Staying at home, doing daily chores and attending online meetings, the year 2021 has forced a sedentary lifestyle upon us. But a short run can free your mind and relax your body. Then why sit at home and frown? Grab your masks and don’t forget the best running headphones!
When going for a run we love listening to our workout playlist. It just gives us the right amount of rush. But have you ever faced problems with headphones while running? If the sound quality is great, the grip is poor; if other features are worth spending on, the headphones are not resistant to water. Has this been the case with you as well? If yes, then worry no more! We spend months and days to find the best running headphones. After thorough testing and research, we have picked out a few that will work the best for you.
In this article we will discuss our favorite running headphones in 2021, one by one. If you are looking to buy one for you then this is your ultimate guide. But, before moving to the detailed reviews, let’s quickly look at the list of the top 6 headphones for running:
Roundup of the Best Running Headphones
| Best Running Headphones With Ear Hooks | TREBLAB X3 Pro Wireless Earbuds with Ear Hooks |
| Best Running Headphones With Bone Conduction | AfterShokz AS600CR Titanium Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones |
| Best Neckband Running Headphones | Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds |
| Running Headphones With Best Fit | Bose Sports Earbud |
| Most Comfortable Headphones for Running | Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds |
| Most Durable Running Headphones: | Sony WF-XB700 True Wireless Earbuds |
| Running Headphones With Best Sound Quality | Beats Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Earphones |
| Best True Wireless Earbuds for Running | Jabra Elite Active 65t Earbuds |
| Running Headphones With Best Battery Life | Under Armour True Wireless Flash X True Wireless Earbuds |
| Most Stylish Running Headphones | Skullcandy Push Ultra True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds |
| Best Noise Canceling Running Headphones | Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds |
| Headphones for Running With Most Reliable Connectivity | JBL Endurance Peak II True Wireless In-Ear Headphones |
How to Find the Right Running Headphones – Buying Guide
While buying a pair of headphones, especially for running, you ought to be extra careful. These headphones can be expensive at times, so you have the right to know if they are worth your money.
You have already gone through our list of favorites. Now let’s take a look at the features you should always search for while buying running headphones.
Sound Quality
First things first, sound quality is an important factor you should consider when buying running headphones. The better the sound of the running headphones, the more power packed will be your running performance.
Also, ensure the headphones or earbuds comprise an aware or a transparency mode to ensure you can switch to your surroundings as and when you want, especially if you’re planning to buy noise canceling headphones or earbuds.
Connectivity
If you have a strong distaste for wires around your neck, then the first thing you will want your headphones to be is “wireless.” The technology used in these headphones might differ. The near field communication (NFC) technology is trending right now. You know your requirements best. But our advice for a hassle-free experience will always be wireless headphones.
Fit
When it comes to fit, we have learnt a lot after trial and error. Cheap headphones might provide good sound quality for a while but can be average or poor when it comes to the fit. For that perfect grip, always go for premium brands that will serve you quality products. During a run you will definitely not want a loose-fitted pair of headphones. So, while buying running headphones, make sure the headphones provide a firm grip and accurate fit.
Comfort
Comfort is one of the most important factors you should consider while buying running headphones. We don’t want you to carry a heavy pair of headphones while running. Headphones are evolving and along with their additional features, brands are working toward creating lightweight headphones. You can easily find headphones that featherweight and designed to feel light while running.
Water Resistance
The sudden rain or your sweat won’t bother you if your running headphones are water- and sweat resistant. When on the track, we love to run an extra mile without any worries as we always have our water-resistant headphones with us. What are you waiting for? Go sweat it out!
Battery Life
Is the battery life of your headphones interrupting your cardio? Then it’s time to switch to headphones with a longer battery life. Our recommended headphones come with a battery life of 5+ hours and can go up to 12 hours with a single charge.
Price
Now this is one point you really need to consider carefully. Running Headphones can be a little expensive at times but they are worth every dollar. Consider this as an investment and do not shy away from getting the best.
Top 12 Headphones and Earbuds for a Productive Running Session
All the running headphones listed here and unique in their own way. So keep reading the article to find your favorite. At the end this guide, we will reveal which running headphones worked best for us.
1. Treblab X3 Pro Truly Wireless Earbuds with Ear Hooks
Best Running Headphones With Ear Hooks
- Can work up to 9 hours with a single charge
- Fast charging using USB-C type charge
- Seamless Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
- IPX7 sweatproof and waterproof
- Excellent audio quality
- Treble is a bit overpowering
The very first time we used this pair of headphones, we instantly fell in love. The Treblab X3 Pro is undoubtedly the best of the lot. Its unique and sleek design not only makes it attractive but extremely comfortable as well. But Treblab could have done a better job with the ear tip size.
These earbuds provide excellent noise cancellation, which is both a pro and a con. We discovered the same while taking calls. The noise cancelation is so extreme that we could barely hear what we were saying. So we could only use one ear bud at a time. Nevertheless, if you are looking for a completely discrete listening experience, you’ll love these earbuds.
Now, coming to the feature that we loved the most. These ear buds can be used as monopods too. Yes, that’s right! The monopods can be connected to separate devices. Voila!
Lastly, how can we forget the amazing sound quality and excellent bass? We could literally feel the music through the veins. The Treblab X3 Pro also has a cVc 8.0 mic and built-in controls in each ear pod, which makes it easy to answer calls. Therefore, if you are looking for a workout buddy then these headphones are a perfect fit.
In conclusion, the TREBLAB X3 Pro Wireless Earbuds with Ear Hooks are perfect for running in every way. They are the overall best headphones for running. The sound to price ratio is great. These true wireless buds are one of the most comfortable running earbuds on the market right now. The approximately 9-hour battery life is also excellent. You can even remove these earbuds for a few seconds and hang the ear hooks on your t-shirt or jacket; you need to look for the case. Moreover, the carrying case is not very portable.
View on Amazon: TREBLAB X3 Pro Wireless Earbuds with Ear Hooks
2. AfterShokz AS600CR Titanium Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones
Best Running Headphones With Bone Conduction
- Great audio quality; delivers crystal-clear audio
- OpenFit design allows ambient noise
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Enjoy calls and music for up to 6 hours
- IPX5 sweatproof and moisture resistant
- Comes with a carry case
- Does not comprise a noise-canceling microphone
- Tickling sensation on the cheek slightly increases when the volume is high
If you are a fan of bone conduction headphones, the AfterShokz AS600CR Titanium Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones are the right one for you.
Since it was not our first time testing a pair of bone conduction headphones, we had a fair idea of what to expect. However, the moment we played music, the headphones performed far better than what we expected. You can feel the music travel through your cheek bones, and the feeling is surreal.
The bone conduction headphones are built in a way that they won’t block your ear canal. Thus, they protect your ears and keep you aware of your surroundings.
But there are two drawbacks that didn’t allow these headphones to be at the top.
Firstly, they start vibrating a lot upon increasing the volume. We first considered this as a default in a particular model but later discovered that most of the bone conduction headphones vibrate at high volume.
Secondly, we absolutely didn’t appreciate the audio leakage. When we tried increasing the volume to the highest level, we noticed some audio leakage. It definitely won’t disturb people around you but can drop the audio quality to some extent.
So if you don’t mind these two drawbacks then you can definitely buy the AfterShokz AS600CR Titanium Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones. They are one of the best bone conduction headphones on the market.
In conclusion, the AfterShokz AS600CR Titanium Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones is compatible with glasses and helmets. Moreover, it is extremely easy to wear and use. The rubber-covered spring covering the two parts of the headphones is durable and sturdy. The Bluetooth connectivity works flawlessly. We did not experience any connectivity issues. The voice directions for GPS are a plus when you’re running. It’s safe to use voice directions when you’re running instead of looking at maps on your phone.
View on Amazon: AfterShokz AS600CR Titanium Bone Conduction Wireless Headphones
3. Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds
Best Neckband Running Headphones
- Provides a comfortable fit while running or working out
- Can work for up to 6 hours in a single charge
- Quick Bluetooth and NFC pairing
- Sweat- and water-resistant
- Sturdy and durable
- High-quality charging case
- Sleek and stylish
- Do not provide noise isolation
We can proudly call ourselves loyal users of Bose. Undoubtedly Bose has some amazing products, so when these earbuds were launched, we couldn’t resist but try them out as soon as possible.
The Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds are durable and sturdy. Apart from a great build, they comprise some amazing features.
They are really comfortable to start with and provide a secure. Therefore, they are perfect for workout sessions.
Secondly, their battery life is amazing. It will easily last you more than half a day after a single charge.
Not only this but the earbuds have seamless Bluetooth Connectivity that allows connection to any iOS or Android device. Another feature we really liked is the NFC technology that makes connectivity easier just by touching the earbuds..
In conclusion, if you are looking for an affordable pair of earbuds for running, the Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds can be a really good choice. They are one of the best Bose headphones when it comes to true wireless convenience. Whether you’re listening to music while running or attending/making calls, you’ll love these headphones. The highs are pretty good and bass is well balanced. The Bluetooth connectivity is stable and reliable.
View on Amazon: Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds
4. Bose Sport Earbuds
Running Headphones With Best Fit
- Provide a secure and comfortable fit
- Come with 3 sizes of StayHear Max Tips for a perfect fit
- Can work up to 5 hours in a single charge
- IPX4 sweat- and water-resistant
- Excellent sound quality
- True wireless convenience
Thanks to the insane battery life of the Bose Sport Earbuds, every time we get stuck somewhere while running, the fast charging provided by the earbuds comes to our rescue.
The Bose Sport Earbuds provide a great fit. Kudos to the smart touch that allows you to play or pause the music anytime. But we would have loved it even more if they had a volume control on the earbuds. Fair enough, right?
Nevertheless, we can’t complain much about these earbuds as the other features have covered up for the last one.
The Bluetooth connectivity is also quick and the earbuds are compatible with almost all devices. Overall, the Bose Sports Earbuds are worth your money considering the great sound quality and the comfort they provide.
View on Amazon: Bose Sports Earbud
5. Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds
Most Comfortable Headphones for Running
- Made of soft silicone material
- Well-balanced mids, lows, and highs
- Excellent sound quality
- Great build quality
- Intuitive touch controls
- Comfortable and durable
- We did not experience any issues with these earbuds
We were simply stunned by the comfort provided by the Bose QuietComfort Noise-Canceling Earbuds when we tried them first. Each earbud is covered with soft silicone material to provide continuous comfort.
We were so impressed by these ear buds that we almost lost track of time. The crispy, clear audio they provide does not let you miss a single detail. The bass is deep and rich. The audio quality delivered by these earbuds is excellent. Just like the Bose QuietComfort 35 II Headphones, these earbuds provide a stellar listening experience while you are running. After all, they come with 11 levels of noise cancelation.
Lastly, these earbuds come with intuitive touch controls that are convenient to use when you are running. All you need to do is tap the surface of the earbuds to increase/decrease the volume or play/pause/skip tracks.
Overall if you want to enjoy your audio content at its best and do not mind the other drawbacks then you can invest in the Bose QuietComfort Noise-Canceling Earbuds product.
In conclusion, if you want to enjoy your audio content at its best and do not mind the other drawbacks then you can invest in the Bose QuietComfort Noise-Canceling Earbuds product. They work perfectly with both iOS and Android devices. They will adapt to your ears like no other. It’s hard to find such comfortable true wireless buds for running. The noise cancelling is excellent.
View on Amazon: Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling Earbuds
6. Sony WF-XB700 True Wireless Earbuds
Most Durable Running Headphones
- Ergonomic design for a secure and comfortable fit
- 9 hours of battery life; extends up to 18 hours with the charging case
- Great audio quality
- Easy Bluetooth connectivity
- Smart Touch for quick access
- Short charging cable
We fell for the Sony WF-XB700 True Wireless Earbuds just after taking a look at it. Its sleek design makes it so attractive that we don’t mind wearing it all day. Plus, its ergonomic design provides a secure and comfortable fit.
If you get these Earbuds then leave the worry of charging this behind. It has an insane battery life of 9 hours and the charging case it comes with can extend the battery life up to 18 hours! What more can we ask?
In conclusion, the Sony WF-XB700 True Wireless Earbuds come with Smart Touch Technology that allows quick access to any device. These Earbuds would have been a dream come to true if only then had a longer charging cable and some extra bass. But we really don’t mind these two and so shouldn’t you.
View on Amazon: Sony WF-XB700 True Wireless Earbuds
7. Beats Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Earphones
Running Headphones With Best Sound Quality
- Great noise cancelation
- No wind noise issues
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Do not keep falling
- Good battery life
- Can be paired with multiple devices but not simultaneously
If sound quality is your top priority while buying running headphones, the Beats Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Earphones can be a great buy.
Firstly, these headphones are powered by the Apple H1 Headphone Chip. To be honest, we feel the sound quality of these wireless earphones is almost as good as the sound quality of the Apple AirPods Pro. We did not experience any issues with the sound quality of these earphones.
Secondly, we were really impressed with the battery life of these wireless earphones. Each earbud provides you with up to 9 hours of continuous listening in a single full charge. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about charging these earbuds time and again.
Thirdly, we found the controls of the Beats Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Earphones intuitive. Each earbud comprises a range of audio controls that are extremely convenient to use when you’re running. You can also command Siri for voice-activated assistance. The auto/play pause sensors are also a blessing, especially when you’re working out.
Lastly, these running earbuds are extremely comfortable too. The earhooks ensure they stay in place no matter how fast you’re running. The multiple ear tip sizes ensure an accurate fit. For us, these earbuds did not keep falling on running.
In conclusion, the Beats Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Earphones deliver decent sound quality and their battery life is really good. You can easily pair them to your iOS devices; however, you need to download the Beats app from the Google Play store to use them with Android devices. The call quality of these running earbuds is also pretty good.
View on Amazon: Beats Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Earphones
8. Jabra Elite Active 65t Earbuds
Best True Wireless Earbuds for Running
- Comfortable and durable
- Stylish design
- Great sound; even better when adjusted using the Jabra+ Sound app
- Provide runners with an excellent fit
- Good battery life
- Perfect for phone calls
- Compatible with both Android and iOS devices
- Good noise isolation
- The higher volume level can hurt your ears
If true wireless connectivity is your only criteria for buying running headphones, we’ve got an awesome pick for you right here – the Jabra Elite Active 65t Earbuds. They’re also one of the best wireless earbuds for iPhone.
Firstly, these true wireless earbuds are excellent when it comes to comfort and fit. We were really concerned about the fit, especially while running. However, we did not experience any discomfort or fit issues.
Secondly, the Jabra Elite 65t Earbuds deliver great audio quality and balanced bass. The volume is also good; we barely increased the volume beyond 50%.
Thirdly, we did not experience any issues with these true wireless running earbuds. The left and right earbuds did not lose sync with each other even once. The Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity is reliable and easy to use.
In conclusion, the Jabra Elite Active 65t Earbuds are indeed the best true wireless earbuds for running. They’re even perfect for calls as they are equipped with a 4-microphone technology. The battery life is great too. These earbuds can easily work for up to 13 hours in a single charge. Whether you’re using these earbuds with your iOS or Android device, you can personalize your listening experience using the Jabra+ Sound app.
View on Amazon: Jabra Elite Active 65t Earbuds
9. Under Armour True Wireless Flash X– Engineered by JBL
Running Headphones With Best Battery Life
- Extremely comfortable
- Good quality sound
- Good sweat resistance
- Waterproof; IPX7-rated
- Convenient wireless charging
- Long battery life
- Reliable and secure fit
- Compelling features that allow you to indulge in conversations and hear outside noise per your requirements
- Keep turning off when not in use
Even though most runners prefer headphones with hooks, we were stunned to experience the excellent fit provided by the Under Armour True Wireless Flash X True Wireless Earbuds.
Firstly, these true wireless in ear buds comprise wings that ensure the wireless buds don’t fall out easily. Not only this but these wireless buds also come with 3 pairs of ear tips to ensure you don’t struggle to find the ear tips that suit your ears the best. They’re great for working out too.
Secondly, these true wireless buds sound decent. They beautifully cancel external noise as and when required. The Under Armour True Wireless Flash X True Wireless Earbuds come with the Bionic Hearing feature that allows you to hear external noise using 2 different technologies – TalkThru and Ambient Aware, based on your requirements.
The TalkThru technology lowers the music and amplifier your speech to ensure you can talk to people around you. The AmbientAware technology increases ambient noise with rich bass so that you can hear surrounding and traffic noise when you’re running.
Thirdly, these running earphones have a better battery life than most other running headphones on our list. The long battery life can last for up to 10 hours in a single charge (for both earbuds).
In conclusion, the Under Armour True Wireless Flash X True Wireless Earbuds deliver well balanced sound. They are waterproof and sweat resistant. They also provide an extremely secure fit. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about them falling out while you’re running; the winged ear tips make all the difference. It was truly a delight to experience such an excellent in ear fit. They’re one of the very best running headphones in 2021.
View on Amazon: Under Armour True Wireless Flash X True Wireless Earbuds
10. Skullcandy Push Ultra True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds
Most Stylish Running Headphones
- Comfortable
- Stylish design and attractive colors
- Good fit
- Great sound quality
- Decent battery life
- Pocket-friendly price
- Need to keep checking the earbuds to ensure they’re charging properly
If you’re looking to create a style statement while running, the Skullcandy Push Ultra True Wireless Buds can be a good choice.
Firstly, these two earbuds are available in 3 color options – Bleached Blue, Electric Yellow, and True Black. We’re highlighting the color choices here as we did not find them in most of the running headphones we tested. The color choices, especially the Electric Yellow color, makes these in-ear sport headphones the most stylish ones for running.
Secondly, we really liked the comfort and fit delivered by these earbuds. The Secure FinFin Ear Gels along with Moldable Hooks ensure these wireless earbuds stay in place whether you’re jumping or running.
Thirdly, these earbuds sound great. The overall sound is pretty balanced; however, the highs are a bit less crispier. These running earbuds deliver rich bass. Also, you need to keep the volume high as these earbuds sit outside the ear canal.
In conclusion, the Skullcandy Push Ultra True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds are aesthetically appealing. They are comfortable and durable too. We found them to be a little bulkier than the other wireless running earbuds on our list. Also, these earbuds can deliver up to eight hours of battery in a single. The only thing we did not like about these running buds is their charging mechanism. We had to keep wiggling them a couple of times to ensure they’re charging properly.
View on Amazon: Skullcandy Push Ultra True Wireless In-Ear Earbuds
11. Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
Best Noise Cancelling Running Headphones
- Sleek design
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Reliable Bluetooth connectivity
- Detailed sound
- Excellent microphone layout
- Long battery life
- Dust-, sweat- and water-resistant
- One-touch control for activating voice assistants
- Quick sensors
- Intuitive touch controls
- The higher volume level can hurt your ears
- Overpowering bass
If you only want to focus on your music while running, you can buy the Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds without thinking twice. We bet you won’t find better active noise cancellation anywhere else.
Firstly, with these noise cancelling earbuds you can forget the world and concentrate on your music. All you need to do is able the active noise cancellation feature using the Jabra Sound+ app when you’re using these earbuds for the first time. Once done, you can switch between the active noise cancellation and Hear Through modes per your convenience.
Secondly, these noise cancelling earbuds deliver energetic sound. Using the Jabra Sound+ app you can personalize the sound per your preferences.
Thirdly, in terms of comfort and fit, we did not find a lot of differences between the Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds and the Jabra Elite Active 65t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds.
In conclusion, the Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds are compact and tiny. They’re indeed the best headphones for running when it comes to noise cancellation. They’re also one of the best in-ear wireless sports headphones and workout headphones on the market. These noise cancelling earbuds provide a secure and tight fit. They’re comfortable to wear for extended running sessions. Short battery life can never be an issue with these earbuds. They also comprise a 4-microphone setup that promises excellent call quality.
View on Amazon: Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
12. JBL Endurance Peak II True Wireless In-Ear Headphones
Headphones for Running With Most Reliable Connectivity
- Excellent sound quality
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Good battery life
- One of the best workout and sports headphones
- Reliable Bluetooth connectivity
- Quick to pair and use
- Intuitive touch controls
- Not suitable for people who sweat a lot
No, this category does not mean the Bluetooth connectivity in the case of other wireless headphones for running is not reliable. It’s just that it took us less than 10 seconds to establish the Bluetooth connectivity in the case of the JBL Endurance Peak II True Wireless In-Ear Headphones. They’re the best Bluetooth headphones for running.
Firstly, these earbuds deliver balanced sound. The bass is deep and rich. The highs are clear and crisp. The mids are beautiful. What more do you want?
Secondly, the ear hook design allows you to adjust these earbuds per your comfort and convenience. Thirdly, the 6 hour battery life per earbud is great; enough for a productive running session.
In conclusion, the JBL Endurance Peak II True Wireless In-Ear Headphones are the best running headphones when it comes to connectivity. They provide 24 hours of battery life with the case. With the right size ear tips, the bass and overall sound are great. They don’t keep falling out; however, they do slip out a bit when you’re running fast.
View on Amazon: JBL Endurance Peak II True Wireless In-Ear Headphones
Frequently Asked Questions About Running Headphones
The neckband design is specially built for durability is thus good for running. These headphones generally provide great sound quality to boost up your workout.
Headphones provide secure and comfortable fit and thus are a great choice for running. There are different kinds of earphones such as Over-Ear Headphones, Open-Back Headphones, Earbuds, Wireless Headphones, ANC Headphones, In-Ear Headphones, and Bone Conduction Headphones. All these headphones are good for running but it depends on an individual’s preference which type of headphone they would buy.
Yes, you can run with headphones. Many races allow headphones too.
Over the ear headphones are generally considered best for running. They come with a thick padding and therefore isn’t painful even if used for a long time. They are bulkier and offer better audio quality and also provide excellent noise cancellation. So over-the-ear headphones are definitely good for running.
Final Words
After a tiring day, music helps you unwind, and with the correct pair of headphones, you get the feel right. Here we have curated a list of headphones that will surely never disappoint you.
Your needs are our priority, so while testing them out we kept in mind that you get to enjoy your audio content without any worries. In this article about Best Running Headphones in 2021 we have reviewed for you a couple of headphones that we think you will love. However, The Treblab X3 Pro Truly Wireless Earbuds with Ear Hooks is our favorite. Everything about this pair is so great that we just cannot take our minds off it. Hope you have found this article helpful and do let us know if you want us to review anything more.
