The research
- Why you should trust me
- Who this is for
- How we picked and tested
- The best wireless earbuds for working out: JBL Reflect Aero TWS
- For Apple fans: Beats Fit Pro
- Best budget wireless earbuds for working out: JLab Go Air Sport
- Long battery life at a great price: Tribit MoveBuds H1
- Other workout headphones worth considering
- What about over-ear workout headphones?
- What to look forward to
- The competition
Why you should trust me
I hold a bachelor’s degree in both music performance and audio production from Ithaca College, and I’ve reviewed high-end home audio equipment for publications such as Home Entertainment and Sound & Vision.
I also spent several years in terrestrial radio before becoming a professional voice actor in Los Angeles, so I’ve been in and out of recording studios for over a decade.
- I have tested over 2,000 pairs of headphones while working for Wirecutter, and I am committed to finding gear that will make you happy.
- Per Wirecutter’s standards, I don’t own stock or have any other financial interest in a company or industry that I cover or am likely to cover.
- Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations. Read more about our editorial standards.
Who this is for
If you regularly work out in a noisy gym (or home) environment and would like to block out sounds, to help you stay in the zone with your favorite tunes, this is the guide for you — since it focuses on sealed earbuds that close off the ear canal.
Runners (and others who do outdoor workouts) may have different needs based on how and where they run, so we have a separate guide for running headphones.
Swimmers should look for headphones that are specifically designed for in-water use. Although wireless earbuds with an IPX8 rating are waterproof for a certain length of time, they are not meant for swimming because Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater. We have one swimming-headphones recommendation below.
How we picked and tested
These days, most people prefer the convenience of Bluetooth wireless earbuds for working out because they allow you to keep your phone tucked away and your hands free, and they eliminate the possibility of a cable snagging on workout equipment. So we focused on completely wireless earbuds for our main picks, but we offer tethered and wired recommendations below.
We also used the following criteria to make our picks:
- Sweat and water resistance: Standard headphones aren’t built to withstand the beating that workout headphones take, so their warranties likely won’t cover moisture damage. We prefer workout headphones that have an official Ingress Protection (IP) rating. The higher the numbers, the better.
- Comfort and fit: The best workout headphones are the ones that stay put unobtrusively.
- Ease of use: Good sport earbuds have controls that you can use without much thought.
- Noise isolation: It’s crucial that you don’t have to crank your volume up to dangerous levels to drown out the din in a gym. It is just as important to avoid hearing damage as any other injury.
- Situational awareness: A hear-through mode can be helpful when you need to have a quick conversation or hear an announcement.
- Pricing: The price should reflect the features of the headphones. Think of these as sporting equipment.
- Sound quality: This is less critical for workouts than it is for everyday listening, but the sound should not be distractingly terrible.
- Brand reliability and warranty: If something goes wrong, you want to know that the company involved will stand behind its product.
To test workout headphones, we wear them while running and performing high-impact workouts that create a good sweat. We note tugging and chafing, as well as which headphones, if any, fall out. We consider wind noise, how well each pair blocks out other noises, and how successful the hear-through mode is (if there is one).
To simulate performance under very sweaty conditions, we used data from a scientific study of marathon runners to make a saltwater mixture that’s similar to human sweat. We spray every set of headphones with our sweat proxy and then mash all of the buttons — every 10 minutes for an hour — to see how they respond.
We also conduct our usual assortment of headphone tests to evaluate sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, and more.
The best wireless earbuds for working out: JBL Reflect Aero TWS
Top pick
The JBL Reflect Aero TWS earbuds are petite, completely wireless, and waterproof, so they’re great for workouts and beyond.
This IP68-rated pair can handle a lot of sweat. The high IP68 rating means these earbuds can withstand immersion in 5 feet of water for 30 minutes. JBL says the Reflect Aero TWS earbuds can even take a dunk in salt water, as long as you rinse them off in fresh water and dry them before putting them away to charge. If you take a spill off your paddleboard, these earbuds should be fine, but don’t go swimming with them.
The fit is secure and comfortable. These earbuds are lightweight, sleek, and petite. The package includes three sizes of pliable, gripping wings and three sizes of eartips to help you get the most secure fit. Oftentimes when I grit my teeth during high-impact workout moves, earbuds work their way out of my ears. But the Aero TWS didn’t budge when I did a series of box-jump burpees.
The large, touch-based controls are easy to find and use without looking. You can assign two sets of controls, covering the playback controls, ANC/hear-through controls, or volume controls — but not all three at the same time.
The sealed design and adaptive noise cancellation block distractions very well. In our tests, the active noise cancellation reduced treadmill hums and traffic noise, and the silicone eartips significantly blocked higher-pitched sounds like voices. You can see how the Reflect Aero TWS pair stacks up against other noise-cancelling earbuds in our ANC headphones guide.
When you want to hear what’s going on around you, whether you’re in the gym or on the track field, these earbuds offer a hear-through mode and allow for single-earbud use. We were impressed by the hear-through mode, which avoided the tinny or muffled quality found in much of the competition. It’s also adjustable, so you can choose how much of the outside world you want mixed into your music.
Eight hours of battery life is above average. The charge case holds 16 hours of additional power, is small enough to fit in the key pocket of most running shorts, and has a permanently attached lanyard wristlet. Plus, the case has quick-charge capabilities; with 15 minutes of fast-charging in the case, you get four more hours of playtime. Be aware, however, that frequent phone calls, higher volume, and ANC use may affect your run time.
This set sounds good right out of the box. Many folks will likely enjoy the default sound profile, which has added oomph in the bass and extra energy in the frequency range where consonants sit. We preferred doing a little EQ tinkering in the app to get a more neutral presentation.
Phone calls sound great, too. The six-microphone array ensures that your voice is clear. Dual-device capability means you can stay connected to two devices simultaneously without having to fuss with Bluetooth settings. And if anything goes awry, JBL covers the Reflect Aero TWS set with a one-year warranty.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
We’d prefer a complete set of controls. You can assign only two sets of control, and you must choose between playback controls, ANC/hear-through controls, and volume controls. Alexa and Google Assistant fans may not mind this limitation, since they can pull up their preferred digital assistant and execute commands using their voice. Apple users can access Siri, but it involves a tap-and-hold on one of the touch controls. If that’s a dealbreaker, consider the Beats Fit Pro instead.
We also know that some people prefer physical buttons over touch-based controls, which can be more fussy in everyday use. Since the touch panels are large, and JBL did a good job of dialing in the sensitivity, this pair isn’t as prone to misfires as others we’ve tested.
The stabilizing wings may bother wearers with sensitive ears. These winged earbuds can be fatiguing to wear for hours on end. So if you dislike the feeling of pressure in your ears, or you have very small ear canals, you may prefer workout earbuds that hook over your ears, such as the JLab Go Air Sport set or the Tribit MoveBuds H1 pair.
Alternatively, if your heart is set on the Reflect Aero’s features, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 set has a lot of similar bells and whistles in a hook-over-the-ear design. You can read more about the Peak 3 pair in our Competition notes.
The case doesn’t support wireless charging. USB-C charge ports deliver power faster than wireless, but having a cable-less charging option would be nice.
The manual isn’t the clearest we’ve read. For example, we wanted to do a factory reset as part of our testing, and the diagram was less than accurate on how to accomplish the task. We managed to figure out the most important instructions, but the lack of clarity was a little annoying.
Phone calls lack adequate sidetone (when you hear a bit of your own voice). Not being able to hear yourself may make you feel the need to speak louder. If that bothers you, we recommend checking out the Beats Fit Pro.
For Apple fans: Beats Fit Pro
Runner-up
The Beats Fit Pro earbuds are a fantastic option for Apple-centric users who want easy device switching and “Hey Siri” voice control. These sealed earbuds are small, stay securely in place, and do a good job of blocking out gym noise. But the battery life and water resistance are both lower than those of our top pick, and this pair usually costs more.
The stabilizing wings grip securely. The earbuds are light and small, so they don’t tug at your ear. I did some HIIT, weights, and yoga, and these earbuds didn’t budge. However, people who have very small or sensitive ears may find that the wings create a “too full” feeling that can be fatiguing during long workout sessions.
The IPX4 water-resistance rating is acceptable. These earbuds should tolerate the average run or indoor workout. But for water-based workouts or those that produce very heavy sweating, we recommend the IP68-rated JBL pick.
The physical buttons are easy to use. Each earbud has a single physical button that is easy to find by feel and is comfortable to press. However, to enable volume controls, you have to forgo the ability to toggle between the ANC and hear-through modes.
The six-hour battery life is middle-of-the-road. But this pair’s quick-charge capabilities and the three full charges provided by the charging case mean that most people will get through a full day of use with no problems.
They sound pretty darn great. We found the Fit Pro’s extra bass boost to be pleasant, and higher frequencies like consonants and cymbals were clear, not harsh or piercing. But you can’t adjust the sound profile to your preference, as you can with our top pick.
The sealed design effectively blocked gym noise. Also, we found the noise cancellation to be effective, but only in a specific frequency range. In our guide to noise-cancelling headphones, we talk more about how the Fit Pro earbuds compare to others in that regard.
Meanwhile, the hear-through mode is excellent. So it’s easy to carry on a conversation or maintain situational awareness without adding too much distracting sibilance to the sound of the world around you. And when you want to keep one ear open, you can use either earbud independently.
The biggest advantage is their ability to access Apple features. You can read more about those features in our guide to Bluetooth earbuds. Android-device owners who need more onboard controls may prefer the full suite of controls on the Tribit MoveBuds H1 set or the hands-free Google Assistant compatibility of the JBL Reflect Aero TWS pair.
The charging case is comparatively big. It’s too large to fit in the key pocket of running shorts. However, the wear sensor on the earbuds is sensitive enough that, in a pinch, you can slip these earbuds into your pocket without completely draining the battery or triggering music playback.
Best budget wireless earbuds for working out: JLab Go Air Sport
Budget pick
If you don’t want to pay more than $50 for workout headphones, the JLab Go Air Sport is an inexpensive true wireless, water-resistant pair that’s perfect for tossing in your gym bag. Though this pair isn’t without its flaws, nothing else we’ve tested in the sub-$50 price range can compete. (JLab recently introduced a new version of these earbuds, called the Go Sport+. The new set is similar in design, but it has a longer claimed battery life, adds a hear-through mode, and uses USB-C charging. We plan to test it soon.)
The IP55 dust- and water-resistance rating is above average. The Go Air Sport earbuds can take on any sweaty, land-based workout.
The hook-over-the-ear design is secure. Instead of relying on stabilizing wings, like our top two picks do, these earbuds use flexible hooks that grip securely and comfortably over the top of each ear. This might be more comfortable for folks who have very small or sensitive ear canals.
This pair blocks out noise but lacks ANC and hear-through features. The package includes three sizes of ear tips, which should allow these earbuds to seal nearly all ear-canal sizes and physically block gym noise. If you need situational awareness for safety, either earbud can work independently, but using only one bud results in limited touch-control functionality.
The touch controls are large and easy to find. Unlike much of the competition, this pair has full controls on board: playback, volume, and digital-assistant activation. We found the response to be a bit finicky at times, especially when our hair got in the way.
The sound quality is pretty stellar for earbuds at this price. However, it isn’t as good as that of our top picks. There are three EQ presets: One boosts bass, one boosts treble, and one sits somewhere in the middle. The favorite in our tests was the middle-ground JLab Signature preset. It still produced a boomier bass than we preferred, but it had a more balanced sound than the other two.
Battery life is around eight hours. The volume level at which you listen and the number of phone calls you take may affect run time, but the case provides an additional 24 hours of power.
The case is bigger than we’d like. Because the case has to accommodate the larger, hook-over-the-ear design of the earbuds, it’s bigger than the cases for our top picks. You may be able to fit it in a deeper gym-short pocket, but generally speaking, this is a case best stored in a bag or running belt. The charge cable is standard USB-A style and permanently attached, so you never need to find a cord. Though we like this clever feature, we wish that this case had the newer USB-C type of cable or that it could charge wirelessly.
Long battery life at a great price: Tribit MoveBuds H1
Also great
The Tribit MoveBuds H1 is a secure-fitting pair of true wireless earbuds. This set offers a super-long battery life, a high water-resistance rating, and easy-to-use touch controls — all for less than $100.
The 15-hour battery life is impressive for wireless earbuds. The charge case provides an additional 35 hours of power, but it’s not what we’d consider pocketable. It’s about the size of a bar of soap. Since these earbuds have such a long battery life, we’ll let that pass. If you want to bring the case with you, though, plan on stowing it in a bag or a running belt.
The MoveBuds H1 is rated IPX8. That means this pair is waterproof for 30 minutes in 5 feet of water. These earbuds aren’t made for swimming, however (Bluetooth can’t travel through water). Make sure you dry them completely before charging. If anything goes wrong, Tribit covers them with a one-year warranty.
The hook-over-the-ear design holds the earbuds securely in place. Each earbud’s flexible, rubberized arm loops over the top of the ear comfortably. Tribit includes six different sizes of tips, so you’re more likely to find a set that suits you.
The touch controls are large and easy to tap. The H1’s controls handle phone calls, all playback functions, volume adjustment, and digital assistant call-up. We found the sensors to be a bit temperamental, so there can be hiccups if you have hair that gets in the way — but this set isn’t as prone to misfires as others we’ve tested. Plus you can use the app to customize the controls to your preference.
This pair lacks active noise cancellation but has a hear-through mode. Though there is no ANC, this sealed pair blocked out most distractions for us. The hear-through mode has two levels of intensity to choose from: Neither sounds as natural as what you’ll get from our top picks, but it’s still handy for brief conversations. If you need more awareness, you can use a single earbud, though this option gives you less control functionality.
The sound is excellent for the price. Though this pair lacks the sense of space and detail of our top picks, it’s great for waterproof earbuds under $100. The sound is decent out of the box, but we were happiest after adjusting the EQ in the Tribit app.
Other workout headphones worth considering
If you dislike the feel of stabilizing wings and over-the-ear hooks: The Jabra Elite 8 Active is one of the most universally comfortable pairs of earbuds we’ve worn. The earbuds should nestle securely in most ear shapes and are held in place using Jabra’s grippy coating that gets tackier when damp. We performed a series of very aggressive movements (think head-banging and jump-tucks), and the Elite 8 Active set stayed in our ears, only wiggling a touch out of place when the motion had a lot of centrifugal force.
This pair is also one of the most rugged sets we’ve tested, with a dust/water resistance rating of IP68 for the earbuds and IP54 for the charging case (most charge cases don’t even have an IP rating), which Jabra backs with a two-year warranty. The earbuds feature dual-device connectivity and the full suite of controls, with large, comfortable-to-press physical buttons. The eight-hour battery life (with ANC on, 14 with it off) is impressive, as is the microphones’ clarity when you’re in a noisy or breezy environment.
What’s less impressive is the noise cancellation, which is not as effective as we’d like, and the hear-through mode, which sounds muffled. It’s fine for brief conversations, but less ideal if you need situational awareness for safety. The side tone also has a metallic, distant quality, so it doesn’t eliminate your urge to speak louder. None of these are necessarily dealbreakers for workout headphones, but they are enough to keep this pair from being an official pick.
If you want a built-in heart-rate monitor: The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is a pricey but great pair of Apple-friendly earbuds that features an incredibly secure, hook-over-the-ear design. The marquee feature is the built-in heart-rate monitor, which can be used in conjunction with popular fitness apps like Strava, Peloton, and Nike Fitness — and Apple users can track their ticker in Apple’s health app. The heart-rate measurements may not be as accurate second by second as a monitor that uses a chest strap, but we compared the Pro 2’s monitor with measurements from an Apple Watch Series 10 and a Garmin Epix Gen 2 and found the Pro 2’s data to be similarly reliable. If you already have a smart watch with heart-rate tracking, this pair may not be worth the $250 price, since phones and apps will default to your watch’s data and ignore the Powerbeats Pro 2 results.
Overall, we liked how these earbuds sound. They have ample bass and a slight emphasis on the highs to ensure clear vocals. However, that extra high-frequency boost might sound artificially hyped to sensitive ears. The Pro 2 earbuds have an IPX4 water-resistance rating, which is sufficient for light rain and sweat but may not be enough for people who perspire profusely or train for tough mudders. If that’s you, we’d recommend one of our higher-rated picks.
The battery life is solid at around eight to 10 hours, with about three full charges in the case. But the more features you use, the shorter the battery life. The inclusion of a hear-through mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings when needed, although it sounds somewhat sibilant. That can be helpful for conversation clarity, but may feel hissy and fatiguing over time. The adaptive noise cancellation helps to block out the world, while multiple microphones work in tandem with accelerometers to effectively isolate your voice over phone calls and reduce background sounds and wind noise. During our test, an ambulance went by with sirens blaring, and our caller had no clue.
The package includes five tip sizes, which should accommodate most ear shapes. The physical control buttons are intuitive and comfortable to use, and Apple fans will enjoy always-listening Siri. Both Android and Apple users can find a lost earbud with the “Find My” function. We appreciate that the charging case supports wireless charging, but because it has to be big enough to accommodate the ear-hook design, it’s too bulky to keep in gym shorts or leggings.
If you need headphones to swim laps: If you use Spotify or Amazon Music, the Waterproof Mighty Vibe music player/headphone system is an excellent way to spice up your water-based workouts. Download playlists to the IP68-rated player before you hit the water. It’s lightweight and clips to your goggle strap securely enough to handle flip-turns (even when we did the dreaded back-to-breast IM backflip). The earbuds have three sizes of triple-flange tips that seal water out of your ear, providing the air needed to hear sound clearly underwater. We recommend allowing extra time to fuss with the fit the first time out — swap tip sizes, run the cable over or under your ear, and position the player in different locations and directions. The Vibe provides about five hours of music playback and can hold around 1,000 songs.
The Mighty Vibe player can also connect to Bluetooth earbuds, which provides versatility. However, Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater, so you can’t stream music to earbuds or from the cloud while swimming. This is the only current player we are aware of that allows for syncing with streaming services, which is important since many people don’t purchase music files anymore.
The downsides are that the player charges using a specialized cable via headphone jack, so it will be harder to find a replacement should you lose it. Also, only Amazon Music and Spotify are supported, so subscribers to other services are out of luck.
If you prefer wired earbuds: The super-affordable Koss FitClips KSC32i is a great set of wired earbuds to stow in your gym bag. Because they’re wired, you don’t have to worry about charging them, but you may need a headphone-jack adapter, depending on which smartphone you use. The hook-over-the-ear design is flexible and comfortable, the sound is way better than the low price implies, and the sealed earbuds will block gym noise. Plus, the cable has a universal single-button remote and mic. On the downside, this pair lacks an official IP rating, active noise cancellation, and a hear-through mode, and the microphone isn’t fantastic for phone conversations.
What about over-ear workout headphones?
In the past, we’ve tried to include at least one set of over-ear gym headphones with workout-specific features like washable/replaceable ear pads, antimicrobial materials, breathable designs, and grippy headbands. But as true wireless earbuds have gained popularity, companies have shifted away from over-ear gym headphones. As a result, we currently don’t have a pick in this category.
However, there are a few features you can look for that make a pair of everyday headphones better for use when working out:
- Water and sweat resistance: Not all headphones are designed to resist the salt and oils produced when humans sweat. Most IP-rated water-resistant headphones are rated only for clear, fresh water. Look for sets with a high water rating or a combo of dust and water resistance. The higher, the better.
- Easy-to-clean parts: Look for materials you can wipe clean that don’t absorb sweat. Yes to silicone, vinyl, and plastic. No to fabric and leather.
- A lightweight, secure fit: If a pair is too large, they’ll slip off when you’re moving. And if they’re too heavy, you’ll be uncomfortable.
Of our current over-ear picks, the JBL Tour One M2 is the closest to fitting the bill, with cleanable parts, a lightweight design, and an IPX5 rating. But they are pricey for workout-specific headphones.
What to look forward to
JLab recently introduced a new version of our budget pick, called the Go Sport+. The new set is similar in design, but it has a longer (claimed) battery life, adds a hear-through mode, and uses USB-C charging. We plan to test it soon.
The competition
We’ve tested more than 250 pairs of headphones for this guide. That’s a lot to cover, so we’ve listed only the most recently tested competitors here. However, if you’re curious about a specific model, we’ve archived many of our more recent testing notes in a spreadsheet.
AceFast AceFit Air FA002: These earbuds sit on top of the ear canal, not in it, so they are not good for blocking out gym sounds, and they cannot handle playing bass notes. When we boosted the low end using volume controls or the set’s bass-boost preset, the earbuds vibrated against our faces, and the sound distorted.
Beats Studio Buds +: The upgraded version of the Studio Buds, this pair offers better battery life, Android customization, and noise cancellation compared with the original. What hasn’t changed is the IPX4 rating and the overall earbud design (the shell is transparent, though). These earbuds share a lot of iOS-friendly features with the Beats Fit Pro set, but we like the Fit Pro earbuds better because they’re more secure in the ears, they still offer better noise cancellation, and their button design is more ergonomic. We think that’s worth spending a little extra.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: The open-ear, cuff-like design of this pair is surprisingly comfortable and good for outdoor runners who want to hear their surroundings, but it’s not good for blocking out noise at the gym. This pair has more low-bass representation than other unsealed and open-ear designs we’ve tested, but the microphone quality is incredibly disappointing. Even in a quiet room, voices sound reedy and hissy on phone calls. Add any background noise, and the roaring, static-like cacophony that will greet your caller is distracting (in the case of one tester, it was bad enough for their conversation partner to request a call back with a different device). If Bose could improve the microphones, we might consider recommending this pricey pair for runners, but for $300, we expect a more well-rounded set of earbuds.
Cleer Arc 3: This open-ear, hook-over-the-ear pair fits well, is IPX7 water-resistant, and has hands-free call answer/rejection with a nod or shake of the head. These earbuds are recommendable for people who like to keep their ears uncovered, but the $220 asking price is steep, and the open-ear design isn’t ideal for gym use. The smart case has a screen that essentially performs all the functionality of the phone app and has UV sterilization inside (though we still suggest you wipe down your earbuds after use). The sound is a bit sibilant out of the box, but you can adjust the EQ settings to your liking. However, like all open-ear designs, this pair doesn’t deliver as much bass as sealed earbuds can. Also, in a quiet room, others will be able to hear what you’re listening to.
EarFun OpenJump: This under-$100 pair of open-ear, hook-over-the-ear buds is a good alternative to our budget pick for runners, the Baseus Eli Sport 1, but is not ideal for blocking out gym noise. This pair has a similar amount of bass representation, is equally secure in fit, and has a higher IP rating (IPX7 compared to the Sport 1’s IPX4). However, the Baseus set includes an optional earbud tether, lights up for better visibility at night, and is generally $20 to $40 cheaper than the OpenJump.
H2O Audio Ript Lite: We like that the case that comes with these earbuds has a clear digital battery indicator, but that’s where the compliments end. The ANC is ineffective, the sound is dull and coarse, and (most surprisingly for a company focused on swimming headphones) the IP rating is only IPX5.
LG Tone Free Fit TF8: We like this pair’s various sizes of wings and tips, as well as the charging case, which doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter. Out of the box, the sound wasn’t our favorite. But with some patience, we were able to dial in EQ settings (via the app) that made us happy. The noise cancellation is middle-of-the-road; it’s useful, but it is not a compelling reason to purchase this pair. Unfortunately, the touch controls are fussy and incredibly difficult to use while you’re in motion; it takes time to get a sense of the proper cadence of double and triple taps.
OpenRock X: This open-ear pair will not block out noise at the gym. The earbuds feel solidly built, with metal accents. However, they are heavy, and the hook-over-the-ear design doesn’t hold them in place as securely as we’d like. The sound quality is good in the mids and highs, and there is a surprising amount of bass representation for an open-ear design. But lower bass notes cause the earbuds to rattle, especially when you turn up the volume.
Philips Go TAA7607: If you like bone-conduction headphones and want a little extra visibility when training outdoors at dusk, this pair has a red LED strip across the cable in the back that can glow solid or flash so you’re easier to spot. Performance-wise, this set is similar to the less-expensive Shokz OpenRun, which we recommend for outdoor runners who don’t like to wear earbuds. But bone-conduction headphones won’t block out noise at the gym, because they leave your ear canals open.
Shokz OpenDots One: This open-ear pair clips on your ears and rests over the ear canal, rather than inside it. The design is comfortable and sounds quite good, with a solid amount of bass and only a slight coarseness to the higher frequencies. However, the design is not good for blocking out gym sounds, the controls are limited, and this pair lacks bonus features.
Shokz OpenFit Pro: This pair is very comfortable, and it has a small charging case. That’s why we were so disappointed that the bass distorts like crazy when you turn the volume up even to moderate levels. If you bring down the volume to the level where it doesn’t distort, the highs are still somewhat harsh. We also wish the OpenFit Pro had more controls than play/pause and skip/reverse.
Shokz OpenRun: This set (and its counterpart for smaller heads, the OpenRun Mini) is the best-performing pair of bone-conduction headphones for the price, which is why we recommend it for outdoor runners who don’t like to wear earbuds. But bone-conduction headphones won’t block out noise at the gym, because they leave your ear canals open.
Shokz OpenRun Pro: This pair is nearly identical to the OpenRun set but adds quick-charge capabilities and two more hours of battery life. However, it’s less dust- and water-resistant, so unless you need an upgraded battery, we think the OpenRun set is the better choice.
Soundcore AeroClip: This is one of the most comfortable ear-cuff designs we’ve tried, but it’s not ideal for blocking out sounds at the gym. The optional silicone gloves add stability, and this pair feels like it won’t come loose during workouts. However, the controls are limited, and we often heard a faint, whiny phantom tone in quieter music passages. The fewer instruments playing, the more it stood out. Soundcore is working on a firmware fix to address this, and we will update our thoughts if it works.
Soundcore AeroFit 2: This open-ear, hook-over-the-ear pair can be angled up or down in four different positions to adjust to the size of your ear. Although the earbuds initially feel loose, they stay secure when you’re in motion. But the open design is not good for blocking out gym noise. The touch controls are customizable, and a tone sounds to indicate when your tap has been received. Unfortunately, loud volume levels and bass-heavy songs can cause the earbuds to vibrate, which tickles like crazy. We tried every EQ setting in the app, and none of them alleviated this issue. If you have sensitive ears, this won’t be a good match.
Soundcore Sport X20: We liked the fit of these earbuds, specifically the soft earhooks that retract and expand to accommodate ear height as well as width. The sound is quite good for the price, too. Sadly, the control buttons are infuriatingly small and so close to the ear that the buttons are hard to activate. The ANC is middling and effective only on very low-pitched sounds.
Soundpeats Pop Clip: This affordable pair doesn’t include any stability adapters but nonetheless feels secure in the ear. The physical buttons provide a full suite of controls that you can customize in the app. If you primarily listen to podcasts or audiobooks, the Pop Clip set is fine, as these earbuds sound best when reproducing spoken words. However, the low bass notes are barely perceptible, and even the bass-boost preset doesn’t help. The highs are shushing and painfully sibilant, so while the overamplification of small details like acoustic guitar fret noises are tolerable, strings, cymbals, and high-pitched piccolo notes become harsh and fatiguing. And over calls, the microphones are muffled — this helps reduce background noise but makes you difficult to hear when you’re speaking at a normal volume.
Suunto Wing: We appreciate that this bone-conduction set includes a snap-in-place dock that charges the Wing on the go, much like the cases that come with true wireless earbuds. It’s bulky, but useful if you run out of battery life away from a power outlet. However, the bone conduction is less successful here than on the Shokz OpenRun. Despite the Suunto app’s indoor/outdoor EQ settings, at volume levels sufficient to use outside, the Wing buzzes and vibrates, tickling your face annoyingly. And in quiet settings, people nearby can easily hear what you’re listening to, as well as your phone calls.
This article was edited by Adrienne Maxwell and Grant Clauser.
The research
- Why you should trust me
- Who this is for
- How we picked and tested
- The best wireless earbuds for working out: JBL Reflect Aero TWS
- For Apple fans: Beats Fit Pro
- Best budget wireless earbuds for working out: JLab Go Air Sport
- Long battery life at a great price: Tribit MoveBuds H1
- Other workout headphones worth considering
- What about over-ear workout headphones?
- What to look forward to
- The competition
Why you should trust me
I hold a bachelor’s degree in both music performance and audio production from Ithaca College, and I’ve reviewed high-end home audio equipment for publications such as Home Entertainment and Sound & Vision.
I also spent several years in terrestrial radio before becoming a professional voice actor in Los Angeles, so I’ve been in and out of recording studios for over a decade.
- I have tested over 2,000 pairs of headphones while working for Wirecutter, and I am committed to finding gear that will make you happy.
- Per Wirecutter’s standards, I don’t own stock or have any other financial interest in a company or industry that I cover or am likely to cover.
- Like all Wirecutter journalists, I review and test products with complete editorial independence. I’m never made aware of any business implications of my editorial recommendations. Read more about our editorial standards.
Who this is for
If you regularly work out in a noisy gym (or home) environment and would like to block out sounds, to help you stay in the zone with your favorite tunes, this is the guide for you — since it focuses on sealed earbuds that close off the ear canal.
Runners (and others who do outdoor workouts) may have different needs based on how and where they run, so we have a separate guide for running headphones.
Swimmers should look for headphones that are specifically designed for in-water use. Although wireless earbuds with an IPX8 rating are waterproof for a certain length of time, they are not meant for swimming because Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater. We have one swimming-headphones recommendation below.
How we picked and tested
These days, most people prefer the convenience of Bluetooth wireless earbuds for working out because they allow you to keep your phone tucked away and your hands free, and they eliminate the possibility of a cable snagging on workout equipment. So we focused on completely wireless earbuds for our main picks, but we offer tethered and wired recommendations below.
We also used the following criteria to make our picks:
- Sweat and water resistance: Standard headphones aren’t built to withstand the beating that workout headphones take, so their warranties likely won’t cover moisture damage. We prefer workout headphones that have an official Ingress Protection (IP) rating. The higher the numbers, the better.
- Comfort and fit: The best workout headphones are the ones that stay put unobtrusively.
- Ease of use: Good sport earbuds have controls that you can use without much thought.
- Noise isolation: It’s crucial that you don’t have to crank your volume up to dangerous levels to drown out the din in a gym. It is just as important to avoid hearing damage as any other injury.
- Situational awareness: A hear-through mode can be helpful when you need to have a quick conversation or hear an announcement.
- Pricing: The price should reflect the features of the headphones. Think of these as sporting equipment.
- Sound quality: This is less critical for workouts than it is for everyday listening, but the sound should not be distractingly terrible.
- Brand reliability and warranty: If something goes wrong, you want to know that the company involved will stand behind its product.
To test workout headphones, we wear them while running and performing high-impact workouts that create a good sweat. We note tugging and chafing, as well as which headphones, if any, fall out. We consider wind noise, how well each pair blocks out other noises, and how successful the hear-through mode is (if there is one).
To simulate performance under very sweaty conditions, we used data from a scientific study of marathon runners to make a saltwater mixture that’s similar to human sweat. We spray every set of headphones with our sweat proxy and then mash all of the buttons — every 10 minutes for an hour — to see how they respond.
We also conduct our usual assortment of headphone tests to evaluate sound quality, noise cancellation, battery life, and more.
The best wireless earbuds for working out: JBL Reflect Aero TWS
Top pick
The JBL Reflect Aero TWS earbuds are petite, completely wireless, and waterproof, so they’re great for workouts and beyond.
This IP68-rated pair can handle a lot of sweat. The high IP68 rating means these earbuds can withstand immersion in 5 feet of water for 30 minutes. JBL says the Reflect Aero TWS earbuds can even take a dunk in salt water, as long as you rinse them off in fresh water and dry them before putting them away to charge. If you take a spill off your paddleboard, these earbuds should be fine, but don’t go swimming with them.
The fit is secure and comfortable. These earbuds are lightweight, sleek, and petite. The package includes three sizes of pliable, gripping wings and three sizes of eartips to help you get the most secure fit. Oftentimes when I grit my teeth during high-impact workout moves, earbuds work their way out of my ears. But the Aero TWS didn’t budge when I did a series of box-jump burpees.
The large, touch-based controls are easy to find and use without looking. You can assign two sets of controls, covering the playback controls, ANC/hear-through controls, or volume controls — but not all three at the same time.
The sealed design and adaptive noise cancellation block distractions very well. In our tests, the active noise cancellation reduced treadmill hums and traffic noise, and the silicone eartips significantly blocked higher-pitched sounds like voices. You can see how the Reflect Aero TWS pair stacks up against other noise-cancelling earbuds in our ANC headphones guide.
When you want to hear what’s going on around you, whether you’re in the gym or on the track field, these earbuds offer a hear-through mode and allow for single-earbud use. We were impressed by the hear-through mode, which avoided the tinny or muffled quality found in much of the competition. It’s also adjustable, so you can choose how much of the outside world you want mixed into your music.
Eight hours of battery life is above average. The charge case holds 16 hours of additional power, is small enough to fit in the key pocket of most running shorts, and has a permanently attached lanyard wristlet. Plus, the case has quick-charge capabilities; with 15 minutes of fast-charging in the case, you get four more hours of playtime. Be aware, however, that frequent phone calls, higher volume, and ANC use may affect your run time.
This set sounds good right out of the box. Many folks will likely enjoy the default sound profile, which has added oomph in the bass and extra energy in the frequency range where consonants sit. We preferred doing a little EQ tinkering in the app to get a more neutral presentation.
Phone calls sound great, too. The six-microphone array ensures that your voice is clear. Dual-device capability means you can stay connected to two devices simultaneously without having to fuss with Bluetooth settings. And if anything goes awry, JBL covers the Reflect Aero TWS set with a one-year warranty.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
We’d prefer a complete set of controls. You can assign only two sets of control, and you must choose between playback controls, ANC/hear-through controls, and volume controls. Alexa and Google Assistant fans may not mind this limitation, since they can pull up their preferred digital assistant and execute commands using their voice. Apple users can access Siri, but it involves a tap-and-hold on one of the touch controls. If that’s a dealbreaker, consider the Beats Fit Pro instead.
We also know that some people prefer physical buttons over touch-based controls, which can be more fussy in everyday use. Since the touch panels are large, and JBL did a good job of dialing in the sensitivity, this pair isn’t as prone to misfires as others we’ve tested.
The stabilizing wings may bother wearers with sensitive ears. These winged earbuds can be fatiguing to wear for hours on end. So if you dislike the feeling of pressure in your ears, or you have very small ear canals, you may prefer workout earbuds that hook over your ears, such as the JLab Go Air Sport set or the Tribit MoveBuds H1 pair.
Alternatively, if your heart is set on the Reflect Aero’s features, the JBL Endurance Peak 3 set has a lot of similar bells and whistles in a hook-over-the-ear design. You can read more about the Peak 3 pair in our Competition notes.
The case doesn’t support wireless charging. USB-C charge ports deliver power faster than wireless, but having a cable-less charging option would be nice.
The manual isn’t the clearest we’ve read. For example, we wanted to do a factory reset as part of our testing, and the diagram was less than accurate on how to accomplish the task. We managed to figure out the most important instructions, but the lack of clarity was a little annoying.
Phone calls lack adequate sidetone (when you hear a bit of your own voice). Not being able to hear yourself may make you feel the need to speak louder. If that bothers you, we recommend checking out the Beats Fit Pro.
For Apple fans: Beats Fit Pro
Runner-up
The Beats Fit Pro earbuds are a fantastic option for Apple-centric users who want easy device switching and “Hey Siri” voice control. These sealed earbuds are small, stay securely in place, and do a good job of blocking out gym noise. But the battery life and water resistance are both lower than those of our top pick, and this pair usually costs more.
The stabilizing wings grip securely. The earbuds are light and small, so they don’t tug at your ear. I did some HIIT, weights, and yoga, and these earbuds didn’t budge. However, people who have very small or sensitive ears may find that the wings create a “too full” feeling that can be fatiguing during long workout sessions.
The IPX4 water-resistance rating is acceptable. These earbuds should tolerate the average run or indoor workout. But for water-based workouts or those that produce very heavy sweating, we recommend the IP68-rated JBL pick.
The physical buttons are easy to use. Each earbud has a single physical button that is easy to find by feel and is comfortable to press. However, to enable volume controls, you have to forgo the ability to toggle between the ANC and hear-through modes.
The six-hour battery life is middle-of-the-road. But this pair’s quick-charge capabilities and the three full charges provided by the charging case mean that most people will get through a full day of use with no problems.
They sound pretty darn great. We found the Fit Pro’s extra bass boost to be pleasant, and higher frequencies like consonants and cymbals were clear, not harsh or piercing. But you can’t adjust the sound profile to your preference, as you can with our top pick.
The sealed design effectively blocked gym noise. Also, we found the noise cancellation to be effective, but only in a specific frequency range. In our guide to noise-cancelling headphones, we talk more about how the Fit Pro earbuds compare to others in that regard.
Meanwhile, the hear-through mode is excellent. So it’s easy to carry on a conversation or maintain situational awareness without adding too much distracting sibilance to the sound of the world around you. And when you want to keep one ear open, you can use either earbud independently.
The biggest advantage is their ability to access Apple features. You can read more about those features in our guide to Bluetooth earbuds. Android-device owners who need more onboard controls may prefer the full suite of controls on the Tribit MoveBuds H1 set or the hands-free Google Assistant compatibility of the JBL Reflect Aero TWS pair.
The charging case is comparatively big. It’s too large to fit in the key pocket of running shorts. However, the wear sensor on the earbuds is sensitive enough that, in a pinch, you can slip these earbuds into your pocket without completely draining the battery or triggering music playback.
Best budget wireless earbuds for working out: JLab Go Air Sport
Budget pick
If you don’t want to pay more than $50 for workout headphones, the JLab Go Air Sport is an inexpensive true wireless, water-resistant pair that’s perfect for tossing in your gym bag. Though this pair isn’t without its flaws, nothing else we’ve tested in the sub-$50 price range can compete. (JLab recently introduced a new version of these earbuds, called the Go Sport+. The new set is similar in design, but it has a longer claimed battery life, adds a hear-through mode, and uses USB-C charging. We plan to test it soon.)
The IP55 dust- and water-resistance rating is above average. The Go Air Sport earbuds can take on any sweaty, land-based workout.
The hook-over-the-ear design is secure. Instead of relying on stabilizing wings, like our top two picks do, these earbuds use flexible hooks that grip securely and comfortably over the top of each ear. This might be more comfortable for folks who have very small or sensitive ear canals.
This pair blocks out noise but lacks ANC and hear-through features. The package includes three sizes of ear tips, which should allow these earbuds to seal nearly all ear-canal sizes and physically block gym noise. If you need situational awareness for safety, either earbud can work independently, but using only one bud results in limited touch-control functionality.
The touch controls are large and easy to find. Unlike much of the competition, this pair has full controls on board: playback, volume, and digital-assistant activation. We found the response to be a bit finicky at times, especially when our hair got in the way.
The sound quality is pretty stellar for earbuds at this price. However, it isn’t as good as that of our top picks. There are three EQ presets: One boosts bass, one boosts treble, and one sits somewhere in the middle. The favorite in our tests was the middle-ground JLab Signature preset. It still produced a boomier bass than we preferred, but it had a more balanced sound than the other two.
Battery life is around eight hours. The volume level at which you listen and the number of phone calls you take may affect run time, but the case provides an additional 24 hours of power.
The case is bigger than we’d like. Because the case has to accommodate the larger, hook-over-the-ear design of the earbuds, it’s bigger than the cases for our top picks. You may be able to fit it in a deeper gym-short pocket, but generally speaking, this is a case best stored in a bag or running belt. The charge cable is standard USB-A style and permanently attached, so you never need to find a cord. Though we like this clever feature, we wish that this case had the newer USB-C type of cable or that it could charge wirelessly.
Long battery life at a great price: Tribit MoveBuds H1
Also great
The Tribit MoveBuds H1 is a secure-fitting pair of true wireless earbuds. This set offers a super-long battery life, a high water-resistance rating, and easy-to-use touch controls — all for less than $100.
The 15-hour battery life is impressive for wireless earbuds. The charge case provides an additional 35 hours of power, but it’s not what we’d consider pocketable. It’s about the size of a bar of soap. Since these earbuds have such a long battery life, we’ll let that pass. If you want to bring the case with you, though, plan on stowing it in a bag or a running belt.
The MoveBuds H1 is rated IPX8. That means this pair is waterproof for 30 minutes in 5 feet of water. These earbuds aren’t made for swimming, however (Bluetooth can’t travel through water). Make sure you dry them completely before charging. If anything goes wrong, Tribit covers them with a one-year warranty.
The hook-over-the-ear design holds the earbuds securely in place. Each earbud’s flexible, rubberized arm loops over the top of the ear comfortably. Tribit includes six different sizes of tips, so you’re more likely to find a set that suits you.
The touch controls are large and easy to tap. The H1’s controls handle phone calls, all playback functions, volume adjustment, and digital assistant call-up. We found the sensors to be a bit temperamental, so there can be hiccups if you have hair that gets in the way — but this set isn’t as prone to misfires as others we’ve tested. Plus you can use the app to customize the controls to your preference.
This pair lacks active noise cancellation but has a hear-through mode. Though there is no ANC, this sealed pair blocked out most distractions for us. The hear-through mode has two levels of intensity to choose from: Neither sounds as natural as what you’ll get from our top picks, but it’s still handy for brief conversations. If you need more awareness, you can use a single earbud, though this option gives you less control functionality.
The sound is excellent for the price. Though this pair lacks the sense of space and detail of our top picks, it’s great for waterproof earbuds under $100. The sound is decent out of the box, but we were happiest after adjusting the EQ in the Tribit app.
Other workout headphones worth considering
If you dislike the feel of stabilizing wings and over-the-ear hooks: The Jabra Elite 8 Active is one of the most universally comfortable pairs of earbuds we’ve worn. The earbuds should nestle securely in most ear shapes and are held in place using Jabra’s grippy coating that gets tackier when damp. We performed a series of very aggressive movements (think head-banging and jump-tucks), and the Elite 8 Active set stayed in our ears, only wiggling a touch out of place when the motion had a lot of centrifugal force.
This pair is also one of the most rugged sets we’ve tested, with a dust/water resistance rating of IP68 for the earbuds and IP54 for the charging case (most charge cases don’t even have an IP rating), which Jabra backs with a two-year warranty. The earbuds feature dual-device connectivity and the full suite of controls, with large, comfortable-to-press physical buttons. The eight-hour battery life (with ANC on, 14 with it off) is impressive, as is the microphones’ clarity when you’re in a noisy or breezy environment.
What’s less impressive is the noise cancellation, which is not as effective as we’d like, and the hear-through mode, which sounds muffled. It’s fine for brief conversations, but less ideal if you need situational awareness for safety. The side tone also has a metallic, distant quality, so it doesn’t eliminate your urge to speak louder. None of these are necessarily dealbreakers for workout headphones, but they are enough to keep this pair from being an official pick.
If you want a built-in heart-rate monitor: The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is a pricey but great pair of Apple-friendly earbuds that features an incredibly secure, hook-over-the-ear design. The marquee feature is the built-in heart-rate monitor, which can be used in conjunction with popular fitness apps like Strava, Peloton, and Nike Fitness — and Apple users can track their ticker in Apple’s health app. The heart-rate measurements may not be as accurate second by second as a monitor that uses a chest strap, but we compared the Pro 2’s monitor with measurements from an Apple Watch Series 10 and a Garmin Epix Gen 2 and found the Pro 2’s data to be similarly reliable. If you already have a smart watch with heart-rate tracking, this pair may not be worth the $250 price, since phones and apps will default to your watch’s data and ignore the Powerbeats Pro 2 results.
Overall, we liked how these earbuds sound. They have ample bass and a slight emphasis on the highs to ensure clear vocals. However, that extra high-frequency boost might sound artificially hyped to sensitive ears. The Pro 2 earbuds have an IPX4 water-resistance rating, which is sufficient for light rain and sweat but may not be enough for people who perspire profusely or train for tough mudders. If that’s you, we’d recommend one of our higher-rated picks.
The battery life is solid at around eight to 10 hours, with about three full charges in the case. But the more features you use, the shorter the battery life. The inclusion of a hear-through mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings when needed, although it sounds somewhat sibilant. That can be helpful for conversation clarity, but may feel hissy and fatiguing over time. The adaptive noise cancellation helps to block out the world, while multiple microphones work in tandem with accelerometers to effectively isolate your voice over phone calls and reduce background sounds and wind noise. During our test, an ambulance went by with sirens blaring, and our caller had no clue.
The package includes five tip sizes, which should accommodate most ear shapes. The physical control buttons are intuitive and comfortable to use, and Apple fans will enjoy always-listening Siri. Both Android and Apple users can find a lost earbud with the “Find My” function. We appreciate that the charging case supports wireless charging, but because it has to be big enough to accommodate the ear-hook design, it’s too bulky to keep in gym shorts or leggings.
If you need headphones to swim laps: If you use Spotify or Amazon Music, the Waterproof Mighty Vibe music player/headphone system is an excellent way to spice up your water-based workouts. Download playlists to the IP68-rated player before you hit the water. It’s lightweight and clips to your goggle strap securely enough to handle flip-turns (even when we did the dreaded back-to-breast IM backflip). The earbuds have three sizes of triple-flange tips that seal water out of your ear, providing the air needed to hear sound clearly underwater. We recommend allowing extra time to fuss with the fit the first time out — swap tip sizes, run the cable over or under your ear, and position the player in different locations and directions. The Vibe provides about five hours of music playback and can hold around 1,000 songs.
The Mighty Vibe player can also connect to Bluetooth earbuds, which provides versatility. However, Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater, so you can’t stream music to earbuds or from the cloud while swimming. This is the only current player we are aware of that allows for syncing with streaming services, which is important since many people don’t purchase music files anymore.
The downsides are that the player charges using a specialized cable via headphone jack, so it will be harder to find a replacement should you lose it. Also, only Amazon Music and Spotify are supported, so subscribers to other services are out of luck.
If you prefer wired earbuds: The super-affordable Koss FitClips KSC32i is a great set of wired earbuds to stow in your gym bag. Because they’re wired, you don’t have to worry about charging them, but you may need a headphone-jack adapter, depending on which smartphone you use. The hook-over-the-ear design is flexible and comfortable, the sound is way better than the low price implies, and the sealed earbuds will block gym noise. Plus, the cable has a universal single-button remote and mic. On the downside, this pair lacks an official IP rating, active noise cancellation, and a hear-through mode, and the microphone isn’t fantastic for phone conversations.
What about over-ear workout headphones?
In the past, we’ve tried to include at least one set of over-ear gym headphones with workout-specific features like washable/replaceable ear pads, antimicrobial materials, breathable designs, and grippy headbands. But as true wireless earbuds have gained popularity, companies have shifted away from over-ear gym headphones. As a result, we currently don’t have a pick in this category.
However, there are a few features you can look for that make a pair of everyday headphones better for use when working out:
- Water and sweat resistance: Not all headphones are designed to resist the salt and oils produced when humans sweat. Most IP-rated water-resistant headphones are rated only for clear, fresh water. Look for sets with a high water rating or a combo of dust and water resistance. The higher, the better.
- Easy-to-clean parts: Look for materials you can wipe clean that don’t absorb sweat. Yes to silicone, vinyl, and plastic. No to fabric and leather.
- A lightweight, secure fit: If a pair is too large, they’ll slip off when you’re moving. And if they’re too heavy, you’ll be uncomfortable.
Of our current over-ear picks, the JBL Tour One M2 is the closest to fitting the bill, with cleanable parts, a lightweight design, and an IPX5 rating. But they are pricey for workout-specific headphones.
What to look forward to
JLab recently introduced a new version of our budget pick, called the Go Sport+. The new set is similar in design, but it has a longer (claimed) battery life, adds a hear-through mode, and uses USB-C charging. We plan to test it soon.
The competition
We’ve tested more than 250 pairs of headphones for this guide. That’s a lot to cover, so we’ve listed only the most recently tested competitors here. However, if you’re curious about a specific model, we’ve archived many of our more recent testing notes in a spreadsheet.
AceFast AceFit Air FA002: These earbuds sit on top of the ear canal, not in it, so they are not good for blocking out gym sounds, and they cannot handle playing bass notes. When we boosted the low end using volume controls or the set’s bass-boost preset, the earbuds vibrated against our faces, and the sound distorted.
Beats Studio Buds +: The upgraded version of the Studio Buds, this pair offers better battery life, Android customization, and noise cancellation compared with the original. What hasn’t changed is the IPX4 rating and the overall earbud design (the shell is transparent, though). These earbuds share a lot of iOS-friendly features with the Beats Fit Pro set, but we like the Fit Pro earbuds better because they’re more secure in the ears, they still offer better noise cancellation, and their button design is more ergonomic. We think that’s worth spending a little extra.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: The open-ear, cuff-like design of this pair is surprisingly comfortable and good for outdoor runners who want to hear their surroundings, but it’s not good for blocking out noise at the gym. This pair has more low-bass representation than other unsealed and open-ear designs we’ve tested, but the microphone quality is incredibly disappointing. Even in a quiet room, voices sound reedy and hissy on phone calls. Add any background noise, and the roaring, static-like cacophony that will greet your caller is distracting (in the case of one tester, it was bad enough for their conversation partner to request a call back with a different device). If Bose could improve the microphones, we might consider recommending this pricey pair for runners, but for $300, we expect a more well-rounded set of earbuds.
Cleer Arc 3: This open-ear, hook-over-the-ear pair fits well, is IPX7 water-resistant, and has hands-free call answer/rejection with a nod or shake of the head. These earbuds are recommendable for people who like to keep their ears uncovered, but the $220 asking price is steep, and the open-ear design isn’t ideal for gym use. The smart case has a screen that essentially performs all the functionality of the phone app and has UV sterilization inside (though we still suggest you wipe down your earbuds after use). The sound is a bit sibilant out of the box, but you can adjust the EQ settings to your liking. However, like all open-ear designs, this pair doesn’t deliver as much bass as sealed earbuds can. Also, in a quiet room, others will be able to hear what you’re listening to.
EarFun OpenJump: This under-$100 pair of open-ear, hook-over-the-ear buds is a good alternative to our budget pick for runners, the Baseus Eli Sport 1, but is not ideal for blocking out gym noise. This pair has a similar amount of bass representation, is equally secure in fit, and has a higher IP rating (IPX7 compared to the Sport 1’s IPX4). However, the Baseus set includes an optional earbud tether, lights up for better visibility at night, and is generally $20 to $40 cheaper than the OpenJump.
H2O Audio Ript Lite: We like that the case that comes with these earbuds has a clear digital battery indicator, but that’s where the compliments end. The ANC is ineffective, the sound is dull and coarse, and (most surprisingly for a company focused on swimming headphones) the IP rating is only IPX5.
LG Tone Free Fit TF8: We like this pair’s various sizes of wings and tips, as well as the charging case, which doubles as a Bluetooth transmitter. Out of the box, the sound wasn’t our favorite. But with some patience, we were able to dial in EQ settings (via the app) that made us happy. The noise cancellation is middle-of-the-road; it’s useful, but it is not a compelling reason to purchase this pair. Unfortunately, the touch controls are fussy and incredibly difficult to use while you’re in motion; it takes time to get a sense of the proper cadence of double and triple taps.
OpenRock X: This open-ear pair will not block out noise at the gym. The earbuds feel solidly built, with metal accents. However, they are heavy, and the hook-over-the-ear design doesn’t hold them in place as securely as we’d like. The sound quality is good in the mids and highs, and there is a surprising amount of bass representation for an open-ear design. But lower bass notes cause the earbuds to rattle, especially when you turn up the volume.
Philips Go TAA7607: If you like bone-conduction headphones and want a little extra visibility when training outdoors at dusk, this pair has a red LED strip across the cable in the back that can glow solid or flash so you’re easier to spot. Performance-wise, this set is similar to the less-expensive Shokz OpenRun, which we recommend for outdoor runners who don’t like to wear earbuds. But bone-conduction headphones won’t block out noise at the gym, because they leave your ear canals open.
Shokz OpenDots One: This open-ear pair clips on your ears and rests over the ear canal, rather than inside it. The design is comfortable and sounds quite good, with a solid amount of bass and only a slight coarseness to the higher frequencies. However, the design is not good for blocking out gym sounds, the controls are limited, and this pair lacks bonus features.
Shokz OpenFit Pro: This pair is very comfortable, and it has a small charging case. That’s why we were so disappointed that the bass distorts like crazy when you turn the volume up even to moderate levels. If you bring down the volume to the level where it doesn’t distort, the highs are still somewhat harsh. We also wish the OpenFit Pro had more controls than play/pause and skip/reverse.
Shokz OpenRun: This set (and its counterpart for smaller heads, the OpenRun Mini) is the best-performing pair of bone-conduction headphones for the price, which is why we recommend it for outdoor runners who don’t like to wear earbuds. But bone-conduction headphones won’t block out noise at the gym, because they leave your ear canals open.
Shokz OpenRun Pro: This pair is nearly identical to the OpenRun set but adds quick-charge capabilities and two more hours of battery life. However, it’s less dust- and water-resistant, so unless you need an upgraded battery, we think the OpenRun set is the better choice.
Soundcore AeroClip: This is one of the most comfortable ear-cuff designs we’ve tried, but it’s not ideal for blocking out sounds at the gym. The optional silicone gloves add stability, and this pair feels like it won’t come loose during workouts. However, the controls are limited, and we often heard a faint, whiny phantom tone in quieter music passages. The fewer instruments playing, the more it stood out. Soundcore is working on a firmware fix to address this, and we will update our thoughts if it works.
Soundcore AeroFit 2: This open-ear, hook-over-the-ear pair can be angled up or down in four different positions to adjust to the size of your ear. Although the earbuds initially feel loose, they stay secure when you’re in motion. But the open design is not good for blocking out gym noise. The touch controls are customizable, and a tone sounds to indicate when your tap has been received. Unfortunately, loud volume levels and bass-heavy songs can cause the earbuds to vibrate, which tickles like crazy. We tried every EQ setting in the app, and none of them alleviated this issue. If you have sensitive ears, this won’t be a good match.
Soundcore Sport X20: We liked the fit of these earbuds, specifically the soft earhooks that retract and expand to accommodate ear height as well as width. The sound is quite good for the price, too. Sadly, the control buttons are infuriatingly small and so close to the ear that the buttons are hard to activate. The ANC is middling and effective only on very low-pitched sounds.
Soundpeats Pop Clip: This affordable pair doesn’t include any stability adapters but nonetheless feels secure in the ear. The physical buttons provide a full suite of controls that you can customize in the app. If you primarily listen to podcasts or audiobooks, the Pop Clip set is fine, as these earbuds sound best when reproducing spoken words. However, the low bass notes are barely perceptible, and even the bass-boost preset doesn’t help. The highs are shushing and painfully sibilant, so while the overamplification of small details like acoustic guitar fret noises are tolerable, strings, cymbals, and high-pitched piccolo notes become harsh and fatiguing. And over calls, the microphones are muffled — this helps reduce background noise but makes you difficult to hear when you’re speaking at a normal volume.
Suunto Wing: We appreciate that this bone-conduction set includes a snap-in-place dock that charges the Wing on the go, much like the cases that come with true wireless earbuds. It’s bulky, but useful if you run out of battery life away from a power outlet. However, the bone conduction is less successful here than on the Shokz OpenRun. Despite the Suunto app’s indoor/outdoor EQ settings, at volume levels sufficient to use outside, the Wing buzzes and vibrates, tickling your face annoyingly. And in quiet settings, people nearby can easily hear what you’re listening to, as well as your phone calls.
This article was edited by Adrienne Maxwell and Grant Clauser.
