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The Best Workout Headphones – Complete Buyers Guide

The best effective headphones

Tom Miller, CSCS
We provide honest reviews based on a thorough, multi-point testing methodology. We do earn a commission if you purchase through our links, supporting our independent product assessments. View our disclosure for more details.

Searching for the best wireless headphones to use with your workout? You need the perfect combination of bass and comfort!

Whether you are aiming to start with a work out resolution or you want to be able to work out in peace, a pair of headphones is something that you can’t afford to neglect. Each headphone set comes with different features, prices, and sound quality. Some pairs possess extraordinary qualities within them with the ability to be connected without wires and offer a compact design as well.

Some people may prefer to have strong bass, some prefer crystal clear sound, and others may want perfect combination and balance. When looking for the best workout headphones, priorities are quite different as compared to when you are searching out the best headphones for merely casual use.

Best Workout Headphones: The Features You Should Look For:

  1. Stable Fit
  2. Sweat resistance
  3. Durability
  4. Noise isolation
  5. Reliable battery ( if wireless)
  6. Good sound (Obviously) 

Comparison Of The Best Wireless Workout Headphones:

Sr. PictureModelRatingPrice BatteryFitRemove & MicSweat ResistantoptX
1Top PickBose SoundSport Wireless4.8$$$$ ($120-$200)AMAZON
6hIn-ear
2Best Value
Plantronics BackBeat Fit4.7$$$ ($80-$120)AMAZON
8hIn-ear
7Runner-Up
Jaybird X34.6$$$$ ($120-$200)AMAZON
8hIn-ear
5Best SoundBeatsX
BeatsX4.6$$$$ ($80-$120)
AMAZON
8hIn-ear
9Best Wireless Under $50
Phaiser BHS-7304.3$$ ($30-$80) AMAZON
5hIn-ear
6Best Wireless
Jabra Elite Sport4.6$$$$$ ($120-$200)
AMAZON
4.5hIn-ear
4Best On Ear

66 Audio BTS+4.7$$ ($30-$80)
AMAZON
25hOn-ear
3Best BudgetVAVA Moov 284.8$ (<$30)
AMAZON
8hIn-ear
8Top On-Ear PackMonster iSport Freedom4.7$$$ ($80-$120)
AMAZON
14hOn-ear

Headphones prove to be convenient if they fit perfectly and have a lot of bass bumping to keep us driving on. Additionally, the workout headphones also need to be sweat resistant to ensure a stable workout while enjoying your favorite workout tracks.

Some wireless headphones I tested offers great sound quality and have a much longer battery life (though in some pairs battery life is short). They seem to fit perfectly for the workout and also allow us to make and receive phone calls with ease. Moreover, they are easy to stuff in your pocket or gym bag pack.

To give you the idea of what the current options in the market are really like, I have tested 10 wireless and sweat-resistant headphones. Models ranged from strictly wireless buds, in-ear headphones with some kind of tether (neck-bands, coils etc), and a few other creative designs. Hopefully, my countless hour of research will help you all to make a smart decision to choose the best workout headphone.

Top Pick: Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones

After testing a whole lot of workout headphones, I found this one as the most comfortable and reliable sports earphones that you can get right now! With a decent bass, moisture proof and great fit. These are appropriate for the best combination of sweat-proof, great fitting earphones with amazing comfort and bass sound, Bose Sound Sports wireless may be the best choice for you.

Key features:

  • Bose sound sport wireless-in ear workout headphone
  • Three pairs of stay hear ear tips with wings
  • Micro-USB charging cable
  • Bose sound sport wireless-in ear workout headphone
  • Three pairs of stay hear ear tips with wings
  • Micro-USB charging cable
  • Zipper carrying case
  • Shirt clip

Pros:

  • Ideal for sports and very stable
  • Best in the category, amazing features
  • Sweat & moisture proof (IPX4)
  • A dedicated app to help locate earbuds if they are lost

Cons:

  • Some of you may dislike its imbalanced sound signature.
  • It doesn’t provide good passive noise isolation.

Product Review:

In my opinion, this one is the top pick overall. Bose Sound sport may cost slightly more but comes equipped with a heart-rate monitor. It offers a Bose sound quality so if you have an iPhone X, the Bose Sound Sport Wireless is the best choice to work with it.
Buy on Amazon


Best Value: Plantronics BackBeat FIT

Plantronics BackBeat is one of the most stable and comfortable pair of wireless headphones for working out. Their specific design pleasantly fixes on the earbuds to your ears. One feature that I found rather satisfying is that there are no flabby wires to disturb you, so you can use it without any hassles. Once you get your hands on them, you will feel how light-weight and comfortable they are.

Key features:

  • Plantronics BackBeatFit earbuds
  • Detailed user manual
  • Micro-USB charging cable
  • Smartphone armband
  • Access To Interactive Audio Coaching From The Pear Personal Coach App

Pros:

  • Sweat-proof, water-proof
  • Light-weight and comfortable
  • Good battery life of 8 hours
  • Super ear hook design
  • Stealth Green

Cons:

  • Weak noise isolation

Product Review:

One of the best rated wireless earphones and provides the best value for spending money on workout headphones overall. Here, I must mention my observation that these earphones are basically made for sports. So, whether you are playing or working out, it is seemingly one of the best choices for you.
Buy on Amazon


Runner-Up: Jaybird RUN True Wireless Headphones Jaybird X3

Jaybird X3Jaybird X3 is the best choice for all kind of sports. It is lighter and smaller, the design seems to have been improved as compared to the previous generation. A compact and tight fitting design enhance the moisture resistance properties, making these a great choice for workout and activities.

Key features:

  • 3 different ear wings
  • 3 pairs of silicone tips (S M L )
  • 1 shirt clip
  • USB charging cable and adapter
  • Soft carrying pouch

Pros:

  • Best sound quality in the category of Bluetooth
  • Solid 8 hours battery
  • Stronger bass sound
  • Tight fit and better noise isolation

Cons:

  • Warranty support is a little low.
  • Doesn’t support micro-USB cable
  • Durability and quality issues

Product Review:

Jaybird X3 headphones sound even better than previously top-rated X2. However, the reason to why this is not my top pick is because of the common durability issues that I faced and the removal of micro-USB charging cable.
Buy on Amazon


Best Sound: BeatsX

The best wireless headphones for working out with beats are Beats X. These are not officially sweat-proof, however throughout my period of use, they do seemed to hold up against gym sweat quite well. The Bluetooth technology is stable with built-in remote controls and microphone for making calls.

Key features:

  • Best Beats-wireless in-ear workout headphones
  • Best compact design
  • USB-charging cable

Pros:

  • Secure fit with air hooks
  • Four sizes of soft air tip
  • Quality microphone with clear sound
  • Typical beats sound signature

Cons:

  • Not officially sweat proof
  • Not specifically made for sports

Product Review:

For Beats fans, BeatX is the best wireless headphones for working out. I found the sound quality to be a typical beat-specialized sort. There’s much emphasis on bass that makes music a lot pleasurable to hear.
Buy on Amazon


Best Wireless Under $50: Phaiser BHS-730

Phaiser BHS-730Just like so many other wireless workout earphones, these also use ear wings to get a stable fit. You basically have to pull on the wires if you want to lose the fit. Since these are made for working out, they are made of aluminum, small plastic pieces and rubber. The casing also included small magnets that were just strong enough to hold the ear-buds around my neck. It offers some convenient features.

Key features:

  • Affordable workout earbuds with Bluetooth
  • Stable fit and sweat-resistance
  • Micro USB cable
  • Six silicone ear tips
  • User manual
  • Shirt clips & cable management

Pros:

  • Decent battery life at 5 hours
  • Comfortable & lightweight
  • Good value for money

Cons:

  • Sound quality can’t be compared to high-end

Product Review:

These are the best wireless workout headphones under $50 in our opinion. Phaiser is known for making quality products in a reasonable price range. You won’t get any other wireless Bluetooth headphones ($50) with a stable fit and IPX rating.
Buy on Amazon


Best True Wireless: Jabra Elite Sport

Jabra Elite Sport headphones are a very good fit as well. While they may seem quite bulky, they fit in the ears nicely and stay put. The noise isolation is also very good. These headphones have a “Hear Through” feature that send surrounding noise into your ears via microphone. Personally speaking, I consider this aspect as a very useful one especially when you need to have good situational awareness when running or jogging for example.

Key features:

  • Short Micro USB-cable
  • Quick start guide
  • 3 Pairs of ear-wings (S M L)
  • 4.5 Hour Battery Life (Carrying Case Holds 9 Hours Of Power)

Pros:

  • Elegant wireless design
  • Useful APP (available for both iOS and Android)
  • Durable particle proof (IP6) and waterproof (IPX7)
  • Great noise isolation (passive noise cancellation)
  • Features HearThrough (allows outside to pass through the microphone)
  • Syncs both earbuds with NFC and Bluetooth works nearly flawlessly

Cons:

  • Average battery life as compared to other headphones
  • Expensive (you get what you pay for in this case)

Product Review:

When it comes to true wireless earbuds for working out (each earbud separate ) , these are, in my opinion, the best for using right now. This product is very stable with good noise isolation and situational awareness.
Buy on Amazon


Best On-Ear Value: 66 Audio BTS+

66 Audio BTSThe on-ear fit is very comfortable for working out or just listening to the music for hours. However, there was one major shortcoming that I noticed. In comparison to other headphones, these were slightly more difficult to keep on during exercise.

Key features:

  • Balanced sound signature
  • Attractive headphones
  • Super cheap earbuds for perfect sound
  • Best waterproof Bluetooth

Pros:

  • Decent battery timings, better than other models.
  • Stable Fit
  • Good value for money
  • Above average, fun sound

Cons:

  • People might face problems fitting them
  • Sound quality isn’t satisfactory enough

Product Review:

66 Audio BTS+ are the best wireless headphones for a workout, on-ear design that you can get for an affordable price. On-ear headphones are a great choice if you are facing trouble with ear-buds.
Buy on Amazon


Best Budget: VaVa Moov 28

VaVa Moov 28Best Bluetooth earbuds for working out and overall the best budget workout headphones according to my observations. The combination of great durability, water protection, and perfect sound for the price this cheap is hard to find.

Key features:

  • APTX technology
  • Beautiful carrying case
  • Bluetooth earbuds
  • Quick start guide

Pros:

  • Good durability, water resistance
  • Stable Fit
  • Lots of features for the price
  • Wonderful value for money
  • Good battery life of 8 hours

Cons:

  • The budget product that can’t be compared to high ends

Product Review:

These light weighted ear-buds proved to be very comfortable and seem to stay put in the ear canal even during quick workouts. Add to this good passive noise isolation to remove ambient noise and you are getting even better workout earbuds. With IPX6 rating, you can wash them under water safely and sweat won’t hurt them at all. Furthermore, you can control music with an in-line remote and make calls with the microphone.
Buy on Amazon


Top On-Ear Pack: Monster Isport Freedom

Monster Isport FreedomWith a lightweight and flexible structure, these are as comfortable as other earbuds. As for listening 2-3 hours or more, you don’t need to pick up any other headphones as I found them very durable and perfect for work-out. On-ear buttons are easily accessible and getting used to them is easy. The built-in microphone also works perfectly in case of making/receiving calls.

Key features:

  • Attractive case
  • Noise canceling technology
  • Rubbery headphone cushions
  • Micro-USB
  • Different sizes (S M L)

Pros:

  • Good sound for working out (little bass)
  • Super durable and waterproof
  • Cool, foldable design
  • Flexible fit that stays on your head
  • Long battery life of 20 hours

Cons:

  • Higher price than alternative
  • Sound quality can’t be compared to any other 200$ audiophile headphones

Product Review:

Monster iSport Freedom are the best on-ear workout headphones with wireless technology, sweat proof, durable design and good sound quality. It has been created especially to sustain in hot, sweaty gym environments.
Buy on Amazon

Wireless headphones vs Wired headphones: Which one is the appropriate choice for the workout?

Well, there are pros and cons to each type. The strength of the wireless headphones or the Bluetooth headphone is the freedom that you get from not having any wires. You can put your phone or mp3 player somewhere in the gym, connect it to your headphones and start working out. The only problem that I found with them is that Bluetooth headphones have a battery that you have to charge.

On the other hand, wired headphones are usually cheaper. Wires headphones also work well, especially with improved tangled free cords. No need to bother about charging the headphones, just pick it out and play.

Which one is the best headphones for working out?

I wouldn’t recommend over-ear headphones. The reason is that big and heavy headphones don’t stay on during work-out. You will only have a problem with the fit.

In-ear headphones are lighter and comfortable to use than over-head headphones. If you don’t like earbuds for your sports activity, you can check for some lighter and smaller on-ear workout headphones.


If you have any questions or need further clarification about this review, please leave a comment below, and Tom will get back to you as soon as possible.

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The Review

9.6 Score

<h2>Top Pick: Bose SoundSport Wireless Headphones </h2> I found this one as the most comfortable and reliable sports earphones that you can get right now! With a decent bass, moisture proof and great fit.

Review Breakdown

  • Bose Sound Sport Wireless
  • Sound Quality
  • Battery Life
  • Sweat Resistance
  • Noise Isolation
Tom Miller, CSCS
Tom Miller, CSCS
Tom Miller, CSCS, is a Sr. Editor & Content Strategist with 10 years of experience in Powerlifting and Personal Training. As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, he is dedicated to delivering informative, engaging, and reliable health and fitness content. His work has been featured on websites including the-sun.com, Well+Good, Bleacher Report, Muscle and Fitness, UpJourney, Business Insider, NewsBreak and more.
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