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The best wireless earbuds for running
All of the best workout and running earbuds, ranked based on our testing data.
9 hours ago
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.
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- Compare tableProductVotes
- 6 total votes6 total votes
$230
8.9
9.5
7.0
9.0
8.0
8.1
9.5
- 3 total votes3 total votes
$270
8.7
8.5
7.4
8.3
8.5
8.3
9.5
- 2 total votes2 total votes
$130
8.6
8.5
6.3
9.5
8.0
8.1
9.5
- 2 total votes2 total votes
$250
8.6
8.4
7.1
8.8
7.0
8.4
9.8
- 0 total votes0 total votes
$200
8.5
8.6
5.7
8.1
8.8
7.5
9.8
- 6 total votes6 total votes
$100
8.5
8.0
6.3
8.5
9.0
8.0
9.8
- 4 total votes4 total votes
$90
8.5
8.0
6.2
9.5
8.0
8.1
9.8
- 2 total votes2 total votes
$90
8.5
8.3
5.7
9.8
8.5
7.5
9.5
- 1 total votes1 total votes
$120
8.5
8.0
7.6
8.0
8.0
8.5
9.5
- 1 total votes1 total votes
$298
8.4
8.0
8.3
6.0
8.0
8.7
9.8
- 2 total votes2 total votes
$130
8.4
8.0
5.8
9.0
8.0
7.6
9.8
- 1 total votes1 total votes
$160
8.4
8.5
6.9
8.5
8.0
7.8
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.
Our Verdict on the Top 7 Products
When considering true wireless earbuds, a wide array of features and performance levels are available, catering to various needs. For those who prioritize ultimate versatility and connectivity, the JBL Tour Pro 3 and Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 both feature smart charging cases that double as audio transmitters, allowing wired connections to non-Bluetooth sources like airplane entertainment systems, with the Tour Pro 3’s case also acting as a standalone user interface.
If exceptional sound quality and advanced features are paramount, the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 offers excellent audio quality, robust active noise canceling (ANC), and future-proofing with LE Audio support, while the JBL Live Beam 3 provides bleeding-edge features, effective ANC, and a consumer-friendly sound with strong bass and emphasized highs.
Budget-conscious buyers who still desire a feature-packed experience will find compelling options in the EarFun Air Pro 4, which delivers a rare combination of great sound, good ANC, and comprehensive app features at an affordable price, and the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro, offering most premium earbud features at a much lower cost, alongside a unique (though somewhat gimmicky) charging case display.
Finally, the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC with Sound by Bose presents a budget-friendly option with an ergonomic design, Bose-tuned drivers, and respectable ANC for its price, though its default sound signature is notably bass-heavy.
Ultimately, your best choice will depend on whether you prioritize innovative connectivity, high-end audio performance, a comprehensive feature set on a budget, or a distinctive bass-forward sound profile.
How we test the best headphones and earbuds
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.
Why you should trust SoundGuys
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.
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