Best Running Headphones of 2024

The iRunFar team named the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) the best running headphones. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

While headphones can be a surprisingly controversial topic in the running world, if you like to listen to music or a podcast on a run, you’ll want to find the best running headphones for your ears. Listening to music or podcasts on a run can be an excellent way to break up the monotony of training — and learn something new — and many of us swear by having our earbuds in. For others, running can be an important time of quiet meditation.

Either way, being present and aware of your surroundings is important for safety. The iRunFar team tested over a dozen headphones and earbuds for several months to find the best running headphones to fit any budget. Ultimately, we kept returning to our favorites, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation). Open-ear headphones are gaining traction amongst runners, and we found that the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 were a great option.

Take a more detailed look at our picks below and browse our How to Choose, FAQs, and Methodology sections to learn more about picking out the best running headphones for you.

Best Headphones for Runners

• Best Overall Headphones for Runners: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
• Best Headphones for Runners — Runners-Up: JBL Endurance Peak 3 and Skullcandy Push ANC Active
• Best Open Ear Headphones for Runners: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
• Best Budget Headphones for Runners: JLab Go Air Sport
• Best Waterproof Headphones for Runners: H2O Audio Tri Pro Multi-Sport with Playlist+

Alli Hartz of iRunFar tests a set of earbuds during a run. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Best Overall Headphones for Runners: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) ($245)

Pros:

• Comfortable and secure earpieces
• Noise-canceling mode is awesome
• Excellent sound for music

Cons:

• Relatively short battery life
• Podcasts don’t sound great

We admit that choosing the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)  as our top headphones feels a bit cliche. But we also admit they’re excellent earbuds that are ideal for running, and we kept coming back to these regardless of how many other options we tried. They’re expensive, but they have a lot going for them. Throughout the testing process, we used the original, second, and third generations of Apple’s AirPods, and it was the second generation we loved most. This model features improved active noise cancellation technology — something we enjoyed, whether using them on a plane or while working in a coffee shop. The touch control is super handy, and while the improved six hours of battery life is better than the previous model, we’d still like to see that time lengthen even more for our longer runs.

If you’re also like us, you’re probably concerned about how securely they fit in your ear while running and the potential for them to fall out during a trail run and get lost. While other earbuds we tested did feel a bit more secure, we had no issues with these falling out, even during a couple of hard falls. These earbuds are pricey, but we believe they are the best running ones available and worth the investment.

Best Headphones for Runners — Runner-Up: JBL Endurance Peak 3 ($100)

Pros:

• Good sound quality
• Great value
• Solid waterproofing

Cons:

• The case and actual headphones are a bit bulky

We love the JBL Endurance Peak 3 as a middle-of-the-road pair of earbuds. They have good enough sound quality for most people, a comfortable over-the-ear fit, and solid waterproofing. And at far less than half the price of the Apple Air Pods Pro, they’re an excellent value and a good choice for someone not wanting a top-end or low-end set of headphones. JBL claims the headphones have 10 hours of playtime and an additional 40 hours of charging in the case.

These headphones don’t have active or adaptive noise canceling, but they have an Ambient Aware mode that lets you hear surrounding noise. Everyone has been caught behind someone on a trail who has their music on too loud or in noise-canceling mode and can’t hear you when you want to pass. We recommend keeping music volume relatively low when running outdoors to remain situationally aware.

You can customize your listening experience using an app associated with these headphones. Our one issue with these earbuds is that they’re a bit bulkier and less comfortable than others on the list.

Best Headphones for Runners — Runner-Up: Skullcandy Push ANC Active ($100)

Pros:

• Good value
• Long battery life
• Rapid charging

Cons:

• The on/off button is very sensitive

The Skullcandy Push ANC Active are a solid set of headphones at a reasonable price point. The earbuds are comfortable, and the over-the-ear hook provides a bit of extra security. While these headphones have a lot of features specific for running, such as being sweat and waterproof, we also ended up using them as our everyday headphones due to their Active Noise Canceling (ANC) technology.

The ANC can be turned on and off depending on your situation, and there’s also a Stay Aware mode that makes it easy to hear ambient noise even if you have audio going. The ANC also has multiple levels you can set depending on how much you want to tune out ambient noise. The app can control the levels, while you can turn the ANC on and off directly on the headphones. We found that the full noise-canceling mode made everything sound a bit echo-y while running, so we generally used Stay Aware mode or the lowest level of ANC. For coffee shops or airplanes, the full ANC is quite effective.

The on-headphone controls are fairly straightforward to use, though we found the skull logo, which acts as the play and pause button, to be sensitive enough that we’d accidentally turn our music on and off just by brushing it lightly.

With a seven-hour battery life with ANC on, these headphones will last through most runs. They rapidly charge in their case, which holds an additional 30 hours of charge. If you want the headphones to last longer, turn the ANC off, and get 12 hours out of the earbuds and an additional 46 in the case.

As with all headphones these days, you can use these to make phone calls, and we found both the incoming and outgoing audio to be good.

Best Open-Ear Headphones for Runners: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 ($180)

Pros:

• Good battery life and easy-to-use
• Quality sound
• Secure fit

Cons:

• Bone conduction/open ear isn’t a very versatile option

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones use bone conduction technology to transfer sound to the inner ear and are an excellent option for headphones that don’t cover or go inside your ear. We’ve used multiple versions of these headphones and found they continue improving.

The upgraded fit doesn’t bounce or shift, though the part of the headphones that goes around the back of the head does stick out a fair bit. This was only a problem for our long-haired testers who wanted to wear their hair down. It didn’t quite feel right wearing hair over or under the back wire. That said, with short hair or a ponytail, the fit of these headphones is excellent. They’re super convenient to drop around your neck when you don’t want to wear them, and you don’t have to worry about them falling off and disappearing into the grass or dirt like tiny earbuds.

While we love the simplicity of bone conduction headphones — it is much easier to be aware of your surroundings when running — they’re not very practical or versatile outside of using them when active. While you can still listen to music or a podcast wherever you are, you won’t be able to cancel ambient sound while working in a loud coffee shop or on an airplane.

Best Budget Headphones for Runners: JLab Go Air Sport ($30)

Pros:

• Excellent earbuds for the price
• Over-ear hooks are soft and feel secure
• Includes three different earbud sizes

Cons:

• No noise cancellation or transparency modes

If you don’t wear earbuds often or just want a budget option, you’ll love the JLab Go Air Sport earbuds. First, for $30, you really can’t beat the value. We especially liked the over-ear hooks, which are soft and feel secure. The three additional earbud sizes help boost security and fit. Tap controls make it easy to make calls on Siri or Google, and you can also use voice command instructions to answer and hang up calls. It’s a small detail, but we like that the charging cord is built into the charging case so it doesn’t get lost.

The Bluetooth connection was quick and easy to use. Unlike most of the other headphones on this list, this pair of earbuds lacks a noise cancellation mode. While this makes it easier to hear noises around you when you’re out running, they are less versatile for use in coffee shops and airplanes when you want to block out other ambient noise.

Best Waterproof Headphones for Runners: H2O Audio Tri Pro Multi-Sport with Playlist+ ($180)

Pros:

• Wearable while swimming
• Able to load music directly to the headphones, but the process was a bit cumbersome

Cons:

• Bulkier and heavier than other headphones
• Shorter battery life

We understand that many runners partake in other sports, and if you happen to be a swimmer as well, the H2O Audio Tri Pro Multi-Sport with Playlist+ headphones are an excellent option for both sports. They are a bone conduction/open-ear model of headphones, and while they are a bit bulkier and heavier than some of the other options that we tested, they were still comfortable and secure.

The extra bulk is most likely due to the onboard music storage, a feature that sets this set of headphones apart from the rest included in this guide. You can actually load music and podcasts onto the earbuds via Spotify or MP3 files and listen without having your phone around. The loading process from Spotify wasn’t straightforward, but we figured it out eventually. This feature benefits swimmers who want to listen to music without keeping their phones around. If you’re a runner who doesn’t like to carry a phone but still wants to listen to music or a podcast, these are a great option.

Comparing the Best Headphones for Running

How to Choose the Best Running Headphones

Styles of Headphones
The options for the best running headphones are as varied as the type of audio entertainment available for listening. There are three main types of headphones: those that go over your ears, those that go in your ears, and bone conduction headphones, like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, that sit adjacent to the ear.

You may see runners with anything from over-ear headphones that look like they’ve come straight out of a DJ booth to those with tiny little buds that fit almost invisibly into the ear. Most runners opt for in-ear headphones, like the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation), because of their light weight and ease of use. Within this category, you can find headphones that fit comfortably into your ear without any other types of attachment, those that clip on over your ear, and those with cords that attach one bud to the other to make it easier to keep track of them.

Open-ear bone-conduction headphones make it easy to hear noises around you while still listening to audio. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Headphones can also be corded and attached directly to your phone or operate wirelessly with Bluetooth. Most people have moved away from headphones with cords for running, except for those who want a really long listening time that wireless headphones can’t provide. This way, you only have to worry about your phone battery, not your headphones’ battery. Even long-lasting Bluetooth headphones won’t get you through a long ultra if you listen continuously.

You can also choose between noise-canceling headphones that block out ambient noises and those that allow you to hear what is happening around you.

Types of Headphones to Use While Running
Choosing the best headphones for running depends almost entirely on personal preference and budget. Some may prefer over-ear headphones, while others opt for buds that fit inside the ear. Some might want wireless Bluetooth headphones, while others might prefer a cord that attaches to their phone. Some might prefer noise-canceling earbuds, while others prefer to hear at least portions of their surroundings. Bone-conduction headphones like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are becoming increasingly popular because they allow you to hear noises around you, whether that’s a car coming up behind you or another trail user wanting to pass.

We generally choose Bluetooth earbuds as the best running headphones because they’re lightweight and don’t have a cord that can get in the way or be annoying while running. Since it’s good to be aware of your surroundings when running, we recommend using earbuds that have adjustable noise canceling levels, like the Skullcandy Push ANC Active, or no noise-canceling at all, like the JLab Go Air Sport.

Knowing what’s happening around you is important, whether running on trails, roads, or a bike path. If your earbuds are noise-canceling, we recommend wearing just one so one ear is open. You’ll want to have the volume low enough to hear if someone has come up behind you and wants to pass.

Adjustability and Fit
As with all pieces of gear, you want headphones or earbuds that are comfortable to wear. While there are different ear shapes and sizes, most headphones will fit most people.

In-ear headphones are placed relatively deep inside the ear to stay put and have little adjustability. However, some have an extra hook that goes over the top of your ear. The JLab Go Air Sport will come with a few different earbud cover sizes that allow you to make slight adjustments in the fit. More than anything, you don’t want your headphones or earbuds falling off while running and jostling, so a snug fit tends to be better.

Corded headphones still have a place in running, especially when battery life is an issue. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Wireless Versus Wired Headphones for Running
While wired headphones were the only option for a long time, most runners have migrated to wireless in recent years. Not having to deal with a cord between your phone and earbuds makes it easier to store your phone in a pack or carry it in your hand without worrying about getting tangled up.

Still, wired headphones have their place. Since they don’t have their own separate battery, like wireless headphones, you don’t have to worry about keeping them charged. This is especially useful if running an ultra that exceeds a Bluetooth headphones’ battery life. You can carry your phone with an external battery and listen to music to your heart’s content. But for most runs, the 10-hour battery life of earbuds like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 will be plenty.

Bluetooth Headphone Battery Life and Charging
The average battery of most Bluetooth headphones provides five to six hours of listening time. This will get the majority of people through most of their runs. If you regularly run longer than this and want reliable music for the entire duration, you’ll want a higher-end set of Bluetooth headphones with longer battery life. The 10-hour battery life of the JBL Endurance Peak 3 and Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 will get most people through most runs. That, or go with the tried and true corded headphones that will run off of your phone’s battery. To help keep headphones charged, turning them off after use is important, and placing them in their case to be topped off can ensure you head out on each run with a full charge.

Noise-Canceling Headphones
One of the newer innovations with headphones is their ability to cancel ambient sounds. While this technology was initially available only on high-end, big, over-the-ear headphones, earbuds also boast the technology nowadays. Noise-canceling headphones are excellent in some situations, including airplanes and other places where you want to tune out the outside world. But they’re not always the greatest for running.

Hearing your surroundings is essential for both trail running and road running. On the road, you’ll want to be able to hear cars coming up behind you. When running on a trail, it’s crucial to have situational awareness to hear other trail users coming, especially mountain bikers who are moving fast but generally making a fair bit of noise. Most trail users have had at least one frustrating experience of trying to pass someone with headphones in and cranked up who won’t move out of the way. Don’t be that person.

If you want to wear noise-canceling headphones, consider running with just one of the earbuds so that you can hear and respond to your surroundings. The JLab Go Air Sport doesn’t have any noise-canceling technology, making it a good option for someone who wants to hear their surroundings while running. Bone-conduction headphones — like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2  that don’t go in your ear — are also great for situational awareness.

Earbuds will stay securely in most ears and are a light and compact option. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Water and Sweat Resistance
While some headphones specifically designed for swimmers, like the H2O Audio Tri Pro Multi-Sport with Playlist+, are fully waterproof, most options that appeal to runners are merely water resistant. This means they’ll withstand a sprinkling of rain or a dousing of sweat, but they won’t survive a full dunking in a river or a trip through your washing machine.

Sound Quality
When it comes to sound quality, you generally get what you pay for. Most of the best running headphones are small, compact, lightweight, and have reasonable sound quality that most people will find perfectly adequate for listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks during a run.

If you’re looking for the best sound quality in headphones small enough for running, it’s really hard to go wrong with the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation). If you’re a music aficionado who values exceptional sound quality, you’ll probably want a pair of high-quality over-ear headphones for home and a second pair that you use exclusively for running.

Built-In Microphones
Most headphones on the market come with a built-in microphone that allows you to talk on the phone or communicate with your phone. While most runners don’t use this feature during runs, unless dialing in on a work Zoom call on mute and pretending to be in the office, it could come in handy if you just need to answer a quick call or send a voice text. We found the Skullcandy Push ANC Active microphone was solid and allowed for phone conversations while out on the trail.

In-Ear Versus Over-Ear Headphones
While most runners will choose in-ear headphones for weight, comfort, and compactness, some prefer over-ear or on-ear headphones. In-ear headphones fit into the ear, and while the speaker location in this headphone style can vary, they all fit similarly. Some in-ear headphones, like the JLab Go Air Sport, have an additional attachment system that goes over the top of the ear to help secure the bud inside your ear. Other headphones will slot securely into the ear without any extra material.

Over-ear and on-ear headphones are commonly associated with DJs or those working at a desk who want to send a clear message that they don’t want to be disturbed. They’re larger and fit over and around the entire ear. These headphones tend to have better sound quality, but they are also cumbersome. Still, some people love running with them.

The iRunFar team appreciated the fit and sound quality of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) earbuds. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Compatibility with Devices
While most headphones will work with most phones, there are a few compatibility issues that are good to be aware of. If you have an Apple phone, you can use Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) to listen, talk, and control Alexa. They will also work with an Android phone to listen to music and talk, but you won’t be able to use Siri. If you’re about to purchase a set of corded headphones, you’ll want to ensure that your phone has an actual headphone port, as many modern phones have entirely done away with this feature.

Durability
Most in-ear headphones will last two to three years if taken care of. Even with the best care, wires will work loose in many headphones, rendering one or both earbuds useless. As with most products, paying more for headphones generally means they will last longer. If you tend to lose small items like headphones, buying a less expensive pair, like the $30 JLab Go Air Sport headphones, could be a good idea so to minimize the replacement cost when they inevitably get misplaced.

Safety Features
While most headphones have volumes that will top out at about 100 decibels, keeping them below 70 decibels is recommended to prevent damage to your hearing. Generally speaking, if you’re keeping the volume low enough to hear noises around you, which we highly recommend for safety, then you’re not in a volume range that could cause damage to your ears. Some devices will allow you to set a maximum volume so you don’t inadvertently turn them up too high. Bone conduction headphones, like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, also can minimize potential damage to your ears.

If you’re concerned about hearing damage, over-ear headphones are better for ear health since the speaker is farther away from your ear drum. Taking breaks from listening to music after an hour is also recommended to give your ears a chance to recover.

The Skullcandy Push ANC Active earbuds stay securely in the ear. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Why You Should Trust Us

We started this guide with extensive research into the world of headphones, compiling a list of over forty options geared toward running and sports on the market today. We narrowed this list to some top choices in several different categories and spent several months using them in various settings to find the best running headphones in each category. We logged hours of trail and road running and daily “real life” use to determine which rose to the top regarding sound quality, safety, noise-canceling capabilities, comfort, and battery life to create our list of our favorite headphones.

We continue to use the headphones on this list to uncover any durability issues while testing new ones on the market. This guide is updated with new products when we find something exceptional.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Best Running Headphones

What is the difference between regular headphones and running or sports headphones?

Running or sports headphones are generally lightweight, water- and sweat-resistant, and designed to stay secure in the ear. Many sport-oriented headphones also have a longer battery life so you can take them out on longer runs. They’ll have a streamlined and secure fit to stay in your ear while you’re running and jostling them. Sport-oriented headphones are also more likely to have materials that won’t hold onto stench or have sweat damage. Most runners opt for wireless headphones to avoid dealing with a tangled cord.

What is better for running, headphones or earbuds?

While it comes down to personal preference, most runners prefer earbuds to over-ear headphones because they are lighter, less cumbersome, and tend to stay in place better. However, some people dislike the feel of in-ear devices. Bone conduction headphones, including the H2O Audio Tri Pro Multi-Sport with Playlist+, are becoming increasingly popular because they allow you to hear your surroundings while listening to your audio.

Bone conduction headphones like the Shokz OpenRun Pro can keep runners aware of their surroundings. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

Are running headphones waterproof?

Most sports or running headphones and earbuds are water-resistant but not waterproof. While they’ll withstand sweat or light precipitation, we do not recommend dunking your earbuds into the water, and it’s a good idea to put most pairs away if it starts to rain heavily. Some headphones or earbuds, like the H2O Audio Tri Pro Multi-Sport with Playlist+, are designed for swimming and are completely waterproof. If you run in the rain often or swim as a form of cross-training, it could be worth investing in a pair of fully waterproof headphones like the JBL Endurance Peak 3 or the Skullcandy Push ANC Active.

What is an IP rating for running headphones?

IP stands for Ingress Protection and is a rating system assessing the waterproofness of a product. An IP rating, which the International Electrotechnical Commission gives, usually includes IP and two numbers behind it, like IP37. The first number is a product’s rating against solid materials, like dust, on a scale of one to six. The second digit is its waterproof rating on a one to eight scale. The higher the number, the more waterproof it is. If there is an “X” in the rating, IPX7, for example, there is no solids rating. The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) has an IPX4 rating and is considered safe from splashes and drips of water.

How do bone-conduction headphones work?

Bone conduction headphones, including the H2O Audio Tri Pro Multi-Sport with Playlist+ and the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, rest on your cheekbones instead of in your ear. Instead of sound waves vibrating through your eardrums, they vibrate and pass sound waves through your skull bones. This technology provides a way to listen to audio without covering or blocking your ears. Bone conduction headphones are an excellent option for anyone wanting to listen to audio while keeping their ears open for situational awareness.

Can wireless headphones be charged on the go?

You cannot use most wireless headphones while charging, limiting their usefulness for long runs where you want continuous music. If you’re worried about taking your headphones off to charge them during a run, you might want to get a set of corded headphones that will run off your phone’s battery. Some earbuds — like the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) — charge while stored in their cases. The Skullcandy Push ANC Active charge quite rapidly when in their case, and you won’t have to wait long before you can start using them again. Other headphones, like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, charge with a USB cord plugged into a wall, laptop, or car outlet.

Wrap-around earbuds provide a little bit of extra security for keeping everything secure. Photo: iRunFar/Eszter Horanyi

How can I safely wear headphones and hear other sounds around me?

Being aware of your surroundings while running is always a good idea. That’s why we don’t recommend running with noise-canceling headphones unless you have the option to make them not fully noise-canceling or are willing to leave one earbud out. The Skullcandy Push ANC Active has noise-canceling adjustability, making it a versatile option for running and everyday use. Bone-conduction headphones like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 also allow for situational awareness.

We wouldn’t recommend over-the-ear noise-canceling headphones for running because they make it hard to keep track of sounds around you. Knowing what’s happening around you is important to staying safe while running.

What is Active Noise Canceling technology?

Noise-canceling technology generally comes in two forms — active and passive. Passive is the simpler of the two and includes using ear cups to seal out background noise. Active noise canceling is more complicated as it uses microphones and speakers to eliminate background noise. Over-the-ear headphones traditionally feature active noise canceling technology, but the technology has advanced for earbuds. Nowadays, earbuds like the Skullcandy Push ANC Active will include adjustable active noise canceling technology, meaning you can adjust just how much ambient noise to cancel.

How do wireless headphones connect to my devices?

Wireless headphones connect to devices via Bluetooth. When you first set up your headphones, you will need to pair them. After connecting them once, you should have minimal issues connecting them in the future. Most headphones will work with all devices, but the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) has limited compatibility with Android phones.

Are headphones and earbuds one size fits all?

Most headphones come in one size, but they’ll be adjustable. While most earbuds are one-size-fits-most, the JLab Go Air Sport earbuds come with replacement pieces of different sizes to fit various ears.

Call for Comments

• Do you frequently run in headphones?
• What are your favorite headphones for running?