, they still feel a bit expensive for what they offer. Noise cancelling not on par with the competition.

Do Beats fall off when working out? ›

Do Beats headphones fall off when running? If you're talking about the over ears They're probably gonna wobble a little if you're doing sprints or hurdle sprints but for regular jogging they're snug enough where it's comfortable enough.

Are Beats Solo 3 good for working out? ›

The Beats Solo 3 are decent for sports and fitness. However, like most on-ear fits, they can easily fall off your head during moderate exercise. They're also bulky and can shift with dynamic movements.

What do people listen to in the gym? ›

Choose fast tempo music genres such as techno, upbeat pop music, or hard rock. “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons, “Applause” by Lady Gaga, “Lonely Boys” by The Black Keys, “The Fixer” by Pearl Jam, and “Everybody Talks” by Neon Trees are some of the popular options for endurance exercises.

How do I keep my headphones from falling off at the gym? ›

Use ear warmers or sweatbands to hold the AirPods in.

The ear warmers or sweatbands can physically hold them in place while you walk, run, or exercise.

Why do bodybuilders use headphones? ›

By wearing headphones, a bodybuilder can drown out all distractions, get into a rhythm and execute perfect, repetitive motions. Second, I recall reading something way back where a study of those working out while listening to their favorite music performed better than those not listening to anything.

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