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The best wireless earbuds for running
All of the best workout and running earbuds, ranked based on our testing data.
October 21, 2025
Chase is the Managing Editor at SoundGuys, where he oversees content related to headphones, earbuds, speakers, and all things audio. As a founder of the non profit organization Music For Mental Health, Chase is also passionate in uncovering the ways music creation and listening can serve individuals and the community. You can find music he produces by searching his name on Spotify, Apple Music, and all other streaming platforms. Chase studied Commerce and Applied Music Technology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.
If you’re serious about running, your earbuds need to keep up. Whether you’re pounding the pavement or weaving through a wooded trail, you need something that fits securely, sounds great, and doesn’t conk out halfway through your playlist. In my testing, the best wireless earbuds for running aren’t just about waterproof ratings or staying in place — they also need to deliver consistent Bluetooth performance, intuitive controls, and solid battery life. You shouldn’t have to fiddle with your gear when you’re trying to beat a personal best.
This guide cuts through the noise and highlights only the wireless earbuds I’ve actually used while running. Some prioritize sound quality, others focus on staying put no matter how sweaty things get — and a few rare pairs manage to do it all. Whether you’re a casual jogger or a marathon prepper, these earbuds won’t let you down mid-stride. Below, you’ll find our rankings of the best wireless earbuds for running, based on objective testing data and real experience with the products.
Compare table
Filter
- Compare tableProductVotes
- 11 total votes11 total votes
$230
8.9
9.5
7.0
9.0
8.0
8.1
9.5
9.5
- 3 total votes3 total votes
$270
8.7
8.5
7.4
8.3
8.5
8.3
9.5
9.5
- 2 total votes2 total votes
$130
8.5
8.5
6.3
9.5
8.0
8.1
9.5
9.0
- 0 total votes0 total votes
$280
8.5
8.8
6.3
9.3
8.9
8.5
8.0
9.7
- 3 total votes3 total votes
$250
8.5
8.4
7.1
8.8
7.0
8.4
9.8
9.0
- 1 total votes1 total votes
$120
8.5
8.0
7.6
8.0
8.0
8.5
9.5
9.5
- 5 total votes5 total votes
$90
8.5
8.3
5.7
9.8
8.5
7.5
9.5
9.2
- 0 total votes0 total votes
$200
8.4
8.6
5.7
8.1
8.8
7.5
9.8
9.0
- 5 total votes5 total votes
$59
8.4
8.5
6.0
8.0
8.5
8.3
9.5
9.0
- 8 total votes8 total votes
$90
8.4
8.0
6.2
9.5
8.0
8.1
9.8
9.0
- 1 total votes1 total votes
$160
8.4
8.5
6.9
8.5
8.0
7.8
9.0
9.0
- 12 total votes12 total votes
$39
8.4
8.5
5.9
9.0
8.5
8.2
8.8
9.0
Product chart
In the chart above, you can see how the best wireless earbuds for running compare based on their price and the workout score we measured for each.
To gather information about how well each of the earbuds and headphones work, we subject each product to a number of objective tests. We use a Bruel & Kjaer 5128 acoustic measurement system to test headphones and earbuds in our SoundGuys lab. The ear canal of the artificial head was created by averaging and smoothing 3D models of individual ear canal features from the MRI scans of 40 different people.
We perform the following testing to determine the best headphones and best earbuds:
- We run sequences to determine the best fit of the headphones, and if there are any manufacturing issues with the product.
- We measure the headphones’ performance and compare the frequency response to our industry-validated SoundGuys Headphone Preference Curve to give context to readers.
- To rate sound quality, we use the Multi-Dimensional Audio Quality Scores (MDAQS) algorithm from HEAD acoustics. These are virtual mean opinion scores as calculated by a powerful machine learning model based on the input of real listeners.
- We play several samples of shaped noise over loudspeakers to test noise canceling and record with our artificial head. We take samples with ANC on, ANC off, and with the headphones off the head. After subtracting the appropriate curves from each other, we can see how well the headphones block out noise.
- To evaluate microphone quality, we play pre-recorded spoken Harvard sentences from a calibrated artificial mouth in our test chamber, either with or without simulated background noises, simulated reverberant spaces, or artificial wind.
- To measure battery life, we play back music through the headphones or earbuds peaking at 75dB(SPL), a safe and realistic listening level.
In addition to objective testing, our team of audio experts uses each of the headphones and earbuds to evaluate the experience of using the product. By wearing the headphones in day-to-day use, we evaluate the comfort, noting any pain points. We also make sure to try out each of the features that the headphones have to offer, such as using the equalizer in the companion app.
Using a combination of subjective and objective testing, we score each product. To learn more about how we evaluate headphones and earbuds, check out our in-depth explainer on how we test.
Here at SoundGuys, we’ve been testing audio products for over a decade. Our team comprises audio product experts who have tested hundreds of different headphones, earbuds, and speakers. Moreover, our team comes from diverse backgrounds and a wealth of expertise, including audio engineering, film production, journalism, podcasting, music production, and even touring musicians.
Everything we recommend results from our objective measurements and great subjective experiences. Ultimately, we want you to enjoy your purchase or, at the very least, leave our site with a little more knowledge about the inner workings of audio. To see why you can trust us with your purchase decision, make sure to check out our ethics policy.
Poll
What’s most important to you in running earbuds?
Best overall pick: Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
We pick Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 as our best overall choice for wireless earbuds focused on workouts and travel. They combine a durable, ShakeGrip-coated fit and IP68 rating with long battery life — we measured 9 hours and 3 minutes in our testing — and a charging case that can transmit via 3.5mm or USB-C so you can listen without Bluetooth on planes or TVs. The Elite 8 Active Gen 2 also deliver strong noise canceling, attenuating most environmental noise by roughly 80% and cutting low-frequency rumble by about 30 dB. Our MDAQS context helps show most listeners find the sound appealing, and the earbuds are notable for voice clarity in calls — they also earned Best Call Quality recognition. Overall, the combination of rugged fit, versatile LE Audio smart-case connectivity, dependable battery life, and call performance makes them our top pick.
Sourced from Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review – SoundGuys.
Best for iPhone users pick: Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4
We recommend the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 for iPhone users who want a premium, app-driven ANC earbud with strong tuning flexibility. The buds pair well with Sennheiser’s Smart Control app for a fit test, a 5-band equalizer, and self‑tuning, and they carry an IP54 rating for sweat and rain protection. While iPhone users are limited to AAC on Apple devices, the MOMENTUM 4’s fit and tuning still deliver the kind of refined sound Sennheiser targets. The design is a bit large for small ears, but the included concha fins and fit test help secure a good seal for ANC to work well. The model also earned recognition as Best for Android users, reflecting its wide codec support and extra features on non‑Apple devices.
Sourced from Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 review – SoundGuys.
Best Value pick: Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro is our Best Value pick because it packs many premium features into a more accessible package. The Liberty 4 Pro offers a unique charging case with a small status display, an extensive app with an eight‑band equalizer and HearID options, and Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC for high‑res streaming on supported Android phones. The earbuds deliver customizable ANC with app-driven toggles — the review notes about a 30 dB reduction in low-frequency noise — plus useful extras like a decibel meter and rapid firmware updates. For buyers who want near‑premium features without flagship pricing, these deliver strong overall capability.
Sourced from Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro review – SoundGuys.
Best ANC pick: JBL Tour Pro 3
We name the JBL Tour Pro 3 our best ANC pick for listeners who prioritize noise control and flexible connectivity. The Tour Pro 3 pairs a strong measured ANC performance — roughly 83–84% reduction of external noise when fully activated — with a Smart Charging Case that can act as a wired transmitter via USB‑C/3.5mm and also serves as a standalone UI. These earbuds support Bluetooth 5.4 and high‑quality codecs like LDAC and LC3, and they scored highly across timbre and distortion metrics for sound quality. The model also earned recognition for Best Sound Quality, making it a great fit for listeners who want both quiet and refined audio. Multipoint and Auracast support add useful modern conveniences for multi‑device users.
Sourced from JBL Tour Pro 3 review – SoundGuys.
Best Battery Life pick: Skullcandy Method 360 ANC
The Skullcandy Method 360 ANC earns our Best Battery Life pick for solid endurance and comfortable fit. In testing we saw about 7 hours and 43 minutes with ANC on and a total of 32 hours with the charging case; Rapid Charge gives roughly 2 hours of playback from a 10‑minute charge. These buds use Bose hardware and tuning, offer three sizes of ear tips and fins for a secure fit, and include customizable ANC and stay‑aware levels in the app. The design leans bass-forward but the app’s 5‑band EQ makes it easy to refine the sound, and the product also received recognition as Best for Comfort. If you want long runtime with a comfortable Bose-influenced fit, these are worth considering.
Sourced from Skullcandy Method 360 ANC review: Bose sound on a budget? – SoundGuys.
Our verdict
Across these wireless earbuds, our picks reflect different priorities: the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 is the best overall for durability, long battery life, LE Audio smart‑case flexibility, and call clarity; the JBL Tour Pro 3 is the top choice for noise cancellation and high‑quality sound; the Anker Liberty 4 Pro gives the most features per dollar; the Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 is ideal for users who want deep app tuning and broad codec support (with particular strengths for both iPhone and Android workflows); and the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC stands out for battery life and comfort.
For shoppers considering the other reviews here, the JBL Live Beam 3 delivers a strong, feature‑dense package with IP55 protection and about 8 hours and 14 minutes of battery life plus useful app controls and decent ANC when fitted properly. The SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ offers exceptional measured sound quality and LDAC support for high‑res audio on Android, though its ANC battery runtime was notably shorter in our standardized test. Use those notes to match a wireless earbuds choice to whether you value ANC, battery, app features, or raw sound quality most.
FAQ
The Sony WF-1000XM5 are an excellent choice for runners, hikers, and gym-goers. It features an IPX4 water resistance rating, meaning the earbuds shouldn't be damaged by sweat.
A good pair of running headphones should have an over-ear shape with ear pads that completely encompass your ears without any gaps. With a fit like this, there should be less opportunity for outside noise to make its way through the headphones. Most running headphones also have a greater clamping force than general-purpose headsets because you’re bopping up and down while you jog. This could be uncomfortable after an hour of wear, but most of us don’t exercise for longer than one or two hours anyway.
If you’re getting in-ear, a proper fit is especially important and requires the ear tips to create a solid seal with the entrances of your ear canal. Make sure the buds don’t shake out as you shake your head. A standard in-ear design is the most traditional fit and will likely cast the widest net in terms of preference when running. Why? Running earbuds are unobtrusive and increasingly more durable, particularly the wireless options. If the provided ear tips don’t fit well, take a few minutes to test out any alternatives.
To keep your earbuds from falling out during your runs, here's what the experts suggest:
- Ear Tips and Wings: Opt for earbuds like the Jabra Elite 8 Active or the Beats Fit Pro, which have designs that fit deep into the ear canal or integrate ear wings. These features ensure stability during movement, making them less likely to fall out.
- Bone Conduction Headphones: If traditional earbuds aren't your thing, consider the Shokz OpenRun. They sit directly on your cheekbones, sending vibrations through your skull. This unique design means they don't cover your ears at all, ensuring they stay put during your runs.
- Hooked Design: Earbuds like the Beats Powerbeats Pro come with hooks that wrap around the back of your ear, providing an extra layer of security.
- Customizable Ear Tips: Some earbuds, like the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation), come with multiple sets of silicone ear tips. This allows you to choose the size that fits your ear best, ensuring a snug fit.
- Awareness Mode: If you're concerned about safety, earbuds like the Jabra Elite 8 Active allow you to adjust how much environmental noise can permeate the earbuds. This means you can be aware of your surroundings without compromising the fit.
Remember, no ear is the same. It's essential to find earbuds that cater to your unique ear shape and running style. Whether you're sprinting or enjoying a leisurely jog, the right earbuds can make all the difference. So, lace up, tune in, and enjoy your run!
Not fully waterproof, but you do need sweat and splash resistance. An IPX4 rating handles sweat and light rain. If you often run in heavy rain, consider higher ratings (IPX7) for extra protection.
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With ear hooks or wings: More secure fit, especially for intense runs or trail running.
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Without hooks: Smaller and lighter, but may loosen if the fit isn’t perfect.
Choose based on how vigorous your runs are and how stable you want the fit.
- Sweat and water resistance (IPX4+)
- Secure fit (hooks, wings, or snug tips)
- Lightweight comfort
- Good battery life + quick charge
- Stable Bluetooth connection
- Ambient/transparency mode for outdoor safety
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