No matter what sort of train you’re into, if you happen to’re understanding, you’ll need a pair of wi-fi exercise headphones. They can help you be free and untethered throughout a critical weight-lifting session, a 5K run, an hour on the skate park and in all places in between the place you’re shifting and sweating a ton. There are dozens of nice wireless headphones and wireless earbud choices on the market, however for train particularly, there are extra elements to contemplate earlier than choosing one up like water resistance, battery life and general consolation.
At Engadget, we’ve examined a bunch of fitness-ready headphones and earbuds to provide you with our prime picks, plus some recommendation to contemplate earlier than you decide up a pair. All of our prime picks under will work out and in of the fitness center, so you’ll be able to spend money on only one pair and make these your every day driver. If you happen to’re primarily a runner, take a look at our checklist of best headphones for running.
Finest exercise headphones for 2025
Connectivity: Wi-fi | Model: In-ear with wingtip | Assistant help: Google Assistant, Siri
Learn our full Beats Fit Pro review
The Beats Fit Pro got here out on the head of the pack due to their comfy, safe design, good sound high quality and transparency mode, amongst different issues. As my colleague Billy Steele detailed in his review of the Fit Pro, the buds’ wingtip design units them aside from different Beats earbuds and makes them significantly good for working and different exercises. The buds are pretty small and light-weight, and the wingtip on every is versatile sufficient to hug your ear properly with out placing an excessive amount of strain on it. This helps them really feel safer while you’re shifting round loads be it throughout a morning jog or whereas taking a HIIT class. The buds are additionally IPX4 rated — not the very best quantity of safety I encountered, however sufficient to maintain the buds working properly even throughout my sweatiest classes.
Because it have been, the Beats Match Professional stayed put throughout each single exercise. Nevertheless, adjusting their place on the fly can result in one in every of my few gripes with the buds: unintended presses of the onboard controls. There have been numerous occasions after I went to regulate a bud and I ended up pausing my music within the course of as a result of the buttons are really easy to set off.
Sound high quality is stable and significantly nice for exercising due to its punchy bass and general balanced profile. Spatial audio help is nice to have, and whereas Adaptive EQ means you’ll be able to’t modify the EQ your self like you’ll be able to with different buds, it does make for constantly good audio high quality. It’s additionally one much less factor to play with out of the field, which I anticipate many individuals will recognize; these earbuds are a real unbox-and-go choice. ANC can be sturdy and transparency mode will come in useful for individuals who typically run, cycle or in any other case train exterior. It was essentially the most natural-sounding transparency mode of any earbuds I attempted, and it’s straightforward to activate or off both with onboard controls or from the management panel in your iOS or Android smartphone.
Talking of, the Beats Match Professional work significantly properly with iPhones due to their built-in H1 chip, however Android customers can obtain their companion app to entry issues like fast pairing, management customizations and a battery standing indicator. I didn’t get into element in regards to the setup course of as a result of, properly, there isn’t a lot of 1. However I’ll say that, upon unboxing, I used to be stunned how low cost the charging case feels. Whereas it gives an additional 21 hours of charging on prime of the buds’ promised six hours of life, the construct high quality looks like an actual step down in comparison with the buds themselves. Other than that and the contact controls, although, the Beats Match Professional supply an entire package deal for athletes, one which can be utilized all day along with coaching classes. Plus, their commonplace $200 worth isn’t too cost-prohibitive, and so they can typically be discovered on sale for much less.
- Comfy IPX4 design
- Nice sound high quality with Adaptive EQ
- Efficient ANC and helpful transparency mode
- Multipoint connectivity
- Stable battery life
- Onboard controls are straightforward to by accident press
- Charging case feels low cost
JLab
Connectivity: Wi-fi | Model: In-ear with hook | Assistant help: None
When you’ve got lower than $50 to spend, the $30 JLab Go Air Sport+ are a terrific choice. These are the newest model of our earlier decide right here, the Go Air Sport. Once I examined these, I didn’t have excessive expectations going into testing these buds, however I used to be rapidly impressed by their consolation and sound high quality. A lot of headphones designed for exercises have this hook that wraps across the prime of your ear, and it does assist the Go Air Sport keep securely connected to your head.
The Sport+ maintains that design. The hooks are fairly versatile and have a soft-touch end, which provides to their consolation. Admittedly, this design will take some getting used to if you happen to’re new to it, however it’s a surefire approach to get a bit further stability throughout excessive depth exercises.
Sound high quality is fairly good on these buds as properly, though not practically as balanced as that of our prime decide. I additionally recognize that you would be able to cycle via three totally different EQ modes — Signature, Balanced and Bass Increase — utilizing the buds’ onboard controls. There’s no app to fuss with, and that was a pleasant change of tempo after largely testing buds with some sort of app connectivity.
You possibly can anticipate over 9 hours of playtime on the Go Air Sport+, plus one other 26 hours of battery life with its charging case. JLab additionally mounted a serious pain-point in regards to the earlier variations right here: as a substitute of the previous, built-in USB-A cable for charging, it is now a extra fashionable USB-C cable. Nonetheless, the case is on the cumbersome facet; you’ll be able to nonetheless throw it right into a backpack or purse simply, however it’s not as svelte as instances you’ll see on costlier buds.
- Reasonably priced
- Spectacular sound high quality for the value
- IP55-rated design
- Good battery life
- Giant case
- Hook design received’t be for everybody
SHOKZ
Connectivity: Wi-fi | Model: Open-ear | Assistant help: None
The Shokz OpenFit 2 are the newest iteration of those open-ear headphones, with our earlier prime decide right here being the unique OpenFit. Earbuds with open designs like this enable for extra situational consciousness, with the objective being to let noise in slightly than block it out. In my expertise, the OpenFits do a terrific job of this with out skimping on sound high quality or consolation.
The buds themselves nearly float over your ear cavern and Shokz’s soft-finish “dolphin arc” hook is versatile sufficient to securely wrap across the prime of your ear with out placing an excessive amount of strain on it. There’s a bud-like portion on the different finish of the hook that acts as counterbalance, leading to a dependable match that by no means faltered throughout all kinds of actions together with working, power coaching and indoor biking. Granted, none of these workouts contain shaking your head an excessive amount of; perhaps don’t put on the OpenFit to hearken to head-banging loss of life metallic (if you happen to can’t management your self).
Sound high quality is stable contemplating the design, and the OpenFit will get fairly loud as properly. These buds have Shokz’s Direct Pitch know-how, which makes use of reverse sound waves to optimize the space and angle to your ear canal. The corporate claims this helps scale back sound leakage. In my testing, I discovered that true to a sure extent. The OpenFit had the most effective sound high quality and general quantity out of the entire open-ear gadgets I attempted, however if you happen to crank the amount as much as the max (or shut), the particular person subsequent to you’ll undoubtedly hear what you’re listening to. General, these are a terrific choice for anybody who doesn’t discover in-ear buds significantly comfy, or those that simply favor to have extra consciousness of their environment whereas understanding.
- Comfy open-ear design
- Design permits for extra situational consciousness
- Good sound high quality and quantity
- No ANC
- Not as safe when in comparison with in-ear or hook-toting buds
H2O Audio
Connectivity: Wi-fi | Model: Over-ear | Assistant help: None
Some favor to put on over-ear headphones all day, daily, and if that sounds such as you, there’s a superb likelihood you already use your daily-driver headphones on the fitness center. However if you happen to’re noticing elevated wear-and-tear on these cans as a consequence of sweat or prolonged intervals of use, chances are you’ll wish to contemplate a pair of over-ear headphones particularly for understanding.
In that case, contemplate the H2O Audio Ript Ultra. Whereas these wi-fi headphones don’t have a particular IP score (they’re not designed for the pool, to be clear), they do declare to be “100% sweatproof” thanks partly to their detachable and washable earcups. They survived a few of my hardest runs and strength-training classes with out subject, and the earcups are fairly straightforward to take away while you wish to give them a wipe-down. There’s additionally a second pair of earcups included within the field so you’ll be able to swap them in when the originals finally surrender the ghost.
Sound high quality is respectable, however it ought to be higher on a pair of $250 headphones. The Ript Extremely has customized 45mm drivers and lively noise cancellation as much as 30 dB. Whereas the general sound high quality isn’t higher than our prime decide, it’s greater than sufficient to get your blood pumping throughout a exercise. However extra importantly, you’ll possible get higher sound high quality on a pair of Bose or Beats headphones on the identical worth vary; you’re actually paying for the improved sturdiness with the Ript Extremely. Finally, if you need a pair of headphones for the fitness center that may deal with sweat and (doubtlessly) last more than different cans in the identical worth vary, the Ript Extremely is an effective selection.
- Sweatproof
- Removeable, washable earcups
- Second pair of earcups included within the field
- Comfy match
- Costly
- Sound high quality might be higher
Others wi-fi exercise headphones we examined
Apple AirPods Professional
The Apple AirPods Pro have an IP54 score, which protects them from temporary encounters with mud and splashes. Whereas that’s extra mud safety than many different earbuds we examined, it’s the identical stage of water resistance that the majority exercise-specific opponents have. We usually just like the AirPods Professional, however the Beats Match Professional supply lots of the identical options and conveniences (specifically good transparency mode and the H1 chip), with a design that’s extra acceptable for understanding.
Beats Powerbeats Professional
The Powerbeats Pro are a superb different to the Beats Match Professional if you happen to’re a stickler for a hook design. Nevertheless, they value $50 greater than the Match Professional (though they typically hover round $180) and don’t supply any important upgrades or extra options other than their design. They’re additionally fairly previous at this level (launched in 2019) and it seems Beats is placing extra effort into upgrading and updating its newer fashions slightly than this mannequin.
Anker Soundcore AeroFit Professional
The Soundcore AeroFit Pro is Anker’s model of the Shokz OpenFit, however I discovered it to be much less safe and never as comfy because the latter. The precise earbuds on the AeroFit Professional are noticeably bulkier than these on the OpenFit, which prompted them to shift and transfer rather more after I was sporting them throughout train. They by no means fell off my ears fully, however I spent extra time adjusting them than I did having fun with them.
JBL Endurance Peak 3
Essentially the most noteworthy factor in regards to the Endurance Peak 3 is that they’ve the identical IP68-rating that the (now discontinued) Jabra Elite 8 Energetic do, however they solely value $100. However, whilst you get the identical safety right here, you’ll should sacrifice in different areas. The Endurance Peak 3 didn’t blow me away when it got here to sound high quality or consolation (the hook is extra inflexible than these on my favourite buds of an analogous fashion) and their charging case is very large in comparison with most opponents.
What to search for in exercise headphones
Design
Earlier than diving in, it’s price mentioning that this information focuses on wireless earbuds. Whilst you may put on over-ear or on-ear headphones throughout a exercise, many of the best headphones accessible now should not have the identical stage of sturdiness. Water and dirt resistance, significantly the previous, is vital for any audio gear you intend on sweating with or taking outdoor, and that’s extra prevalent within the wi-fi earbuds world.
Most earbuds have one in every of three designs: in-ear, in-ear with hook or open-ear. The primary two are the preferred. In-ears are arguably the commonest, whereas these with hooks promise higher safety and match since they’ve an appendage that curls across the prime of your ear. Open-ear designs don’t stick into your ear canal, however slightly sit simply exterior of it. This makes it simpler to listen to the world round you whereas additionally listening to audio, and might be extra comfy for individuals who don’t just like the intrusiveness of in-ear buds.
Water resistance and dirt safety
Even when a pair of headphones for understanding aren’t marketed particularly as train headphones, a sturdy, waterproof design will, by default, make them appropriate for train. To keep away from repetition, right here’s a fast primer on sturdiness, or ingression safety (IP) rankings. The primary digit you’ll see after the “IP” refers to safety from mud and different potential intrusions, measured on a scale from 1 to six. The second refers to water resistance and even waterproofing, in the most effective instances. The rankings for water resistance are ranked on a scale of 1 to 9; larger numbers imply extra safety, whereas the letter “X” means the machine just isn’t rated for cover in that regard.
All the earbuds we examined for this information have not less than an IPX4 score, which suggests there’s no mud safety, however the buds can face up to splashes from any route and are sweat resistant, however in all probability should not be submerged. For an in depth breakdown of all of the attainable permutations, take a look at this information revealed by a provider known as The Enclosure Firm.
Energetic noise cancellation and transparency mode
Energetic noise cancellation (ANC) is turning into commonplace on wi-fi earbuds, not less than these above a sure worth level. If you happen to’re in search of a pair of buds that may be your exercise companion and serve you exterior of the fitness center, too, noise cancelation is an effective function to have. It makes the buds extra versatile, permitting you to dam out the boring roar of your own home or workplace so you’ll be able to focus, or offer you some solitude throughout a busy commute.
However an earbud’s potential to dam out the world goes hand-in-hand with its potential to open issues again up do you have to want it. Many ANC earbuds additionally help some type of “transparency mode,” or numerous ranges of noise discount. That is vital for running headphones as a result of exercising outdoor, alongside busy streets, could be harmful. You in all probability don’t wish to be completely oblivious to what’s happening round you while you’re working exterior; adjusting noise cancelation ranges to extend your consciousness will assist with that. Stronger noise cancelation may be extra interesting to these doing extra indoor coaching in the event that they wish to block out the boring roar of a fitness center or the man exaggeratingly lifting weights subsequent to you.
Battery life
All the Bluetooth earbuds we examined have a battery lifetime of six to eight hours. Usually, that’s what you’ll be able to anticipate from this house, with a number of outliers that may stand up to fifteen hours of life on a cost. Even the low finish of the spectrum ought to be adequate for many athletes and fitness center junkies, however it’ll be helpful to maintain the buds’ charging case on you if you happen to suppose you’ll get near utilizing up all their juice throughout a single session.
You’ll get a median of 20 to twenty-eight further hours of battery out of most charging instances and the entire earbuds we examined had holders that supplied not less than an additional 15 hours. It will dictate how typically you really should cost the machine — as in bodily join the case with earbuds inside to a charging cable, or set it on a wireless charger to energy up.
How we check exercise headphones
In testing wi-fi exercise headphones, I put on them throughout each little bit of train I do — be it an off-the-cuff stroll across the block, a brisk morning run or a difficult weight-lifting session. I’m in search of consolation arguably most of all, since you ought to by no means be fussing along with your earbuds when you ought to be specializing in understanding. In the identical vein, I’m cognizant of in the event that they get unfastened throughout quick actions or slippery after I’m sweating. I additionally use the earbuds when not exercising to take calls and hearken to music all through the day. Many individuals will need only one pair of earbuds that they’ll use whereas exercising and simply doing on a regular basis issues, so I consider every pair on their potential to be comfy and supply a superb listening expertise in a number of totally different actions.
Whereas I’m additionally evaluating sound high quality, I’m admittedly not an audio skilled. My colleague Billy Steele holds that title at Engadget, and also you’ll discover rather more detailed details about audio high quality for a few of our prime picks in his evaluations and shopping for guides. With these headphones for understanding, nonetheless, I’ll make observe of associated points in the event that they stood out (i.e. if a pair of earbuds had noticeably sturdy bass out of the field, weak highs, and so forth). A lot of the wi-fi exercise headphones we examined work with companion apps which have adjustable EQ settings, so that you’ll have the ability to tweak sound profiles to your liking most often.
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