Listening to your favorite songs while running or working out has plenty of benefits. Studies show that listening to music on a run can improve your performance as it reduces pain and fatigue. It’s also great to have that new playlist of fresh music while out running as you’ll feel motivated to leave the house and experience those new tunes.
To enjoy all of these benefits, having good workout headphones is the way to go. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best running headphones that you can use for your next sprint or gym date.
Best Headphones for Running
Apple AirPods ()
Most tech-challenged runners and gym buffs will find the AirPods easy to use due to their intuitive features. Setting them up only takes a single tap, while double-tapping lets you use Siri (and the functions can be customized directly on your iPhone). The AirPods also feature sensors that play your songs when they’re in your ears and pause them when you take them out. They even filter out background noise using an extra accelerometer and beamforming microphones.
When it comes to listening time, these wireless headphones let you listen to music for five hours on a single charge. They also deliver more than 24 hours of listening time through a carrying case with multiple extra charges. The AirPods are great for health buffs and can be paired with an Apple Watch or the iPhone.
Key Specifications:
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 2 Microphones
- 5-Hour Runtime for Music
- 15-Minute Quick Charging Time for 3-Hour Listening
- 19-Hour Additional Runtime via Charging Case
- 0.3 oz / 8 g
Jabra Elite Sport ()
If you’re looking for the lightest and least bulky running headphones with great sound and superb battery life, the Elite Sport may just be the perfect choice for you. These wireless headphones offer a waterproof design, great performance, and a flexible yet secure fit. Runners can take the Elite Sport with them on rainy runs as they’re IP67-certified waterproof. Their wireless design eliminates that jarring sound from wired headphones and keeps them firmly in place as well.
On another note, the Elite Sport’s right earpiece features a heart rate monitor and you can get heart-rate readings while you work out through Jabra’s Sport Life app. You can also pick up on your surroundings and mute your music by quickly pressing a dedicated button, and wear only one bud to take calls while you run.
Key Specifications:
- Bluetooth 4.1 Connectivity
- 4 Digital MEMS Microphones
- 4.5-Hour Continuous Play Time
- 2 Hours Total Charging Time
- 2 Extra Full Charges of up to 9 Hours via Charging Case
- 6.5 g
Bose SoundSport Free ()
The SoundSport Free is one of the best workout headphones for gym buffs who value performance over appearance. It delivers full and balanced music at any volume level with its volume-optimized equalizer and digital signal processing. These headphones also help keep internal parts dry and functional through a water-repellent mesh in their open ports.
The SoundSport Free can play your favorite songs for up to five hours. It also comes with a carrying case that protects the headphones and offers two extra full charges. You can even get 45 minutes of battery life with 15-minute quick charging inside the case.
Key Specifications:
- Bluetooth 4.1 Connectivity
- Controls & Microphone in Earpiece
- 5-Hour Runtime
- 1.5 Hours Total Charging Time
- 10 Hours Extra Runtime via Charging Case
- 0.5 oz / 14.2 g
Bose SoundSport Wireless ()
These Bose headphones still feature the brand’s trademark high sound quality and a more affordable price tag. Their volume-optimized equalizer keeps their frequency response balanced at any volume level, just like the Free. You can also control volume, skip and rewind tracks, and more with an on-board microphone and inline remote in the headphones.
The SoundSport Wireless is suitable for most vigorous exercises as it can pair with up to two devices via Bluetooth, with or without NFC (Near Field Communication). It even has winged ear tips that offer a comfortable fit. A water and sweat-resistant design will help the headphones endure the demands of your active lifestyle.
Key Specifications:
- Bluetooth 4.2 Connectivity
- Mono Microphone
- 6-Hour Total Runtime
- 15-Minute Quick Charging Time for 1-Hour Listening
- 2-Hour Recharging Time
- 0.8 oz / 23 g
Bose SoundSport Pulse ()
With an in-ear heart rate monitor, the SoundSport Pulse is another great pair of workout headphones for gym buffs. This monitor provides you with accurate heart rate readings and transmits them to your smartwatch or fitness apps. These headphones also offer balanced clarity with a rich bottom end for great sound quality while you exercise.
The SoundSport Pulse offers easier connectivity as well. It features voice prompts so you can easily pair your Bluetooth device with the headphones. You can even tap an NFC-enabled device to their inline remote. Lastly, the Pulse’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery gives you up to five hours of wireless power.
Key Specifications:
- Bluetooth 4.2 LE & NFC Connectivity
- On-cable Microphone
- Up to 5 Hours of Runtime
- Lithium-Ion Battery
- 2-Hour Recharging Time
- 0.8 oz / 23 g
Sony WF-SP700N ()
The WF-SP700N is another great option for people who listen to music while they run. The headphones are light enough and come with sports fins that provide a snug and secure fit. They also have a PX4-rated sweat-resistant construction so you won’t have to worry about them getting wet.
For easier control over music and calls, the headphones feature one power button on each bud. These buttons let you pause and play your music and answer and end your calls. Double or triple-clicking them enables you to skip your tracks back and forth. The WF-SP700N also delivers extra bass and richer sound in noisier environments with a tight seal.
Key Specifications:
- Bluetooth 4.1 & NFC Connectivity
- 1 Microphone
- 3-Hour Runtime for Music
- 1.5-Hour Recharging Time
- 6-Hour Additional Runtime via Charging Case
- 0.5 oz / 14.2 g
Fitbit Flyer ()
The Fitbit Flyer lets you dial in your fit with a modular design that includes customizable ear tips, wings, and fins in different sizes. It also offers excellent sound quality: switching to Power Boost Mode gives you an even more powerful sound. The mode even pumps up the bass. The headphones are sweat-proof and seriously strong so you can freely and confidently take on the toughest workouts.
The Flyer’s modular and sturdy construction packs other features as well. It boasts six hours of play time, quick charging, and multi-device connectivity. The headphones also work best with the FitBit Ionic smartwatch, giving you hands and phone-free music.
Key Specifications:
- Bluetooth 4.2 Connectivity
- 2 MEMS Microphones
- 6-Hour Play Time
- 15-Minute Quick Charging Time for 1-Hour Play Time
- 1 to 2 Hours of Recharging Time
- 20 g
Monster iSport Victory ()
The iSport Victory offers a broad variety of wings and tips to keep it securely comfortable while you’re running. It also delivers faster and more reliable Bluetooth connectivity. The headphones even feature a clear voice that notifies you if your battery has a low, medium, or high level. They’re naturally sweat-proof and are one of the lightest running headphones in our list.
Another notable feature that these headphones have is the Sport mode. This mode provides suitably motivational and pumping sound when it’s activated. The iSport Victory also offers 10 hours of battery life on Bluetooth and six to seven hours when it’s charged.
Key Specifications:
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- Built-in Microphone
- 10 Hours of Playback
- Rechargeable Battery
- 6-7 Hours Additional Runtime Per Charge
- 15 g
Feature image via Shutterstock
