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The WIRED Reviews team has tested hundreds of headphones and earbuds, and I’ve narrowed down the models that best balance sound quality, comfort, and durability. We put these picks through workouts like weightlifting and indoor swimming, as well as outdoor activities like trail runs, hikes, and cycling, to evaluate which headphones enhanced the experience and which ones got in the way. This roundup includes a mix of headphones and earbuds, wired and wireless, from the top pick, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 ($250), to the bone-conduction Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 ($180).
For more recommendations, check out our guides to the Best Wireless Earbuds, the Best Open Earbuds, and the Best Bone Conduction Headphones.
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Beats were the first sport earbuds to tap into Apple’s ecosystem, but the Powerbeats Pro 2 work nearly as well with Android, making them a great pick for any phone. The redesigned nickel-titanium ear hooks stayed in place through hours of testing, and former WIRED reviewer Ryan Waniata said they’re the most comfortable hooked earbuds he’s worn. The noise canceling is a major upgrade, outperforming the Beats Studio Buds+ and holding its own against premium rivals like Sony’s WF-1000XM5 and Technics’ AZ80. The Powerbeats Pro 2 also finally add a natural-sounding transparency mode, along with punchy sound, up to 10 hours of battery life (eight with ANC enabled), and convenient push-button controls.
Apple users get extras like iCloud device switching, Find My functionality, and hands-free Siri, while Android users still benefit from the Beats app, heart rate monitoring, and one-touch pairing. I wish the PowerBeats Pro 2 had a higher IP rating than IPX4, but they’re still built to handle sweat and light rain.
Up to 10 hours (8 hours with ANC enabled; Case holds an extra 35 hours)
Best Wireless Headphones for Working Out
If you prefer over-ear headphones for your workouts, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 are hard to beat. The plush fit is comfortable enough for long listening sessions, and the impressive noise canceling blocks out any distractions at the gym. The sound is clear and engaging, with plenty of punch, plus a transparency mode that feels natural. Bose also added useful upgrades like USB-C lossless audio, improved ambient controls, and longer battery life.
The ear cups do trap heat and sweat, but I have yet to find a pair of over-ear headphones that don't encourage sweat during intense workouts. Nonetheless, they are a premium pick for anyone who wants workout headphones to double as everyday headphones.
JLab’s Go Air Sport is the sport version of the insanely affordable Go Air, with a slight markup for over-ear hooks and a case with a cover. That case also has a built-in USB charger. The build quality is solid, and touch controls are not too sensitive; I don't accidentally turn off my music or turn up the volume whenever I adjust my hair or my hat. They have a solid 30 hours of battery life when you recharge them in the case. I wore them for two weeks for a few hours each day while running and walking my dog, and I didn't have to recharge them once. And the Bluetooth connection is stronger than most affordable earbuds I've tried; I don't have to be wary about walking around a corner, away from my phone. As a bonus, they also come in a wide array of playful colors. —Adrienne So
Bose is the undisputed king of noise-canceling headphones, so if you really need to lock in, consider the QuietComfort Ultra 2 Earbuds. According to former editor Parker Hall, the noise-canceling on the second-gen pair bested the competition and was better than its predecessor. You get wireless charging in the clamshell and guards to prevent earwax buildup. Bose uses a chiming calibration tool to adjust the sound profile and noise-canceling response to the shape of your actual ear canals, which is impressive. If you get too deep in the zone, there's also an Aware mode that lets you hear ambient noise while smoothing out loud sounds. Not only are these the best for the gym, but they're also probably the best pair for anyone who wants noise cancellation in a compact package that you can tote around every day. —Adrienne So
The AirPods Pro 3 are the first AirPods model I've used that I legitimately consider to be workout headphones. (Previous models fell out all the time.) Apple conducted what former WIRED editor Parker Hall calls “an ungodly number” of laser ear scans, and there is a greater choice of ear tips. The XXS small tips actually fit me well, and these are the first AirPods Pros that haven't fallen out of my ears while running.
Like the Powerbeats Pro 2, they also have heart rate sensing, so if you're tracking your workout with Fitness+ and using Workout Buddy, you can see your live heart rate in the app or on your Apple Watch. Noise canceling is also excellent if you're working out in the gym. Apple's bass-heavy, bright tuning is also ideal if you're bopping around to pop sensations like Haim or Mariah Carey when you're working out. —Adrienne So
Up to 8 hours with ANC, 24 hours with the case
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 now charge via USB-C, so you can say goodbye to their proprietary charger. These earbuds use both air and bone conduction to transmit sound while you’re working out outside. This new model added a second air-conduction unit, which improves the sound quality and reduces the tingling sensation you get with bone conduction.
WIRED contributing reviewer Michael Sawh notes that the battery life is slightly less than promised, and the waterproof rating is lower than on previous iterations (IP67). According to Sawh, the sound quality isn’t as clear as one might like, but the bass and punch are still powerful. Former WIRED editor Adrienne So says these are her favorite pair of headphones for cycling because they fit comfortably underneath a helmet.
The OpenSwim Pro has an industry-leading IP68 rating and a dedicated swi...
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