The Best Workout Headphones and Earbuds in 2021

-

The Best Workout Headphones and Earbuds in 2021

Wondering what are the best wireless headphones for the gym, running or even a serious workout is? He we review over 17 different headphone types. I know my headphones like a pro runner knows their circuit.

Over the years and after testing out many different types of headphones I feel confident about choosing sports headphones. Knowing what models are ideal for fitness training comes natural and the best workout headphones are true wireless earbuds as to avoid getting tangled up in wires.

Editor’s Quick note: Our review guide to choosing the “best workout headphones” was updated on May 5, 2021.

We know that it’s pretty intimidating to choose from the myriad of options available in the market, so we have narrowed down the list to the 17 best workout headphones for a secure fit. After all there is nothing worse than an earbud falling out whilst running!

With our wide range of the sports headphones for the gym or running, you can ensure great choices from top brands like; Sony, Apple, Bose, Jabra and loads more leading headphone brands.

We recently covered Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones which are my personal favorite and ideal use for general use, but if you planning to sweat then keep reading for more suitable options. However, if your planning to use headphones for swimming, then check out our guide to the best waterproof Bluetooth headphones.

17 Best Headphones for Working Out

#1 – Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds (Overall winner)

This is an image of the Jabra Elite Active 75t Wireless Bluetooth 2 Earbuds- blue navy

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: sweat proofing and waterproof
  • Bluetooth: YES
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Cancelling: Yes
  • Battery: 24 hours
  • Sound isolating:  Yes
  • Colors: Mint, Copper black, Navy, Sienna, Gold Beige, Titanium Black
  • Price: Under $150 although prices vary on Amazon (buy link) – Last Checked May 5, 2021

Our take: Overall the quality was reliable although it sometimes lost connection with a 10 metre range limitation. The versatile design by Jabra meant I could wear them anywhere and feel comfortable, unlike the #3 Powerbeats Pro over-ear headphones. They also stayed in place really effortlessly and even while running and sweating I didn’t feel them losing position in my ears.

If you are a very active listener, then these true wireless athletic headphones are perfectly suitable for your ears. They are very comfortable to wear because of the mildly rubberized coating. Even though they have a small and snug appearance, the Elite Active 75t can give you as much as 7.5 hours of playback time, and if you consider the charging case, you get a whopping 28 hours in total.

The Elite Active 75t Jabra workout headphones gives the user a dynamic sound experience with decent highs and lows and good bass response. We also checked the microphone quality, and it was top-class. They serve to be one of the best running headphones owing to the IP57 rating that ensures your earbuds are waterproof and protected from sweat and dust.

All in all, if you are in search of true wireless earbuds that will provide you hours of battery life, active noise cancellation, and be sweat resistant, you the 75t is a great choice.

Pros

  • The headphones have an excellent battery life among similar comparative sports headphones.
  • It has a comfortable and secure fit with a good sound profile.
  • These earbuds have a sweat and water resistance rating of IP57 and would be ideal running earbuds.
  • The Elite Active 75t Jabra model has been significantly improved compared to the Elite Active 65t.
  •  iPhone users will find the Beats Powerbeats Pro great.

Cons

  • Controls were unresponsive and fiddly at points, sometimes pausing or skipping a track unintentionally.

Our Rating:

9.5 / 10

Quality earbuds that will handle anything you through at them!


 

#2 – Bose Soundsport Free Wireless Headphones (Runner-up)

image of the Bose SoundSport Free,Wireless 2 Earbuds in black

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Sweatproof and weather-resistant
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery: 15 hours
  • Sound Isolating: No

Our take: Providing a secure fit and being totally wireless, the Bose Soundsport Free Headphones are the runner-up in this list, and they also have an 8.0 rating on CNET. Even though these headphones’ case size is slightly bigger than the 75t, it serves the purpose and provides two full charges, thus giving 10 hours of extra battery life.

Armed with an excellent and well-balanced sound profile, they also have the IPX4 certification and are, therefore, sweat and water-resistant. Some might say that they protrude out of your ears by a few centimeters more than its competitors, but if that’s not an issue for your ears, these headphones can give you a weighty bass experience. Keep in mind that they do not have noise cancellation, but that would matter depending on your usage and requirement.

If you want the best Bose workout headphones for outdoors, you need the ambient noise coming in. Overall, the Bose Soundsport Earbuds are doing quite well in the market as one of the best jogging headphones with their set of unique and exciting features.

Pros

  • These wireless workout earbuds have a strong build and have a snug fit.
  • The bass response is outstanding, and the overall sound is commendable
  • It comes with an IPX4 certification.
  • Durable earbuds that last years.

Cons

  • With a recent app update there is not that much wrong with this.
  • sometimes out of stock

Our Rating:

9.4 / 10


 

#3 – Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Over The Ear Earbuds

close up view of the black Powerbeats Pro Wireless, Bluetooth 2 Earphones

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Sweat and water-resistant
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery: 24 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes

Our take: The Beats Powerbeats Pro is one of the best workout headphones out there in the market, but it does come with certain limitations like lack of noise cancellation, or some might even say that they are too expensive. But at the end of the day, they are superior to the AirPods Pro and fit a wide variety of ears.

These Beats workout headphones have got an 8.0 rating on CNET as well. The H1 chip of Apple has been used in these wireless workout earphones. You also get the Siri voice assistant with these, which makes things much easier when making phone calls or doing any other task while you are on the go. Another great feature is that they have a very slim nozzle which gives you a secure fit and is perfect as sports headphones.

The ear hooks design of these headphones is trending in the market! They have the IPX4 rating, which means they are splash-resistant and safe from any accidental splash of water or sweat, but they are not entirely waterproof.

Pros

  • They have 24-hour battery life.
  • They can be easily paired with iOS.
  • The overall sound profile of these wireless earphones is much better than AirPods.
  • Latest ear hook headphone design makes them one of the best workout earphones that stay secure, making them Beats wireless over the ear headphones that never fall off.
  • Crisp sound quality

Cons

  • The Case is quite large.
  • Noise isolation is limited.
  • IPX4 rated only.

Our Rating:

9.3 / 10


 

#4 – Sony WF-1000xm3 True Wireless Earbuds

This is an image of the Sony WF-1000XM3 Noise Canceling Wireless 2 Earbuds- Black

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: No
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: Yes
  • Battery: 24 hours
  • Sound Isolating: No

Our take: The Sony WF-1000xm3 is one of the best running headphones that this brand has. Its main USP is its active noise cancellation which is exceptional and better than most of its competitors.

Making phone calls with these earbuds on will give you a completely revamped experience because the additional microphones present help in isolating all external noise so that the call quality is easier on the ears. You can get as much as 6 hours of battery life (a little less if ANC is on) on a single charge.

You also get a quick-charge facility where you get 90 minutes of playback time with only 10 minutes of charging. They also have a unique Ambient Sound Mode, which helps you hear all the necessary sounds when you are on-the-go, and this mode can be turned on from the Sony Headphones Connect App. However, they do not have an IP rating.

Pros

  • They have a very stylish and premium look.
  • Their active noise reduction feature is especially remarkable.
  • Their battery life is quite above average.
  • Sony workout headphones are made to last.

Cons

Our Rating:

9.1 / 10


 

#5- Samsung Galaxy Buds Live

image of the pink Samsung Galaxy Buds Live, Wireless 2 Earbuds with charging case

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: IPX2 water-resistance
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: Yes
  • Battery: 29 hours
  • Sound Isolating: No

Our take: The Samsung Galaxy Buds Live are true wireless headphones with a very stylish and modern design sure to look great in your ears. It provides a commendable 29 hours of battery life with the charging case if the Bixby and ANC are turned off and about 20 hours if they are turned on. It is really good for a true wireless pair for what you get at this price.

Since they are of very small size, even though their ANC is excellent, they don’t fit in like their competitors, allowing some noise to come in. So, if ANC is your priority, then these might not be the right choice for you. With the special Voice Pickup Unit and three microphones, the call quality is excellent.

The charging case has a unique jewelry box-inspired design, and if you open it, you will get the feeling of opening a gift.

Pros

  • They are perfect alternatives to the basic AirPods by Apple because they don’t fall out of your ears and feature the exact open-air fit.
  • The microphone quality is excellent.
  • Samsung workout headphones offer a good battery life
  • Best Womens Earbuds if your looking for something feminine.
  • Cool design, presents well and very Lightweight
  • Bass quality is impressive

Cons

  • Issues with the charging case

Our Rating:

9.4 / 10


 

#6 – Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8

This is an image of the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8, Wireless Bluetooth 2 Earphones with charging case in black color

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: No
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery: 12 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes

Our take: Even though these are some of the costlier wireless earbuds on the list, they offer some excellent features. First off, their sound profile is undeniably outstanding.

The bass is punchy, and the tonal balance is neutral. They are exceptionally lightweight in the ears, and for sound isolation, you also get a pair of foam tips. Even if we are talking about battery life, these are decent and will give you 4 hours of playback time and two extra charging cycles in the case.

The design is very classy. With just a tap, you can access the Transparency Option and thus, get to hear everything happening around you. But these earbuds have their share of drawbacks, too, like they are not water-resistant, you will need some time getting used to the tap controls, and there is no active headphones noise cancellation.

However, if these are not problematic to you, they are a perfect pair of wireless earbuds.

Pros

  • Their sound quality is decent.
  • The charging case has a slick design.
  • The transparency option is useful.
  • Playback functionality works well.
  • Battery life is good.

Cons

  • Steep price
  • Does not have sweat proof resistance

Our Rating:

8.0 / 10


 

#7 – Soundcore Spirit Dot 2 Earbuds

close-up view of the Anker Soundcore Spirit Dot 2, Wireless 2 Earbuds, with charging case - black

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Waterproof and sweatproof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery: 16 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes

Our take: With a battery life of approximately 5.5 hours per charge, and 16 hours of total battery life, these wireless earbuds are adequate for most people, and they also come in at a price that is easy on the ears and the wallet.

They have IPX7 protection, which makes them one of the best workout headphones. The charging-cased is shaped like a pill and thus, fits in pockets very easily. The earphones can be connected to other devices seamlessly, and the call quality is good enough.

With Bluetooth 5.0, you get a pretty strong connection. But keep in mind that they do not have a Bluetooth multipoint feature, and the buds do not provide a secure fit. That said, these earbuds will give you one of the best bass quality in its class, and you get it for almost half of what you pay for Jabra or Apple.

Pros

  • They are definitely a value of price purchase.
  • They offer a decent battery life.
  • These also have an IPX7 certification.

Cons

  • AAC codec only
  • Volume control is limited
  • The battery life is average

Our Rating:

7.9 / 10


 

#8 – Bose Soundsport Wireless Headphones

This is an image of the Bose SoundSport, Wireless 2 Earbuds, black

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Waterproof and sweatproof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery: 6 hours
  • Sound Isolating: No

Our take: With an overall CNET rating of 8.6, the Bose Soundsport Wireless wrap around Headphones can be a really good purchase for the gym and are the best budget workout headphones available.

Even though they do not have a sleek look, they fit into your ear perfectly and won’t fall off. They take up to 2 hours to be fully charged and then offer you 6 hours of playback time. There is no sound isolation, mainly because of their design which doesn’t create a tight seal.

The Bluetooth feature is commendable, and they offer multi-device pairing. But these Bose sport earbuds definitely provide a well-balanced bass that is not at all overpowering or boomy.

The overall sound profile is perfect according to CNET. But when you are walking or running, the earphones might slightly shift in position, causing the surrounding noise to come in, which can be frustrating.

Pros

  • They have a neutral sound profile.
  • The connection stability is excellent.
  • The earphones also have an auto-off feature; thus, you don’t have to worry about wasting battery accidentally.
  • Best earbuds for running compared to the others here.
  • Wireless quality is good.

Cons

  • Only has AAC and SBC with no aptx.
  • Little bit bulky
  • No official IP rating
  • Battery life could have been better

    Our Rating:

    8.7 / 10


 

#9 – AfterShokz Aeropex Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones

close up image of the AfterShokz Aeropex Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction 2 Headphones- Red

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Waterproof and sweatproof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery: 8 hours
  • Sound Isolating: No

Our take: The AfterShokz Aeropex gym headphones have a unique design. They have this special feature where they produce sound through vibrations and not speakers. Thus, you don’t need to plug them inside your ear but leave them on your temples. So, the ambient noise is present. Because of this, these wireless workout headphones are not for everyone. Simultaneously, the battery life is impressive, offering you 8 hours on a single charge.

The charging time is approximately 2.3 hours. They have the IP67 waterproof rating, so you can safely wear them on your morning runs. However, keep in mind that you cannot wear them to swimming pools.

They also feature a handy multifunction button with the help of which you can answer calls, activate voice assistant, skip, pause, or play with a single click. All in all, if you are someone who loves to keep their headphones on for a long time, this design is perfect for pain-free listening coupled with the above-average battery life.

As far as sound quality is concerned, they could have been better and you cannot use it while you are in a noisy place.

Pros

  • They are comfortable to wear for long hours and don’t come off during workouts.
  • They are fully waterproof and sweatproof, with an IP67 rating.
  • The battery life is excellent, along with a standby mode so that no battery is drained when the headphones are not in use.
  • With bone conduction technology these are one of  the best wireless earbuds for working out.

Cons

  • Small sound improvement could have been made.
  • Close together buttons, sometimes fiddly.
  • Higher volumes can cause vibrations.
  • Take around 1 week to get used to them.

Our Rating:

9.0 / 10


 

#10 – Jabra Elite Active 45e

This is an image of the Jabra Elite Active 45e Wireless Sports 2 Earbuds in black color

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Waterproof and sweatproof earbuds
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery: 9 hours
  • Sound Isolating: No

Our take: The Jabra Elite Active 45e works well as running headphones and is especially good from the safety point of view. The ear tips are designed so that it allows surrounding sound to enter the ears as well and thus, you are aware of the traffic around you.

The left earbud is responsible for giving you virtual assistant access, and the right earbud has the volume controls, a standard split for headphones of this type. With Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, you get an excellent strength and a wireless range of up to 10 meters. It serves well in the gym when you keep your phone at one station and roam around freely with uninterrupted connectivity. It also supports multiple connections at the same time.

They are wholly secured once you plug them in your ears because of the stability fins. However, they don’t completely go inside your ear canal. The audio quality of these headphones suffers slightly because of their open design, but then again, they are not the type of headphones meant to give you a unique sound profile.

Overall, as far as functionality is concerned, they can be handy to outdoor sports enthusiasts.

Pros

  • They have a quick charging feature where you get 1 hour of battery life from 15 minutes of charging.
  • You can connect to Google Assistant, Siri, or Alexa.
  • With an IP67 rating, they are safe from water and dust.

Cons

  • Only has MicroUSB charging cable

Our Rating:

8.5 / 10


 

#11 – Sony Extra Bass Bluetooth Headphones

close - up view of the Sony Extra Bass Bluetooth Wireless Sports 2 Earbuds with Microphone,black

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Waterproof and sweatproof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery: 8.5 hours
  • Sound Isolating: No

Our take: If you are looking for sports headphones that can be used daily, then the Sony Extra Bass Bluetooth Headphones are a perfect option.

The audio clarity is one of its main plus points, offering clear notes and very distinct bass performance for headphones of this type. If you see the price, then these headphones offer a commendable audio quality. At first, you might not like the design, but they stay in place, making workouts and running sessions easier.

The battery life is strong, and if you are not using it consistently, then a single charge will last you a week. But they do not feature multi-device connectivity, and so every time you connect a new device, you have to reset them.

The buttons are easy to use and access. Moreover, considering all the features you are getting, these headphones are pretty inexpensive and definitely a budget pick. Also, for bass lovers, they are a very good option.

Pros

  • They offer some excellent features on a budget.
  • The sound profile is commendable compared to other inexpensive sports headphones.
  • The battery life is excellent at 8.5 hours per charge.
  • Earphones for running that don’t fall out.

Cons

  • Other headphones here offer better value
  • Large earbud feel and design

Our Rating:

8.6 / 10


 

#12 – Apple AirPods Pro

 image of white Apple Airpods Pro, 2 earbuds with charging case

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Waterproof and sweatproof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: Yes
  • Battery: 24 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes

Our take: When it comes to apple workout earbuds, the Apple AirPods Pro are still a big name in the market for headphones of this type.

They have a fantastic noise-canceling feature and what is even more unique is that the feature keeps adjusting 200 times per second. And unlike many other earbuds including the BackBeat Fit 6100, you won’t feel that someone is sucking the air out of your ears.

They also have the Transparency mode with which you can also hear the voices around you, and this sound looks pretty natural, whereas, in many earbuds, it appears to be synthetic. Compared to the original AirPods, these have a much more enhanced design.

The charging case is super portable, and the design is similar to the original one. There is a button on the charging case that will enter the earbuds into pairing mode when pressed for a long time. You get a total of 24 hours of battery life considering the case and five hours on a single charge.

As far as sound quality is concerned, we agree that these are not the best you can get, but these are definitely good from the comfort point of view combined with their Transparency mode which makes these earbuds handy for a user.

Pros

  • They are lightweight and comfortable to wear.
  • The overall sound quality is better than the original model of AirPods.
  • The Transparency mode is a real gem.

Cons

  • Noise-cancelling impacts overall timing
  • There main rivals Sony sound better

Our Rating:

8.9 / 10


 

#13 – Jabra Elite 85T

This is an image of the Jabra Elite 85t Wireless Bluetooth 2 Earbuds, black

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Waterproof and dust resistant
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: Yes
  • Battery: 25 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes

Our take: The Elite 85T gives the Jabra fans a dynamic sound quality coupled with a classy design. So, if you are looking for an upgrade, these true wireless earbuds are a perfect choice.

Compared to the 75T, the bass performance of the Elite 85T is much better despite their true wireless nature, and the audio is more open-sounding. You get another upgrade from the 75T in the charging case, which is wireless in this mode. The Elite 85T also features a six-microphone technology which gives an outstanding call quality. The Active Noise Cancellation is substantial and upgraded too.

Moreover, the ANC is adjustable from the Sound+ app, where you can choose from five different levels. There is an increment of 3 decibels between these levels. The total battery life of the Jabra Elite 85t set compared to the Jabra Elite Active 65t is much more.

In the Elite Active 65t, it was only 15 hours, but here you are getting a whopping 25 hours. In the Jabra Elite 85t, you can also turn on the Sleep Mode and save the battery when not in use. These earbuds also offer you multipoint connectivity for Bluetooth. Honestly, if you want a tiny package of all features, the Jabra Elite 85t is a compelling choice.

Pros

  • The highly effective Active Noise reduction feature is a major USP.
  • The accompanying app has a lot of valuable features.
  • Compared to the previous models, the Jabra Elite 85t is a real upgrade with better sound quality and battery life.
  • These true wireless earbuds for working out give you a whooping 25 hours of use.

Cons

  • Expensive compared to alternatives
  • No aptX
  • Possible connection issues
  • Lack dynamic and rhythmic expression
  • ANC sometimes impacts sound quality
  • The 75t alternative is less bulky
  • Personal fit was not great

Our Rating:

8.9 / 10


 

#14 – Jaybird Vista

close up view of the Jaybird Vista Wireless Bluetooth Sport Waterproof 2 Earbuds in black

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Waterproof and weather-proof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery: 16 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes

Our take: With an overall CNET rating of 8.0, the Jaybird Vista sport earbuds are fully waterproof and have a set of other exciting features. They are renowned as one of the best workout earbuds for working out for those that are ready to splurge.

They are mostly known for their fit. Once you plug them in, they will not fall out of your ears no matter how intensive your workout. At the same time, they are pretty comfortable. The charging case is USB-C compatible. However, considering its features, the Jaybird Vista is slightly on the higher side of the pricing scale, which is a disadvantage because you can get more features at the same price.

Even though their sound profile might not be comparable to the top headphones, the audio is good enough. Since they have an IPX7 certification, they can be used in any weather conditions and are splash resistant making them quite durable. The charging case is handy and pocket-friendly.

With only a five-minute quick charge, you can get as much as one hour of playback time according to CNET. In general, if you are in search of punchy sound quality and earbuds that don’t fall off easily, the Jaybird Vista is the right choice.

Pros

  • The charging case is compact and highly portable.
  • It comes with an IPX7 certification.
  • These earbuds provide an excellent fit and, thus, perfect as workout buds.

Cons

  • The detail has been beaten by others here
  • Rather expensive
  • Sore after an hour of using them
  • Does not offer heart rate monitor functionality
  • Sound features limited with no ambient sound
  • Battery life needs improvements

Our Rating:

9.0 / 10


 

#15 – Sony WF-SP800N

This is an image of the Sony WF-SP800N Wireless Noise Canceling, 2 Headphones- Black

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Waterproof, dustproof, and sweatproof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: Yes
  • Battery: 18 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes

Our take: In the true wireless headphones category, the Sony WF-SP800N is undoubtedly a great addition with some exciting features for true wireless afficianados , but it also has its fair share of drawbacks. People don’t usually go for these as their first choice because of their bulky appearance, but they have more to offer if you look carefully.

For starters, the audio quality is commendable with a noise cancellation feature. Their battery life is impressive at 9 hours with NC on, and you get an additional 9 hours from the charging case make the total battery life 18 hours. The case is USB-C compatible. Since they have an IP55 certification they are safe from water, dust, and sweat making them very durable and perfect for daily use.

Even though the mids are slightly hollow, the overall bass performance is good.

These wireless headphones for working out have the kind of sound quality that can be used for all types of music genres. However, some people complain that the touch controls are way too sensitive. But if you are in search of good battery life, decent sound performance, and good noise-cancelling feature, then these earbuds fit your profile. Moreover, if you are a lover of minimalism when it comes to design, then these earbuds are something you should check out.

Pros

  • These truly wireless headphones have vibrant sound quality.
  • Their sport headphones noise cancellation feature works smoothly.
  • The app support is filled with exciting features.

Cons

  • The sound was a little coarse.
  • Battery life is average.
  • The Touch controls play up sometimes.
  • Lost connection at points.
  • A little Pricey

Our Rating:

8.9 / 10


 

#16 – JBL LIVE 300

image of the JBL LIVE 300 Wireless 2 Headphone with charging case, black

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Waterproof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery: 20 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes

Our take: The JBL Live 300 is a budget pick that gives you great sound but not so significant other features. However, if you are looking for good-quality sport earbuds, these definitely fit the criteria.

Their design is such that they create a perfect seal and keep out the noise, but they lack any active noise cancellation feature. They are also quite comfortable because of their teardrop-shaped design, and thus, you can go on long runs without any hesitation. They have the IPX5 rating and are, therefore, waterproof.

They should also be fine during sweaty workout sessions. You can create EQ profiles and have access to Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa. The audio performance is strong; however, some people complain that the bass is flat. The battery is not always as great as it is advertised. Overall, these are not so strong to be recommended, but they did have a good design.

Pros

  • They have access to different voice assistants.
  • The comfortability factor is high.
  • They feature an-adjustable EQ.
  • These JBL workout earbuds recharge quicker than other earbuds.

Cons

  • Bright treble.
  • Lacking in bass definition.
  • When calling connection sometimes goes in and out.
  • Slightly sore after 45 minutes of use.
  • Only SBC and AAC

Our Rating:

8.6 / 10


 

#17 – ADIDAS RPT-01 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

This is an image of an adidas RPT-01 On-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones - Coral

SPECIFICATIONS

  • Water Resistant: Waterproof, splashproof, and sweatproof
  • Bluetooth: Yes
  • Wireless: Yes
  • Noise Canceling: No
  • Battery: 40 hours
  • Sound Isolating: Yes

Our take: The Adidas RPT-01 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones set has a classy design and very suitable for workout sessions.

The design of these headphones set is unique because they come with a removable fabric cover. The main aim of this cover is to absorb the sweat, and thus, it is so much better than its competitors in this category because when the foam padding gets drenched in sweat, you cannot remove and wash it.

The parts not covered by the fabric are rubberized. There is also a customizable action button whose function can be set from the Adidas Headphones app. Apart from this, there is also a centra button that can be used for playback, controlling volume, etc.

Thus, the controls are pretty simple. Like other on-ear headphones in the market, even these have a loud sound quality with weighty bass. So, it is suitable for those who love powerful and immersive music. At the same time, the sound does not sound harsh to the ear. Overall, if you love to workout to the beats, these sweatproof workout headphones are worth checking out.

Pros

  • These headphones feature a signature bass quality.
  • The design is sports-focused and the best bluetooth headphones for gym that are stylish, trendy and defiantly stand out.
  • The battery life is outstanding.
  • Adidas workout headphones are designed for for comfort
  • IPX4 rated water resistance with sweatproof

Cons

  • Sometimes out of stock
  • Over-ear design

Our Rating:

8.8 / 10


 

Other workout Earbuds and Headphones we like:

• Boltune BT-BH001 Pro

• Sony NW-WS413

• Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100

• Plantronics BackBeat Fit 5100


Reasons to buy sport headphones?

We have all been there at some point, needing gym headphones but not having, which is one of the reasons why i compared dozens of options to find the best workout headphones I could. All major headphone brands are included in this review. From Bose, Jabra, Powerbeats, Samsung, Apple and loads more.

For me using earbuds when at the gym gives an enhanced reaction time, improved performance, strength and most importantly, keeps you motivated.

Recent research has proved that listening to music while working out has so many health benefits, more on that by Jenny Markell at the National Center for Health Research.

Yes! Picking the appropriate songs is indeed essential, but if you don’t have the proper means to play them, you’ll be right back where you started. So, that’s why you need the best gym headphones to get the whole experience.

Everyone has different priorities when it comes to best sports earbuds – some want a comfortable and snug fit, while others want good battery. With that said, the best headphones for working out are the ones that will be sweatproof, stay inside your ears despite a vigorous workout session, and won’t make you feel uneasy even after wearing them for long periods of time. And if these headphones have good bass and overall sound profile, then it’s obviously a win-win for you.

If you are doing a very intensive workout, listening to the right music can actually help you push through until the very end. Workout earbuds have unique features that make them suitable for the purpose. But ensure you read the features carefully because sometimes, the headphones that can be used for running or gym workouts might not be ideal for a dip at the swimming pool.

Wireless vs True Wireless Headphones: is there a difference?

Yes, there is a difference between these two. The wireless headphones are the ones where the two earbuds are connected with a wire, but the true wireless headphones take it up a notch where there are no wires making true wireless the clear choice in many situations. Unlike true wireless headphones, wireless headphones are usually further divided into three categories depending on how they are connected – on-ear headphones, connected with a neckband, and over-the-ear headphones. But in the true wireless ones, there is nothing in between the buds.

Considerations Choosing the Best workout Headphones

Music is a power booster for many people when they go to the gym. But to make this experience satisfying, choosing the best workout earbuds is the first step. Here are some factors that you should consider in the process –

Battery Life

If you are going to use your bluetooth headphones daily, you need to check the battery life before buying. Some earbuds and on-ear headphones last only 4-5 hours, and some last for a whopping 8-9 hours on a single charge. You should also check the total battery life in the case of the wireless earbuds.

Active Noise Cancellation

Some people prefer their headphones to have an Active Noise Cancellation feature but for safety purposes, ensure that they have a Transparency mode in which you can hear voices and other sounds when necessary. Even if Active Noise Cancellation is not present, check if the sound quality is affected too much and whether it’s worth buying.

Controls

The controls should be easy to access and remember. They should not be way too responsive.

Microphone

This is another essential feature, especially for voice call quality. Some earphones let in too much noise during calls which makes your speech unintelligible.

Cabled Backup

In case the Bluetooth feature is malfunctioning, you’ll need a backup. If this is something important for you, always check whether the headphones include a cable for wired mode.

Comfortable Fit

You should always check for the comfortability factor. It is frustrating to wear uncomfortable or loose-fitting headphones for a workout that keeps falling off your ear and you really need earbuds that stay in. There should be sufficient padding for over-ear headphones, and in the case of earbuds, they should give you a snug fit.

Sound Quality

Then comes the sound quality, which is first-priority for some. The bass should be well-balanced, and the overall sound profile should be perfect for all types of music. The bass tones should not be amplified too much; otherwise, you will miss out on the lighter notes.

Water Resistant vs Sweat Resistant

When headphones are water resistant, they are rated up to IPX7 standards. If you are going to use them in water, then checking for this is a must. On the other hand, if there is an IP second digit rating of 4 to 6, it is sweat proof headphones only, and they won’t survive water jets or swimming pools. You have to choose based on your usage and for more check out or review of the best waterproof bluetooth headphones.

Build Quality

Last but not least, the build quality is another factor that you must check. Some headphones are not meant for extensive usage, where others are more durable. Then there are open-back and closed-back headphones. Outside noise will leak in in the former ones, but you get a more secure fit in the latter ones.

FAQ

Are Beats headphones good for working out?

The Beats Powerbeats Pro’s are the best over ear headphones for working out and allow you to move about because of their cordless running headphones design. They have good stability and thus, won’t fall off. They have an IPX4 rating, and therefore, they are suitable for sweaty workout sessions. And with their noise isolation and balanced sound profile, you will have an overall good experience.


 

Are AirPods good for working out if you have an iPhone?

Yes, the AirPods are a really great workout buds option for iPhone users, especially the Apple AirPods Pro. They are resistant to water and sweat and give you an all-rounder performance.


 

Is Sony WH 1000XM3 good for gym?

Yes, the Sony WH 1000XM3 is suitable for the gym, but you should refrain from using them during intensive workouts since they are not sweatproof.


 

What headphones do athletes use?

Athletes or serious gym enthusiasts prefer the best workout headphones available that are firstly sweat resistant and water resistant.

Secondly, they have a secure fit and good sound quality. One such option is the Jabra 75t. Outdoor athletes mostly prefer headphones that allow ambient noise to come in to be safe from cars. For this, you can go for the Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8.


 

Which headphones are best for gym?

The Jabra Elite Active 75t is definitely the best overall option for workout headphones for the gym, giving you great battery life, snug fit, water resistant, and a dynamic audio experience.


 

Which workout earbuds are the most comfortable?

Both the Jabra Elite Active 75t and Bose Soundsport wireless headphones are some of the best workout headphones and are going to give you a secure and snug fit and can be worn for hours without any discomfort. But if you want to go for the new and innovative ear hooks, we suggest you go for the Beats Powerbeats Pro.

 


 

Rose Annemarie
Rose loves to review products and has been doing so for years. Now she focuses on headphones and tech products.

Share this article

Recent posts

Popular categories

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Recent comments