Best workout headphones in 2026

I've been reviewing audio gear for more than 10 years, but since I started running regularly in 2020, workout headphones have become one of my favorite categories to test. The best headphones for workouts can't just sound good — they also need to stay put, feel comfortable, handle sweat, and offer controls that are easy to use when you're mid-run, mid-rep, or just trying not to lose your rhythm.

Every pick in this guide was tested during real workouts, including runs, walks, bike rides, and strength-training sessions. My top overall choice is the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds, which do a great job of balancing comfort, stability, sound quality, and workout-friendly features. Some earbuds are better suited to one specific activity, but the Powerbeats Pro 2 are the pair I'd recommend for most people, whether you're lifting at the gym or heading out for a quick jog. That said, if running is your main priority, the Shokz OpenDots 2 earbuds are my favorite option. Their clip-on, open-ear design stays secure while letting you hear traffic and what's happening around you, which makes them especially practical for outdoor runs.

No matter which pair you choose, these recommendations earned their spots through hands-on testing in real workout conditions. I didn't just judge them on sound quality — I made sure they could actually keep up with demanding workouts.

Our top picks for the best workout headphones

Best overall: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 - See at Amazon

Best for running: Shokz OpenDots 2 - See at Amazon

Best for biking: Sony Linkbuds Fit - See at Amazon

Best overall

For a lot of gym rats, it's important to be able to drown out ambient noise while lifting weights or using cardio machines. On the other hand, if you're running or exercising outside, it's important to be able to hear your surroundings. The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 stand out for working well in both scenarios.

These in-ear buds deliver good active noise cancellation (ANC), making them a solid choice for blocking out distractions in the gym. Equally impressive is their transparency mode, which uses the earbuds' built-in microphones to let in ambient sounds when you want to stay aware of traffic or hear other people.

In either setting, I found the headphones' bass to be deep and the overall sound quality to be full and detailed. These earbuds pump out lively audio with all kinds of music, which helped me stay motivated while working out.

The Powerbeats Pro 2 also fit securely without being too tight. They feature IPX4 water resistance and didn't shift around when I got sweaty. Plus, they have physical volume buttons that are easy to reach while in motion. A battery life of up to 45 hours means I can run for weeks before needing to charge the case. I also appreciate that the case is smaller than past models and now supports wireless charging. However, it's still a bit bulky compared to some competing options.

As an added bonus, each bud has an integrated heart rate sensor for fitness tracking. This feature is negated if you pair the earbuds with an Apple Watch (the watch's data is used instead), but it's a cool perk if you don't already have a separate health tracker.

The audio quality, noise cancellation, transparency performance, and fit combine to make the Powerbeats Pro 2 the best workout headphones for people who want versatility. As a jack-of-all-trades option, the Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds stand out from the competition.

Read our full Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review.

Best for running

The Shokz OpenDots 2 are the best running headphones I've reviewed. I previously recommended the Soundcore AeroFit 2 in this spot, and though they're still a solid option, I prefer the OpenDots 2 design and audio quality.

Running workouts involve a lot of motion, so getting wireless earbuds that can handle a range of speeds is important. That's why I like the clip-on style of the OpenDots 2. They're lightweight and comfortable, but also fit securely so they never shift or feel like they'll fall out of my ears. That makes the Shokz OpenDots 2 an ideal choice for people focused on running.

I also love the natural awareness that the earbuds' open fit provides. Unlike traditional in-ear buds, such as the Powerbeats Pro 2, they don't create a seal in your ear canal; instead, they rest outside your ear canal. This lets you hear your surroundings while running outdoors, so you can stay aware of traffic and other potential hazards. This kind of design is less needed inside a gym on a treadmill, but they still work fine indoors.

Open-ear buds tend to suffer from poor audio quality since they leak sound and their lack of a seal can weaken bass, but the OpenDots 2 earbuds buck that trend. They have a robust, rich sound. Songs sound full, and podcasts are clear and natural. It doesn't matter what kind of audio motivates you on runs; these earbuds do justice to a wide range of genres.

On the downside, I wish the OpenDots 2 had physical media control buttons. However, the touch-sensitive design works well enough, and the force-press area on the back does a good job of mimicking a button press, making it passable.

The charging case is small enough to pack for any trip while still supporting wireless charging. And although these are perfect for running, they can handle any kind of workout. If you need a pair of running or workout buds that you can take on trips, these are worth considering for their travel-friendly case.

Read our full Shokz OpenDots 2 review.

Best for biking

If biking is your fitness activity of choice, then you know how annoying it can be to have earbuds that stick out and mess with your helmet's straps. The Sony Linkbuds Fit are fairly standard workout earbuds, but their design is perfect for avoiding this.

Unlike my other picks, these in-ear headphones sit all the way in your ears with no large stems, clips, or hooks poking out. They do have small fins, but they don't stick out, so they don't get in the way.

The Linkbuds Fit come with silicone tips and rubber ear wings in different sizes for a secure fit. With the right combination, they hardly moved around in my ears. Yet the extremely soft rubber makes them comfortable for long durations.

As long as you get the right fit, they deliver punchy sound quality. I also liked how the earbuds' solid bass gave songs an energetic feel, which is a great fit for pushing yourself on a bike ride.

Like the Powerbeats Pro 2, the LinkBuds Fit have ANC and transparency modes, so they can block noise or let it in depending on whether you're biking outside or inside on a stationary bike. Silencing wind is always tough, and your mileage may vary, but I found them to be pretty good at this tricky task.

What else we tested

Though the three earbuds above are my top recommendations, a few other options stood out for their solid performance. These models didn't quite make the cut, but they're still worth considering for specific needs.

Soundcore AeroFit 2 - See at Amazon
The Soundcore AeroFit 2 were my top recommendation for the best running earbuds, and they're still an excellent option, especially given their under-$100 price point. They offer a great balance between solid sound quality, comfort, and awareness. That said, I give the Shokz OpenDots 2 the edge as my top pick, thanks to their better audio performance and convenient clip-on design.

Raycon Open Earbuds - See at Amazon
Though they didn't offer the best sound quality or overall value, among the dozens of earbuds I tested, the Raycon Open stayed in place the best. This makes them a solid choice if you're planning to focus on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and want a pair of workout earbuds that won't fly off during extreme movements.

Baseus Eli Sport 1 - See at Baseus
The Eli Sport 1 earbuds are well-equipped, fitness-focused headphones with an open design. They fit securely, and despite their open build, they can get plenty loud to wear inside a gym. They hover right above your ears rather than create a seal inside, which makes them a good fit for people who need to hear a trainer or spotter during exercises. They also come with a removable neck strap that provides extra security from drops.

How we test workout headphones

To find the best headphones for working out, I tested several models during runs, HIIT exercises, and using various gym equipment. I listened to music, podcasts, and other audio to get a sense of how the earbuds sounded with different types of content in different fitness environments. I put them through various exercises and workouts to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.

I used a range of headphone types — ones that go in your ears, around your ears, and those that clip on to the side of your ears — to figure out which ones worked best for different types of fitness activities. In addition to the actual earbuds, I also evaluated their charging cases to test battery life and build quality.

I primarily connected the best workout earbuds directly to my Apple Watch via Bluetooth, but I also connected them to my iPhone to check out their companion apps, if applicable.

Meet the expert behind this guide:

Tyler Hayes, contributing reporter: I've been covering consumer tech since 2013 and reviewing headphones for Business Insider since 2019, so I've tested more pairs than I can count. But when it comes to this guide, I didn't just listen to them at my desk — I wore every pair during my own workouts, from sweaty gym sessions to miles of outdoor runs. I'm a daily runner, so I'm picky about what stays put, sounds great, and survives a tough workout. If a pair of earbuds made this list, it's because I've personally put it through its paces.

Learn more about the Reviews team at Business Insider.

Workout headphones FAQs

What's the difference between waterproof and water-resistant headphones?

Waterproof headphones can be submerged for extended periods. Meanwhile, water-resistant headphones can still get wet, but can't be exposed to water for as long or get submerged. The IPX system rates a product's resistance to water (and dust), with higher numbers indicating greater exposure before damage occurs.

All the best headphones for working out in this guide are IPX4- or IP55-rated. This means they're water-resistant to sweat and splashes, but are not designed to be submerged.

Can I use earbuds for swimming?

There are waterproof earbuds and headphones meant for swimming, but they're less common. The biggest reason waterproof earbuds aren't more popular is Bluetooth's inability to transmit underwater. Instead, swimming-specific earbuds for the pool need to be preloaded with downloaded songs.

What's the difference between in-ear and open-ear headphones?

Open-ear buds are designed to sit right outside your ears rather than further inside. This design lets you hear more of your surroundings because your ears aren't plugged. This is important when exercising outside so you can stay aware of vehicles for safety.

In-ear headphones create a seal inside your ear canal. Though this leads to passive noise isolation that can make it difficult to hear ambient sounds, it enables better audio quality since there's less sound leakage. To make them suited for outdoor fitness, some in-ear headphones feature a transparency mode that uses built-in microphones to pass through outside sounds.

Our guide to the best headphones for working out includes both in-ear and open-ear options.

Can any headphones be used for workouts?

Technically, yes, you can use any pair of headphones or earbuds while working out. However, larger over-ear models can make movements difficult and are less secure. Likewise, some earbuds are better for active use than others. The best headphones for working out will include features like an open design or a good transparency mode. They will also have some level of water resistance. Generally, if you plan to use headphones regularly during workouts, it's best to find a pair designed for active use.

For headphone recommendations geared toward other uses, check out our full suite of headphone buying guides:

• Best headphones
• Best earbuds
• Best over-ear headphones
• Best budget headphones
• Best noise-canceling headphones
• Best AirPods
• Best AirPods alternatives
• Best Bose headphones
• Best Sony headphones

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