9 Best Headphones and Earbuds for Running [Tested and Reviewed]

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) is an in-ear type headphone that delivers great sound at a high price. AirPods originally had a Lightning charging port, but this model is compatible with USB-C instead. When worn for running, all 10 of our testers were able to use these headphones without slipping or dropping. The earpieces are made of silicone, so there is the possibility of them coming loose when wet with rain or sweat, but the fit is light and comfortable.

Shokz's Openfit open-ear headphones have two layers of silicone structure, giving a flexible fit for any ear. Some testers reported a slight wobble while running, but they didn't slip or fall off. These headphones’ open-ear design means that they don't block the ear canal, so ambient sounds can be heard clearly. Vocals and bass rhythms, however, were not canceled by outside noise.

Sound quality in terms of depth and sharpness is lacking, but the loud bass means that the thickness of the music can be heard. Overall, the music sounds slightly muffled, but the vocals stand out. Delicate sounds were strong, making the headphones adequate for light background music while exercising. 

Battery life is 7 hours for the headphones alone and 28 hours when using the charging case. IPX4 water resistance makes rain and sweat no threat to the longevity of the headphones. No volume adjustment on the device is inconvenient, though volume can be controlled on a smartphone. 

Microphone performance was high, cutting 34dB of background noise. Female voices at the 2kHz to 4kHz range sounded excellent, making voices easier for a listener to hear.

The Beats FitPro, from Beats by Dr. Dre and produced by Apple, has a distinct in-ear design. Its ear wings provide exceptional stability by hooking onto the back of the ear. When used while running, our testers reported no instances of them slipping or falling out.

 
The FitPro’s comfortable fit helps runners focus while running. Sound quality features powerful bass with a punchy feel, allowing the beat to be felt clearly. For some users, the bass might be too powerful, drowning out vocals in songs. However, they are suitable for runners who are into rock or hip-hop music. 

With the external sound-capture function turned on, you can clearly hear the noise of cars and motorcycles. In comparison to open-ear headphones, sound perception is slightly less, but they can still pick up sounds like bicycle brakes. Vocals and bass are not drowned out by noise, making them useful even in places where there is heavy traffic.

These headphones offer on-device controls, including Play/Stop, Volume Up/Down, and Skip. However, using volume control disables command operations for noise canceling and external sound capture. Water resistance is rated at IPX4, so there is no danger of damage from rain and sweat. Continuous play time is 6 hours for the headphones alone and up to 24 hours when using the charging case.

 
The microphone cut only 10.1dB of ambient noise, and although voice calls are clear, listeners might find the sound annoying to listen to after a while.

Elite 8 Active is a fully wireless model that is coated with a special silicone for a snug fit. During testing, the headphones stayed secure in the ears without shifting or falling out, even when running or shaking the head vigorously. However, the earpieces are made of silicone, and when inserted into the ear canal, they may become slippery and be prone to falling out when wet from rain or sweat. The earpieces fit naturally without causing discomfort or pressure. These headphones are suitable for short periods of physical activity.

 
The sound quality is powerful and rich across all music genres since the in-ear design seals off the ear. Vocals are clear and you can even perceive nuances and the singer's breaths. Quieter instruments can also be heard, providing a greater sense of immersion in comparison to open type headphones.

Car sounds were clearly audible when the external sound capture feature was turned on. However, users may find that quieter sounds, such as bicycle brakes, are harder to hear. Turning up the volume can make it difficult to hear surrounding sounds.

 
You can control Play/Pause, Volume Up/Down, and Skip on the device, and these headphones support hands-free calls. Its waterproof rating is IPX8, so it can be used even underwater. The battery lasts up to 14 hours using the headphones alone and up to 56 hours when using the charging case.

The microphone reduced ambient noise by 14.2dB. The frequency range where consonant sounds occur, 2kHz to 4kHz, is somewhat emphasized, ensuring crisp voice delivery. Although it doesn't eliminate noise completely, its performance does not impact call communication.

Cleer's ARC II Sport features an open-ear design that allows you to adjust the angle of the speaker. When worn while running, our testers felt a slight shake from the motion, but the headphones did not fall or slip due to the ear hooks. These headphones feel heavier than others, but they aren't uncomfortable in the ear canal.

When testing outside noise sensitivity, we could clearly hear everything, including loud trucks and motorcycles and even softer sounds like bicycle brakes. This caused the bass and vocals to be masked by ambient noise, but it did make it easier to detect danger among lots of traffic.

 
The sound had a sense of openness because these headphones do not block the ear canal. However, the sound was mild and the punch of the bass was lacking. Vocals were clear and easy to hear, but the rhythm of the songs was difficult to detect, especially outside. 

Buttons on the device allow you to Play/Stop, adjust Volume Up/Down, and Skip songs. You can respond to calls by nodding your head and skip songs by shaking your head. These headphones have a waterproof rating of IPX5, so you can easily wash them with water without fear of damaging the electronics.

Continuous playback time is 8 hours for the headphones alone and 35 hours when using the charging case. When testing microphone performance, the 2kHz to 4kHz range, where consonants are voiced, was emphasized, and voices sounded crisp. However, ambient noise was reduced only by 3.4dB, which might be annoying to people on the other end of a call, especially when in crowded places.

The Sport X10 by Anker is an in-ear type headphone that features ear hooks. When worn while running, it fits snugly in the ear, preventing it from slipping or falling out. Soft material on the earpieces and ear hooks make it comfortable to wear.

Activating the external sound capture function allows you to hear loud noises, such as trucks and motorcycles. However, it is difficult to hear passing cars, and bicycle brakes are nearly inaudible. Music is clear, but it may be difficult to detect danger, making it less suitable for outdoor use.

The bass is powerful, and sounds from instruments come across clearly, providing a sense of presence. The bass occasionally drowns out vocals, making these headphones suitable for rock or hip-hop songs.

These headphones have Play/Stop, Volume Up/Down, and Skip on the device, and hands-free calling eliminates the need to use a smartphone. Its waterproof rating is IPX8, reducing the risk of malfunction if accidentally dropped in water. With a continuous playback time of 8 hours for the headphones alone and 32 hours when using the charging case, it can be used for longer periods than most other headphones.

The frequency range of 2kHz to 4kHz, which is used when pronouncing consonants, was strongly emphasized when using the microphone, making voices crisp and clear. Ambient noise was cut by 23.2dB, allowing for clear phone conversations, even outdoors.

The Go Air Sport by JLab is an in-ear type headphone with ear hooks that is available in six colors. While running, there is no major misalignment or falling out, but they shifted gradually, requiring occasional readjustment. The part that goes in the ear and the ear hooks are hard, creating some pressure after prolonged use.

When testing outside noise sensitivity, ambient sounds were difficult to hear because these headphones have no external sound capture function. You can hear loud noises, such as trucks and motorcycles, but quieter sounds are difficult to hear. Bass and vocals come through clearly, but not hearing ambient sounds makes it difficult to detect danger in high-traffic locations.

 
Deep, powerful bass makes songs feel full and strong, allowing you to enjoy the music’s rhythm. However, the powerful bass drowned out the vocals, and fine modulations and breathing were difficult to hear. This product is suited for rock or hip-hop music. On-device controls include Play/Stop, Volume Up/Down, and Skip, and the headphones allow hands-free calls.

 
This headphone’s waterproof rating is IPX5, so washing the product of dirt and sweat is easy. Continuous playtime is 8 hours for the headphones alone and 32 hours when used with the charging case. During microphone tests, the range that emphasizes consonants between 2kHz and 4kHz makes the voice crisp. However, it cuts only 3.6dB of ambient noise, making calls bothersome for the listener.