One of the best aspects of being a runner is that unlike a lot of other exercise endeavors, it doesn't take a lot of expensive equipment to perform. In fact, if you have a good pair of shoes, some comfy socks and shorts, and maybe an anti-chafing stick, you can be off to the races or the sidewalks or the trails. However, what about the one piece of gear that many believe brings joy to running—earbuds.
Yes, we know that some serious pavement pounders run far away from using music during their training. But, for the rest of us, a good pair of earbuds is exactly what we need to get the most out of our runs. Whether you're running a 10k or a marathon, you won't want to deal with poor sound quality or loose earbuds. The ACTIVE Reviews Team is here to help you find the best earbuds for running that will move you.
Why Trust Us?
The ACTIVE Reviews Team is made up of fitness experts that include athletes, coaches, and certified trainers who bring their 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.
Best Earbuds for Running - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Earbuds for Running: Apple AirPods Pro
- Best Wireless Earbuds for Running: Powerbeats Pro
- Best Wired Earbuds for Running: SOUNDFORM™ Headphones
- Best Earbuds for Small Ears: Mifo O5 PLUS Wireless Bluetooth 5.2 Earbuds
- Best Budget Earbuds for Running: JLab Go Air Pop
- Best Earbuds for Running Under $50: SoundPEATS T2 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
- Best Earbuds for Running Under $100: SOUNDFORM™ Rise True Wireless Earbuds
- Best Compact Earbuds: Jaybird Vista 2
- Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds: Bose QuietComfort Noise Cancelling Earbuds
- Best Sound Quality Earbuds: Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds
- Best Bone Conduction Earbuds: Shokz OpenRun Pro
Best Overall Earbuds for Running - Apple AirPods Pro
Specs
- Type: True wireless
- Earpods weight: 0.19 oz.
- Earpods height: 1.22"
- Listening time: 24+ hours (with MagSafe Charging Case3)
- Water resistance: IPX4 rating
Although Apple wasn't technically the first company to develop true wireless earbuds, they were the first to bring them to the mainstream. And, with one of their latest iterations of their sleek AirPods, the AirPods Pro, Apple has designed earbuds that check off the must-haves for runners.
With the active noise cancellation feature, the Apple AirPods cancel out secondary sounds allowing you to be completely immersed in your music as you run. However, if you prefer to listen to your running playlist while still hearing the sounds surrounding you, you can choose transparency mode. The AirPod Pros offer three sizes of silicone tips for a more customizable fit that will help ensure that they stay in place, and with over 24-hours of listening time, you will never have to worry about your AirPod Pros not making it to the finish line.
What We Like
- Noise-canceling and transparency modes
- Easy to set up and pair
- Silicone tips in 3 sizes
- 24+ hrs. of total listening time
- Quick access to personal assistant, Siri
What We Don't Like
- Low IPX rating
- Expensive
Best Wireless Earbuds for Running - Powerbeats Pro
Specs
- Type: True wireless
- Earpods weight: 0.71 oz.
- Earpods height: 2.2"
- Listening time: 9 hrs.
- Water resistance: IPX4 rating
The Powerbeats Pro are "true wireless" earbuds, meaning that you will not have wires getting in your way during your run. The adjustable ear hooks provide a secure fit so you can train worry-free and not have to think about losing one of your earbuds.
Both earbuds have volume and track control. Therefore, no fumbling with your device to adjust the volume or change the song when tearing up your running route. And, with nine hours of listening time, the Powerbeats Pros won't be losing your tunes even when putting down long miles.
Additionally, these earbuds come with four different ear tips so that you can find the size that works best for your ears. With their IPX4 rating, even during your sweatiest workouts, these earbuds should stay protected.
What We Like
- Secure fit with adjustable ear hooks
- 4 different ear tip sizes
- Control volumes and tracks directly on earbuds
- Fast Fuel charging gives 90 min. of playing time with 5 min. charge
What We Don't Like
- Large charging case
- Only has an IPX4 rating
- Some complaints of getting secure inner ear seal
Best Wired Earbuds for Running: SOUNDFORM™ Headphones
Specs
- Type: Wired
- Earpods weight: 1.76 oz.
- Earpods height: 2"
- Listening time: Unlimited
- Water resistance: Sweat and splash resistant
The security of wired earbuds is a must for some runners. If you are one of those, you will want to get the SOUNDFORM™ Headphones secured in your ears ASAP. When you want to lose yourself in the music as you rack up mile after mile, these earbuds will provide quality sound. Also, the three different earbud tips will ensure that your ears aren't irritated by ill-fitting earbuds.
Also, the earbud's cable is flat and lightweight, which prevents it from getting tangled when the earbuds are in your pocket, fanny-pack, or gym bag. There is also a feature that allows you to keep the excess cable out of your way when your arms are pumping you forward. There is no charging period needed for these wired earbuds. Therefore, as soon as you unbox the SOUNDFORM™ Headphones, you can be on your way to your latest PR, while the straightforward control buttons allow for hassle-free skips, pauses, and answering calls.
What We Like
- Security
- 3 different ear tip sizes
- Tangle-free cord
- Easy-to-use controls
What We Don't Like
- Only works with Apple products
- Some complaints of plastic feeling rough
Best Earbuds for Small Ears - Mifo O5 PLUS Wireless Bluetooth 5.2 Earbuds
Specs
- Type: True wireless
- Earpods weight: 0.16 oz.
- Earpods height: 0.86"
- Listening time: 10 hrs.
- Water resistance: IPX7 rating
If your earbuds don't stay put because your ears are on the smaller side, you will want to check out the svelte profile that the Mifo 05 Plus offers. The lightweight earbuds come with seven silicone ear tips so that you can choose the perfect fit for you. Once you have selected your ear tip, you can run sans stress because of how securely these will stay in place.
It's not just the fit that we like about these earbuds. The feature modes will let you cancel out noise or hear the ambient noise around you. They will also play for 10 hours, and the charging case can provide up to 100 more hours of playing time before it needs to be juiced up. Plus, the charging case can also act as a smartphone charger. Additionally, the IPX7 rating means that your earbuds are completely protected from rain and sweat, and you can even submerge them in up to three feet of water without them short-circuiting.
What We Like
- Secure fit even for small ears
- 7 silicone ear tips
- Noise-canceling and transparency modes
- Charging case acts as a smartphone charger
- High IPX rating
- Compatible with iOS and Android operating systems
What We Don't Like
- Controls are somewhat confusing
- Volume isn't as loud as other earbuds
BUY: Mifo O5 PLUS Wireless Bluetooth 5.2 Earbuds
Best Budget Earbuds for Running - JLab Go Air Pop
Specs
- Type: True wireless
- Earpods weight: 1.6 oz.
- Earpods height: 1.46"
- Listening time: 8+ hrs.
- Water resistance: Splash resistant
Quality earbuds with a long battery life don't have to break the bank. The JLab Go Air Pop provides more than eight hours of playtime and an additional 32-plus hours from the charging case for under $20.00.
You can choose to use both earbuds simultaneously or independently of each other and the touch controls allow you to change the volume and the track, as well as choose from three sound settings. When you remove the snug-fitting earbuds from your ears and slip them into their case, you'll find that the case fits easily into your pocket.
What We Like
- Sweat resistant
- Long battery life
- Wireless
- Snug--fitting
- Very affordable
What We Don't Like
- Microphone quality isn't great
- Some users report connection stability issues
Review the best JLab earbuds here.
Best Earbuds for Running Under $50 - SoundPEATS T2 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
Specs
- Type: True wireless
- Earpods weight: N/A
- Earpods height: N/A
- Listening time: 10 hrs.
- Water resistance: IPX5 rating
With the SoundPEATS T2 Wireless Earbuds, you can power your runs with quality sound for under $50. These earbuds reduce ambient noise by up to 30 decibels allowing you to concentrate on the music that moves you.
Considering that you can keep moving for up to 10 hours before needing to charge the SoundPEATS T2s, you can run and run and run without worrying that you'll be listening to the sound of silence. The earbuds are barrel-shaped and fit snugly down into your ear. Unless you have smaller ears, this design will be beneficial in keeping your earbuds secure as you zoom along.
What We Like
- Budget friendly
- IPX6 rating
- Good sound quality
- Long battery life
What We Don't Like
- Muffled sound on phone calls
- No previous track control
BUY: SoundPEATS T2 Wireless Earbuds
Best Earbuds for Running Under $100 - SOUNDFORM™ Rise True Wireless Earbuds
Specs
- Type: True wireless
- Earpods weight: N/A
- Earpods height: N/A
- Listening time: 7 hrs.
- Water Resistance: IPX5 rating
The SOUNDFORM Rise True Wireless Earbuds come in at $79.99 and come loaded with features. They employ two microphones in the right and left earbuds, so you will never confuse lyrics or sound muffled if you have to take a quick call during your running routine.
These earbuds will stay charged for seven hours and an additional 24 hours with the wireless charging case. Also, if it rains on your running parade, you won't have to worry because the SOUNDFORM Rise earbuds have you covered with an IPX5 water resistance rating. The intuitive controls ensure that you can turn it up when your favorite training jam comes on.
What We Like
- Loaded with features
- IPX5 rating
- Simple-to-use controls
- Clear sound
What We Don't Like
- Fairly low listening time
- Some complaints about them falling out of ears
BUY: SOUNDFORM™ Rise True Wireless Earbuds
Most Compact Earbuds - Jaybird Vista 2
Specs
- Type: True wireless
- Earpods weight: 6.7g (with medium ear tip)
- Earpods height: 0.6"
- Listening time: 8 hrs.
- Water resistance: IP68 waterproof rating (resistant to rain and mud)
The Jaybird Vista 2 earbuds are both rugged and compact because they were designed with runners and other athletes in mind. They may come in a small package, but they offer a bevy of great features. If you are in a safe environment, you can use the active noise cancellation feature for a beat-driven run, but if you are running in a crowded area, you can easily switch to the SurroundSense mode for added safety.
The sport fit design will ensure that these earbuds will never get in your way, even if you are tackling bumpy terrain. The earbuds will bump music for up to eight hours, and the fast-charging feature on the case will give you an additional hour after just five minutes of charging.
What We Like
- Compact and snug fit
- Weather resistance (handles rain and mud)
- Great sound quality
What We Don't Like
- Fairly expensive
- Ear tips may not fit all ears
Best Noise Canceling Earbuds - Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds
Specs
- Type: True wireless
- Earpods weight: N/A
- Earpods height: 1.54"
- Listening time: 6 hrs.
- Water resistance: Sweat and water resistant
When you want a truly immersive experience that consists of nothing but your run route and your favorite playlist, you will want to purchase the Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds. Bose states that these earbuds will “put you right in the middle of a live concert." However, if you are in a place where you need to have spatial awareness, you can easily switch to the “Aware Mode." These earbuds will resist water and sweat, so you will never have to worry about your “concert" being interrupted.
And no matter the volume, the sound will stay balanced, while the three-size ear tips will ensure that your run won't be interrupted by wayward earbuds. In addition, if you find yourself needing to make a quick call before or after your workout, the microphone is aimed right next to your mouth. Therefore, your voice, and not all surrounding noises, will be what gets picked up.
What We Like
- Immersive sound experience
- Blocks out almost all outside noise
- Clear sound
- Comfortable fit
What We Don't Like
- Low battery life
- Expensive
- Bulky fit
BUY: Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds
Best Sound Quality Earbuds - Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds
Specs
- Type: True wireless
- Earpods weight: 0.40 lbs.
- Earpods height: 1.6"
- Listening time: 8 hrs.
- Water resistance: IPX4 rating
The Sony WF-1000XM4 Earbuds are true wireless headphones that produce high-quality sounds so that even when you are pounding the pavement, you will be able to hear every note of your songs. The exceptional audio quality of these earbuds is from the dual noise sensor microphones in each one. They also feature noise-canceling technology to make each run an epic musical experience.
Sony's noise-sensing technology automatically detects when you're having a conversation and will pause the music while speaking, then immediately resume it when finished. The ear tips, made from a polyurethane foam material, provide a soft and comfortable fit and seal out gaps to insulate sound.
What We Like
- High-quality sound
- Headphone connection app for Android and iOS
- Solid Bluetooth connectivity
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Awkward fit for some
Best Bone Conduction Earbuds - Shokz OpenRun Pro
Specs
- Type: True wireless
- Earpods weight: 1.02 oz.
- Listening time: 10 hrs.
- Water resistance: IP55 Water-Resistant
If you find that running with your in-ear earbuds is worrisome or irritating, you will want to check out the Shokz OpenRun Pro. Not only do they stay put during your workouts, but they also ensure your safety in ways that in-ear headphones cannot. The wraparound titanium frame is lightweight and keeps your earbuds stable even during vigorous runs.
Additionally, you don't have to worry about your listening experience with these bone conduction earbuds. Shokz uses specially-developed technology that delivers audio through your cheekbone, while the battery provides up to 10 hours of sound.
What We Like
- Allow for increased spatial awareness
- Beneficial for those with some hearing loss or tinnitus
- Secure fit
What We Don't Like
- Expensive
- Others may be able to hear what you're listening to
What to Consider Before Buying Earbuds for Running
Type/Style
When it comes to earbuds for running, there are three basic types to choose from: true wireless, in-ear, and behind-the-ear. Although some styles may be better suited to certain kinds of training, for the most part, this consideration is a personal preference.
Listening Time/Battery Life
Considering that earbuds fit inside your ears rather than over them, it makes sense that they are smaller than over-the-ear headphones. While this smaller design is convenient, it also means that the batteries that power them aren’t as big. Therefore, you will want to pay attention to the battery life to make sure that they will last for the duration of your runs.
Water/Sweat Resistance
Water and sweat resistance is an important aspect of earbuds used for running. Therefore, you will need to pay attention to this detail when deciding on your earbuds. Many manufacturers will list their water/sweat resistance level as the earbuds IPX rating (IPX0-IPX8). This rating tells you how resistant your earbuds are to water and dust. IPX0 denotes that the earbuds have no protection, while IPX8 rating means that your earbuds will be protected even if they become immersed in over three feet of water.
FAQs About Earbuds for Running
Do earbuds stay in while running?
Earbuds designed with running and other sports in mind are less likely to fall out than casual listening earbuds; due, in large part, because they are moisture resistant. Meaning; that the sweat produced during exercise will not cause them to loosen and fall out.
How do you wear headphones while running?
There are different types of earbuds that people wear when running. Wireless earbuds have become increasingly popular, and while this type of earbuds frees you up from cumbersome cords, they can fall out. It is important to ensure that your wireless earbuds fit securely into your ear.
How do I choose the right size earbuds?
Many available earbuds come with additional sizes of ear tips. You should try these out by playing your audio to see if they have a good seal. Continue testing them until you find your preferred fit.