Want to be fully immersed in your workout? Check out our list of wireless workout headphones that is suited for élite athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.

How To Choose the Right Wireless Workout Headphones

Not all wireless headphones are cut out for workouts. There are certain important qualities that come into play when choosing the right pair of wireless workout headphones.

Consider asking the following questions:

• Wireless or True Wireless headphones?
• Does it fit comfortably and stay on well?
• Is it sweat/water-resistant?
• How long is the battery life?
• Does it have built-in mic and controls?
• How is the sound isolation?

So why are these questions important? We have explained them in detail below. Click on the title below to expand.

Wireless v.s. True Wireless

Wireless vs True Wireless Headphones

While the two use Bluetooth to connect to your audio source, “True Wireless Headphones” and “Wireless Headphones” are technically different. And understanding the differences between the two will help in finding a pair of headphones that will complement your lifestyle and the kind of activities you do.

True Wireless Headphones

True wireless headphones are in-ear monitors (IEM) or earbuds that have no cord connecting them. All the controls, mic, and battery are built into their housing. These types of earbuds are most ideal for those who lead an active lifestyle because they’re:

• Comfortable and lightweight.
• Resistant against sweat and moisture.
• Non-restricting and offer total freedom of movement.
• More durable because there’s no wire damage to worry about.
• Very portable and easy to store, even in the smallest of bags.

This combination of features makes them a great accessory for indoor and outdoor activities. They’re also great for those who don’t like the feeling of having wires draped around their necks or shoulders while working out. The downside, however, is that you can easily lose them if you aren’t careful.

Wireless Headphones

This type includes battery-powered over-ear or on-ear headphones, and wireless IEMs or earbuds that have cables that connect them in the form of a neckband. The cables usually contain the mic, volume rockers, playback button, and battery.

Like truly wireless earbuds, wireless headphones come with similar advantages, such as:

• Comfort and freedom of movement.
• Good durability and portability.
• Good moisture and sweat resistance.
• More security, thanks to an additional neckband.

Some wireless models, however, may be too cumbersome for vigorous workouts. Over-ear or on-ear wireless headphones, for instance, may feel too bulky or heavy. And as mentioned before, the way the neckbands of wireless IEMs hit your neck with every movement may be distracting during a workout. As such, these types are best used for less intense activities.

Form Factor

Form factor

The form factor refers to the particular style of wireless headphones. This typically comes in three types: IEMs, earbuds, and regular headphones. Familiarizing yourself with the differences and advantages of each form factor is an essential step in making sure your wireless headphones will fit seamlessly into your workout regimen.

Choose IEMs Over Earbuds

Wireless earbuds are a popular choice among fitness fanatics because of their portability and lightness. They come in two forms: IEMs and Earbuds.

In-Ear Monitors (IEM) are headphones that have the driver units inserted into your ear canals and stay snug there. IEMs come in with foam or silicone ear tips in different sizes to fit different ears.

Earbuds, on the one hand, sit only on your ears’ concha bowl, the lower cup of your ears right before the canal. Unlike IEMs and their replaceable ear tips, they are often one-size-fits-all. Thus, earbuds might fit less snugly and could fall off during workouts more often than IEMs.

Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

Wireless over-ear headphones have ear cups that go over the ear and a headband that supports the headphones on the head. In terms of form factor, over-ear headphones are more likely to stay snug while the wearer is exercising. This holds true as long as the clamping force is reasonable, else the wearer will experience excess tension after long periods of wear.

However, over-ear headphones have their downsides. They are bulkier than in-ear headphones and if the ear pads are not nano-coated, they will get damaged by the sweat.

Water or Sweat Resistance

Water or sweat resistance

Sweat is the kryptonite of wireless workout headphones, and it dictates their durability to a great extent; it’s the ultimate proof test, to say the least.

According to studies, the average person sweats 0.8 to 1.4 liters (around 27 to 47 oz.) per hour during exercise. This can wear or even completely put headphones out of action in the long run.

IP rating

An IP (International or Ingress Protection) rating is a pair of numbers that indicate how protected a device is against solids (dust) and liquids. The first number specifies the level of dust protection and goes as high as level 6. And the second number specifies moisture protection and goes up to level 9.

To illustrate, if your device has an IP69 rating, this means it’s fully protected against harmful dust and can survive accidental water immersion of up to 1m and high-pressure jet sprays.

Some devices have IP ratings with only one number, such as IPX6 or IPX8. This means the device was not tested for dust resistance. In this case, it’s best to err on the side of caution and assume the device is not dust-proof.

Sweat-proof vs waterproof

When looking for wireless workout headphones, you’ll most likely encounter listings advertising waterproof builds, but, more often than not, the term ‘waterproof’ is used loosely.

As a rule of thumb, devices need a minimum of IPX4 to be sweat-proof. However, headphones with these IP ratings are not waterproof.

Only devices that are rated IPX7 and IPX8 can be called ‘waterproof’. These are usually nano-coated with hydrophobic properties.

That’s why, if your workout routines involve immersing in the water, we suggest going all-out and opting for IPX8-rated headphones which basically allow you to soak up to 3 meters (9.8 feet) deep in the water.

You can refer to DSMT’s IP Rating Reference Chart to wrap your head around this grading.

Battery Life

Battery life

Like any other wireless electronic device, the battery life of wireless headphones is one of the top concerns for all users. The best Bluetooth headphones can last at least 8 hours, enough to survive a full day at the gym. The best true wireless headphones can last at least 4 hours.

Many consider 4-6 hours of battery life in true wireless headphones a stumbling block. But the small portable size of wireless in-ear headphones can’t accommodate audio drivers and more powerful batteries at the same time.

In a nutshell, battery power depends on the facility of the battery itself. On-ear wireless headphones have the advantage of longer battery life. Their ear cups can accommodate bigger, more powerful types of batteries as compared to in-ear wireless headphones.

If you’re looking at true wireless headphones, it’s a tradeoff that you have to keep in mind. Besides, it’s what the nifty charging cases are made for — to offset the limited battery life.

Know that diminishing battery affects the overall performance of most wireless headphones. So if you tend to spend a few hours on your training, on-ear wireless headphones may be more suited to your needs.

Sound Isolation

Sound isolation

Wireless in-ear and on-ear headphones have noise isolation capabilities by design. They can dial ambient noise back so that you can fully concentrate on your workout.

Some wireless headphones even have Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) to electronically block out the background or ambient noise completely.

Gyms are inherently rowdy, so a good pair of noise-canceling wireless headphones would give fitness buffs a head start to be in the zone.

Sound Quality

Sound quality

Music carries us through difficult workouts and it’s hard to get pumped up without it. Headphones with great bass response can be especially helpful because all that extra oomph can make us feel more empowered while working out.

In fact, a study done at the Kellogg School of Management showed that listening to music with strong beats and driving bass lines, dubbed “high-power” music, can alter our behavior and mindset, making us feel stronger, more confident, and more capable.

Some headphones already have a good bass response right out of the box, while others allow you to increase your bass even more through bass boost buttons or by tweaking the sound equalization using companion apps.

Special features

Special features

Those who are looking for features-packed wireless workout headphones might want to check out these bells and whistles:

Heart rate monitoring

Biometric headphones keep tabs on your heart rate without needing an external device. All you need is an app to track your progress.

Bone conduction

Bone-conduction technology, or sound conduction to the ear through the bones of the skull, is slowly gaining traction with consumers. Wireless headphones using bone conduction are mainly used underwater and are practical for use in situations where you have to be aware of your environment. It’s great for doing outdoor activities like running and jogging.

Voice Assistants

Voice assistants such as Apple’s Siri, Alphabet’s Google Assistant, Amazon’s Alexa, and Microsoft’s Cortana are on their way to becoming a necessity in wireless headphones.

If supported, they can help you check your phone’s messages, accept/end a call, search the web, or pull up an app, among other functionalities, without letting go of any gym equipment.

Multipoint connectivity

Multipoint connectivity supports multiple connections for Bluetooth devices. This means that your wireless headphones can be connected to at least two different audio sources at the same time. It’s especially helpful when working out because you can switch easily between different devices to access your music or take calls, without having to mess around with your settings.

10 Best Wireless Workout Headphones [2021]

Jabra Elite Active 75t

Key features

• Form Factor: True Wireless
• Battery Life: 5.5 hours (with ANC)
• IP Rating: IP57
• Microphone: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Active
• Other features: Secure active fit, Voice Assistant Integration, Multipoint Connectivity

Jabra is known for its amazing sound quality and durability. And Jabra Elite Active 75t is no exception. The Jabra Elite Active 75t is a solid follow-up to its powerful predecessor, the Jabra Elite Active 65t. It comes with enhancements that address the issues some users had with the 65t.

Equipped with multipoint connectivity, you can pair the Jabra Elite Active 75t to multiple devices simultaneously. This allows your workout headphones to also be used for work or other leisure purposes without having to switch connections between devices. It also sports Bluetooth 5.0 and has a quick charge feature.

You only need to charge it for 15 minutes to use it for 1 hour. On a full charge, the battery life can last for up to 7.5 hours if used without the Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) function.

These wireless workout headphones have an advanced digital ANC technology that mimics that of a Hybrid ANC system. You can also adjust the noise cancellation levels via the Jabra Sound+ App. It works with a simple slider to offer great flexibility.

You can also choose its HearThrough function. This feeds ambient sound to your ears so you’ll be aware of what’s going on around you. Additionally, the noise-canceling microphones help to drown background noises and improve the quality of your calls.

Aside from the smaller and lighter build, the Jabra Elite Active 75t earbuds also have a special grip coating that helps keep them in place even through vigorous workouts.

It is also IP57-rated so you can run, hike, or cycle for hours without worrying about damaging your earbuds.

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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
• Other Features: Sony’s EXTRA BASS, Sony 360° Reality Audio, Google Fast Pair, Wearing Detection

For superior sound clarity and detail while working out, the Sony WF-SO800N may very well be one of your best bets. With Sony’s EXTRA BASS and 360° Reality Audio features, you’ll feel as though your favorite band is right beside you, playing your jams as you work out.

The Sony | Headphones Connect app offers various features to personalize your listening experience. Some of the best ones are:

• Set alternative functions on the headphones’ touch controls
• Access Sony’s 360° Reality Audio for a more realistic and wider soundstage.
• Adjust noise cancellation levels
• Customize sound EQ

Lastly, the Sony WF-SO800N also supports Google’s Fast Pair feature. This means you won’t have to worry about losing this pair. You can easily find these through Google’s Find My Device app on your smartphone.

With the Sony WF-SO800N, you can completely block out the generic music from your gym’s speakers. All thanks to its advanced Adaptive Noise Cancellation. This enables it to automatically adjust the noise cancellation levels depending on your surroundings. Plus, it also has an Ambient Mode or a Quick Attention Mode that automatically turns down the volume and stops the noise cancellation with just a push of a button.

On a full charge, the Sony WF-SO800N will give you more or less 9 hours of juice. That’s enough for you to finish all your exercises, and then some. If you need an extra boost, this also has a quick charge feature. A 10-minute charge will give 1 hour of playback.

This pair also has IP55 dust and water resistance. So you’re sure it can last through intense training and workouts.

The earbuds are also a bit bulky compared to its competitors. Depending on your ear size and shape, it juts out a bit from the ears, which can also make these fall out easier.

If you still wish to buy these, though, be sure to check out our guide on how to keep your earbuds from falling out.

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Otium Sports Earphones

Key features

• Form Factor: Wireless Earbuds
• Battery Life: 8 hours
• IP Rating: IPX7
• Microphone: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Passive
• Other Features: Multipoint Connectivity, Super Quick Charging

If you’re looking for wireless earbuds that sound good and won’t break the bank, the Otium Sports Earphones are a great option within the $20 price bracket.

These wireless earbuds are lightweight and stable, thanks to a streamlined design and comfortable ear hooks that keep the earbuds in place. They’re also IPX7 waterproof and make use of nano-coating technology to keep moisture out. This keeps them safe from sweat and makes them great for outdoor activities in any weather condition.

The Otium Sports earphones can last up to 8 hours on a single charge. They also come with a super-quick charging capability, which is helpful if you’re in a time crunch or if you’ve forgotten to charge your buds. You can even check your battery status on your iOS device.

Sound-wise, these earbuds are pretty decent for their price. They offer HD stereo sound with a good bass response for immersive listening. The gel ear tips also provide good passive noise cancellation so that you can focus more on your workout.

The earbuds have a built-in mic with cVc 6.0 Noise Suppression Technology. This makes sure your voice comes across crystal clear during calls, even in noisy gyms.

Physical control buttons are located on the side of the earbud. This lets you skip, play, or pause your music. That way, you don’t always need to have your phone in hand to change tracks. It also allows you to take or reject calls while you’re on the go.

The Otium Sports earphones are equipped with Bluetooth 5.1 multipoint connectivity with Enhanced Data Rate (EDR). They pair quickly and easily with up to two devices and have an operating range of up to 33ft. This keeps you seamlessly connected to your music and calls.

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Anker Soundcore Life P2

Key features

• Form Factor: True Wireless
• Battery Life: 8 hours
• IP Rating: IPX5
• Microphone: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Passive
• Other Features: Voice Assistant Integration, EQ Sound Modes, One-Step Pairing

If you want bigger bass for a fraction of the cost, the Anker Soundcore Life P2 earbuds are another great budget option.

The earbuds have oversized triple-layer 10mm graphene drivers equipped with BassUp technology. You can choose from three EQ modes – Soundcore Signature, Bass Booster, and Podcast. The Bass Booster mode enhances bass by 43% to help you power through your workouts. Switching between modes is also as simple as a press of a button.

Each earbud has two built-in microphones with cVc 8.0 Noise Reduction. They’re enhanced with an AI algorithm that improves voice pick up and suppresses background noise, making sure you come across clearer on calls even in noisy environments.

Moreover, the Anker Soundcore Life P2 earbuds are 10% lighter than most earbuds at only 4.4 grams. This makes them super comfortable to wear while working out. And with an IP rating of IPX7, they’re also fully protected from water exposure so you can use them in wet conditions.

The battery delivers up to 8 hours of listening on a single charge. And with the charging case, you can get up to 40 hours. You also don’t need to worry about running out of juice because these earbuds can charge up fast. A 10-minute charge is enough for 1 hour of playback, which is just enough time to get in a quick workout.

Last but not least, the earbuds use Bluetooth 5.2 technology to connect to your audio device. This gives you a stable, skip-free connection, even in high-traffic places.

Pairing to other devices is a piece of cake, thanks to Anker’s PUSH AND GO technology. All you need to do is remove the earbuds from the charging case and they’ll instantly connect with the last paired device.

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Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500

Key features

• Form Factor: Wireless On-ear
• Battery Life: 18 hours
• IP Rating: IP67
• Microphone: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Passive
• Other Features: Voice Assistant Integration, Multipoint Connectivity

If you’re looking for an upgrade from BackBeat Fit, BackBeat Fit 500 is a fitting choice with a robust design and an excellent sound profile at just the same price range under $100.

Thanks to their 40mm audio drivers and the closed-back on-ear design, the BackBeat Fit 500 is ideal for those who want noise isolation on top of a deep, rich sound experience during workouts.

The headphones have a memory foam headband and comfortable ear cups, the latter being responsible for muffling ambient noise very well.

BackBeat Fit 500’s nano-coating is IP67-certified which means they can actually be immersed in the water down to 1 meter (3.9 feet) for 30 minutes. Made with P2i military-grade nano-coating, the ear cups are protected too. This means that the entire headphone is water-proofed and ready to endure even the toughest of weather conditions.

BackBeat Fit 500 can last up to 18 hours on a single charge. Using Class 1 Bluetooth, you can go as far as 33 feet (10 meters) from the source without a hitch.

The playback controls are discreetly located on the right ear cup while the volume rockers are on the side of the right ear cup. The mic on the left ear cup allows you to accept/reject calls and even access Siri, Cortana, or Google Now.

The headphones come with a 3.5mm backup jack which you can plug at the bottom of the right cup. This is very handy if you run out of battery; you can still use the wire to listen to music.

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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

If you’re a pro-swimmer who likes to listen to music while training, the Sony NW-WS413 may be the audio companion you need. This is built specifically to last through up to 2 meters of water. It also provides high-quality audio you wouldn’t expect to hear underwater.

The Sony NW-WS413 headphones have the highest IP rating on the list, allowing them to endure even the harshest of weather conditions. With a rating of IP68, these headphones can power through up to 2 meters of salt/freshwater. It’s sealed against dust, sand, or other particles. It can handle temperatures of up to -5 °C.

The ergonomic build of these earbuds ensures long-lasting comfort and security. The around-the-ear design prevents them from falling out and adds stability even in rough workouts.

The Sony NW-WS413 also boasts of its 12-hour battery life. So you can use it throughout your workout and more! These also have an Ambient Mode feature, for when you need to remain alert to your surroundings.

Sony decided to go for a built-in MP3 player instead of wireless connectivity, especially for water sports. While Bluetooth is a standard connection, it may not be as reliable when it comes to swimming. It has 4GB of memory which is plenty enough to store your entire workout playlist! You can leave your phone at home or in your bag and still listen to your tunes while working out.

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AfterShokz Aeropex

Key features

• Form Factor: Bone Conduction
• Battery Life: 8 hours
• IP Rating: IP67
• Microphone: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: No
• Other Features: Voice Assistant Integration, Moisture Detection Alert

AfterShokz is not resting their laurels after their successful Trekz Air. They know exactly what the consumers want- something lighter and with longer battery life. To accomplish that is no simple feat and the AfterShokz Aeropex did just that.

With 8 hours of battery life, the wireless bone conduction headphones have an additional 2 hours of continuous playback time than the Air. Despite the longer battery life, the Aeropex weighs only 26g. Due to their lightweight build, the Aeropex feel comfortable when worn for extended periods. The light clamping force gives no pressure to the temporal bone but yet still can fit snugly during exercises.

The Aeropex have an IP rating of IP67 meaning that you can immerse them up to 1 meter of water depth, at a duration of 30 mins or less. They also have a Moisture Detection feature, which lets you know if the charging port is wet so you can charge them safely and avoid destroying them.

With the open-ear form factor, users can run comfortably without having anything inserted or on their ears, keeping it nice and airy. This makes the Aeropex perfect for users who sweat a lot and struggle to prevent their earbuds or headphones from slipping. It also allows you to hear incoming cyclists or runners from the back. However, if you are exercising in a noisy environment, it will distract you from your listening experience.

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Amazfit PowerBuds Pro

Key features

• Form Factor: True Wireless
• Battery Life: 9 hours
• IP Rating: IPX5
• Microphone: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Active
• Other Features: Multipoint Connectivity, Voice Assistant Integration, Sports Data Tracking, Smart Recognition of Running, Motion Beat Mode, Auto-connection, In-ear Detection, 4 ANC Modes, 10 Music Modes

Those who want to get serious about working out and are looking for a pair of heavy-duty earbuds to keep up with them will benefit from the Amazfit PowerBuds Pro. They come with a robust battery life of 30 hours, and a host of smart features like Sports Data Tracking and Movement Recognition, making them a true fitness companion.

Built-in Sports Data Tracking lets you monitor your time, speed, distance, calories burned, and heart rate, while giving you real-time progress notifications through the Zepp app.

By activating Smart Recognition of Running in the Zepp app, the earbuds can detect changes in movement. So when you start running, they immediately start recording data. The Motion Beat Mode further compliments this by enhancing your music when it detects that you’re working out. It also boosts your bass to help you get pumped for exercise.

The drivers come with LCP liquid crystal diaphragms that deliver clear high-resolution audio with richer and deeper bass. You can also adjust your sound preferences with as many as 10 different music modes. For more focused workouts, just choose from any of the 4 active noise cancellation modes, such as Indoor, Travel, Workout, and Adaptive.

With these earbuds, convenience is the name of the game. When opening the charging case, your earbuds will quickly pair with your last device, thanks to the auto-connection function. And with in-ear detection, your music automatically pauses or resumes when you remove or put in your earbuds.

With an IP rating of 55, you can take these earbuds virtually anywhere (except in the pool). Each earbud is super lightweight at only 6.7 grams. They also come with 4 extra pairs of ear tips, so that you’re sure to get a perfect fit.

The Amazfit PowerBuds Pro are the successor to the older Amazfit PowerBuds and have been upgraded with longer battery life and quick charge capability.

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Bayback Tempo 30

Key features

• Form Factor: True Wireless
• Battery Life: 8 hours
• IP Rating: IPX7
• Microphone: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Passive
• Other Features: Multipoint Connectivity, Bass Mode

If you just can’t get enough bass for your workouts, the Bayback Tempo 30 may give you the extra power you’re looking for.

The highlight of the Bayback Tempo 30s is their sound quality. These earbuds feature 8mm drivers that produce decently loud volumes and powerful bass right off the bat. But when you activate Bass Mode, you get an extra bass punch that’s distortion-free and perfect for getting you through intense workouts.

These true wireless earbuds are also built for serious athletes. They feature a sleek, IPX7-rated waterproof design with nano-coating technology. This keeps sensitive internal circuitry safe from sweat and rain so that you can work out with them anywhere.

Silicone gel ear tips give these buds a secure fit that won’t budge even during vigorous workouts or while running. They also come with six extra gel tips in different sizes, making sure they’ll fit perfectly whether you have small or large ears.

An 8-hour battery capacity gives you more than enough juice to last throughout a full workout. And with the charging case, you get an additional 24 hours of playtime for a total of 30 hours!

These earbuds also come with dual microphones that cancel out unwanted ambient noise, so that you can be heard clearly on calls whether you’re on the go or in the gym.

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DuoTen F9

Key features

• Form Factor: True Wireless
• Battery Life: 10-12 hours
• IP Rating: IPX7
• Microphone: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Passive
• Other Features: Multipoint Connectivity, Smart LCD Screen

If your priority is getting a pair of earbuds that’ll always be juiced up and ready to go, the DuoTen F9 earbuds are the best choice for you. They come with a built-in 85mAh battery that gives you up to 12 hours of playtime, which is enough to last an entire day and then some.

In addition to a long-lasting battery, the earbuds also come with a 2200mAh-capacity charging case. This gives you up to 156 hours of playtime and can fully recharge your earbuds up to 13 times! You can even use it as a powerbank to charge your phone or other portable devices.

Additionally, the charging case is also equipped with a Smart LCD Screen that allows you to easily check the battery status of both earbuds, without needing to open an app on your phone. Opening the charging case also initiates the pairing mode with your last used device, so you won’t need to fiddle around with settings.

The DuoTen F9 earbuds use Bluetooth 5.0 to give you a stable wireless connection up to 66ft, which means you don’t always need to have your phone on you while working out. And with the Smart Touch Control button, you can take or reject calls, access your voice assistant, and control your music with a single button.

Sound-wise, these earbuds deliver decent Hi-Fi stereo sound with a balanced bass response that’s good enough to keep your energy up during intense workouts.

Lastly, they’re IPX7 waterproof and lightweight, making them convenient for outdoor use in wet conditions. They also come with three extra pairs of ear tips for a more customized and comfortable fit.

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Notable Mentions

The following earbuds didn’t quite meet the standards of the top 10 previously mentioned ones. However, we had to include them due to some features that we felt are worth considering.

Bose Sport Earbuds

Bose Sport Earbuds

Close look at Bose Sport Earbuds (From: Amazon)

Key Features For Workout

• Latest Bluetooth version 5.1
• Comes with 3 pairs of StayHear Max tips
• IPX4 waterproof rating
• Simple touch controls
• 15-minute quick charge

The Bose Sport Earbuds have everything you can expect from Bose – premium build quality and solid sound. They are arguably a more affordable alternative to Bose QuietComfort earbuds. However, these are lighter and smaller than their more expensive counterparts.

Despite its small design, these earbuds deliver heart-thumping bass you can dance to. It boosts low frequencies to bring up the groove in your music. But unlike some headphones with boost-forward sounds, this pair ensures a balanced sound to preserve clarity. It uses Active EQ that automatically adjusts sound frequencies depending on the volume. So you can hear the vocals and instruments clearly, no matter how loud you want the music to be.

The Active EQ is fully automatic. There are currently no manual EQ settings available for the Bose Sport Earbuds.

Every bit of these Bose Sport Earbuds is also made of soft silicone. This spreads out the pressure of wearing earbuds and avoids any discomfort after prolonged wear. The different StayHear Max tips ensure an airtight seal for all ear sizes, effectively blocking out ambient noise so you get to focus more on your routines. Finally, because of the umbrella-shaped tip and flexible wings, the Bose Sport Earbuds stay snugly in place even during a rigorous workout.

With just a double-tap on the earbuds, users can easily answer calls without pausing their workouts. It’s also embedded with an array of beamforming microphones. You can hear and be heard clearly, no matter how loud the gym’s speakers or the clanking dumbbells are.

And if ever these die out on your workout, you can simply charge them for 15 minutes for another 2 hours of playback time.

For the price, one would expect a top-quality build that can last through intense workouts. But this pair only has an IPX4 rating, which is much lower than other models listed here. This means that while it can sustain a normal amount of sweat, these are not recommended for outdoor use.

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Jabra Elite Active 65t

Jabra Elite Active 65t

Key Features For Workout

• True wireless earbuds
• 5hrs playback time
• IP56 dust and water-proof
• 4-mic technology
• Built-in motion sensor

Full Review: Jabra Elite Active 65t | Business In Front, Party In The Back

Elite is Jabra’s most popular line of wireless headphones. The Jabra Elite Active 65t true wireless sports earbuds are a common sight around the gym. Elite Active 65t is what you would want for in true wireless workout headphones — stylish, great sound quality, fine sound isolation, exceptional fit, and a decent battery life of up to 15 hours with the aid of the charging case.

It’s identical to Elite 65t in every way, except that it has an IP56 rating. This means you can sweat your heart out or even go for a jog in the rain while wearing Elite Active 65t because it’s waterproof.

Unlike most sports headphones that focus on bass, Elite Active 65t has well-balanced levels of highs and lows. Jabra also has its own Jabra Sound+ app that allows users to customize the sound.

In terms of Bluetooth connection, the headphones have fewer dropouts as promised but pairing can be a hit-and-miss sometimes. Nevertheless, its 4-microphone technology makes sure you get the best quality calls.

The built-in motion sensor also comes in handy if you are hard on your workout goals; it can track your activity progress through the mobile app. If you want to maximize the support for virtual assistants, use either Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant as your right hand to play music, ask something, or launch an app with just a single touch.

Apart from the $190 price tag, the only common complaints about this pair are the inconsistent pairing and the uncomfortably tight fit for some ears.

Read Full Review: Jabra Elite Active 65t – Business in Front, Party in the Back

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Sennheiser CX Sport

Sennheiser CX Sport

Key Features For Workout

• In-ear with ear fins and adapters
• 6hrs battery life
• IPX4 sweat-proof
• Adjustable neckband

Sennheiser is best known for its high-caliber professional headphones, and rightfully so. Being in the industry for over seven decades, it’s one of the brands that propelled wireless audio technology into what it is today. The Sennheiser CX Sport in-ear headphones, in particular, deliver the right levels of highs and lows, with a solid bass presence and sculpted highs both executed with power.

Just 1.5 hours of charging can give 6 hours of battery life, enough to get you through the day. A 10-minute quick charge will give you 1 hour of battery life.

CX Sport comes with four sizes of silicone ear tips and three sizes of ear fins to give you the optimum fit and ambient noise reduction during arduous workouts.

It’s IPX4-rated, which means it’s sweat-resistant, and it’s light enough even if the inline mic and remote control are a little chunky.

It has a flat neckband to avoid the wires from tangling. It even has a cinch so you can adjust the neckband’s grip to your head’s size. It’s a tiny detail that will actually make a sizable difference when you’re moving so much.

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Bose Soundsport Free

Bose SoundSport Free

Key Features For Workout

• True Wireless Earbuds
• 5hrs battery life
• IP Rating: IPX4 (Sweat-proof)

Having no cable in between the headphones can be a liberating experience. But it ain’t all without a hiccup. True wireless headphones face three biggest issues: sound quality, fit, and battery. Props to Bose for pulling off an impressive pair of true wireless earbuds in the name of SoundSport Free, the successor to SoundSport Wireless. In fact, it’s one of the best high-end options in the cable-free department today.

The SoundSport Free delivers on its promise of high-end sound quality with Bose’s signature soft bass delivery that’s just perfect for a range of music genres.

In terms of wireless connection, SoundSport Free does a pretty good job at receiving Bluetooth signals from the source so you’re guaranteed stable, close-to-perfection connectivity. However, SoundSport Free can sometimes have high latency if used with video streaming.

While the SoundSport Free’s 5-hour life is lesser than its counterparts, the charging case can support them up to an extra 10 hours.

SoundSport Free looks bulky since they tend to stick out of your ears and it’s counterintuitive to its cable-free design. Noise isolation is a bit of a letdown here. Though you have various ear fins to choose from, they don’t entirely seal off your ear canal. You’ll notice its significance when you’re running or cycling; the wind noise will just swoosh right beneath your ears.

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