9 Best Running Headphones of 2023, Tested by a Running Coach

Best Overall

Bose Sport Earbuds

4.9

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Sound Quality
  4.5/5
• Battery Life
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

When it comes to sound quality, Bose Sport Earbuds are truly best in class for wireless earbuds, which is why we chose them as our best overall pick for running. Our tester found that the sound was crisp, powerful, and clear at all volumes. Setting them up was a cinch, as they quickly paired to an iPhone. It was also easy to adjust the volume, pause music, or take a call using the simple touch controls.

The buds come with three sizes of StayHear Max tips so you can customize your fit, and the flexible wings keep them in place. The earbuds felt secure during our test, even on a fast-paced run, which contributed to their 4.5 out of 5 rating for fit. 

This pair is also water- and sweat-resistant, earning a score of 4.5 out of 5 for durability. The charging case isn’t as portable as others we tested, like the AirPods Pro, but it’s still fairly compact and quickly charges the buds.

While our tester found the sound quality to be top-notch, these earbuds don’t have active noise cancellation like some of the other headphones we tested. However, in terms of safety running outdoors, that can actually be a valuable feature as it allows you to better pay attention to surrounding ambient sounds. 

Testing Notes: “The sound quality is excellent; I would even say best in class. They provide a deep bass compared to other earbuds. I was also impressed with the fit. They take a second longer to put in than other earbuds, but when they are in, they stay in.”

Overall, their design, fit, and performance make the Bose Sport Earbuds an excellent pick for runners who want durable, dependable headphones.

Price at time of publication: $149

^{Key Specs:
Type: In-ear | Battery Life: 5 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes | Water Resistant: Yes}

Best Battery Life

Skullcandy Push Active Wireless Earbuds

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  4.5/5
• Sound Quality
  4/5
• Fit
  4.5/5
• Durability
  4.5/5
• Battery Life
  5/5

If battery life is one of your top criteria for running headphones, we recommend Skullcandy’s Push Active Wireless Earbuds, with a battery life that can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. Despite the reasonable price tag, these headphones feature state-of-the-art acoustic components and get high marks for their incredible sound quality.

Our tester found that they were easy to set up and fit securely. The hook-over-the-ear design kept the earbuds in place, even when our tester picked up the pace, which helped them score a 4.5 out of 5 for fit.

These buds have some features that are unexpected at this price point, like the ability to use the app to customize the buttons for your preferred functions, as well as hands-free voice control. Their water- and sweat-resistance also beats some higher-priced options we tested, helping to boost the earbuds’ durability rating to 4.5 out of 5.

Testing Notes: “I found these earbuds to have a comfortable and secure fit, but I was most impressed with the battery life. As someone who runs almost every day, it’s nice to not have to think about constantly charging your headphones.”

Our tester also liked that she could run with just one earbud, which is helpful for staying aware of your surroundings and convenient for sharing tunes with your running buddy.

Price at time of publication: $80

^{Key Specs:
Type: Ear hooks | Battery Life: 10 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes  | Water Resistant: Yes}

Best Wireless

Beats Fit Pro Noise Canceling Earbuds

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Sound Quality
  5/5
• Battery Life
  4/5
• Value
  4/5

If you like the freedom of wireless headphones and need to block out noise during treadmill runs, the Beats Fit Pro earbuds are an excellent pick. During our test, the earbuds’ sealed design with active noise canceling capability effectively blocked sounds. However, we like that they also have a hear-through feature that gives you the option to remain aware of your surroundings when running outside.

Our tester was able to get a secure, comfortable fit, thanks to the flexible wingtip design, and had no concerns about the earbuds falling out. They stayed in even during a fast-paced hill workout, helping to earn them a 4.5 out of 5 for fit.

The physical button controls are simple to use while you’re running, and their function can be customized using either the iPhone’s settings or the Beats app. Our tester also found the microphone quality to be excellent for taking calls on the run or activating Siri.

Testing Notes: “I really like that these earbuds are low-profile, yet they have a very secure, comfortable fit. They’re great for running, but with the effective noise cancellation and high-quality microphone, they’re a nice all-in-one option for everyday use, too.”

The earbuds’ IPX rating, which represents how much an electronic device is protected from water and other environmental elements, isn’t as high as some others we tested, but it was sufficient during a very sweaty run. Our tester did note that the case felt a bit flimsy, which hurt the pair’s durability score a bit. Overall, if your priorities for wireless buds are good sound quality and a comfortable fit, we think these are a solid option.

Price at time of publication: $200

^{Key Specs:
Type: Earbuds | Battery Life: 6 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes | Water Resistant: Yes}

Best for Smaller Ears

Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  4.5/5
• Sound Quality
  4.5/5
• Fit
  4/5
• Durability
  4.5/5
• Battery Life
  5/5

If you’ve had trouble with earbuds falling out of your ears, you may want to give these PowerBeats Pro buds a try. Designed with athletes in mind, the lightweight buds are ideal for all types of training, from sweaty sprints to epic long runs. The adjustable ear hooks come with multiple eartip options, so they stay securely in place, helping to earn the buds a score of 4.5 out of 5 for fit.  

Our tester found that setting up and using these earbuds was very simple. Volume and track buttons  on each earbud and voice control  allow you to make adjustments without having to access your phone.

Their reinforced design and IPX4 sweatproof rating make them ideal for running, contributing to their 4.5 out of 5 score for durability. Our tester also found the battery life to be impressive, allowing for up to nine hours of listening time from a single charge.

Our tester liked the powerful, balanced sound. But unlike some other headphones we tested, these don’t offer true noise cancellation. This does, however, make these buds safer for running outdoors, compared to other options.

Testing Notes: “The sound quality and secure fit of these headphones are really exceptional. Although they’re pricey, I’d recommend them to intermediate runners looking to upgrade their running earbuds, especially those who have had issues with earbuds falling out.”

While these earbuds are on the pricier side, their comfort, performance, and durability make them well worth the investment.

Price at time of publication: $250

^{Key Specs:
Type: Ear hooks | Battery Life: 9 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes | WaterResistant: Yes}

Best Budget

Tranya T40 Wireless Earbuds

4.5

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  4.5/5
• Sound Quality
  4/5
• Fit
  4/5
• Durability
  4/5
• Battery Life
  4.5/5

If Beats Powerbeats Pro aren’t quite the right fit for your ears or budget, the Tranya T40 earbuds are an affordable alternative with many of the same features. During our test, they offered excellent sound quality and a comfortable fit. Our tester was also impressed with the physical buttons, which made it easy to adjust the volume and change songs.

The headphones, which come with six sets of ear tips for a more custom fit, stayed securely in place, even during a speed workout. Although some ear hooks can be irritating, these were surprisingly comfortable, helping to earn the headphones a 4.5 out of 5 for fit.

Despite the budget-friendly price, the earbuds are water-resistant and felt sturdy enough for very active use. Additionally, the manufacturer claims an 8-hour battery life, and it held a charge for several runs, so these headphones could definitely be an option for those who prioritize battery life.

Testing Notes: “These headphones were a cinch to set up and start using. I also liked the comfortable, secure fit. Although I can’t attest to the long-term durability yet, they seem to be well-constructed and sturdy for a budget-friendly pair.”

One downside is that the charging case is somewhat bulky and can’t easily slip into a pocket. But generally, we think these earbuds are a great value.

^{Key Specs:
Type: Ear hooks | Battery Life: 8 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes | Water-Resistant: Yes}

Best Noise-Canceling

Apple AirPods Pro (1st generation)

4.5

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Sound Quality
  4/5
• Fit
  4.5/5
• Durability
  4.5/5
• Battery Life
  3.5/5

Known for their lightweight design, stellar sound quality, and effective noise cancellation, the AirPods Pro are a popular choice among runners, even though they’re not specifically advertised as sports earbuds. During our test, setting them up was very straightforward and quick, and the smartphone pairing was seamless for each use. 

The AirPods Pro come with three sets of soft, tapered silicone tips, which allowed our tester to get a customized, secure fit. With a water resistance rating of IPX4, they can handle vigorous workouts and didn’t slip once our tester started sweating. Overall, they felt comfortable and secure, earning a nearly perfect score of 4.5 out of 5 for fit.

The AirPods Pro also have much better call quality than other earbuds we tested, so they’re a nice option for those who sometimes have to multi-task while running. But in terms of battery life, the buds lasted only 4.5 hours on a single charge, which was one of the lowest battery lives of all headphones we tested.

Testing Notes: “It’s tough to beat the AirPods Pro in terms of design and noise cancellation, but I wish they had a longer battery life. Overall, they’re a great pick for exercise as well as everyday use.”

Of course, the AirPods Pro’s best attribute—its active noise cancellation—isn’t too useful for outdoor runners since they may not be able to hear their surroundings. However, the earbuds are a great pick for treadmill running, and they also have a transparency mode, which allows important ambient sounds to leak in.

Price at time of publication: $220

^{Key Specs:
Type: In-ear | Battery Life: 4.5 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes | WaterResistant: Yes}

Best In-Ear

Jaybird Vista 2 True Wireless Sport Headphones

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  4.5/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Sound Quality
  5/5
• Battery Life
  4.5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

If a secure fit is your most important factor in choosing headphones, we recommend the Jaybird Vista 2 earbuds. They come with three sets of interchangeable eargels for various ear sizes, so you’re sure to find a fit that works for you. During test runs, they stayed securely in place, no matter how fast our tester was moving.

They’re also extremely durable, earning a perfect score of 5 out of 5 for durability. The buds have an IPX68 water-resistance rating, which means they're both dust-proof and fully waterproof and are designed to handle rain, mud, dust, and outdoor adventures. According to the manufacturer, they're also sweat-proof, crush-proof, and drop-proof. During our test, they felt very sturdy and like they would hold up to continued use.

The Vista 2 buds also feature active noise cancellation for treadmill runs at a loud gym and a transparency mode called SurroundSense, which allows you to hear traffic and other sounds when running outside. Both features worked effectively during our test and are definitely nice-to-have options. The sound quality and battery life are also quite good. However, our tester did notice that the microphone picks up a lot of wind during phone calls, so it may not be the best option for those who frequently take calls while running.

Testing Notes: “I really like that these earbuds fit comfortably and stayed securely in place, no matter how fast I was running. Both the buds and case are well-constructed and made of quality materials, and would hold up to long-term use.”

Our tester was impressed with the touch feature on the earbuds, which made it easy to pause, change songs, or adjust the volume. Plus, they feature a very sleek design—a huge plus for anyone who factors in aesthetics when choosing headphones. We also like that the charging case is very compact.

Price at time of publication: $149

^{Key Specs:
Type: Earbuds | Battery Life: 8 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes | Water Resistant: Yes}

Best Water-Resistant

Jabra Elite 4 Active In-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Ease of Use
  4.5/5
• Sound Quality
  4.5/5
• Fit
  4.5/5
• Durability
  4.5/5
• Battery Life
  4/5

With a modern and durable design, the Jabra Elite 4 Active wireless earbuds keep performing through even the longest runs. During our test, we found them to be very well-designed and reliable, which helped them earn a score of 4.5 out of 5 for durability. They’re fully waterproof, sweatproof, and come with a two-year extended warranty against sweat and dust.

With three different sizes of ear tips, it was easy to get a customized fit. The buds feature an ergonomic design and a special dry film grip coating to keep them securely in place, which contributed to their 4.5 out of 5 score for fit.

Our tester also found the buttons on the buds were convenient and just hard enough to press that you wouldn't accidentally adjust the volume or change songs. The earbuds also feature effective active noise cancellation, as well as the option to hear surrounding sounds with adjustable HearThrough technology.

Testing Notes: “I’d recommend these to runners or active people who want comfortable, durable earbuds. They’re hassle-free and offer good sound quality, plus the option to have active noise cancellation.”

Another plus is the charging case, which is compact and portable. It has a magnetic lid that shuts tightly and  magnetic connectors inside, so the buds are easy to store and keep secure. That being said, our tester noted that the case is completely smooth with no latch, so it can be a bit hard to open.

Price at time of publication: $120

^{Key Specs:
Type: In-ear | Battery Life: 7 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes | Water Resistant: Yes}