Not all earbuds are made for the gym. If you’ve ever had your wired headphones pulled out during a workout or had earbuds fall out while running, you know how frustrating it can be. That’s why choosing the right pair matters.
In 2025, many earbuds are designed specifically for workouts — they stay in place, handle sweat, and help you stay focused. Regular earbuds might be fine for sitting at a desk, but they don’t always work well when you’re moving fast or lifting weights.
Gym earbuds are built for action, with better fit, water resistance, and features like noise cancelation or awareness modes. In this guide, we’ve picked the 8 best gym earbuds of 2025 after our thorough research to keep up with your workouts and make your training feel better and easier.
What to Look for in Gym Earbuds
Choosing the right gym earbuds isn’t just about sound quality — it’s about finding a pair that can keep up with your workouts.
Here are the key features to look for:
Secure Fit: Your earbuds need to stay in place while working out. Thus, look for designs with ear-hooks or wing tips that lock the earbuds into your ears. Some even offer multiple ear tip sizes to help you get the perfect fit. A secure fit also improves sound quality and noise isolation.
Sweat and Water Resistance (IP Rating): Your earbuds need to survive more than just music, they have to handle sweat, humidity, and maybe even rain if you train outdoors. Check for an IPX rating (IPX4 or higher is ideal).
Battery Life: There’s nothing worse than your earbuds dying mid-session. Look for at least 6-8 hours of battery on a single charge, with a charging case that adds extra power. Fast charging is a bonus.
Noise Cancelation or Transparency Mode: Active noise cancelation (ANC) helps block out distractions in a noisy gym, letting you focus on your form or your playlist. But sometimes, especially when running outdoors, it’s safer to hear your surroundings. That’s where transparency or ambient modes come in — they let outside sound in, so you can stay aware while staying active.
Comfort for Long Use: Comfort matters, especially if you train for an hour or more. Lightweight earbuds with soft silicon tips or memory foam tips tend to be the most comfortable. Poorly fitting or bulky earbuds can cause ear fatigue or irritation over time.
Easy On-Ear Controls: You don’t want to keep reaching for your phone in between workouts. Look for earbuds with touch or button controls so you can easily change tracks, adjust volume, take calls, or activate voice assistants without interrupting your workout.
Quick Review of the 8 Best Gym Earbuds
Our 8 top recommended gym earbuds are:
| Overall Best Gym Earbuds | Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 |
| Best for Rugged Gym Use | Jabra Elite 8 Active |
| Best for Comfort and All-Day Wear | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds |
| Balanced performance + battery | Sony WF-1000XM5 |
| Best for Outdoor and Open-Ear Training | Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 |
| Best for Apple Users | Apple AirPods Pro 2 |
| Best for Android Users | Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 |
| Best Budget Gym Earbuds | Nothing Ear (a) |
In-Depth Look – Top 8 Best Gym Earbuds
Here’s our curated list of the 8 best gym earbuds you can buy in 2025 — each tested for sound quality, comfort, and reliability.
1. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Overall Best Gym Earbuds
- Secure ear hooks
- Sweat and water resistance (IPX4)
- Long 45-hour battery life
- ANC and Transparency mode
- On-device controls with volume rockers
- Built-in heart-rate tracking
- No wireless charging cable
- Bulky charging case size
- Premium price tag
When selecting the best overall gym earbuds, we prioritized real workout performance, fit, durability, sound, and ease of use. After evaluating across different workout types, including workouts, lifting, and outdoor runs, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 came out on top because they consistently held up without getting in the way.
The secure-fit ear hooks are the biggest win here — they’re lightweight but solid, and once you put them on, they stay in place no matter how much you move. During long, sweaty sessions, the IPX4 sweat and water resistance meant we never had to worry about moisture causing problems.
Battery life is impressive; with up to 10 hours on the buds and 45 with the case, we went days without charging. The on-device controls, especially the tactile volume rocker, were intuitive and way easier to use mid-workout than touch controls.
Noise canceling and transparency modes both performed really well — useful for zoning in or staying aware, depending on the setting. Comfort stayed solid even through extended use, and the addition of heart-rate monitoring was a nice bonus for tracking effort. After using a range of gym earbuds, these stood out for doing almost everything right without needing constant adjustment or attention.
View on Amazon: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
Best for Comfort and All-Day Wear
- Very secure, snug fit
- IPX4 sweat resistance
- Immersive spatial audio
- Top-tier noise cancelation
- Intuitive touch controls
- Up to 6 hours battery
- Quick 20-minute charge option
- Multipoint Bluetooth connection
- The case is slightly bulky for the pocket
- The price is on the premium side
- Immersive audio shortens battery life
When it comes to the best gym earbuds for comfort and all-day wear, we’ve closely evaluated several contenders, and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds come out on top. For workouts that span hours or require long-lasting wear without ear fatigue, these earbuds shine in terms of fit, stability, and overall comfort.
With super-soft silicon eartips and snug-fitting stability bands (offering 9 combinations), they’re built to stay in place during dynamic movements while still feeling incredibly light.
We also considered gym-centric features like IPX4-rated sweat resistance, and the QC Ultra Earbuds deliver enough durability for intense, sweat-heavy sessions. Their 6-hour battery life (24 with case) plus 20-minute quick charge means you’re rarely caught off guard mid-set.
World-class noise cancelation and Aware Mode offer both deep focus and environmental awareness when needed. Touch gestures are responsive and intuitive, keeping your phone in your pocket.
Add in Bluetooth multipoint and customizable sound via the Bose app, and these are just gym-ready. If your top priority is comfort, that doesn’t quit, these are the earbuds to beat.
View on Amazon: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds
3. Sony WF-1000XM5
Best for Balanced Performance and Battery
- Secure, snug gym fit
- Top-tier noise cancelation
- Great sound clarity and bass
- IPX4 level water resistance
- Long 8+28-hour battery
- Intuitive touch controls
- Very comfortable for hours
- Compact and lightweight design
- Premium price point
- No official sweatproof rating
- No ear hooks for extreme workouts
When evaluating earbuds for gym use, we focused on balanced performance and reliable battery life — two things that matter most during regular, often intense workouts. After trying several models, the Sony WF-1000XM5 stood out not because of flashy features, but because it consistently delivered in all the right ways.
The battery life is solid, with around 8 hours in the buds and another 24 in the case. We rarely had to worry about running out of charge mid-workout, and the quick-charge feature actually came in handy a few times.
In terms of the gym fit, they’re lightweight, 25% smaller and 20% lighter than the WF-1000XM4 and stay in place well. The noise cancelation is excellent, especially in a busy gym, but the transparency mode is just as useful when running outside.
They’re comfortable enough to wear for long sessions, which is something we’ve found lacking in bulkier earbuds. The IPX4 water resistance also handled sweat without issue.
Controls are responsive and easy to use on the move. Overall, we’d say these are not overhyped — they just quietly get everything right for gym use. After trying out many different earbuds, we think the WF-1000XM5 is a solid choice if you want something that gives you good sound, stays in place, and lasts long.
View on Amazon: Sony WF-1000XM5
4. Jabra Elite 8 Active
Best for Rugged Gym Use
- Secure fit with Jabra ShakeGrip technology
- IP68 dustproof and waterproof protection
- Long battery life
- Strong noise cancelation
- Durable build quality
- Great for extreme workouts
- The charging case is not fully waterproof
- Bulky charging case
When evaluating gym earbuds for rugged, intense training environments, we looked for earbuds that can handle extreme sweat, dust, and movement. After deep research and assessment, the Jabra Elite 8 Active clearly tops this category.
These earbuds offer unmatched durability, with IP68 dustproof and waterproof protection, making them ideal for sweaty, chaotic gym sessions and even outdoor mud runs. Their military-grade toughness sets them apart — only a few earbuds can be submerged in water or dropped during a workout and still perform perfectly.
The Jabra ShakeGrip™ technology ensures a secure fit even during an intense workout or strength training, without the need for wings. We found the battery life excellent for gym-goers, with up to 8 hours per charge (ANC on) and 32 hours total with the case.
Adaptive Hybrid ANC and HearThrough modes offer flexibility to stay in the zone or be aware of surroundings. Plus, they’re comfortable for long sessions, and on-ear touch controls are responsive and sweat-friendly. If you train hard and need earbuds that can keep up, these are the ones.
View on Amazon: Jabra Elite 8 Active
5. Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
Best for Outdoor and Open-Ear Training
- Secure, ergonomic ear hook
- IP55 water and sweat resistant
- 12-hour battery life
- Open-ear comfort, no pressure
- Dual noise-canceling mics
- On-ear volume/control buttons
- Preset and custom EQ options
- Bass isn’t very strong.
- Not waterproof for swimming
- Open-ear design leaks sound
- Not ideal for loud gyms
When evaluating earbuds best for outdoor and open-ear training, we focused on safety, awareness, comfort, and sound performance. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 came out on top.
With its open-ear design, it keeps you aware of your surroundings for outdoor running or cycling, while still delivering surprisingly rich and immersive audio thanks to dual drivers (bone and air conduction). This combination gives both clear highs and deep bass without ear fatigue.
In our gym-focused evaluation, they nailed the fundamentals. The secure fit with ergonomic ear hooks and lightweight build ensures zero slippage during HIIT, runs, or lifting. Sweat and water resistance (IP55) held up even in high-humidity workouts.
Battery life is class-leading with 12 hours per charge, plus 2.5 hours from a 5-minute boost. The on-ear controls are easy to use mid-workout, and AI noise reduction keeps calls crisp in windy environments. These headphones are engineered for fitness, and from our evaluation, they’re the clear choice for outdoor athletes needing open-ear performance and all-day comfort.
View on Amazon: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
6. Apple AirPods Pro 2
Best for Apple Users
- Secure, customizable ear tips
- IP54 sweat/water/dust resistant
- 6-hour battery with ANC
- Superb noise cancelation quality
- Comfortable for long workouts
- On-ear touch volume control
- Premium price point
- Best with Apple devices
- No built-in fitness tracking
- No ear hook design
- Limited Android features
When evaluating gym earbuds, we look for a combination of fit, durability, comfort, control, and sound performance — especially in noisy, fast-paced environments. In our evaluation, the Apple AirPods Pro 2 emerged as the best for Apple users due to their seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem and well-rounded performance in every key area a fitness enthusiast demands.
The secure fit with four sizes of silicon tips ensures they stay put during intense movements. Their IP54 rating offers reliable protection from sweat and dust, making them suitable for daily workouts.
With up to 6 hours of listening with ANC and 30 hours total with the case, battery life easily covers multiple gym sessions. The noise cancelation and adaptive audio help isolate gym clatter while still allowing you to stay aware with Transparency Mode when needed. We also found the Touch controls intuitive — changing volume or mode mid-set was effortless.
Most importantly, they remain comfortable even during long use, with no ear fatigue. If you’re an Apple user looking for top-tier gym earbuds with premium features, the AirPods Pro 2 are a well-balanced, high-performance choice worth the investment.
View on Amazon: Apple AirPods Pro 2
7. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Best for Android Users
- Secure fit with twist-to-adjust stabiliser
- IP54 sweat-resistant design
- Long 30-hour ANC battery
- Effective noise cancelation
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Easy touch controls
- Translate feature for travelers
- IPX4 case is not fully waterproof
- Full features require Android
- Slightly premium pricing
- Limited customisation on iOS
When it comes to choosing the best gym earbuds for Android users, Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 tosp our list — and for good reason. In our evaluation and review of various fitness-focused earbuds, these stood out for Android fans who need stable, sweat-resistant, high-performance earbuds in their workouts. Backed by the Tensor A1 chip, they offer smooth performance and integrate brilliantly with Pixel and other Android devices.
The twist-to-adjust stabiliser provides a secure fit, ensuring the buds stay put through workouts, runs, and lifting sessions. Their IP54 sweat and water resistance rating holds up well under sweaty gym conditions.
With up to 30 hours of battery life with ANC and quick charging support, they’re great for long workout sessions. The ANC with Silent Seal™ 2.0 does an excellent job silencing background clatter, while Transparency Mode keeps you aware when needed. We loved the lightweight, all-day comfort, and the touch controls are responsive even mid-set.
For Android users serious about both fitness and sound, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a solid, smart, and gym-ready choice.
View on Amazon: Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
8. Nothing Ear (a)
Best Budget Gym Earbuds
- Secure and snug fit
- IP54 sweat resistance
- Long 9.5-hour battery
- Strong 45 dB ANC
- Lightweight, comfy design
- Quick 10-min charge
- Bass-heavy sound tuning
- Custom pinch controls
- Dual device connection
- The case is only IPX2 rated
- Pinch controls need practice
- No wireless charging option
- Adaptive ANC drains battery
When evaluating the best budget gym earbuds, we focused on performance, durability, and features that matter during workouts, like secure fit, sweat resistance, long battery life, and impactful sound. After researching multiple options, Nothing Ear (a) stood out for delivering flagship-level features at an affordable price point.
These earbuds offer a lightweight, secure fit (4.8g each) that stays put through cardio and lifting alike. The IP54 rating ensures sweat and dust resistance, making them gym-safe.
What really impressed us was the 9.5-hour battery life, with up to 42.5 hours including the case, which is rare in this price range. The 45 dB ANC helped block out gym clatter, while Transparency Mode came in handy during outdoor runs.
The punchy bass, because of the 11mm dynamic driver and Bass Enhance algorithm kept us pumped through every set. Plus, customisable pinch controls and dual connection simplified switching between workouts and calls.
View on Amazon: Nothing Ear (a)
FAQs on Gym Earbuds
1. What makes earbuds “gym-ready”?
Gym-ready earbuds are designed to stay secure during movement, resist sweat and water, and provide good sound quality even in noisy environments. They often include features like ear-hooks, water resistance (IP rating), and strong battery life.
2. Are noise-canceling earbuds good for the gym?
Yes — ANC can help you focus by blocking out background noise like gym music or chatter. However, if you’re running outside or cycling, choose earbuds with a transparency or ambient mode so you can hear your surroundings for safety.
3. Can I use regular earbuds for working out?
You can, but regular earbuds may fall out easily, get damaged by sweat, or feel uncomfortable during long sessions. Gym-specific earbuds are built for secure fit, durability, and comfort during physical activity.
4. Are all gym earbuds waterproof?
No, but most are water- or sweat-resistant. Look for an IP rating — IPX4 is the minimum for sweat resistance, while IPX7 or IP68 offers more protection against heavy sweat or rain.
5. What earbuds won’t fall out during intense workouts?
Earbuds with ear-hooks, fins, or stabilizers like the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 or Jabra Elite 8 Active are designed to stay in place during running, jumping, or weight training.
6. Are bone conduction earbuds good for workouts?
Yes, especially for outdoor workouts. Bone conduction earbuds like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 let you hear your music while keeping your ears open to traffic, people, or surroundings.
Final Words
The right pair of earbuds can completely transform your workout, keeping you focused, energized, and free from distractions. In 2025, the choices are better than ever, with gym-specific features like secure fits, sweat resistance, noise cancelation, and all-day comfort built into top models.
If you want the best overall performance, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are hard to beat. For intense, rugged workouts, the Jabra Elite 8 Active is built like a tank.
Prefer all-day comfort? Go with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. The Sony WF-1000XM5 strikes a great balance between battery life and immersive audio, while the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 keeps you aware during outdoor sessions.
Apple and Android users are covered too, with the AirPods Pro 2 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 offering seamless ecosystem support. And if you’re watching your budget, the Nothing Ear (a) delivers solid gym performance without breaking the bank.
No matter your workout style or budget, there’s a perfect gym earbud waiting to power your next session.
