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10 Best Running Headphones 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 - Wireless Noise Cancelling Workout Earbuds with Secure- Fit Earhooks, Up to 45-Hour Battery with Charging Case, Sweat & Water Resistant, Heart Rate Monitoring - Jet Black

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with runners and active users in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit thanks to reinforced earhooks and multiple ear tip sizes. This makes them reliable during intense workouts without worrying about them falling out. Sound quality is enhanced with Active Noise Cancelling and Adaptive EQ, providing clear highs, rich mids, and strong bass, plus a Transparency mode to stay aware of surroundings—useful for outdoor running.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,476
Fit and Comfort
Sound Quality
Battery Life

Most important from
3877 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The reinforced earhooks deliver an exceptional secure fit that stays put even during intense workouts and heavy sweating.
Sound Quality
Sound quality rivals or even surpasses the AirPods Pro 2, with clear highs and balanced mids, making these earbuds a joy to listen to.
Battery Life
Battery life is phenomenal, easily lasting through long training sessions without needing frequent recharges.
Connectivity
Connectivity is quick and stable with Apple devices, ensuring a seamless wireless experience.
Controls and Features
The physical buttons on the earbuds offer convenient control, including the ability to skip tracks without reaching for your phone.
#2
9.7 score

Beats Studio Pro - Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones- Up to 40-Hour Battery Life, Active Noise Cancelling, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatible - Black

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are a strong choice for those seeking high-quality sound and features suited for a variety of listening situations, including workouts. Their over-ear design provides a comfortable fit, which is essential for longer sessions. The sound quality stands out with Beats' custom acoustic platform delivering immersive audio, and the ability to switch between active noise cancellation and transparency mode allows you to adjust to your environment, which is particularly useful if you're running outdoors.

Rating
9.7
Fit and Comfort
Sound Quality
Battery Life

Most important from
25714 reviews

Fit and Comfort
Comfortable to wear for extended periods with soft ear cushions and a snug fit that isn't too tight.
Sound Quality
The sound quality is excellent, delivering crisp highs, deep bass, and an overall immersive experience.
Battery Life
Battery life is a huge plus, lasting hours on a single charge, reducing the need for constant charging.
Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is impressive, effectively blocking out background noise for better focus.
#3
8.5 score

SHOKZ OpenDots ONE-Open-Ear Headphones, Clip-On Earbuds-Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Microphone-Secure, Lightweight, Comfort-Premium Dolby Audio-Water Resistant-Fast Charging-Up to 40 hrs Playtime

The SHOKZ OpenDots ONE true wireless earbuds are designed with runners and active users in mind, offering a lightweight and secure clip-on fit that stays comfortable during long wear thanks to its flexible nickel-titanium frame and silicone grips. Weighing only 6.5 grams each, they feel almost unnoticeable on your ears. Their open-ear design is a big plus for outdoor runners, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings, which is key for safety. Sound quality benefits from premium Dolby Audio and Bassphere Technology, giving clear and rich sound, although these earbuds do not have active noise cancellation, so background noise might sometimes interfere. They’re IP54-rated water resistant, which means they can handle sweat and light rain, but they’re not meant for heavy water exposure.

Rating
8.5
Fit and Comfort
Battery Life
Sound Quality and Ambient Awareness

Most important from
1512 reviews

Fit and Comfort
These earbuds are incredibly lightweight and comfortable, allowing for hours of wear without any ear fatigue.
Battery Life
Battery life is outstanding, requiring much less frequent charging and easily lasting through extended daily use.
Sound Quality and Ambient Awareness
The sound quality delivers phenomenal clarity with balanced, rich audio that feels like a personal concert experience.
Wireless Connectivity and Controls
Pairing is seamless and instant, boosted by a user-friendly companion app that enhances connectivity and customization.
Stability and Security
The secure, clip-on fit stays put even during intense workouts or runs, providing reliable stability.

Top 10 Best Running Headphones 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0  score

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 - Wireless Noise Cancelling Workout Earbuds with Secure- Fit Earhooks, Up to 45-Hour Battery with Charging Case, Sweat & Water Resistant, Heart Rate Monitoring - Jet Black

Fit and Comfort: reinforced earhooks, multiple ear tip sizes
Sound Quality: Active Noise Cancelling, Adaptive EQ, Transparency
Battery Life: up to 45 hours with case
Water and Sweat Resistance: IPX4
Connectivity: Class 1 Bluetooth
Controls and Features: voice commands, easy controls, heart rate, wireless charging

Chosen by 1476 this week

Beats Studio Pro - Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones- Up to 40-Hour Battery Life, Active Noise Cancelling, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatible - Black

Fit and Comfort: Over-ear, comfortable fit
Sound Quality: Custom acoustic platform, immersive audio
Battery Life: 40 hours
Water and Sweat Resistance: Not fully waterproof, sweat resistant
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Built-in Microphone and Controls: Button, Google Assistant, Siri, Touch

SHOKZ OpenDots ONE-Open-Ear Headphones, Clip-On Earbuds-Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Microphone-Secure, Lightweight, Comfort-Premium Dolby Audio-Water Resistant-Fast Charging-Up to 40 hrs Playtime

Fit and Comfort: Lightweight, clip-on, flexible frame, silicone grips
Sweat and Water Resistance: IP54 water resistant
Battery Life: 10h playtime, 40h with case
Sound Quality and Ambient Awareness: Dolby Audio, open-ear, no ANC
Wireless Connectivity and Controls: Bluetooth 5.4, touch controls, app
Stability and Security: Secure clip-on, flexible frame, grips

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds - Bluetooth Open Ear Earbuds with OpenAudio for Awareness, Clip-On Design for Comfort, Water Resistant, Up to 48 Hrs of Playtime, Black

Fit and Comfort: Clip-on hooks behind ear
Sweat and Water Resistance: IPX4 rating
Battery Life: 7 hours playtime, 2.5 charges case
Sound Quality and Ambient Awareness: OpenAudio, no noise cancellation
Wireless Connectivity and Controls: Bluetooth 5.3, button controls
Stability and Security: Comfortable fit, less secure than in-ear

SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 Mini -Open-Ear, Bone Conduction Sport Headphones -with Reflective Strip -Sweat Resistant, Workout Headphones -Secure, Wireless, Comfortable Fit-Deep Bass and Smart Mic App

Fit and Comfort: Lightweight 30g, flexible titanium memory wire
Sweat and Water Resistance: Sweatproof, water resistant
Battery Life: 12 hours
Sound Quality and Ambient Awareness: Bone and air conduction, open-ear design
Wireless Connectivity and Controls: Bluetooth 5.3, 33ft range, button controls
Stability and Security: Ergonomic ear hooks, stable during movement

SHOKZ OpenFit 2 Open-Ear Headphones,True Wireless Bluetooth Earphones with Microphone,Earhook Earbuds with 48 Hours of Playtime,Fast Charging,IP55 Water-Resistant,with Carrying Bag,Black,Bluetooth5.4

Fit and Comfort: lightweight earhooks, personalized fit
Sound Quality: DualBoost drivers, OpenBass 2.0, DirectPitch 2.0
Battery Life: 11 hours, 48 hours with case
Water and Sweat Resistance: IP55
Noise Cancellation: None
Built-in Microphone and Controls: dual microphones, multifunction buttons, Shokz App

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds - True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation and Mic, USB-C Charging, IPX4 Rating, Up to 8.5 Hours of Playtime, White

Fit and Comfort: Comfortable and secure fit
Sound Quality: Deep bass, active noise cancellation
Battery Life: 8.5 hours
Water and Sweat Resistance: IPX4
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancellation
Built-in Microphone and Controls: Customizable touch controls

JBL Endurance Peak 3 - Dust and Water Proof (IP68) True Wireless Active Earbuds, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Up to 50 Total Hours of Playback with Speed Charge, Ambient Aware & Talk Thru (White)

Fit and Comfort: snug in-ear fit with ear hooks
Sweat and Water Resistance: IP68 waterproof rating
Battery Life: 10h earbuds, 40h charging case
Sound Quality and Ambient Awareness: strong bass, Ambient Aware, TalkThru
Wireless Connectivity and Controls: Bluetooth 5.2, touch controls
Stability and Security: ear hooks stay secure during movement

SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2-Bone Conduction Headphones,Open-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Sport Earphones for Running,Workouts-Sweat Resistant,Secure Comfortable Fit-Deep Bass,Smart Mic,Reflective Strip

Fit and Comfort: lightweight frame with memory wire
Sweat and Water Resistance: Water Resistant
Battery Life: 12 Hours
Sound Quality and Ambient Awareness: bone and air conduction, dual mics
Wireless Connectivity and Controls: Bluetooth 5.3, volume control
Stability and Security: memory wire holds headphones firmly

Beats Fit Pro (1st Gen) - True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds - Active Noise Cancelling - Sweat Resistant Earphones, Compatible with Apple & Android, Class 1 Bluetooth®- Beats Black

Fit and Comfort: Flexible, secure-fit wingtips
Sound Quality: Custom acoustic platform, Spatial Audio
Battery Life: 6 hours (earbuds), 24 hours (case)
Water and Sweat Resistance: IPX4
Noise Cancellation: Active Noise Cancelling
Built-in Microphone and Controls: High-quality calls, voice assistant
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Buying Guide for the Best Running Headphones

Picking running headphones is all about matching your lifestyle, workout habits, and personal preferences. When running, you want headphones that stay secure, are comfortable, and can handle sweat and weather. The sound quality matters, but is often secondary to comfort, fit, and durability because the main goal is to keep you motivated and safe. To find the best fit, consider where and how you run, how aware you want to be of your surroundings, and the kind of music or audio you prefer listening to while on the move.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort refer to how the headphones stay on your head or in your ears and how comfortable they feel over time. This is important because uncomfortable or poorly fitting headphones can distract you or even fall out during a run. There are typically three main types: in-ear, on-ear, and bone conduction. In-ear models sit inside your ear canal and often come with different-sized tips for a custom fit; they are good if you want a secure and light option. On-ear headphones rest on top of your ears and can feel bulkier, which may suit runners who don't like in-ear models but want more stability than over-ear types. Bone conduction headphones rest on your cheekbones and leave your ears open, which is ideal for runners who prioritize situational awareness. Choose the style that feels most secure and comfortable during movement, considering try-on options if you can.
Sweat and Water ResistanceSweat and water resistance indicate how well the headphones can withstand moisture, whether from sweat, rain, or splashes. This is important because moisture can damage non-resistant headphones, leading to short lifespans and poor performance. Look for ratings such as IPX4, IPX5, IPX6, etc., where higher numbers generally mean better protection. IPX4 will handle sweat and light rain, while IPX7 or higher can survive more intense downpours or brief submersion. If you frequently run in tough weather or sweat heavily, opt for higher resistance ratings to protect your headphones.
Battery LifeBattery life describes how long the headphones can operate before needing to be charged. This matters because longer battery life means fewer interruptions during your runs, especially on long training sessions or races. Battery life can range from about 4 hours for truly wireless earbuds up to 10 or even 12 hours for some over-ear or neckband models. If your runs are short, even the lowest battery life may be enough, but if you train for marathons or dislike frequent charging, aim for longer battery life.
Sound Quality and Ambient AwarenessSound quality affects how good your music, podcasts, or audio sound while using the headphones, but for runners, being able to hear your surroundings can be just as important for safety. Some headphones have ambient or awareness modes that let outside noise in or are designed to sit outside your ear, such as bone conduction types. If you run in busy areas or alongside traffic, prioritize models that let you hear the environment. If you primarily run indoors or in quiet, safe spaces, you may prefer headphones with better isolation and richer sound.
Wireless Connectivity and ControlsWireless connectivity means how the headphones connect to your device—usually Bluetooth. This is important because wired headphones can get tangled and be distracting while running. Most runners prefer wireless or truly wireless headphones for freedom of movement. Also, look at the controls—can you easily play/pause, skip tracks, or adjust volume without reaching for your device? Simple, intuitive controls are useful so you can make quick changes while on the move. For a seamless experience, ensure your headphones have a stable and easy-to-pair wireless connection.
Stability and SecurityStability and security address how well the headphones stay in place during intense movement. Some have earhooks, fins, or neckbands designed to keep them from bouncing or slipping even during vigorous activities. If you do sprints, trail runs, or other high-motion workouts, look for headphones with extra stabilizing features. For gentler activities, a secure in-ear fit may be enough.

FAQ