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These headphones will stay put and help you get the most out of your running playlist.
Most of us can't get through a run without listening to our favorite podcast or designated running playlist, but if you find yourself tangled in wires, or constantly stopping to search for the earbud that just popped out, your headphones can become more of a hindrance than a help. To make finding the right pair easier, we've rounded up the best wireless headphones for running in a variety of styles and at a wide range of price points. These have amazing sound quality, won't fall off, and will remain comfortable for the duration of your run.
When shopping for a new pair of wireless headphones, there are a few things you'll want to consider to ensure that they'll make it through your toughest workouts. One of the most important factors to consider is sweat- and water-resistance. This will help prevent damage to your headphones, particularly if you're running in the summer or if you get caught in the rain.
The design of the actual headphone is also important. If you choose an over-ear design, you will want it to be super plush and comfortable on your ears, as well as having padding on the headband portion so your head isn't hitting against hard plastic as you move. If you select an in-ear model, make sure that it either has adjustable silicone tips, and/or a wing that tucks into the folds of the ear to prevent it from falling out.
Finally, consider how the headphones are controlled. A single button or voice control will be the easiest to use without pausing your run. These features also make it so you don't have to fiddle with your phone as you move.
To find the best wireless headphones for runners on the market, we researched the most popular models available and considered their design, sound quality, battery life, durability, comfort, and price. We also consulted previous testing on running headphones conducted by Runner's World editors to determine the most crucial features when choosing a pair of wireless headphones for runners. We then looked at both expert reviews and customer ratings, written by people who’ve bought these wireless headphones on sites like Amazon, to settle on the products you'll find below, all of which have average user ratings of four out of five stars or higher.
Looking to update all your running tech? Check out our picks for the best GPS watches.
These headphones are comfortable, secure, and have impressive sound quality for such small buds. A single multifunction button on each earbud lets you easily adjust volume, skip tracks, and activate your digital assistant without picking up your phone.
They seal tightly in the ear, which allows them to work well at drowning out external noise, but they also have “Hear Through” mode, which allows you to hear both your music and surroundings, making it great for roads and other busy areas.
Finding a true noise-cancelling earbud can be tough, but these will just about give you silence. They have a silicone tip as well as a little tail that fits inside the ear. This combination of features helps keep them super secure, even when you're sweating or running in the rain—and they're resistant to both. They are compatible with both iOS and Android, and come in four color options.
If you already own Apple products and have the change to spare, it just makes sense to invest in a pair of AirPods Pro. They have a silicone tip, which helps keep them in your ears—even as you begin to sweat—and they are water- and sweat-resistant, so you can use them throughout the summer and when you're exercising in the rain. They also allow you to answer and end calls without taking out your phone and have a run time of over 24 hours.
If you don't like the feel of the silicone tips, you can opt for the standard Airpods. I have used these for years, and while they aren't specifically sweatproof, they have held up through countless workouts and sweaty summer runs for me.
Admittedly it never crossed my mind to seek out fitness tracking earbuds, but am I interested? Hell yeah. These buds are designed to track like a basic GPS watch, giving you stats on speed, distance, calories, and heart rate.
They also have impressive sound quality and come with interchangeable silicone tips to fit your ear size. These ’buds also have a fun feature called “Motion Beat” mode, which enhances the beat of your music when it senses you are moving repetitively.
Instead of going in your ears, these headphones sit outside of them. Using bone conduction technology, they are able to produce clear and quality sound without inhibiting your hearing, making them a great choice for biking or running on roads or busy trails.
They are also super lightweight, and fit closely to the back of the head so they won't bounce around—and unlike most headphones, which are only water-resistant, these are fully waterproof, so rest assured they won't get damaged if you get caught in the rain.
If you want true headphones that won't break the bank affordable, this model by Soundcore may fit the bill. Priced at only $80, they perform well above their price range with comfortable padding, sleek design, and commendable audio quality. They come in three colors and have both noise-cancelling and transparency modes—the latter of which is great for keeping tabs on your surroundings.
While you may find them a bit steamy in the summer, these Beats headphones will stay put as you breeze through a workout or pound the pavement. They have a wide, cushioned pad that covers the entire ear, and an adjustable cushioned frame that is snug but comfortable against your head. Plus, this style comes in seven different colors, so you can definitely find one that fits your particular running aesthetic.