The Best Wireless Earbuds for Running in 2024

Stay motivated and on pace with the best earbuds for running in every environment, plus a guide for finding the right earbuds for your next run.

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The best wireless earbuds for running let you listen to music, audiobooks and podcasts so that you stay entertained mile after mile. They need good audio quality, basic water resistance and easy control features. However, the most important factor is fit. These trusty running companions have to comfortably stay in place when the perspiration runs faster than your feet.

Wireless running earbuds come in different designs and styles, creating different fits and feels that some runners prefer over others. You don’t want to worry about your workout earbuds falling out or having your tunes drowned out by passing traffic. They’re a piece of equipment that should complement your running, not complicate it.

This guide includes our picks for the best wireless earbuds for running, along with a buying guide to help in the decision-making process. Take a look, and get your playlist ready for wireless headphones that can keep up with your tempo.

Our Picks for the Best Earbuds for Running in 2024:

• Best Earbuds for Running Outdoors: Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction Headphones
• Best Running Earbuds for Small Ears: Apple AirPods Pro Earbuds
• Best Sound Earbuds for Running: Bose Sport Earbuds
• Best Earbuds for Running With Android: Google Pixel Buds Pro
• Best Cheap Earbuds for Running: JLab GO Air Sport Earbuds
• Best Wireless Earbuds for Running: Jabra Elite 7 Active Earbuds
• Best Mid-Range Earbuds for Running: Anker Soundcore Sport X10 Earbuds
• Best Bluetooth Earbuds for Running: Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless Earbuds
• Best Earbuds for Running With iPhone/iOS: Beats Fit Pro Earbuds
• Most Durable Earbuds for Running: Jaybird Vista 2 Earbuds

Best Earbuds for Running Outdoors: Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction Headphones

REI

Key features and specs:

• Battery life: Eight hours
• Bluetooth range: 33 feet
• Water/sweat resistant?: Yes, IP67
• Noise canceling?: No
• Type: Over-ear bone conduction
• Earbud size options: Two
• Colors: Four

The Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction headphones let you, the runner, hear everything that’s going on around you, like a car coming up on your right. How? They fit over the ear with the receiver placed in front of the ear lobe, touching the cheek/jaw bone. Sound then passes through the bone to the ear, but the ear canal remains completely open. If you’re running outdoors, the added safety of situational awareness makes the OpenRuns a no-brainer. As Pamela W., a reviewer from the Shokz website states, “I really like these for the sole purpose of being able to be more aware of my surroundings while running on trails and in the city.”

These wireless headphones are IP67 rated, which means they’re sealed from dust and can handle perspiration and even an accidental, short dunk in water. They come in two sizes, with the smaller size known as the OpenRun Mini for smaller runners. A solid eight-hour battery life is more than enough for a marathon-length run. They also include a microphone, so you can take calls hands-free. However, as an owner of the previous iteration, the Aftershokz Aeropex, I’d say the vibrations take some getting used to. But after that adjustment period, I’ve never looked back, and still love them two years later.

Pros:

• Comfortable fit and two size options
• Bone conduction technology allows runners to maintain situational awareness
• Strong Bluetooth connection and decent sound for bone conduction technology

Cons:

• Volume sometimes can’t keep up with environmental noise
• Requires an adjustment period

Best Running Earbuds for Small Ears: Apple AirPods Pro Earbuds

Apple

Key features and specs:

• Battery life: Six hours
• Bluetooth range: N/A
• Water/sweat resistant?: Yes, IPX4
• Noise canceling?: Yes
• Type: In-ear
• Earbud size options: Four tip sizes
• Colors: One

If you have small ears, your earbuds for running either need to come in smaller sizes or include several size tips. The Apple AirPods Pro Earbuds include four tip sizes—small, medium, large and extra large. Your chances of having a fit problem go down with that many choices.

Apple packs these earbuds with technology, including Bluetooth 5.3, to make them highly usable beyond running. (Bluetooth 5.3 improves connection strength and conserves energy use.) AirPods also have active noise-canceling (ANC) and Adaptive Transparency technology that reduces noise while still allowing for some environmental noise for safety reasons.

Though they’re expensive, you’ll get extras like Personalized Spatial Audio that adjusts the sound based on your head shape and position. Plus, there are more standard features like microphones, touch control and a six-hour listening time.

Pros:

• Comes with four tips sizes
• ANC and Personalized Spatial Audio improve audio quality
• Adaptive Transparency provides better situational awareness

Cons:

• Expensive
• Adaptive transparency tech can leave audio too quiet

Best Sound Earbuds for Running: Bose Sport Earbuds

Bose

Key features and specs:

• Battery life: Five hours
• Bluetooth range: 30 feet
• Water/sweat resistant?: Yes, IPX4
• Noise canceling?: No
• Type: In-ear
• Earbud size options: Two tip sizes
• Colors: Three

Bose has a reputation for sound quality, and that rep holds true for the Bose Sport Earbuds. That’s due in part to their Volume-Optimized Active EQ technology that automatically balances low and high frequencies as you change the volume to provide a better listening experience. This technology also improves clarity when taking calls.

The two tip sizes are designed for a snug seal that further enhances sound because it keeps out ambient noise. Though they aren’t noise-canceling, the Bose earbuds provide a solid sound experience.

These running earbuds have an IPX4 rating, which means they’ll withstand perspiration without trouble. The touch controls are easy to use, letting you make quick changes while on the move. At five hours, their battery life is decent, though not impressive. They also have a quick charge mode, which gives you an additional two hours after 15 minutes in the charging case.

Pros:

• Volume-Optimized Active EQ balances low and high sounds for balanced audio
• Comfortable in-ear fit
• Easy-to-use touch controls
• Quick charge mode

Cons:

• Unimpressive battery life

Best Earbuds for Running with Android: Google Pixel Buds Pro

Amazon

Key features and specs:

• Battery life: 11 hours
• Bluetooth range: N/A
• Water/sweat resistant?: Yes, IPX4
• Noise canceling?: Yes
• Type: In-ear
• Earbud size options: Three tip sizes
• Colors: Four

If you’ve got an Android (and a Google account), the Google Pixel Buds Pro have a lot to offer. They have an impressive 11 hours of battery life without noise canceling and seven hours with it. A single charge in quick mode can give you an extra hour with five minutes spent in the charging case. Runners can also get a good fit with one of three provided moldable tip sets.

These running earbuds have ANC and a transparency mode that reduces ambient noise, but still allows the wearer to hear immediate sounds. For runners, that means greater situational awareness. You need a Google account to activate them, but once connected, you can seamlessly use Google Assistant and voice commands. The only complaints we found were from a few Amazon reviewers who stated that the sound quality was subpar; however, that doesn’t seem to be an overwhelming sentiment.

Pros:

• Multiple sizes of moldable tips
• Excellent noise-canceling and transparency modes
• Impressive 11-hour battery life

Cons:

• Requires a Google account
• Some reports of subpar audio quality

Best Cheap Earbuds for Running: JLab GO Air Sport Earbuds

JLab

Key features and specs:

• Battery life: Eight hours
• Bluetooth range: 30 feet
• Water/sweat resistant?: Yes, IP55
• Noise canceling?: No
• Type: Over-ear
• Earbud size options: Three sets of gel tips
• Colors: Six

Earbuds for running tend to come with a steep price tag. If you’re on a budget, the JLab GO Air Sport Earbuds come at a fraction of the price of other models—they cost $30, compared with $249.99 for the AirPods Pro 2nd generation. These over-ear running earbuds come with three sets of gel tips to help you get a better fit. They’re sweatproof, and have a good battery life of eight hours. Their quick charge mode leaves a little to be desired, but if you’re in a hurry, 15 minutes in the case can get you an extra hour of listening time.

The low price is most noticeable in the Bluetooth range—it’s supposed to be 30 feet, but users on Amazon report that it’s much less. Additionally, reviewers on the JLab website say that they can be a little quiet, even at max volume.

Pros:

• Affordable price ($30)
• Gel tips offer a comfortable fit
• Good battery life for the price
• Quick charge option

Cons:

• Bluetooth range can be lower than advertised
• Max volume might not be high enough for noisy situations

Best Wireless Earbuds for Running: Jabra Elite 7 Active Earbuds

Jabra

Key features and specs:

• Battery life: Eight hours
• Bluetooth range: 33 feet
• Water/sweat resistant?: Yes, IP57
• Noise canceling?: Yes
• Type: In-ear
• Earbud size options: Three tip sizes
• Colors: Three

The Jabra Elite 7 Active Earbuds have many of the same features as other earbuds for running, but with a little extra flair. For example, they have ANC, but the level can be customized. Additionally, a feature called ThroughHear lets you customize sound levels in the low, mid and high frequencies. That customization allows you to make adjustments based on your running environment. Wind noise reduction tech further enhances audio while you run. Finally, the Elite 7’s can also connect with Amazon Alexa, Siri and Google Assistant.

A weak spot for this model is voice calls. As one Amazon reviewer put it, “Every phone call I’ve been on, the person on the other line said that they couldn't hear me and my voice sounds muzzled.” That sentiment wasn’t shared by a majority of reviewers, but it was a pattern.

Pros:

• Excellent customization settings
• Connects to virtual assistants
• ThroughHear lets you customize audio based on the surrounding environment

Cons:

• Poor voice quality

Best Mid-Range Earbuds for Running: Anker SoundCore Sport X10 Earbuds

Amazon

Key features and specs:

• Battery life: Eight hours
• Bluetooth range: 33 feet
• Water/sweat resistant?: Yes, IPX7
• Noise canceling?: Yes
• Type: In-ear
• Earbud size options: N/A
• Colors: Three

The Anker SoundCore Sport X10 Earbuds work well for those who like custom control over their audio. The Soundcore app lets you customize the audio, and a technology that Anker calls BassUp gives the X10s a boom that you don’t usually find in wireless earbuds for running. They get our pick for the best mid-range earbuds because of the accompanying app’s sound customization features. As one Amazon reviewer put it, “For sound, these are def bass heavy. That's great if you love bass, but if you're like me, you might also love mids and highs. No need to worry. Soundcore also has the best accompanying app in the audio world, and you can go in and tweak the sound however ya like.”

These in-ear headphones have ear hooks that adjust up to 210 degrees for a more secure fit, though some Amazon customers say it takes a few tries to find the right fit. The X10s also combine an IPX7 waterproof rating with an additional sweat-protective coating. All of these features, plus a reasonable price of $79.99, make the Anker Soundcore Sport X10s a great choice for those on a mid-range budget who prefer a mid-range sound.

Pros:

• Adjustable ear hooks
• Customizable audio settings through the SoundCore app, including a wind reduction mode
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Can take some effort to adjust to the right fit

Best Bluetooth Earbuds for Running: Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless Earbuds

Amazon

Key features and specs:

• Battery life: 10 hours
• Bluetooth range: 30 feet
• Water/sweat resistant?: Yes, IP55
• Noise canceling?: No
• Type: In-ear
• Earbud size options: Three tips sizes
• Colors: Three

Bluetooth keeps your running earbuds connected, and the Skullcandy Push Active True Wireless Earbuds have a strong connection when you’re within 30 feet of the connected device. You can also audio share with a friend if they’re within 15 feet and have a SKULLIQ-enabled product.

The strength of the Bluetooth connectivity isn’t the only feature worth mentioning with these running earbuds. The Push Actives have SkullIQ, which basically gives you a long list of voice commands. You can do everything from turning the volume up and down and activating a voice assistant to turning on the stay-aware feature. Stay-aware, another helpful feature for runners, lets you wear the earbuds while running, but lets you hear certain environmental sounds to improve situational awareness. However, be aware that their sound quality isn’t top-notch. It’s good, but won’t impress audiophiles.

Pros:

• Strong Bluetooth connection
• Stay-aware feature enhances situational awareness
• SkullIQ provides a long list of voice-control commands

Cons:

• Sound quality is only so-so

Best Earbuds for Running with iPhone/iOS: Beats Fit Pro Earbuds

Amazon

Key features and specs:

• Battery life: Six hours
• Bluetooth range: 33 feet
• Water/sweat resistant?: Yes, IPX4
• Noise canceling?: Yes
• Type: In-ear
• Earbud size options: Three sizes of ear tips included
• Colors: Seven

The Beats Fit Pro Earbuds have the H1 chip, which makes connecting with Apple devices quick and easy. The chip can connect with Android devices, too, but the connection process isn’t as smooth. A couple of features that set the Beats apart are the auto-switching and Apple Spatial Audio features. Auto switching seamlessly switches between Apple devices with the push of a button. Apple Spatial Auto uses gyroscopes to detect head movement and automatically adjust the sound so that the music stays balanced as you move, which is a big plus for runners. 

A bonus with these running earbuds is the option to use the Find My app on an iOS device to locate them. Two more features that can make your runs more pleasant are noise-canceling technology and a transparency mode to improve situational awareness. Overall, the Beats are pricey, but if you primarily use Apple products, they’re a winner.

Pros:

• H1 chip easily connects with other Apple devices
• Apple Spatial Auto improves audio while moving
• Transparency mode reduces ambient noise without blocking it all out
• Connects with the Find My app

Cons:

• Expensive
• Don't work as well with Android devices

Most Durable Earbuds for Running: Jaybird Vista 2 Earbuds

Amazon

Key features and specs:

• Battery life: Eight hours
• Bluetooth range: 33 feet
• Water/sweat resistant?: Yes, IP68
• Noise canceling?: Yes
• Type: In-ear
• Earbud size options: Three sizes of ear gels
• Colors: Three

The Jaybird Vista 2 Earbuds get top billing for durability thanks to their IP68 rating, which is higher than most earbuds for running on the market. That rating means that the earbuds can survive being submerged in water. You can’t swim in them, but if you drop them in a full sink or puddle for a minute or two, they should survive.

They also have ANC and an eight-hour battery life. Like many of the other earbuds on this list, Jaybird loads the Vista 2 with technology. This brand calls it SurroundSense, which reduces ambient noise, but still allows the runner to hear environmental sounds to maintain some sense of situational awareness. Through the Jaybird app, you can also track your earbuds in case they get misplaced. The only issue we encountered when reading reviews on Jaybird.com is that the Bluetooth can have connectivity issues.

Pros:

• IP68 waterproof rating means they can survive submersion
• SurroundSense technology reduces ambient noise but allows for situational awareness
• Comfortable fit

Cons:

• Potentially weak Bluetooth connection

How Will I Know If My Earbuds For Running Fit Right?

You’ll know you’ve got the best running headphones when the buds stay put and feel comfortable in your ears. There are several styles of earbuds for running. Models with ANC typically need to create a seal over the ear canal. The supplied tips should fit snugly without putting too much pressure on the ear. They may also have an over-ear hook. Models with an adjustable hook offer the most secure and comfortable fit.

Over-ear bone conduction earphones should hug the area in front of the ear lobe and comfortably fit over the ear. If they have a band that passes behind the head and connects to the other earbud, it should fit near the base of the head. If there’s too much space here, the band may rub against jackets or hoodies and get knocked out of place while running.

No matter the type, the earbuds shouldn’t hurt your ears, and they should stay mostly in place so that you can run without worrying about them falling out.

How to Choose the Best Running Earbuds For You

Stability

While running, your earbuds should be kept in place by ear hooks or snug earbud tips. The hooks may go over the ear or flex within the concha—the dish-like portion of the ear that’s just outside the ear canal. Flexible or adjustable pieces often offer better stability and a more comfortable fit because they can fit in ears of different shapes and sizes.

Fit/size

You may not have spent much time thinking about the shape and size of your ears, but it’s time if you’re looking for running earbuds. Models that come in different sizes or that include several ear tips offer better chances of getting a snug fit. The earbud should be snug, but not tight. If it’s tight, the pressure can create discomfort or pain in the ear canal.

Water/sweat resistance

Check the earbud's ingress protection rating, also known as the IP rating. The first number in the rating is the dust/debris rating, which may be X if the earbuds haven’t been rated for dust. The highest score for dust/debris is six. The second number is the water-resistance rating, with a top rating of eight. Look for a water-resistance rating between four and eight. An IPX4 means the earbud can withstand a light splash of water, which is enough to survive average perspiration. A rating of eight means the earbud can survive being submerged. If you sweat heavily or run in the rain, you might want a pair with at least an IPX5 or IPX6 rating to better resist water damage. Also, pairs with a dust rating offer another level of durability, though it’s not absolutely necessary.

Bluetooth range

Bluetooth range is how far your earbuds can be from the source of their Bluetooth connection before they lose that connection. Most earbuds for running can be 30 to 33 feet from the source before the connection starts to drop. However, some Bluetooth connections are weaker than others. Most runners will have their phone with them, but some weak connections can be lost when the phone gets out of sight of the earbuds, which could even be in a pocket. Models with Bluetooth 5.0 or higher offer a stronger connection and better energy conservation.

Battery life

Longer battery life is always better. Look for running earbuds that last at least five or six hours. Keep in mind that certain features can drain the battery faster. For example, ANC and voice calls use more battery than simply listening to music. Also, check the earbud’s charge time and quick charge features if it has them. One to two hours is a pretty standard charging time. Some models have a quick charge feature that offers one or two hours of listening time after charging for five to 15 minutes.

Ambient sound

Ambient sounds are environmental noises around you, like the television, people talking or passing cars. Some earbuds designed for running have features that block or muffle ambient sounds without blocking all sounds. A few advanced models can even block certain frequencies to improve audio quality while the user can still hear their environment and maintain situational awareness. Various technologies are used in running earphones to give the wearer better control over what they hear. Models that automatically customize the audio or that let you customize what you hear and when can enhance the listening experience and safety.

Controls

The earbud should have at least a few onboard controls. Some have physical buttons, while others have touch controls. Physical buttons are often easier to control when you’re running because your fingers might be swollen and sweaty. Take a look at what the onboard buttons can control. The sequence of pushes can get complicated if there are a lot of button sequences programmed into the earphones. Some models with touch controls have skin recognition features to prevent things like a hat or pillow (if you’re resting after your run) from hitting the controls. Other earbuds may have features controlled through an app. These models may let you change listening modes or modify the audio for better clarity.

Cost

Earbuds for running can cost anywhere from $30 to over $250. Features like ANC and ambient-noise reduction features drastically increase the price. The quality of the microphone, fit features, included running apps and charging times may also affect the final cost. In general, the more features the earbuds have, the more expensive they are. Mid-priced earbuds in the $100 to $150 range typically have a good balance of features, audio quality and price.

Running Earbuds FAQs

Are earbuds or headphones better for running?

Earbuds versus headphones is a matter of personal preference. Earbuds are less bulky and don’t cause sweat around the ear, but headphones offer better sound quality and stability over the ears.

How do you wear earbuds while running?

Earbuds for running can fit in the ear canal or over the ear. Some over-the-ear headphones also have an earpiece that seals the ear canal.

Where do you put your phone while running?

Your phone can go in your pocket, a running belt, running vest and possibly a sports bra pocket for women runners.

How do I keep my earbuds from falling out while running?

You can keep your earbuds in your ears by getting a pair of earbuds designed for running. These models have ear hooks, multiple tip sizes and other fit features to keep them snuggly in the ear canal.

Do marathon runners wear headphones?

Many marathon runners wear headphones during training. However, they might not wear them while competing because they’re banned in many races for safety reasons. Some race rules will allow bone-conduction earbuds because they don’t block outside noises.

What size earbuds should I use when I run?

Base the size of the earbuds on the size of your ear canal and outer ear. In general, your ears should be proportional to your body. If you’re smaller than average, you probably have smaller ears and vice versa.

Can you use AirPods Pro for running?

You can use AirPods Pro for running, but make sure to get a tip size that keeps them secure.

Final Thoughts

The best running headphones have proven themselves to be top performers again and again. A few honorable mentions that were close included the Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless, Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro and the flagship Beats Powerbeats Pro. If none of the models on our list catch your eye, one of these three are pretty on par with our top picks.

Wearing earbuds while you run can keep you upbeat and make the miles pass faster. A comfortable fit, strong Bluetooth connection and features that reduce ambient noise can make the listening experience more pleasant. Features that reduce noise while helping you stay aware of your surroundings improve safety, especially if you’re running outside. So lace up your running shoes, make your playlist and start running (and listening).

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.