No matter what sort of train you’re into, if you happen to’re figuring out, you’ll desire a pair of wi-fi exercise headphones. They mean you can be free and untethered throughout a severe 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 total consolation.
At Engadget, we’ve examined a bunch of fitness-ready headphones and earbuds to provide you with our high picks, plus some recommendation to contemplate earlier than you decide up a pair. All of our high picks beneath will work out and in of the fitness center, so you may spend money on only one pair and make these your each day driver. When you’re primarily a runner, take a look at our record of best headphones for running.
Greatest exercise headphones for 2025
Connectivity: Wi-fi | Model: In-ear with wingtip | Assistant assist: 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 operating and different exercises. The buds are pretty small and lightweight, 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 whenever you’re shifting round so much be it throughout a morning jog or whereas taking a HIIT class. The buds are additionally IPX4 rated — not the best quantity of safety I encountered, however sufficient to maintain the buds working properly even throughout my sweatiest classes.
Because it had been, the Beats Match Professional stayed put throughout each single exercise. Nonetheless, adjusting their place on the fly can result in one in every of my few gripes with the buds: unintentional presses of the onboard controls. There have been plenty of instances 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 strong and significantly nice for exercising due to its punchy bass and total balanced profile. Spatial audio assist is nice to have, and whereas Adaptive EQ means you may’t modify the EQ your self like you may 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 respect; these earbuds are a real unbox-and-go choice. ANC can be robust and transparency mode will come in useful for many who typically run, cycle or in any other case train exterior. It was probably 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 concerning 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 shocked how low-cost the charging case feels. Whereas it supplies an additional 21 hours of charging on high of the buds’ promised six hours of life, the construct high quality seems like an actual step down in comparison with the buds themselves. Except for that and the contact controls, although, the Beats Match Professional supply an entire bundle for athletes, one which can be utilized all day along with coaching classes. Plus, their normal $200 worth isn’t too cost-prohibitive, and so they can typically be discovered on sale for much less.
- Snug IPX4 design
- Nice sound high quality with Adaptive EQ
- Efficient ANC and helpful transparency mode
- Multipoint connectivity
- Strong battery life
- Onboard controls are straightforward to unintentionally press
- Charging case feels low-cost
JLab
Connectivity: Wi-fi | Model: In-ear with hook | Assistant assist: None
You probably have lower than $50 to spend, the $30 JLab Go Air Sport+ are a fantastic choice. These are the most recent 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 shortly impressed by their consolation and sound high quality. A lot of headphones designed for exercises have this hook that wraps across the high of your ear, and it does assist the Go Air Sport keep securely hooked up 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, nevertheless it’s a surefire option to get a little 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 high decide. I additionally respect which you could cycle by three completely different EQ modes — Signature, Balanced and Bass Enhance — 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 type of app connectivity.
You’ll be able to 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 significant pain-point concerning 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 aspect; you may nonetheless throw it right into a backpack or purse simply, nevertheless it’s not as svelte as instances you’ll see on costlier buds.
- Reasonably priced
- Spectacular sound high quality for the worth
- IP55-rated design
- Good battery life
- Giant case
- Hook design received’t be for everybody
SHOKZ
Connectivity: Wi-fi | Model: Open-ear | Assistant assist: None
The Shokz OpenFit 2 are the most recent iteration of those open-ear headphones, with our earlier high decide right here being the unique OpenFit. Earbuds with open designs like this permit for extra situational consciousness, with the objective being to let noise in quite than block it out. In my expertise, the OpenFits do a fantastic 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 high 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 operating, energy coaching and indoor biking. Granted, none of these workout routines contain shaking your head an excessive amount of; possibly don’t put on the OpenFit to hearken to head-banging loss of life steel (if you happen to can’t management your self).
Sound high quality is strong contemplating the design, and the OpenFit will get fairly loud as properly. These buds have Shokz’s Direct Pitch expertise, which makes use of reverse sound waves to optimize the space and angle to your ear canal. The corporate claims this helps cut back sound leakage. In my testing, I discovered that true to a sure extent. The OpenFit had one of the best sound high quality and total quantity out of all the open-ear units I attempted, however if you happen to crank the quantity as much as the max (or shut), the particular person subsequent to you’ll undoubtedly hear what you’re listening to. Total, these are a fantastic choice for anybody who doesn’t discover in-ear buds significantly comfy, or those that simply want to have extra consciousness of their environment whereas figuring out.
- Snug 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 assist: None
Some want to put on over-ear headphones all day, each day, and if that sounds such as you, there’s a great 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 result of sweat or prolonged intervals of use, you could need to contemplate a pair of over-ear headphones particularly for figuring out.
In that case, contemplate the H2O Audio Ript Ultra. Whereas these wi-fi headphones don’t have a selected IP ranking (they’re not designed for the pool, to be clear), they do declare to be “100% sweatproof” thanks partially to their detachable and washable earcups. They survived a few of my hardest runs and strength-training classes with out problem, and the earcups are fairly straightforward to take away whenever you need to give them a wipe-down. There’s additionally a second pair of earcups included within the field so you may swap them in when the originals ultimately quit the ghost.
Sound high quality is first rate, nevertheless it needs to be higher on a pair of $250 headphones. The Ript Extremely has customized 45mm drivers and energetic noise cancellation as much as 30 dB. Whereas the general sound high quality isn’t higher than our high decide, it’s greater than sufficient to get your blood pumping throughout a exercise. However extra importantly, you’ll seemingly get higher sound high quality on a pair of Bose or Beats headphones on the similar worth vary; you’re actually paying for the improved sturdiness with the Ript Extremely. Finally, in order for you a pair of headphones for the fitness center that may deal with sweat and (probably) last more than different cans in the identical worth vary, the Ript Extremely is an effective alternative.
- Sweatproof
- Removeable, washable earcups
- Second pair of earcups included within the field
- Snug 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 ranking, which protects them from transient 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 almost all exercise-specific rivals have. We usually just like the AirPods Professional, however the Beats Match Professional supply most of the similar options and conveniences (specifically good transparency mode and the H1 chip), with a design that’s extra applicable for figuring out.
Beats Powerbeats Professional
The Powerbeats Pro are a great different to the Beats Match Professional if you happen to’re a stickler for a hook design. Nonetheless, they price $50 greater than the Match Professional (though they typically hover round $180) and don’t supply any vital upgrades or extra options except for 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 quite 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 brought about them to shift and transfer rather more after I was carrying them throughout train. They by no means fell off my ears utterly, however I spent extra time adjusting them than I did having fun with them.
JBL Endurance Peak 3
Essentially the most noteworthy factor concerning the Endurance Peak 3 is that they’ve the identical IP68-rating that the (now discontinued) Jabra Elite 8 Energetic do, however they solely price $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 identical fashion) and their charging case is huge in comparison with most rivals.
What to search for in exercise headphones
Design
Earlier than diving in, it’s value mentioning that this information focuses on wireless earbuds. When you may put on over-ear or on-ear headphones throughout a exercise, a lot of the best headphones out there now would not have the identical stage of sturdiness. Water and dirt resistance, significantly the previous, is vital for any audio gear you propose on sweating with or taking open air, 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 high of your ear. Open-ear designs don’t stick into your ear canal, however quite 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 many who don’t just like the intrusiveness of in-ear buds.
Water resistance and dirt safety
Even when a pair of headphones for figuring out 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 one of the best 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 system just isn’t rated for cover in that regard.
The entire earbuds we examined for this information have a minimum of an IPX4 ranking, which suggests there’s no mud safety, however the buds can face up to splashes from any route and are sweat resistant, however most likely should not be submerged. For an in depth breakdown of all of the doable permutations, take a look at this information printed by a provider known as The Enclosure Firm.
Energetic noise cancellation and transparency mode
Energetic noise cancellation (ANC) is turning into normal on wi-fi earbuds, a minimum of these above a sure worth level. When you’re on the lookout for a pair of buds that may be your exercise companion and serve you exterior of the fitness center, too, noise cancelation is an effective characteristic to have. It makes the buds extra versatile, permitting you to dam out the boring roar of your property or workplace so you may focus, or provide you with some solitude throughout a busy commute.
However an earbud’s means to dam out the world goes hand-in-hand with its means to open issues again up do you have to want it. Many ANC earbuds additionally assist some kind of “transparency mode,” or varied ranges of noise discount. That is vital for running headphones as a result of exercising open air, alongside busy streets, might be harmful. You most likely don’t need to be completely oblivious to what’s happening round you whenever you’re operating exterior; adjusting noise cancelation ranges to extend your consciousness will assist with that. Stronger noise cancelation is likely to be extra interesting to these doing extra indoor coaching in the event that they need to block out the boring roar of a fitness center or the man exaggeratingly lifting weights subsequent to you.
Battery life
The entire Bluetooth earbuds we examined have a battery lifetime of six to eight hours. Basically, that’s what you may anticipate from this house, with just a few outliers that may stand up to fifteen hours of life on a cost. Even the low finish of the spectrum needs to be adequate for many athletes and fitness center junkies, nevertheless it’ll be useful to maintain the buds’ charging case on you if you happen to assume you’ll get near utilizing up all their juice throughout a single session.
You’ll get a mean of 20 to twenty-eight further hours of battery out of most charging instances and all the earbuds we examined had holders that offered a minimum of an additional 15 hours. It will dictate how typically you really should cost the system — 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 informal stroll across the block, a brisk morning run or a difficult weight-lifting session. I’m on the lookout for consolation arguably most of all, since you ought to by no means be fussing along with your earbuds when you need to be specializing in figuring out. In the identical vein, I’m cognizant of in the event that they get free 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 means to be comfy and supply a great listening expertise in a number of completely different actions.
Whereas I’m additionally evaluating sound high quality, I’m admittedly not an audio professional. 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 high picks in his critiques and shopping for guides. With these headphones for figuring out, nonetheless, I’ll make be aware of associated points in the event that they stood out (i.e. if a pair of earbuds had noticeably robust bass out of the field, weak highs, and many others). Many of the wi-fi exercise headphones we examined work with companion apps which have adjustable EQ settings, so that you’ll be capable to tweak sound profiles to your liking typically.
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