Fitness Gear Equipment 9 Best Running Headphones of 2022, Tested by a Running Coach Bose’s Sport Earbuds were our clear winner for their performance on various runs By Christine Luff, ACE-CPT Christine Luff, ACE-CPT LinkedIn Twitter Christine Many Luff is a personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and Road Runners Club of America Certified Coach. Learn about our editorial process Updated on September 27, 2022 Reviewed Verywell Fit articles are reviewed by nutrition and exercise professionals. Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by John Honerkamp Reviewed by John Honerkamp LinkedIn Twitter John Honerkamp is an RRCA and USATF certified running coach, celebrity marathon pacer, and recognized leader in the New York City running community. Learn about our Review Board Fact checked Verywell Fit content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. We rely on the most current and reputable sources, which are cited in the text and listed at the bottom of each article. Content is fact checked after it has been edited and before publication. Learn more. by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Fact checked by Isabella Broggini, NASM-CPT Isabella Broggini is a health writer and editor, NASM-certified personal trainer, and fitness nutrition specialist. She is a commerce editor at Verywell. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Listening to your favorite song, audiobook, or podcast can be a huge motivator when you’re running. But if you don’t have the right headphones, runs can feel annoying and stressful as you fidget with your device to get the right fit and sound. The best running headphones are comfortable, durable, and will fit within your budget. Tested & Approved The Bose Sport Earbuds are our top pick for their exceptional sound quality, lightweight, comfortable design, and secure fit. We also love the Skullcandy Push Active Wireless Earbuds because they offer great durability and performance at a budget-friendly price. Other important considerations when searching for the perfect running headphones are sound quality and battery life. When wearing headphones, it’s still important that you’re able to hear ambient sounds near you—like traffic, pedestrians, and animals— as an added safety precaution on the road. “The key thing to look for is the ability to run with one earbud, to easily control volume, and turn off sound when you want to be even more in tune with what's happening around you,” Amanda Brooks, certified running coach and personal trainer, says. To put the top headphones to the test, our tester ran outdoors at a variety of paces in sweaty conditions to get a feel for the sound quality, fit, functionality, comfort, and performance. According to our research and testing, here are the best running headphones on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Bose Sport Earbuds at Amazon Jump to Review Best Battery Life: Skullcandy Push Active Wireless Earbuds at Amazon Jump to Review Best Wireless: Beats Fit Pro Noise Canceling Earbuds at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Smaller Ears: Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds at Amazon Jump to Review Bet Budget: Tranya Wireless Earbuds at Amazon Jump to Review Best Noise-Canceling: Apple AirPods Pro at Amazon Jump to Review Best In-Ear: Jaybird Vista 2 at Amazon Jump to Review Best Water-Resistant: Jabra Elite 4 Active Earbuds at Amazon Jump to Review Best Bone Conduction: Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction Headphones at Amazon Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Tested What to Look For Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall: Bose Sport Earbuds 4.8 Bose View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Best Buy Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Sound Quality 5/5 Fit 4.5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Battery Life 4.5/5 Bose Sport Earbuds Review: Durable, Comfortable, and Made for Runners Pros Excellent sound quality Secure, comfortable fit Easy to use Cons No active noise cancellation option Who else recommends it? Runner's World and Tom's Guide both picked Bose Sport Earbuds. What do buyers say? 84% of 26,700+ Amazon reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. 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. Overall, their design, fit, and performance make the Bose Sport Earbuds an excellent pick for runners who want durable, dependable headphones. Type: In-ear | Battery Life: 5 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes | Water Resistant: Yes Verywell Fit / Christine Luff What Our Testers Say “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.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester Best Battery Life: Skullcandy Push Active Wireless Earbuds 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Best Buy Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.5/5 Sound Quality 4/5 Fit 4.5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Battery Life 5/5 Pros Hands-free voice control Stay securely in place High water- and sweat-resistance rating Cons Some might prefer louder volume 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. 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. Type: Ear hooks | Battery Life: 10 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes | Water Resistant: Yes What Our Testers Say “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.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester Best Wireless: Beats Fit Pro Noise Canceling Earbuds 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Abt.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Functionality 5/5 Sound Quality 3/5 Noise Cancelation 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Pros Easy-to-use controls Excellent noise cancellation Secure, comfortable fit Cons Case feels a bit flimsy 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. 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. Type: Earbuds | Battery Life: 6 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes | Water Resistant: Yes What Our Testers Say “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.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester Best for Smaller Ears: Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds 4.6 Beats View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Beatsbydre.com Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.5/5 Sound Quality 4.5/5 Fit 4/5 Durability 4.5/5 Battery Life 5/5 Pros Good, clear sound Immaculate fit Very durable Cons Case is bulky for carrying in a pocket Limited active noise cancellation 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. While these earbuds are on the pricier side, their comfort, performance, and durability make them well worth the investment. Type: Ear hooks | Battery Life: 9 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes | WaterResistant: Yes What Our Testers Say “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.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester The 9 Best Workout Headphones of 2022 Bet Budget: Tranya T40 Wireless Earbuds 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.5/5 Sound Quality 4/5 Fit 4/5 Durability 4/5 Battery Life 4.5/5 Pros Sturdy feel Secure, comfortable fit Button controls are easy to use Cons Case is bulky for carrying in a pocket 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. 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. Type: Ear hooks | Battery Life: 8 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes | Water-Resistant: Yes What Our Testers Say “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.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester Best Noise-Canceling: Apple AirPods Pro 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Apple View On Best Buy Our Ratings Ease of Use 5/5 Sound Quality 4/5 Fit 4.5/5 Durability 4.5/5 Battery Life 3.5/5 Pros Excellent design Easy to set up and use Good connectivity Cons Battery life could use improvement 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. 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. Type: In-ear | Battery Life: 4.5 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes | WaterResistant: Yes What Our Testers Say “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.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester Best In-Ear: Jaybird Vista 2 True Wireless Sport Headphones 4.5 Jaybird View On Amazon Our Ratings Ease of Use 4/5 Sound Quality 4/5 Fit 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Battery Life 4.5/5 Pros Very secure fit Durable Good battery life Cons Not ideal for phone calls 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. 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. Type: Earbuds | Battery Life: 8 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes | Water Resistant: Yes What Our Testers Say “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.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester The Best Cold Weather Running Gear, According to a Running Coach Best Water-Resistant: Jabra Elite 4 Active In-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds 4.6 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Best Buy 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 Pros Very durable Portable Easy to set up and use Cons Case is not easy to open 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. 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. Type: In-ear | Battery Life: 7 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes | Water Resistant: Yes What Our Testers Say “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.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester Best Bone Conduction: Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction Headphones 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Best Buy View On REI Our Ratings Ease of Use 4.5/5 Sound Quality 4/5 Fit 4/5 Durability 4.5/5 Battery Life 5/5 Pros Comfortable and stable fit Open-ear design boosts situational awareness Good battery life Cons Vibrations sometimes noticeable We highly recommend these sweat-resistant, bone conduction headphones to runners in urban areas since the open-ear design allows you to better hear what’s going on around you. The wireless headphones don't go in your ears but deliver sound to your ear through your cheekbones. Made of titanium, the lightweight, wraparound band felt very sturdy, helping to earn the headphones a score of 4.5 out of 5 for durability. Our tester found that the earpieces stayed securely in place without causing any pressure or discomfort. The bone conduction does cause some light vibrations, especially at higher volumes, but our tester barely noticed this most of the time. Our tester was impressed with the convenient pause and volume buttons, which were easy to use. We also like the noise-canceling mics that let you take calls on the run. The sound is rich and full, but it still doesn’t quite measure up to the quality of the in-ear headphones we tested. However, we were impressed with the battery life, which lasted up to 10 hours on a single charge. Type: Bone conduction | Battery Life: 10 hours | Connection: Bluetooth | On-ear controls: Yes | Water Resistant: Yes What Our Testers Say “I had never tried bone conduction headphones before, and I was pleasantly surprised by their comfort and performance. I liked that I could still hear what was going on around me when running outside with these.” —Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, certified running coach, certified personal trainer, and Verywell Fit product tester The Best Running Safety Gear, According to a Running Coach Compare Overall Rating Ease of Use Sound Quality Fit Durability Battery Life Best Overall: Bose Sport Earbuds Amazon 4.8 5 5 4.5 4.5 4.5 Best Battery Life: Skullcandy Push Active Wireless Earbuds Amazon 4.6 4.5 4 4.5 4.5 5 Best Wireless: Beats Fit Pro Noise Canceling Earbuds Amazon 4.6 5 3 Best for Smaller Ears: Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds Amazon 4.6 4.5 4.5 4 4.5 5 Bet Budget: Tranya Wireless Earbuds Amazon 4.5 4.5 4 4 4 4.5 Best Noise-Canceling: Apple AirPods Pro Amazon 4.5 5 4 4.5 4.5 3.5 Best In-Ear: Jaybird Vista 2 Amazon 4.5 4 4 4.5 5 4.5 Best Water-Resistant: Jabra Elite 4 Active Earbuds Amazon 4.6 4.5 4.5 4.5 4.5 4 Best Bone Conduction: Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction Headphones Amazon 4.5 4.5 4 4 4.5 5 Final Verdict While runners may have different priorities when selecting headphones, the Bose Sport Earbuds are our top pick because they excel in several important categories—including fit, sound quality, durability, and sweat resistance. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, we recommend Skullcandy’s Push Active Wireless Earbuds, which offer features, comfort, and performance that are comparable to higher-priced pairs. How We Rated the Running Headphones 4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best running headphones we tested. We recommend them without reservation.4.5 to 4.7 stars: These running headphones might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.4.0 to 4.4 stars: We think these are great running headphones, but others are better.3.5 to 3.9 stars: These running headphones are just average.3.4 and below: We don't recommend running headphones with this rating; you won't find any on our list. How We Selected and Tested the Best Running Headphones To select the best running headphones, we researched over 25 products from top retailers and considered their features, comfort, price, and durability. Then, our tester ran with ten different headphones for over 50 hours. Our tester ran at a variety of paces on pavement and a treadmill while wearing each pair of headphones. After the test, we evaluated each set for its ease of use, sound quality, fit, durability, safety, noise cancellation, and battery life, and scored each of these six key attributes on a scale of 1 (would not recommend) to 5 (highly recommend). We also gave each device a value score by comparing the cost of the pair to its overall quality. Finally, each set of headphones was given an overall star rating, which reflects our general impression of the device and its performance and whether or not we would recommend it to a friend. Of the ten headphones we tested, nine scored well enough to be included in our list of the best picks. What to Look for in Running Headphones Comfort The last thing you want while you’re running is to have to deal with uncomfortable headphones. You want to make sure the pair you choose fits securely in place. Some are ergonomically designed, but it will be a matter of preference as to which style is most comfortable for you. “Wireless is a great benefit,” Lisa Landrum, certified running coach and owner of Forward Motion CLT, says. “Messing with wires isn’t fun while sitting down—if we add movement into the equation, we may get even more tangled up in that rat’s nest of thin wires.” Durability Runners can be tough on earphones, with various unpredictable outdoor elements and all of that bouncing, so you want a pair that can go the distance. Many are waterproof, and some even tout their washer-proof capability, which is great for those of us who constantly find our earphones in the pockets of our running shorts after they’ve been through the wash. “Many runners assume that all headphones are water resistant, which just isn't the case,” Brooks says. “Most are sweat resistant, so you can enjoy your summer days without issue, but they aren't designed to be worn in the rain. I like to see an IPX rating above 3 to be safe.” Safety If you log lots of outdoor miles, you definitely need to consider safety issues when choosing headphones. “It’s important to make sure we can hear what’s happening around us,” Landrum says. “There are brands that allow you to hear music or a podcast without totally blocking out outside noises.” Look for headphones that allow you to turn off any noise-canceling features. Battery Life You don’t want to have to charge the battery after every single run, so look for headphones that can go for at least five hours on a single charge. If you’re a long-distance runner, you may want to bump that up to nine hours or more. Price If you’re someone who frequently loses your earbuds, runs just once in a while, or is on a budget, you might not want to shell out big bucks for headphones. Luckily, there are many solid pairs with quality sound that won’t break the bank. Frequently Asked Questions What are the benefits of listening to music or podcasts while working out? “Sometimes, we all need a distraction from our miles. A great way to help the time pass is by listening to music, a book, or a podcast on our runs,” Landrum says.Listening to music or podcasts while performing some types of workouts can help keep you moving longer. Low-intensity cardiovascular activity, in particular, may be best performed while listening to music. Music may even increase the duration of your exercise session. How often should you clean your headphones? Cleaning your headphones frequently can help prevent bacteria and oils from building up. Ideally, wipe down your headphones after each workout session to remove sweat and oil. Cleaning them once a week is recommended at a minimum. How do you keep your headphones in place while working out? Properly fitting headphones won’t move around while you exercise, so choose the size that is right for your ears or ones that can be adjusted. If you have trouble keeping your current pair in place, try wearing a headband over your ears. For wired headphones, you can try threading the wire under your shirt to prevent it from catching or pulling and removing your headphones from your ears. How to keep headphones from falling out while running Choosing the right headphones is key to keeping them from falling out while running. Look for sweat-proof headphones, so they don’t become slippery and slide out. Most earbuds come with multiple ear tips for different ear sizes to help keep them in securely.“A pair that bounces around or falls out constantly leads to frustration and interrupts the flow of your run,” Brooks says. She recommends taking the time to read the device’s instructions on how to get the best fit. Do marathon runners listen to music? Yes, some marathon runners listen to music both during their training and the race itself. Most marathons allow race participants to use headphones in the race, as long as they aren’t competing for a prize. Why Trust Verywell Fit A certified personal trainer, running coach, gym buff, and fitness writer, Christine Luff, ACE-CPT, spends countless hours researching and testing the latest exercise gear and gadgets. She only recommends products that she can genuinely stand behind and that she believes would be a good investment for her readers. 4 Sources Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. The 20 Best Earbuds for Running. Runner's World. https://www.runnersworld.com/gear/a20852590/the-best-wireless-headphones-for-running/ The best running headphones in 2022. Tom's Guide. https://www.tomsguide.com/best-picks/best-running-headphones Biagini MS, Brown LE, Coburn JW, et al. Effects of self-selected music on strength, explosiveness, and mood. J Strength Cond Res. 2012;(26)):1934-8. doi:10.1519/JSC.0b013e318237e7b3 Thakare AE, Mehrotra R, Singh A. Effect of music tempo on exercise performance and heart rate among young adults. Int J Physiol Pathophysiol Pharmacol. 2017;9(2):35-39. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit