Make sure you get the most out of your workout with wireless headphones that are up to the task.
Workouts really don’t need help getting worse than they already are, and there’s absolutely nothing worse for a workout than headphones slipping in and out, dying, or otherwise failing to give you the serious distraction you need. Not all headphones were built for the task at hand.
Here we’ve rounded up some of the best true wireless headphones for the gym. These are great because you never have to worry about cables getting in your way, but they also come with their own details to consider. For example, you have to pay special attention to the fit. A little wire can give you some slack to wear a bud that doesn’t quite fit right, but without the wire the buds really need to be seated properly or they’ll fall out if they move. You should also look for something that’s water or sweat resistant so your headphones don’t stop working once your workout gets tough. Something with long battery life doesn’t hurt either.
There is no wireless headphone that is perfect for every person or even every person’s workout. Some people prefer on-ear noise-cancelling headphones for heavy lifting that requires absolute focus, but they opt for an earbud that lets through background noise while cycling or running and still needs to be able to hear those around you. Whatever you’re looking for, there’s a headphone for you. Here are some of the best.
Beats Fit Pro
Beats Fit Pro are a beacon of fitness technology innovation. The noise-cancelling buds are designed to stay in place and sound clear when you move. They do this using dynamic head-tracking technology and flexible wingtips that flex to sit neatly in your ear.
Elite 7 active wireless headphones
Fitness people love Jabras, but the Elite 7 Active headphones are the brand’s latest and greatest. Because of the built in ShakeGrip technology they are our pick for running and jumping or any other type of vigorous movement. ShakeGrip has a soft feel but ensures the bud fits and stays right where you put it throughout your workout.
Apple’s AirPods Pro
Sometimes the best choice is what you already have—or what you’ve been putting off. AirPods are ergonomically designed to sit securely in your ear without pinching or slipping. They are also waterproof.
Phillips T4506 True-Wireless-headphones
These Phillips headphones are great for long workouts – or for people who listen all day at work and need their headphones to work when they head to the gym afterwards. They have 24 hours of playtime, six of them alone and 18 hours of charging, which they can take from the charging case. Fifteen minutes in the case adds an extra hour of playtime, perfect for commuting to the gym.
Beats Studio Wireless Headphones
Beats Studio Buds are a little smaller and more understated than our other picks from the brand, but they work just as well. There are two listening modes: active noise cancellation and transparency mode. You can turn on the first for a loud workout at the gym and turn on transparency mode for your sessions at home if you still need to hear if one of your kids starts screaming.
Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8
The Bang & Olufsen wireless earbuds are one of our favorites for people who need quality headphones for a variety of activities. They’re slim enough to feel cool at work or while tracking, yet comfortable enough to perform well during a workout. They’re equipped with built-in microphones and touch controls should a work call interrupt your run.
Bose Sport open earplugs
Bose’s Sport Open Earbuds are a little newer on the scene when it comes to fitness headphones, but they’re worth a try if you’re looking for something with a little more meat than just the bud itself. They rest on top of your ears instead of going right into them. These are a great option for people who exercise outdoors and need to be able to hear their surroundings at all times, and they’re also great for people who want earbuds but aren’t entirely comfortable working with their ear shape.
Beats Studio3 Over-Ear Headphones
Beats Studio3 headphones are the best over-ear noise-cancelling headphones you can get. Because your ear is completely covered, the noise-cancelling headphones really come into their own – you really can’t hear anything but your music. Many heavy lifters prefer this setup because it helps you get into the zone and stay locked in.
Powerbeats Pro earbuds
Another tried and true set of earbuds: Powerbeats. They’ve got all the quality sound you’d expect from a pair of Beats, and the simple design is hard to beat. The ear hooks do some of the stable work, so you don’t just have to rely on the shape of the bud to stay in your ear. They’re also great for workouts that require any sort of head movement that tends to test the steadfastness of other headphones.
UE FITS Wireless Headphones
When it comes to earplugs that are truly designed to stay completely secure in your ear, there is no better option than custom fitted earplugs. The key lies in the photopolymer gel tips that fit and conform to your specific ear canal. These are great for people with ear canals that are too big or too narrow for the standard size—and for people whose ear canals are two different sizes.
Goal sports earplugs
These sports earphones are a simple, lightweight and affordable option for working out. The red curve fits right into the outside of your ear canal, allowing the bud to sit on top of the canal opening and not in it. These are great for cycling and walking when you want some music but still be able to hear your surroundings. With the charging case, they offer a 20-hour battery.
JBL Tune 600BTNC Wireless
For a more affordable over-ear option, JBL’s headphones are a good choice. They sound great and are lighter than the Beats over-ears. These are better for more upright movements – a lot of bending and twisting could throw them out of position.
JBL Endurance Peak II headphones
Now for something you can move around in more freely, these JBLs are. The rectangular design and earhook help them fit comfortably in your ear and stay secure when you move. Better still, this hook is adjustable so you can bend it to your preferred size when you put it on.
Vista 2 sports wireless headphones
The Jaybird Vista 2 Sport Headphones are for people who train hard and put their stuff under heavy strain. These are built to be virtually indestructible. They are water, sweat and dust proof and freeze, shock and impact resistant.
