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The best wireless earbuds for running
All of the best workout and running earbuds, ranked based on our testing data.
September 26, 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
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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
- 8 total votes8 total votes
$100
8.5
8.0
6.3
8.5
9.0
8.0
9.8
- 5 total votes5 total votes
$90
8.5
8.0
6.2
9.5
8.0
8.1
9.8
- 4 total votes4 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.
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.
Best overall pick: Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
We picked Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 as our best overall pick because they pack workout-ready durability and versatile connectivity into a single package. The earbuds carry an IP68 rating and a case with IP54 protection, and the LE Audio smart case can act as a transmitter from either a 3.5mm or USB-C source — handy for travel or airplane use. In our testing the earbuds ran 9 hours and 3 minutes on a charge and the case provides multiple additional charges, while active noise canceling reduces most environmental noise by about 80%. Call performance is a strength too, with six onboard microphones and strong noise rejection, so they also earned Best Call Quality recognition. Our MDAQS charts provide objective context for sound quality when you want to compare how these trade off tuning and distortion against other models.
Best for iPhone users & Best for Android users pick: Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4
Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 are Sennheiser’s halo earbuds, built to compete with the best ANC models and aimed at listeners who want premium tuning and app-driven personalization. They offer a thorough Smart Control app experience with self-tuning, a 5-band equalizer, fit testing and battery protection features, and they support Bluetooth 5.4 plus a broad codec set (aptX Adaptive, aptX Lossless and, after updates, LC3 and LE Audio). The buds carry an IP54 rating and delivered 7 hours and 45 minutes in our battery test, with wireless charging on the case for convenience. Because of their codec support and app feature set they’re recognized as both Best for iPhone users and Best for Android users, depending on which codecs and workflows matter most to you.
Best Value pick: Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro are our pick for value-minded buyers who still want a long feature list: a unique charging case with an interactive display, swipe and pinch controls on the stems, and a very full-featured Soundcore app. The app provides extensive customization including an eight-band EQ, HearID and multiple spatial audio modes, while the earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 with LDAC for high-bitrate streaming on compatible Android phones and Bluetooth Multipoint for switching between devices. The earbuds are IPX5 rated for sweat and rain, and the case design and rapid updates make these a practical everyday option. We highlight them for offering many premium features without the premium positioning.
Best ANC & Best Sound Quality pick: JBL Tour Pro 3
JBL Tour Pro 3 stand out for both noise canceling and sound quality. The Smart Charging Case can transmit from wired sources (USB-C or 3.5mm) and also acts as a small user interface, while the earbuds themselves offer Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC, AAC, LDAC and LC3 plus Auracast and Multipoint. Measured ANC performance is strong — roughly an 83–84% reduction in outside noise when fully engaged — and the earbuds delivered solid battery life in our test at just over eight hours with ANC on. JBL’s app adds a 10-band EQ, fit test and other tuning tools, which helps explain why these earn both Best ANC and Best Sound Quality recognition.
Best Battery Life & Best for Comfort pick: Skullcandy Method 360 ANC with Sound by Bose
Skullcandy Method 360 ANC pair Bose-built drivers and tuning with Skullcandy’s bold design to deliver surprising comfort and respectable battery life for the segment. The earbuds use licensed Bose tips and fins for a secure fit and responsive touch controls that don’t break the seal, and in our testing they lasted about 7 hours and 43 minutes with ANC enabled and roughly 32 hours total with the case. The app exposes a 5-band EQ, ANC and transparency adjustment, and a low-latency Studio Mode for gaming. Given their long runtime and the comfortable fit, they earn both Best Battery Life and Best for Comfort mentions for buyers who prioritize wearability and all-day use.
Our verdict
Across this wireless earbuds set, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 are our all-around recommendation if you want durable workout buds that also handle travel well, thanks to strong ANC, long battery life and the LE Audio smart case for wired-source transmission. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 lean into tuning and app-driven personalization, making them an excellent fit for listeners who value codec support and precise fit tools; the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 Pro deliver many high-end features for less, so they’re the pragmatic pick for feature seekers. The JBL Tour Pro 3 focus on best-in-class noise cancellation and refined sound, while the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC combine Bose-sourced tuning with long runtime and a comfortable fit.
For the remaining models, the SoundPEATS Capsule3 Pro+ target buyers who want strong sound and LDAC support at a budget-friendly level, though their ANC runtime is shorter; and the JBL Live Beam 3 offer a broad feature set, solid battery life and flexible codec support that make them a reliable all-purpose wireless earbud option within the wireless earbuds category.
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