Want to be fully immersed in your workout? Check out our list of the best wireless workout headphones for elite athletes and fitness buffs alike.
| Name | Form Factor | IP Rating | Battery Life | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jabra Elite Active 75t Best Overall | True Wireless Earbuds | IP57 | 5.5 hours (w/ ANC) | BUY |
| Sony WF-SP800N Strong Runner-Up | True Wireless Earbuds | IP55 | 13 hours (ANC off), 9 hours (ANC on) | BUY |
| Anker Soundcore Life P2 Best Budget | True Wireless Earbuds | IPX5 | 8 hours | BUY |
| Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport Best Premium | True Wireless Earbuds | IPX5 | 12 hours | BUY |
| Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 Best On-ear | Wireless On-ear | - | 18 hours | BUY |
| Sony NW-WS413 Best for Swimming | Wireless Earbuds w/ Neckband | IP68 | 12 hours | BUY |
| Beats Fit Pro Best for Apple Devices | True Wireless Earbuds | IPX4 | 6 hours | BUY |
| AfterShokz Aeropex Best for Outdoor Running | Bone Conduction | IP67 | 8 hours | BUY |
| Stiive Bluetooth Headphones Best Secure Fit | Wireless Earbuds w/ Neckband | IPX7 | 15 hours | BUY |
How to Choose the Best Wireless Workout Headphones
When choosing the best wireless headphones for sports, focus on these 6 key factors:
- Comfort and secure fit
- Battery life and fast charging
- Durability and water resistance
- Sound quality
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Ease of use
When selecting headphones for workouts, the most vital factor is ensuring they are comfortable and provide a secure fit. Opt for headphones with in-ear designs with multiple ear tips sizes and added support like ear wings or ear hooks to maximize comfort and fit.
Silicon ear tips tend to be slippery when wet, thus making it easy for the earbuds to fall out. You can opt for foam ear tips that can provide a better fit under sweaty conditions but be aware that the foam material can get dirty easily.
As for whether the headphones should be true wireless (no cord) or wireless (with cords), it would depend if your activity would be affected by the presence of the cord/cable. True wireless headphones provide a much better range of movement than wireless headphones.
Battery life and fast charging capabilities ensure your headphones stay powered during long workouts. Aim for at least 8 hours of playtime and consider fast-charging options for added convenience. Wireless headphones tend to have more battery life than true wireless headphones.
Durability and water resistance are vital for workout headphones. Look for a high IPX rating, such as IPX7 or higher, to handle sweaty workouts and occasional rain exposure.
While sound quality matters, this is very subjective. If you have no preference, seek headphones with neutral sound profiles. But personally, I want my bass to have that extra thump during my exercise.
Bluetooth 5.0 or higher ensures a strong and stable wireless connection, reducing signal dropouts during workouts. Please note that this may not entirely eliminate connection dropouts, particularly in areas with high wireless interference and congestion.
If you alternate your headphones between workouts and other activities like leisure/work, pick one with multipoint connection capability.
Intuitive controls enable easy operation while exercising. Look for physical controls for volume, track navigation, and call management. Using a physical button can improve the accuracy of your controls compared to a touch interface. The tactile sensation provides better feedback.
9 Best Wireless Workout Headphones in 2023
Jabra Elite Active 75t
Key features
- Form Factor: True Wireless
- Battery Life: 5.5 hours (with active noise canceling)
- IP Rating: IP57
- Microphone: Yes
- Noise Cancellation: Active
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC)
- Other features: Secure active fit, Voice Assistant Integration, Multipoint Connectivity
The Jabra Elite Active 75t earbuds has been a game-changing workout earbuds for me. These true wireless earbuds deliver on Jabra’s promise of excellent sound quality and durability. With Bluetooth 5.0 and multipoint connectivity, I can pair them with multiple devices, shifting from workouts to work calls seamlessly.
What impressed me is their battery life. A 15-minute quick charge provides an hour of music. When fully charged, I’ve got up to 7.5 hours of uninterrupted tunes without using the ANC. The Hybrid ANC technology is advanced, and with the Jabra Sound+ App, I can adjust noise cancellation levels to my preference.
Their fit is perfect for me. They’re small, lightweight, and stay put during vigorous activities. The IP57 rating gives me peace of mind, as I don’t worry about sweat or rain damaging them.
They’re a solid upgrade from their predecessor, the Jabra Elite Active 65t, with improvements in battery life, lighter build, an added ANC function, and better water resistance.
However, I’ve noticed a couple of minor issues. The touch controls can be sensitive, leading to unintentional presses, and I can hear hissing sound in the silence between songs. Despite these, the Jabra Elite Active 75t earbuds have been a reliable choice for me, with their performance and features outweighing the minor drawbacks.
Sony WF-SP800N
Key features
- Form Factor: True Wireless
- Battery Life: 13 hours (ANC off), 9 hours (ANC on)
- IP Rating: IP55
- Microphone: Yes
- Noise Cancellation: Active
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (A2DP, AVRCP, HFP, HSP ,SBC, AAC)
- Other Features: Sony’s EXTRA BASS, Sony 360° Reality Audio, Google Fast Pair, Wearing Detection
The Sony WF-SO800N earbuds are a solid choice if you’re seeking clear, detailed sound during your workouts. Thanks to Sony’s EXTRA BASS and 360° Reality Audio, it feels like my favorite bands are right there next to me, pumping out tunes while I exercise.
The Sony | Headphones Connect app is pretty handy. I’ve customized my listening experience by setting alternative functions on the touch controls, accessing Sony’s immersive 360° Reality Audio, adjusting noise cancellation levels, and tweaking the sound EQ.
The Google Fast Pair feature support is a nice touch. I appreciate not having to fret about misplacing my earbuds, as I can quickly locate them with Google’s Find My Device app.
These Sony true wireless earbuds offer a remarkable escape from generic gym music, thanks to their advanced Adaptive Noise Cancellation. They automatically tweak noise cancellation levels based on the environment, and I really like the Ambient Mode and Quick Attention Mode that automatically dials down the volume and pauses noise cancellation at the push of a button.
The battery life has been more than satisfactory. On a full charge, I get around 9 hours of playtime – plenty to get through a workout and beyond. The quick charge feature is handy too – a 10-minute charge gives me an extra hour of playback.
The IP55 dust and water resistance reassure me that these workout earbuds can withstand intense activity.
However, a few things I’ve noticed: the removable soft wingtips with a three-dimensional curved design can be a bit uncomfortable when worn for a long time. Also, the earbuds are slightly bulkier than some competitors, potentially making them more likely to fall out, depending on your ear size and shape. Despite these minor issues, the Sony WF-SP800N earbuds have served me well during my workouts.
Anker Soundcore Life P2
Key features
- Form Factor: True Wireless
- Battery Life: 8 hours
- IP Rating: IPX5
- Microphone: Yes
- Noise Cancellation: Passive
- Bluetooth: 5.2 (aptX, AAC, SBC)
- Other Features: Voice Assistant Integration, EQ Sound Modes, One-Step Pairing
My experience with the Anker Soundcore Life P2 true wireless earbuds has been quite enjoyable, especially when I consider the budget-friendly price. These earbuds offer significant bass, thanks to their oversized triple-layer 10mm graphene drivers equipped with BassUp technology.
I liked that there were three EQ modes to choose from: Soundcore Signature, Bass Booster, and Podcast. Using the Bass Booster mode has been a treat, boosting the bass by 43% and making my workouts even more energetic.
The built-in dual microphones with cVc 8.0 Noise Reduction are pretty impressive. An AI algorithm enhances voice pick-up and drowns out the background noise, ensuring I can hear my calls clearly even in noisy environments.
Comfort and durability are key for me, and these workout earbuds didn’t disappoint. They’re lighter than most earbuds I’ve tried, weighing only 4.4 grams, and the IPX7 rating assures me they can handle wet conditions.
The battery life has been satisfactory, with up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge and up to 40 hours with the charging case. I’ve found the fast-charging feature incredibly convenient, providing 1 hour of playback from just a 10-minute charge.
These earbuds use Bluetooth 5.2 technology, giving me a stable, skip-free connection, even in busy areas like on the train. Anker’s PUSH AND GO technology has made pairing with other devices a breeze. Removing the earbuds from the charging case is all it takes to connect with the last paired device.
However, not everything is perfect. I noticed that cranking up the volume could muddy the audio, especially in Bass Booster mode. Also, you can’t charge or use the earbuds individually. Despite these drawbacks, the Anker Soundcore Life P2 earbuds have proven to be a great investment for me.
Also Great For Budget: JLab Go Air Sport
The JLab Go Air Sport earbuds are another great budget workout earbuds. Like the Anker Soundcore Life P2, the Go Air Sports earbuds have a truly wireless build, 8-hour playtime, a built-in mic for calls and voice assistant activation, and a decent IP55 rating. They also feature a sporty, ear hooks design that keeps the buds in place during workouts.
Although the Go Air Sports have a shorter battery life, no quick charge function, and a lower Bluetooth version than Life P2, they make up for it with larger drivers and multi-point connectivity, making it easy to pair them with multiple devices. The Dual Connect function also lets you use the earbuds independently or together.
The JLab Audio App also comes with a Bass Boost mode and a bonus Burn-In Tool that helps break in new earbuds.
Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport
Key features
- Form Factor: True Wireless
- Battery Life: 10 hours (with ANC)
- IP Rating: IPX7
- Microphone: Yes
- Noise Cancellation: Active
- Bluetooth: 5.2 (SBC, AAC, aptX, aptX Adaptive, aptX HD, LDAC)
- Other features: USB-A adapter, Voice Assistant Integration
Being able to splurge a bit, I opted for the Master & Dynamic MW08 Sport true wireless earbuds. At first glance, they might seem bulky, but a closer look reveals their sleek, lightweight design.
These workout earbuds have been impressively sturdy in my experience, with shatter-resistant sapphire glass and IPX5 water resistance. The Kevlar fiber charging case with IPX4 water resistance adds to its resilience.
Weighing only 8.6 grams each, they house an 11mm Beryllium driver that delivers a rich, warm soundstage enhancing my workouts. The hybrid ANC function with two modes and two ambient modes allows me to easily tune into my surroundings or have quick conversations.
These earbuds boast a 12-hour battery life without ANC, extended up to 42 hours with the charging case. A quick 15-minute wireless charge provides an hour of playback.
I really like that the earbuds come with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and aluminum antennas, which reduces the chances of disconnections. However, I wish the earbuds had multipoint connectivity, so I wouldn’t have to re-pair them every time I switch devices. Even though this is a minor downside, it’s worth considering, given the high price of the earbuds.
With the M&D Connect app, I’m able to tweak my sound equalizer and change settings to get the sound signature I want for my weightlifting session. The app will also keep the firmware up to date.
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500
Key features
- Form Factor: Wireless On-ear
- Battery Life: 18 hours
- IP Rating: IP67
- Microphone: Yes
- Noise Cancellation: Passive
- Bluetooth: 4.1 (Custom SBC Codec)
- Other Features: Voice Assistant Integration, Multipoint Connectivity
After a few yoga sessions with the BackBeat Fit 500 headphones, I believe that they’re a worthy successor to the BackBeat Fit. With a sturdy design and exceptional sound profile, they’re a steal for under $100.
The BackBeat Fit 500 is fitted with 40mm audio drivers and a closed-back on-ear design. I’ve found them to be a great choice for anyone seeking a bit of noise isolation and a deep, immersive sound experience during workouts.
Comfort? These headphones have it in spades. The memory foam headband, coupled with cozy ear cups, muffles ambient noise quite effectively, letting me enjoy my relaxing ambient music uninterrupted.
The IP67 certification means they can handle a bit of a dip, surviving water immersion up to a meter deep for 30 minutes. Plus, the P2i military-grade nano-coating on the ear cups ensures they’re waterproof and weather-resistant.
One of the best things about these headphones is their battery life. I’ve gotten up to 18 hours on a single charge. The Class 1 Bluetooth ensures a reliable connection, even when I’m 33 feet away from my phone.
I like how the right ear cup has discrete playback controls and volume rockers. The mic on the left ear cup comes in handy for accepting calls and summoning Siri, Cortana, or Google Now.
Another neat feature is the 3.5mm backup jack. This means that even if the battery runs out, I can still keep my music going.
The fit is usually snug and comfortable, but if your head is on the smaller side, you might find the headphones shifting a bit during intense exercise.
Sony NW-WS413
Key features
- Form Factor: Wireless In-Ear
- Battery Life: 12 hours
- IP Rating: IP68
- Microphone: No
- Noise Cancellation: Passive
- Other Features: Drag-and-Drop Music Transfer, 4GB of Memory, Ambient Sound Mode
Diving into my laps with a killer playlist is a must for me, and I’ve found the Sony NW-WS413 to be just the right underwater symphony conductor. These compact companions remain unflinching even under 2 meters of water, providing an unparalleled underwater sound quality that makes every lap enjoyable.
They hold the top spot in my gear list, owing to their superior IP68 rating. Come dust, sand, or the chill of -5 °C, these earbuds hold their own, unaffected and resilient.
Their design is one that I vouch for, in terms of both comfort and stability. Thanks to their ergonomic and around-the-ear structure, they stay put even during my most vigorous strokes.
The battery life is a boon too. 12 hours of playback from one charge makes them my go-to both in and out of the water. The Ambient Mode is a beneficial feature for those moments when I need to keep an ear on my surroundings.
Sony’s choice to include a built-in MP3 player instead of wireless connectivity is something I’ve come to appreciate. Bluetooth, while great, tends to falter when it comes to water sports. This is where the inbuilt MP3 player becomes a game changer.
I also like the 4GB memory capacity. It’s more than enough for my entire swimming playlist, allowing me to keep my phone at bay while still enjoying my choice tracks.
But it’s not all smooth swimming: the absence of Bluetooth requires me to manually transfer my music by dragging and dropping files. It also means forgoing the convenience of hands-free operations that Bluetooth headphones provide.
Beats Fit Pro
Key features
- Form Factor: True Wireless
- Battery Life: 6 hours (with ANC)
- IP Rating: IPX4
- Microphone: Yes
- Noise Cancellation: Active
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC, AAC)
- Other features: Secure-fit wingtips, Voice Assistant Integration, Spatial Audio
When I work out, I like to use my Beats Fit Pro earbuds with my iPhone 13. These true wireless earbuds have an Apple H1 chip that provides many features, such as Spatial Audio and Siri voice commands. They have a high-quality design and produce immersive sound, and they are also comfortable to wear during intense workouts.
Their powerful audio is due to the double-chamber housing, dual-element diaphragms, and an advanced digital processor. Alongside Spatial Audio, it’s a clear and dynamic listening experience. The adaptive ANC and Transparency Mode let me choose when to cancel noise and when to stay aware of my surroundings.
The silicone secure-fit wingtips mold to my ears for a snug yet comfortable fit. They’re IPX4-rated, handling sweat and light rain well. The workout earbuds’ battery lasts up to 7 hours without ANC, and the charging case adds an extra 18 hours. With Apple’s Fast Fuel, a 5-minute charge provides an hour of playback.
The H1 chip allows smooth switching between my Apple devices, and sharing audio with another pair of Beats headphones is a breeze. They work well with Android devices, too. The Beats app enhances the user experience with one-touch pairing, customizable controls, and firmware updates.
However, I did notice that the earbuds’ surfaces are the main control buttons. It’s easy to accidentally pause your music or push them deeper into your ears while adjusting.
Also Good For Apple Devices: Apple AirPods Pro
If for any reason you can’t get your hands on the Beats Fit Pro, the Airpods Pro earbuds are a great alternative. Like the Beats Fit Pro, these earbuds come with 2 ANC modes, Spatial Audio, IPX4 water resistance, and the Apple H1 chip that provides real-time ANC, Apple Automatic Switching, and Audio Sharing features.
Though the design of the Airpods Pro isn’t as conducive to working out as the Beats Fit Pro, they’re still engineered to give you an impressive listening experience with excellent noise isolation and Adaptive EQ that automatically tunes your music to suit the shape of your ears.
Additionally, the force sensor provides an easy way to control music and switch between ANC modes by simply squeezing the stem of the earbud.
AfterShokz Aeropex
Key features
- Form Factor: Bone Conduction
- Battery Life: 8 hours
- IP Rating: IP67
- Microphone: Yes
- Noise Cancellation: No
- Bluetooth: 5.0 (SBC)
- Other Features: Voice Assistant Integration, Moisture Detection Alert
If inserting ear tips into your ear canal is painful for you, you can consider these bone conduction headphones – the AfterShokz Aeropex.
They’ve evolved from the Trekz Air, sporting a feather-light build and an extended 8-hour battery life.
What strikes me is their open-ear design. It ensures I’m attuned to my surroundings during outdoor workouts, an essential safety feature. Despite their minimal 26g weight, these headphones fit snugly, providing comfort without compromising security during workouts.
Their IP67 rating and Moisture Detection feature ensures durability, letting me run in all weather without worrying about damage. However, they aren’t made for swimming; the AfterShokz OpenSwim would be a better choice for aquatic activities.
Like most bone-conduction headphones, they have some downsides, including a lack of noise isolation and a bit of sound leakage. The sound quality is decent but not extraordinary. Yet, for a runner prioritizing safety and comfort, the AfterShokz Aeropex headphones are a trusted companion.
If you are looking for an upgraded version of Aeropex, you can look at the Shokz OpenRun Pro. They come with key improvements, such as:
- longer battery life (10 hours),
- a quick charge function,
- Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity,
- and the latest Shokz TurboPitch™️ bone conduction technology.
They are, however, more expensive than the Aeropex headphones and are only IP55 water-resistant.
Stiive Bluetooth Headphones
Key features
- Form Factor: In-ear with ear hooks
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours playtime with just 2 hours of charging
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth V5.0 with low latency and fast, stable connection
- IP Rating: IPX7 Waterproof with interior nano-coating technology
- Microphone: Yes, with CVC6.0 noise-canceling technology
- Other Features: Dynamic drivers and CSR chip for authentic sound and powerful bass
With an over-ear hook and in-ear form factor, the Stiive Bluetooth headphones have one of the best secure fit for working out. I tried it for basketball, and I found that it remained snug even after running drills and a quick 3-on-3 session.
The sound quality of these headphones didn’t disappoint either. Its dynamic drivers are able to deliver strong and satisfying bass, which is the type of sound signature I like when I’m breaking sweat.
Connecting these headphones to my device was straightforward with the Bluetooth V5.0 technology. The battery life was substantial, too, providing up to 15 hours of playtime after a 2-hour charge. However, I did find the charging port to be a little less robust than I would have liked, and the charging cord seemed too short for practical use.
One minor issue I faced was locating the ON button, as the instructions were not as clear as they could be. But once I figured it out, this ceased to be a problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best wireless workout headphones available on the market?
From our research, the two best wireless workout earbuds are Jabra Elite Active 75t and Sony WF-SP800N.
But if you are looking for best wireless workout headphones, it has to be Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 and AfterShokz Aeropex.
Are there any affordable wireless workout headphones that are also high quality?
Yes, there are affordable options that offer good quality, such as the Anker Soundcore Life P2.
Are in-ear or over-ear headphones better for gym?
If inserting earbuds into your ear canal is painful or the earbuds tend to fall out from your ears, I would recommend that over-ear headphones will be a better fit for your gym sessions.
But if you have no comfort or fit issues, in-ear headphones are less bulky and are a more sanitary option than over-ear headphones.
What Airpods are best for gym?
In a gym environment, Airpods Pro will be a great choice for music listening. It is sweat-resistant with an IPX4 rating.
Are Bose and Beats suitable for working out?
Not all Bose and Beats models are suitable for work out.
Here are some models that are suitable for a workout:
I asked if jaybird x4 can be used in sea, river or pool if I can do a little bit deep swim or swimming a little immersed only a couple of seconds can I do that to jaybird x4 thanx and more power to you God bless you
Bluetooth will work with swimming, once they hit the water it will lose connection than reconnect once out.
Bluetooth will not work under water, once your headphones/buds go beneath the surface it will cut sound until you resurface.
The best headphones I have EVER had for training are the FX-Sport VRX headphones. On the ear and with 8gb internal storage so zero signal drop out. Super comfortable [nothing in my ear!], great sound quality and very resilient. They also now come with hundreds of preloaded workouts which play over your own music [optional] or you can create your own. You can also swim with them with a bought accessory. They sort of seem a little old school, but when you have already solved the problem of how to listen to music whilst training, all these other solutions, even though they seem more high tech, are in practice just not as good.
Hi Dave,
Thanks for that comment – really helpful. Do you know if it’s possible to buy spare foam earphone covers for VRX?
I want a racing or running headphone . Which should not lost .last time i was using blink buds and it was lost when after racing i was busy to talk with my friend it slipped away from my shoulders . I want a wireless headphone comfortabely fit in ears ,weight should be 15 gm ,battery backup upto 10 hrs ,premium sound quality , both speakers have back magnet so when i am not using it .it make a circle around my neck and dosent slipped down
I was very surprised to see the omission of the Beats branded headphones. Can you comment as to why none of the Beats branded headphones did not make the list? Their website says they are sweat resistant and have a 9hr battery.
Just returned may Aftershokz Trekz Air to the retailer. Headed to the gym, fully charged, but would not turn on. Retailer no longer carries the brand, but Customer Service did not know why. OK performance for time owned (4 weeks), gym four days a week and some TV watching/listening. Bone conduction is impressive, tickles on occasion, but bass is non=existent.
Bose SoundSport wireless. Had them for some eight months. The best thing is the sound, especially bass. I have changed close to a dozen brands and models before getting these.
Battery life is fine and quick top-up charge of 20min gives you a couple of hours.
On the downside, does not sit secure enough in the ear despite varying soft bits sizes.
The collar clip at the back comes off very easily and gets lost without effort. No, I am not careless in how I treat my gadgets it is a design flaw.
Once the collar clip is gone, the cable tends to stick to the sweaty skin and you have to be mindful of turning your head as you risk to pull ear piece out.
The volume control unit is relatively heavy and tends to pull on the nearest ear piece, so if the half of the cable that the unit is on is a little taut, it wants to pull the ear piece out of the ear when you turn your head even a little. You sort of have to be constantly mindful of that and it becomes a pain in the back side.
Bluetooth connectivity has been quite problematic with Galaxy S6 and Note8. Dropouts quite frequent and long, especially with S6.
Elsewhere on the net I read that after about a year the volume control rubber and the little plug that closes USB port become loose and wear out quite badly.
Overall, the only good thing for me about this model is the sound, the rest of it is poor design and therefore problematic utility.
I am sort of relieved that they got stolen, good excuse to buy something different.
So, would I recommend it? NO, sorry.
Looking for a wireless in ear headphones set. Mainly for working out so some sort of water proof or water resistant. To be used with S9. Any recommendations?
I’m using Jabra Elite 65t with my S10
I have an S9… I bought the JBL Reflect Mini 2 to replace my previous set and am super happy with the fit (they don’t fall out, which had been my experience with other in-ear models), the sweat resistance, the bluetooth connection (starts crackling at around 10 or 11 metres away) and the sound quality (they do bass well, treble can get a bit tinny on some tunes but it’s not an issue for the tunes I listen to for working out!)
I hope this helps!
How do the Jaybird Vistas rate in the list ? And no mention of the Powerbeats?
The powerbeats was exactly what I was replacing… what I encountered is probably not a common problem but I was bothered by the angle that the earpiece was set at in relation to the part that hooked over and behind the ear. I am way happier with an in-ear solution. I don’t know the vistas.
PLEASE consider the TaoTronics sound liberty earbuds, these have a small form factor but they are difficult to keep in your ears because the wing tip supplied just doesn’t do the job, they sound great if you can obtain a good fit and the Bluetooth range and battery life is excellent BUT they have connection issues.
My first pair from Amazon failed to connect (to each other) almost immediately so I returned for a refund and bought another pair, 3 months later the same thing has happened, light flashes on the right ear bud and wont connect to the left. It doesn’t matter how often you clear the pairing and try again, they just don’t work. I suggest you save yourself some anguish and spend a bit more, I bought the Bose Sport, reliable buds and sound great!
$50 australian tozo wireless buds. Havent had a problem. 3m old. Love em. Amazon. Stop getting ripped off. I bought md03 over ears as well. Don’t recognize taps as well. Sweated and dropped. So far so good