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Great running headphones make running better, whether it's listening to music to push your pace or a podcast to expand your mind. The best headphones stay in place, are comfortable, sweat-resistant, and sound great, while keeping the environment clear in your ears to maintain situational awareness.
With a comfortable headband and an open ear design for the best awareness of your surroundings, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are our favorite running headphones. They are comfortable, rock-solid stable, IP55-rated, and offer excellent sound quality. We unanimously agree that these headphones are the best running headphones, by a wide margin.
For indoor runners, the snug and comfortable fit of the Apple AirPods Pro 3, combined with amazing sound quality, makes them a great choice for use in the gym. The strong noise cancellation helps block out the blaring gym radio, clanking of weights, and chatter around you. If you want to take it outside, the transparency feature can bring the world in to keep you safe.
The best running headphones prioritize environmental awareness over sound quality and noise cancellation. However, working out often requires the opposite of blocking out distractions to reach your personal goals, so we've tested the best workout headphones too. For general everyday use, check out our wireless earbuds review.
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is our first choice when heading out for a run, providing unmatched comfort and stability mile after mile. The flexible band adapts to various head and ear shapes, and the wrap-around design helps maintain a balanced fit for long-lasting comfort. Unlike smaller earbuds that can pop out mid-run and send you searching the ground, this banded design stays securely in place. The Pro 2 significantly improves sound quality over the prior version, and now offers very good sound quality with rich bass and ample volume. The open design provides full awareness of environmental sounds while running on congested streets or busy trails. With a solid IP55 rating, they're also built to withstand sweat and rainy weather.
While we found the sound quality to be excellent, audiophiles will miss the truly amazing sound quality offered by premium-priced earbuds. We also didn't enjoy this product as much at the gym since its open design lets in every grunt and noise from your fellow gym goers. For those who prefer a quieter, more focused run, a sealed option with noise cancellation like the Apple AirPods Pro 2 is a better fit. That said, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 offers great sound, awareness of your surroundings, and amazing comfort, a combination that makes them our favorite pair for running mile after mile.
If you don't care for hooks, bands, or in-ear tips, the Bose Ultra Open clip-ons feel refreshingly freeing. No matter how fast you run, these earbuds stay in place, and they're so lightweight that you'll forget they're there. One tester remarked, “More than once, I've forgotten I'm wearing them.” These buds rest above the earlobes at about a 45-degree angle, wrapping around the ear's pinna, far away from hat or glasses conflicts. Their design never feels sweaty, stuffy, or clammy, even as the temperature rises. They offer excellent awareness of the surroundings, keeping you informed about everything around you, whether man or bear.
While we enjoy the detailed sound, open-ear designs inherently fail to deliver the deep, thumping bass some might need for motivation to keep going. They also won't diminish annoying grunts and heavy breathing at the gym, making the Apple AirPods Pro 2 a potentially better choice to drown out the world indoors. The Bose are also expensive. If your budget is smaller, the Shokz OpenDots One is approximately one-third the price, but the trade-off is a larger design. If the price is within your budget, the Ultra Open are sleek clip-on buds you can rely on to stay comfortably in place and continue to wear even outside your running adventures.
If your best runs happen when the world disappears and the music takes over, the Apple AirPods Pro 3 offer rich sound, bass that hits hard, and active noise cancellation (ANC) that effectively blocks out everything, allowing you to focus and power through. When you head outside, the transparency mode is surprisingly realistic when awareness is required for safer running. While some in-ear earbuds have polarizing fits, we found these buds to be lightweight, comfortable, and secure enough to wear even during longer runs. The case is even small enough for tiny running short pockets.
Apple products aren't ideal for Android devices, as they lose many useful features, including adaptive transparency and Find My location tracking. If you want a similar in-ear experience, the PowerBeats Pro 2 features location tracking through the Beats app and is compatible with both Android and iOS. If your ears tend to get sweaty and clammy with in-ear buds, something like the Bose Ultra Open could be a better choice. Open designs free the ear canal, allowing sweat to evaporate as nature intended. If you prefer an in-ear style and are in the Apple ecosystem, the AirPod Pro 3 could be a worthwhile investment for running, workouts, and everyday use.
The Shokz OpenMove offers a secure fit and environmental awareness for a lower price than the OpenRun Pro 2. They have a similar band and hook design to the OpenRun (though with a steeper angle), and provide stellar stability, even on rocky trails where uneven footing can throw off your stride. Because they rest outside the ear canal, there are no sizing concerns, no fear of having them fall, and no sweaty congestion as you run on. Additionally, they provide exceptional awareness of the surroundings, helping to keep you safe from environmental hazards like trucks and bicycles.
The OpenMove's audio only uses bone conduction. Everything sounds a bit thin, and some voices can be piercing at times. The vibrations on the outer ear can be fatiguing, especially if you really like to crank the music, making them less than ideal for all wearers. Our tester reminds us, “Not everyone finds bone conduction comfortable.” The OpenRun Pro 2 combines bone conduction and a speaker, which seems to relieve most discomfort even when listening at higher volumes. However, if your budget is smaller and you like this design, the OpenMove could be a reasonably priced choice for shorter runs.
The Beats PowerBeats Pro 2 combine an in-ear design with a hook to really lock the headphones in place for superior stability. Even with sprints, jumps, and sweaty workouts, we never lost a bud. The new Beats improved on nearly every aspect over the previous generation, including more pliable hooks that are easier to shape around your ears for a snug fit. We were also impressed with the noise-blocking capabilities in the gym. True to Beats' signature style, they deliver boosted bass, giving hip hop and electronic playlists extra oomph.
While most felt they were comfortable enough for running (and willing to trade some comfort for superior stability), we don't think they are comfortable enough for everyday use, like commuting and long listening sessions. The hooks become fatiguing on longer runs, and some testers felt the ear tips went too far into the ear canal for true comfort. One tester said, “These buds are particularly polarizing and were not universally comfortable.” Alternatively, the AirPods Pro 2 are stable and more comfortable. The Powerbeats Pro 2 offer heart rate tracking built into the earbuds, which may be particularly appealing to those who prefer not to wear a watch or chest strap. Unfortunately, using the feature requires turning off the music, which could be a deal breaker for some. While the Beats cost more than some competitors, if a stable fit and potential heart rate tracking are important to you, it could be one for your shortlist.
The Shokz OpenFit 2 have softer hooks that we immediately loved, and the thicker design wraps gently around the ears, spreading the weight for less fatigue than other hook styles, as it almost “rests” instead of digging in. The open design offers more comfort than in-ear tips and eliminates the dreaded sweat buildup associated with longer runs. We could hear friends chatting and leaves crunching, thanks to the open design that provides exceptional awareness. The control buttons are easily accessible, allowing you to skip tracks or adjust the volume without breaking stride, and the 11-hour battery life is sufficient for hours of uninterrupted listening.
The OpenFit 2 are relatively large. The extra surface area adds comfort, but it also noticeably increases the weight. The near-ear speaker is big, but the additional hardware didn't improve audio quality. They stayed snug for most runs, but lateral moves caused the speaker to waver. The hook helps keep them in place, but they don't offer the same level of security as the PowerBeats Pro 2. Some testers enjoyed the Fit 2, while others yearned for something lighter, “Something like the Bose Open Ultra felt lighter compared to the OpenFit.” If you don't mind the extra material and want a comfortable hook, the OpenFit 2 could be an excellent choice for outdoor runs.
You can hear people sneaking behind you on trails with the OpenFit 2. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Shokz OpenDots One provides excellent awareness of the world around you. Whether you want to hear traffic, people, or footsteps, the OpenDots lets it all in. This makes them perfect for running and chatting with friends. The clip design locks onto the bottom of the ear, holding it in place without interfering with hats, glasses, or the act of putting on a jacket. If you've ever had ear tips pop out mid-run or felt hook fatigue, the OpenDots is a welcome relief. One tester said, “I loved the open feeling of the OpenDots; no more sweaty, slick ear tips.”
The wire that wraps around your ear is thin, forcing it to pack a lot of tech into the end barrel that rests on the ear. As a result, they feel bigger, and the weight isn't as well distributed, making them feel heavier than other clip-ons, such as the Bose Ultra Open, which are so light that you barely notice them. Sound quality for the Dots is not where they shine, but worse still, the touch controls didn't register our touch. Overall, we prefer the Bose, but if your budget is tighter (they are really close in price, depending on sales), you might find love in the OpenDots, depending on your goals and ears.
The OpenDots One are clip-on running buds that could save you money compared to the Bose Ultra Open. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Somewhere between a full hook and no support, the winged design of the Beats Fit Pro adds a touch of extra stability. When it fits, the wing rests snugly on a curve just outside the ear canal, helping to lock the earbuds in place without feeling intrusive. It's a subtle design compared to hooks and bands that work for some users. The music is nicely sculpted with an emphasis on bass, delivering a rich, warm tone where drums pack a punch and every guitar stroke sounds full. Just what you'd expect from Beats, packed into a bud for running.
While it has a transparency mode, it was difficult to hear people and other subtle sounds, making it a poor choice for those who seek transparency. The sound that leaked through was our own heavy breathing, which was more distracting than helpful. The wing might add security, but some testers felt it loosened during more intense sprinting intervals or jump-heavy workouts. The wing placement is on a part of the ear that is not typically subjected to pressure and can cause fatigue during longer runs. Ultimately, the higher price tag of the Beats Fit Pro doesn't justify the mediocre and contrasting results we experienced.
The hook on the Beats Fit Pro isn't a great fit for everyone. Credit: Natalie Kafader
If you're looking for the most affordable way to get a pair of running headphones, the JLab Go Sport+ will do the job, but it doesn't offer much more than the basics. The secure hook design is the standout feature, keeping the buds in place while you move. An IP55 rating means they can handle even your sweatiest workouts. Additionally, they have an app that allows you to manually adjust the sound settings, which feels like a nice bonus, considering these can cost about the same as your post-run victory meal.
However, the hook that's meant to provide stability is more rigid and longer than others, which caused pressure points on most of our testers' ears after just a few minutes of running. The ear tips also angle downward, making them feel misaligned with the ear canal, and once sweat kicked in, some testers found them itchy. We were impressed to see a hear-through mode included, but it came with noticeable static, especially on windy days. The touch controls also didn't register our finger taps, making it difficult to skip to the next song when all we wanted to do was focus on our runs. If you're someone who often loses earbuds and needs a budget-friendly backup, the JLab Go Sport+ can get you through shorter runs, but don't expect much.
A couple of testers liked the hook design of the JLab, while most found them too rigid to adjust to their ear shape. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The 12-hour battery life and the Beats Flex connecting wire might provide peace of mind for longer runs and retaining gear. The magnetic earbuds snap together when not in use, creating a necklace-style loop you can wear around your neck. This is handy for taking a break and freeing your ears without having to store them. They come with three ear tip sizes, but sizing was still tricky for most testers.
The fit issues could result from the earbuds not sitting deep enough in the ear canal. Moving quickly caused the tips to slowly slide out of the canal, which was frustrating when trying to focus. The in-line controls, placed lower on the wire, appeared to be easy to use, but in practice, they swung around, making it challenging to find the right button. Alternatively, the Shokz OpenFit 2 controls felt like second nature. The wire bounced off necks and collar bones while running, tugging at the earbuds and sending little jolts. As much as we like a good bargain, the Beats Flex earbuds came in last.
While we liked the necklace wire, the Beats Flex loosened and popped out too easily. Credit: Natalie Kafader
We get different testers to try each pair of headphones so we can see how they feel for a variety of people. Credit: Natalie Kafader
How We Test
We purchased popular headphones and earbuds to help determine which are the very best. We hit the trails, treadmills, and open road, logging hundreds of miles, considering how secure and comfortable each pair felt, how useful the environmental awareness was, and the sound quality. Running requires a stable and comfortable set of buds that offer a safe level of awareness, while maintaining good enough sound quality to keep you pumped to move.
The OpenMove has easy-to-use controls. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Why Trust GearLab
This review is led by our Running Review Analyst, Craig D'Innocente. A lifelong athlete, Craig grew up running track and field in school. His love for running persists as he strives to improve his mile time to the four-minute mark. Craign regularly runs with headphones on board to keep him moving fast and far. He has also tested other running-centric products, including the best running shorts.
There are many different styles to choose from when picking a pair of running headphones. Credit: Natalie Kafader
How to Choose Running Headphones
Running headphones should enhance your experience, propelling you forward with your favorite tunes or an engaging audiobook. They should be comfortable, even when sweaty, secure during jarring motions, and have audio good enough to keep the beat and stay aware.
We dive into every design feature of these headphones to determine which options can survive mile after mile. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Finding a Comfortable and Secure Fit
A comfortable and secure fit is a hallmark of the running headphone genre. Unlike other types of headphones that can accommodate some slipping or shifting, running headphones must stay in place under duress. When you are on the move, nothing is more frustrating than stopping to adjust buds mid-run.
The hook on the PowerBeats Pro 2 is substantially more stable than the first generation, and we couldn't shake it loose. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Beats PowerBeats Pro 2 are built for intense exercise, so the steady rhythm of running does nothing to shift their placement. The new generation features a thinner and more pliable hook that better forms around your ear, and the tips snugly lock in place even after sweat builds up.
In general, most testers preferred open-ear headphones to those that sit inside the ear canal. The open designs avoid sweaty bud tips, stuffy inner-ear annoyance, and shifting tips due to a poor fit or facial expressions. While personal preference plays a role here, we also like that open-ear options allow for more environmental awareness, making them both more comfortable and potentially safer for runners.
The two larger components of the OpenRun Pro 2 feel like they balance each other out. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Shokz OpenRun 2 and Shokz OpenMove have an open design connected by a band that holds them steady as you run. The ear hooks anchor the speakers, while the band evenly distributes the weight to keep them comfortable and stable. However, if the band is too big, the extra length can flap against your neck. The OpenRun 2 band comes in two sizes, so some of the potential flapping can be mitigated if you measure before you buy.
The OpenFit 2 is a bit bulky, but we found that it helped make them more comfortable. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The soft, thicker hooks of the Shokz OpenFit 2 wrap around the back of your ear without digging in. Their open design means nothing goes in your ear canal, preventing the buildup of sweat. They almost feel like they're resting on your ears rather than pressing on them, making them a very comfortable hook design. Due to their placement, they may interfere with wearing glasses, so it might be worth giving them a test with glasses before your return window closes.
The Bose Ultra Open maintains a gentle but firm grip that holds them in place during running and jumping. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The Bose Open Ultra clips onto the outer pinna of your ear, bypassing your ear canal and the hook design that some runners dislike. They have a gentle grip that you can forget is there, but they stay in place, even when shifting side to side while running or jumping. There is also no conflict with glasses, thanks to the lower clip location. You need to take care when pulling on hoodies, as the buds can dislodge, and they are so comfortable that you might not remember they were in.
Even a light jog would send one of the Beat Flex earbuds flying out. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The JLab Go Sport+ hooks are stiff and create pressure points. Their longer length rests on the back of the ear, quickly developing a sore spot. The Beats Flex are the least comfortable and stable. Even light jogs and shorter jaunts left us wanting.
The Beats Flex collarbone controls tug on the earbuds as you run. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Despite offering four tip sizes, most testers found it difficult to insert the Flex tips sufficiently deep into the ear canal to prevent them from working their way out. Plus, the controls rest on your collarbone and bounce with each footfall, creating irritating vibrations in the bud.
When things get sweaty, you want a reliable set of buds to keep up. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Sweat Resistence
IP ratings measure resistance to dust and water. The first digit represents dust resistance, while the second represents moisture resistance, such as sweat or rain. Many running headphones have an IPX4 rating, which can handle sweat and light splashes.
IP Rating
IP Rating
Apple Airpods Pro 3
IP57
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
IP55
Shokz OpenFit 2
IP55
Shokz OpenMove
IP55
JLab Go Air Sport+
IP55
Shokz OpenDots One
IP54
Bose Ultra Open
IPX4
Beats Fit Pro
IPX4
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
IPX4
Beats Flex
n/a
For most runners, IPX4 is more than enough to protect their buds during a sweaty workout. The only pair of running headphones without an IP rating is the Beats Flex. It's hard to feel confident that the Beats Flex are good for sweaty activities. The highest IP rating nod goes to the Apple AirPods Pro 3 with an impressive IP57 rating. While a rating of 7 for water resistance typically means they can withstand being submerged in water, Apple says they are only “water resistant for non-water sports and exercise.”
Thanks to environmental awareness, we could hear cars that came too close. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Staying Aware
Environmental awareness has a direct impact on your safety and ability to respond to your surroundings. Trail running and urban space require a particular awareness of your surroundings. Whether you need to dodge a mountain bike or a mountain lion, a truck or an ATV, hearing beyond your headphones is essential for keeping safe.
Open designs allow for awareness by not blocking the ear canal and keeping volumes lower. The closer the design sits to the ear canal, the more muffled environmental sounds might be. How loud you play your tunes is also a factor.
Clip-on earbuds provide a stable fit and exceptional awareness of the environment around you. Credit: Natalie Kafader
The OpenRun Pro 2 and OpenMove place the speakers relatively far from the ear canal, so outside sounds don't need to compete with your music. You can hear almost everything, from another person behind you to your panting pooch beside you. That heightened awareness is a huge benefit to those worried about staying safe, whether from humans, animals, or machines. The Bose Ultra Open were also great, allowing us to hear everything from rumbling cars to chirping birds.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 have a realistic transparency mode to relay environmental sounds into the speakers so you can hear them. Credit: Natalie Kafader
In-ear buds rely on technology to keep you informed. Because the earbud tip blocks environmental sound waves from reaching your eardrum, transparency mode relays the information through the speakers. While transparency modes have come a long way, and some headphones do it really well, others still tend to magnify breathing and other ambient sounds you don't want to hear.
The Apple AirPods Pro 3 offer an impressive hear-through mode that effectively replicates environmental noises. With a quick tap of the earbud stem, you can switch hear-through mode on and off. While we prefer an open bud for outdoor running, where awareness is a safety concern, we understand having earbuds that can do double duty of blocking noise or letting it in can save money and limit the need for multiple purchases.
Start your running playlist with the AirPods Pro 3 and fall in love with the sound. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Sound Quality
Good sound can keep you energized and in the zone, limiting distractions. However, a stable fit and awareness of the world around you should be the top considerations for running headphones. It is challenging to have it all when running needs are so specific. There is almost an inverse relationship between environmental awareness and sound quality. Typically, this translates to in-ear buds offering better sound than open-ear buds.
The AirPods Pro 3 are immersive, and you can rock out without distractions. The new Pro 3 offers improved sound quality over the previous generation, featuring a wider soundstage and an impressive blend of frequencies that creates a fun mix. Thanks to the mind-blowing sound and the transparency mode, they are one of the few pairs with no compromises when it comes to choosing between awareness and sound. Along with the Beats PowerBeats Pro 2 and Beats Fit, these earbuds deliver bass you can feel in your chest, a thump and punch that open designs can't match.
The Open Run Pro 2 has speakers and bone conduction technology. Bone conduction technology delivers sound through your cheekbones and skull rather than through your eardrums. This combination of conduction and speakers helps improve sound quality while maintaining awareness of your surroundings. The OpenMove relies solely on bone conduction, producing thinner, less robust audio. Some treble ranges, like high-range vocals, can sound sharp, and the experience isn't as immersive or warm.
Running headphones should be comfortable but offer a stable fit suitable for running and high-impact activity. Credit: Natalie Kafader
Conclusion
Finding the right running headphones can let you focus on your running goals, whether they take you around the block or the open trail. Choosing the perfect pair based on your goals and preferences can help ensure you keep your stride, mile after mile, or block after block.
