No matter what sort of train you’re into, in the event you’re understanding, you’ll desire a pair of wi-fi exercise headphones. They permit you to be free and untethered throughout a severe weight-lifting session, a 5K run, an hour on the skate park and in every single place in between the place you’re transferring and sweating a ton. There are dozens of nice wireless headphones and wireless earbud choices on the market, however for train particularly, there are further components to contemplate earlier than selecting one up like water resistance, battery life and total consolation.
At Engadget, we’ve examined a bunch of fitness-ready headphones and earbuds to give you our high picks, plus some recommendation to contemplate earlier than you decide up a pair. All of our high picks beneath will work out and in of the gymnasium, so you’ll be able to spend money on only one pair and make these your every day driver. Should you’re primarily a runner, take a look at our checklist of best headphones for running.
Greatest exercise headphones for 2025
Connectivity: Wi-fi | Fashion: In-ear with wingtip | Assistant assist: Google Assistant, Siri
Learn our full Beats Fit Pro review
The Beats Fit Pro got here out on the head of the pack due to their snug, safe design, good sound high quality and transparency mode, amongst different issues. As my colleague Billy Steele detailed in his review of the Fit Pro, the buds’ wingtip design units them other than different Beats earbuds and makes them notably good for working and different exercises. The buds are pretty small and lightweight, and the wingtip on every is versatile sufficient to hug your ear properly with out placing an excessive amount of stress on it. This helps them really feel safer if you’re transferring round so much be it throughout a morning jog or whereas taking a HIIT class. The buds are additionally IPX4 rated — not the best quantity of safety I encountered, however sufficient to maintain the buds working nicely even throughout my sweatiest periods.
Because it had been, the Beats Match Professional stayed put throughout each single exercise. Nonetheless, adjusting their place on the fly can result in one in every of my few gripes with the buds: unintended presses of the onboard controls. There have been quite a few occasions once I went to regulate a bud and I ended up pausing my music within the course of as a result of the buttons are really easy to set off.
Sound high quality is strong and notably nice for exercising due to its punchy bass and total balanced profile. Spatial audio assist is nice to have, and whereas Adaptive EQ means you’ll be able to’t modify the EQ your self like you’ll be able to with different buds, it does make for persistently good audio high quality. It’s additionally one much less factor to play with out of the field, which I anticipate many individuals will admire; these earbuds are a real unbox-and-go possibility. ANC can also be sturdy and transparency mode will come in useful for many who typically run, cycle or in any other case train outdoors. It was essentially the most natural-sounding transparency mode of any earbuds I attempted, and it’s straightforward to activate or off both with onboard controls or from the management panel in your iOS or Android smartphone.
Talking of, the Beats Match Professional work notably nicely with iPhones due to their built-in H1 chip, however Android customers can obtain their companion app to entry issues like fast pairing, management customizations and a battery standing indicator. I didn’t get into element concerning the setup course of as a result of, nicely, there isn’t a lot of 1. However I’ll say that, upon unboxing, I used to be shocked how low-cost the charging case feels. Whereas it gives an additional 21 hours of charging on high of the buds’ promised six hours of life, the construct high quality seems like an actual step down in comparison with the buds themselves. Except for that and the contact controls, although, the Beats Match Professional supply an entire package deal for athletes, one which can be utilized all day along with coaching periods. Plus, their normal $200 worth isn’t too cost-prohibitive, they usually can typically be discovered on sale for much less.
- Snug IPX4 design
- Nice sound high quality with Adaptive EQ
- Efficient ANC and helpful transparency mode
- Multipoint connectivity
- Strong battery life
- Onboard controls are straightforward to by accident press
- Charging case feels low-cost
JLab
Connectivity: Wi-fi | Fashion: In-ear with hook | Assistant assist: None
When you’ve got lower than $50 to spend, the $30 JLab Go Air Sport+ are an incredible possibility. These are the most recent model of our earlier decide right here, the Go Air Sport. Once I examined these, I didn’t have excessive expectations going into testing these buds, however I used to be rapidly impressed by their consolation and sound high quality. A number of headphones designed for exercises have this hook that wraps across the high of your ear, and it does assist the Go Air Sport keep securely connected to your head.
The Sport+ maintains that design. The hooks are fairly versatile and have a soft-touch end, which provides to their consolation. Admittedly, this design will take some getting used to in the event you’re new to it, however it’s a surefire option to get a little bit additional stability throughout excessive depth exercises.
Sound high quality is fairly good on these buds as nicely, though not almost as balanced as that of our high decide. I additionally admire you can cycle via three totally different EQ modes — Signature, Balanced and Bass Enhance — utilizing the buds’ onboard controls. There’s no app to fuss with, and that was a pleasant change of tempo after largely testing buds with some sort of app connectivity.
You may anticipate over 9 hours of playtime on the Go Air Sport+, plus one other 26 hours of battery life with its charging case. JLab additionally fastened a significant pain-point concerning the earlier variations right here: as a substitute of the outdated, built-in USB-A cable for charging, it is now a extra trendy USB-C cable. Nonetheless, the case is on the cumbersome aspect; you’ll be able to nonetheless throw it right into a backpack or purse simply, however it’s not as svelte as instances you’ll see on dearer buds.
- Inexpensive
- Spectacular sound high quality for the value
- IP55-rated design
- Good battery life
- Massive case
- Hook design received’t be for everybody
SHOKZ
Connectivity: Wi-fi | Fashion: Open-ear | Assistant assist: None
The Shokz OpenFit 2 are the most recent iteration of those open-ear headphones, with our earlier high decide right here being the unique OpenFit. Earbuds with open designs like this enable for extra situational consciousness, with the aim being to let noise in slightly than block it out. In my expertise, the OpenFits do an incredible job of this with out skimping on sound high quality or consolation.
The buds themselves virtually float over your ear cavern and Shokz’s soft-finish “dolphin arc” hook is versatile sufficient to securely wrap across the high of your ear with out placing an excessive amount of stress on it. There’s a bud-like portion on the different finish of the hook that acts as counterbalance, leading to a dependable match that by no means faltered throughout all kinds of actions together with working, power coaching and indoor biking. Granted, none of these workouts contain shaking your head an excessive amount of; perhaps don’t put on the OpenFit to take heed to head-banging demise steel (in the event you can’t management your self).
Sound high quality is strong contemplating the design, and the OpenFit will get fairly loud as nicely. These buds have Shokz’s Direct Pitch expertise, which makes use of reverse sound waves to optimize the space and angle to your ear canal. The corporate claims this helps cut back sound leakage. In my testing, I discovered that true to a sure extent. The OpenFit had the very best sound high quality and total quantity out of all the open-ear units I attempted, however in the event you crank the quantity as much as the max (or shut), the particular person subsequent to you’ll positively hear what you’re listening to. General, these are an incredible possibility for anybody who doesn’t discover in-ear buds notably snug, or those that simply want to have extra consciousness of their environment whereas understanding.
- Snug open-ear design
- Design permits for extra situational consciousness
- Good sound high quality and quantity
- No ANC
- Not as safe when in comparison with in-ear or hook-toting buds
H2O Audio
Connectivity: Wi-fi | Fashion: Over-ear | Assistant assist: None
Some want to put on over-ear headphones all day, every single day, and if that sounds such as you, there’s a great probability you already use your daily-driver headphones on the gymnasium. However in the event you’re noticing elevated wear-and-tear on these cans as a result of sweat or prolonged intervals of use, chances are you’ll need to think about a pair of over-ear headphones particularly for understanding.
In that case, think about the H2O Audio Ript Ultra. Whereas these wi-fi headphones don’t have a selected IP score (they’re not designed for the pool, to be clear), they do declare to be “100% sweatproof” thanks partly to their detachable and washable earcups. They survived a few of my hardest runs and strength-training periods with out challenge, and the earcups are fairly straightforward to take away if you need to give them a wipe-down. There’s additionally a second pair of earcups included within the field so you’ll be able to swap them in when the originals ultimately quit the ghost.
Sound high quality is first rate, however it must be higher on a pair of $250 headphones. The Ript Extremely has customized 45mm drivers and energetic noise cancellation as much as 30 dB. Whereas the general sound high quality isn’t higher than our high decide, it’s greater than sufficient to get your blood pumping throughout a exercise. However extra importantly, you’ll probably get higher sound high quality on a pair of Bose or Beats headphones on the identical worth vary; you’re actually paying for the improved sturdiness with the Ript Extremely. In the end, if you’d like a pair of headphones for the gymnasium that may deal with sweat and (probably) last more than different cans in the identical worth vary, the Ript Extremely is an effective alternative.
- Sweatproof
- Removeable, washable earcups
- Second pair of earcups included within the field
- Snug match
- Costly
- Sound high quality might be higher
Others wi-fi exercise headphones we examined
Apple AirPods Professional
The Apple AirPods Pro have an IP54 score, which protects them from temporary encounters with mud and splashes. Whereas that’s extra mud safety than many different earbuds we examined, it’s the identical degree of water resistance that the majority exercise-specific opponents have. We usually just like the AirPods Professional, however the Beats Match Professional supply most of the identical options and conveniences (particularly good transparency mode and the H1 chip), with a design that’s extra acceptable for understanding.
Beats Powerbeats Professional
The Powerbeats Pro are a great various to the Beats Match Professional in the event you’re a stickler for a hook design. Nonetheless, they value $50 greater than the Match Professional (though they typically hover round $180) and don’t supply any important upgrades or further options except for their design. They’re additionally fairly outdated at this level (launched in 2019) and it seems Beats is placing extra effort into upgrading and updating its newer fashions slightly than this mannequin.
Anker Soundcore AeroFit Professional
The Soundcore AeroFit Pro is Anker’s model of the Shokz OpenFit, however I discovered it to be much less safe and never as snug because the latter. The precise earbuds on the AeroFit Professional are noticeably bulkier than these on the OpenFit, which precipitated them to shift and transfer far more once I was sporting them throughout train. They by no means fell off my ears utterly, however I spent extra time adjusting them than I did having fun with them.
JBL Endurance Peak 3
Essentially the most noteworthy factor concerning the Endurance Peak 3 is that they’ve the identical IP68-rating that the (now discontinued) Jabra Elite 8 Lively do, however they solely value $100. However, whilst you get the identical safety right here, you’ll must sacrifice in different areas. The Endurance Peak 3 didn’t blow me away when it got here to sound high quality or consolation (the hook is extra inflexible than these on my favourite buds of an analogous type) and their charging case is very large in comparison with most opponents.
What to search for in exercise headphones
Design
Earlier than diving in, it’s price mentioning that this information focuses on wireless earbuds. When you might put on over-ear or on-ear headphones throughout a exercise, a lot of the best headphones obtainable now don’t have the identical degree of sturdiness. Water and dirt resistance, notably the previous, is vital for any audio gear you intend on sweating with or taking open air, and that’s extra prevalent within the wi-fi earbuds world.
Most earbuds have one in every of three designs: in-ear, in-ear with hook or open-ear. The primary two are the preferred. In-ears are arguably the most typical, whereas these with hooks promise higher safety and match since they’ve an appendage that curls across the high of your ear. Open-ear designs don’t stick into your ear canal, however slightly sit simply outdoors of it. This makes it simpler to listen to the world round you whereas additionally listening to audio, and might be extra snug for many who don’t just like the intrusiveness of in-ear buds.
Water resistance and dirt safety
Even when a pair of headphones for understanding aren’t marketed particularly as train headphones, a sturdy, waterproof design will, by default, make them appropriate for train. To keep away from repetition, right here’s a fast primer on sturdiness, or ingression safety (IP) rankings. The primary digit you’ll see after the “IP” refers to safety from mud and different potential intrusions, measured on a scale from 1 to six. The second refers to water resistance and even waterproofing, in the very best instances. The rankings for water resistance are ranked on a scale of 1 to 9; increased numbers imply extra safety, whereas the letter “X” means the gadget isn’t rated for cover in that regard.
The entire earbuds we examined for this information have at the very least an IPX4 score, which implies there’s no mud safety, however the buds can face up to splashes from any path and are sweat resistant, however most likely should not be submerged. For an in depth breakdown of all of the potential permutations, take a look at this information printed by a provider known as The Enclosure Firm.
Lively noise cancellation and transparency mode
Lively noise cancellation (ANC) is changing into normal on wi-fi earbuds, at the very least these above a sure worth level. Should you’re searching for a pair of buds that may be your exercise companion and serve you outdoors of the gymnasium, too, noise cancelation is an effective characteristic to have. It makes the buds extra versatile, permitting you to dam out the boring roar of your house or workplace so you’ll be able to focus, or provide you with some solitude throughout a busy commute.
However an earbud’s capability to dam out the world goes hand-in-hand with its capability to open issues again up do you have to want it. Many ANC earbuds additionally assist some kind of “transparency mode,” or varied ranges of noise discount. That is vital for running headphones as a result of exercising open air, alongside busy streets, will be harmful. You most likely don’t need to be completely oblivious to what’s happening round you if you’re working outdoors; adjusting noise cancelation ranges to extend your consciousness will assist with that. Stronger noise cancelation could be extra interesting to these doing extra indoor coaching in the event that they need to block out the boring roar of a gymnasium or the man exaggeratingly lifting weights subsequent to you.
Battery life
The entire Bluetooth earbuds we examined have a battery lifetime of six to eight hours. Generally, that’s what you’ll be able to anticipate from this area, with a couple of outliers that may stand up to fifteen hours of life on a cost. Even the low finish of the spectrum must be adequate for many athletes and gymnasium junkies, however it’ll be helpful to maintain the buds’ charging case on you in the event you assume you’ll get near utilizing up all their juice throughout a single session.
You’ll get a mean of 20 to twenty-eight additional hours of battery out of most charging instances and all the earbuds we examined had holders that offered at the very least an additional 15 hours. This can dictate how typically you really must cost the gadget — as in bodily join the case with earbuds inside to a charging cable, or set it on a wireless charger to energy up.
How we check exercise headphones
In testing wi-fi exercise headphones, I put on them throughout each little bit of train I do — be it an informal stroll across the block, a brisk morning run or a difficult weight-lifting session. I’m searching for consolation arguably most of all, since you ought to by no means be fussing together with your earbuds when try to be specializing in understanding. In the identical vein, I’m cognizant of in the event that they get free throughout quick actions or slippery once I’m sweating. I additionally use the earbuds when not exercising to take calls and take heed to music all through the day. Many individuals will need only one pair of earbuds that they will use whereas exercising and simply doing on a regular basis issues, so I consider every pair on their capability to be snug and supply a great listening expertise in a number of totally different actions.
Whereas I’m additionally evaluating sound high quality, I’m admittedly not an audio knowledgeable. My colleague Billy Steele holds that title at Engadget, and also you’ll discover far more detailed details about audio high quality for a few of our high picks in his opinions and shopping for guides. With these headphones for understanding, nonetheless, I’ll make notice of associated points in the event that they stood out (i.e. if a pair of earbuds had noticeably sturdy bass out of the field, weak highs, and so forth). Many of the wi-fi exercise headphones we examined work with companion apps which have adjustable EQ settings, so that you’ll be capable to tweak sound profiles to your liking typically.
