10 Best Headphones For Running 2025 in the United States

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with runners in mind, offering a secure-fit earhook that stays locked in during intense workouts. The earhooks are reinforced for flexibility and comfort, and five ear tip sizes help customize the fit, enhancing comfort and stability on the move. They have an IPX4 rating, so they resist sweat and light rain, making them suitable for most running conditions, though heavy water exposure should be avoided.

Battery life is impressive, with up to 45 hours total using the charging case and about 10 hours from a single charge, plus quick charging that gives 1.5 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charge—this means you won’t be interrupted during long runs or workouts. Sound quality benefits from Adaptive EQ that adjusts music based on your ears and Personalized Spatial Audio for an immersive experience, delivering clear highs and strong bass, which is motivating for many runners. The earbuds include active noise cancelling to block distractions, along with a Transparency mode so you can stay aware of surroundings—a helpful safety feature when running outdoors.

Connectivity is solid with Class 1 Bluetooth, offering stable connections with both Apple and Android devices. Controls are versatile: you can use on-ear buttons, voice commands via Siri, or the Beats app (on Android) to adjust settings without breaking your stride. Added heart rate monitoring directly from the earbuds is a notable bonus for fitness tracking without extra gear. One downside is the absence of a USB-C charging cable in the box, which you may need to buy separately. Additionally, while the IPX4 rating is good for sweat and light rain, these earbuds aren’t fully waterproof, so they aren’t suited for heavy rain or swimming. The Powerbeats Pro 2 provides a strong combination of comfort, sound quality, long battery life, and useful fitness features, making them an excellent option for runners seeking reliable, feature-packed earbuds.

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds in Twilight Blue are a solid choice for runners who want great sound and noise cancellation during workouts. They offer active noise cancellation, which helps block out distractions, so your music or podcasts feel clear and immersive. The sound quality is rich and balanced, making them enjoyable for various music styles. Fit-wise, they come with multiple sizes of ear tips and stability bands to help keep the earbuds snug and secure during movement, which is essential for running. Their IPX4 rating means they resist sweat and light rain, so you don’t have to worry about damage during typical workouts.

Battery life gives you up to 8.5 hours on a single charge, which is plenty for most runs, and a quick 20-minute charge in the wireless case adds a couple more hours if needed. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint support, allowing easy switching between devices like your phone and tablet. Touch controls are customizable through the Bose app, letting you adjust volume, skip tracks, or take calls without fumbling.

On the downside, while the earbuds are water-resistant, they aren't fully waterproof, so heavy rain or intense sweat sessions might still be a concern. Also, some users find the size a bit bulky compared to other running earbuds, which might affect comfort if you prefer something smaller. The price point is higher than average, reflecting Bose’s premium branding and features, so it might not fit every budget. For runners wanting top-notch sound, noise cancellation, and a secure fit with good battery life, these earbuds deliver strong performance, though those needing full waterproofing or a more compact design may want to explore other options.

The SHOKZ OpenDots ONE are lightweight, open-ear wireless earbuds designed to stay secure and comfortable during activities like running. Their clip-on fit uses flexible materials that conform to your ears, making them feel almost weightless at just 6.5 grams each. The open-ear design allows you to stay aware of your surroundings, which is a big plus for outdoor runners who need to hear traffic or other hazards. Sound quality is enhanced with Dolby Audio and Bassphere technology, delivering clear and rich audio, though without active noise cancellation.

With up to 10 hours of playtime per charge and a total of 40 hours using the charging case, these earbuds can easily last through long runs or multiple workouts. They also support fast charging and wireless charging, making it convenient to top up quickly. The IP54 water resistance rating means they're protected against sweat and light rain, suitable for running but not for heavy water exposure. Bluetooth 5.4 ensures stable connections up to 10 meters, and multipoint pairing lets you connect to two devices at once, which is handy if you want to switch between phone and laptop calls.

Controls are touch-based and customizable through the Shokz app, which also offers EQ settings and helps locate lost earbuds. However, sound leakage might be noticeable due to the open-ear design, and there’s no noise isolation, so noisy environments could be distracting. The earbuds lack traditional noise control, which some might miss. Durability is decent with quality materials, but being lightweight means they need gentle handling. These earbuds suit runners who prioritize comfort, safety, and long battery life over deep noise isolation.