Are you looking for the best sweat proof headphones for your workout sessions? Well, then you are at the right place.
It’s a common sight to see runners and fitness enthusiasts wearing headphones. Gyms are noisy places and you need that “me time,” to concentrate on what you are doing. The best wireless sweat resistant headphones, especially the noise-canceling ones, can help you cut off from the crowd and focus on your workout routine. If you are a runner, sweat proof invisible earbuds or wireless waterproof headphones can cut the deal.
Sweat can be a challenge for many electronics, especially earphones and headphones; however, we found some great sweat proof options for you. Therefore, we shortlisted 40 sweat proof earbuds and wireless headphones on the market, and tested them over 120 days to find the 7 best sweat proof headphones in 2023. In this guide, we’ll tell you how to find the right sweat proof headphones, review these top 7 sweat resistant headphones, and list their pros and cons. Let’s get started!
- Best Sweat Proof Wireless Earphones – Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds
- Best Sweat Proof Wireless Headphones – TREBLAB Z2 Over-the-Ear Wireless Headphones
- Best Sweat Proof Bluetooth Headphones for Running – Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100 Wireless Headphones
- Best Sweat Proof Wireless Headphones for Working Out – Plantronics BackBeat FIT 2100 Wireless Headphones
- Best Budget Sweat Proof Headphones – Avantree Jogger Plus Bluetooth Headphones
- Best Noise-Canceling Sweat Proof Headphones – Motorola Escape 800 Wireless Active Noise-Canceling Headphones
- Best Bone Conduction Sweat Proof Headphones – AfterShokz Aeropex Bone Conduction Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
How to Find the Right Sweat Proof Headphones – Buying Guide
Whether you are planning to buy sweat proof headphones for running or working out, here are a few questions you should ask yourself:
Do You Want Sweat Proof Earbuds or Wireless Headphones?
First things first, decide whether you want to buy sweat resistant earbuds or wireless headphones. Both don’t have wires; however, headphones provide better sound quality due to large drivers and active noise cancellation (most earbuds are not noise-canceling). However, if you don’t want to wear anything large and bulky on your head while running or working out, we recommend earbuds. Wireless earbuds, in-ear monitors and neckbands are popular among fitness enthusiasts.
Read Also: Headphones vs. Earbuds – Do You Know the Difference?
What is the IPX rating?
The durability of wireless workout headphones is determined by how sweat proof they are. Most of the sweat proof headphones are rated IPX4 to IPX 7. However, any less than IPX 4 is not sweat proof. Therefore, ensure you carefully check the IPX rating before purchasing the product.
Read Also: 6 Best Shower Headphones in 2023
How is Battery Life?
The best Bluetooth workout headphones can work for up to 8 hours when fully charged. Most of the sweat proof earphones and headphones on our list can work for up to 6 hours at least. Anything less than that is not suitable for running or working out. What will you do if your wireless headphones’ battery runs out in the middle of a workout session? That’s not a good experience, right?
Are the Controls Intuitive?
Most of the truly wireless earbuds and headphones have intuitive controls on one side or both. These controls allow you to dial/receive calls, play/pause music, active voice assistants, and more. Intuitive and responsive controls provide great convenience when your hands are busy during workouts.
Read the full headphones buying guide for the best tips on how to find the right headphones.
7 Best Sweatproof Headphones for Running, Walking, and Working Out
Let’s deep-dive into the detailed reviews of the top 7 sweatproof headphones on the market.
1. Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds
Best Sweat Proof Wireless Earphones
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Sturdy and durable
- Aesthetically appealing
- Pure sound; great bas
- Premium-quality charging case
- Great battery life
- Perfect for running, walking and working out
- Do not provide noise isolation
- Slightly expensive
Well, Bose never disappoints. You can talk about waterproof headphones, durable earphones and earbuds, comfortable headphones, and you’ll find one name everywhere, i.e., Bose. Out of all the sweat proof wireless earphones (earbuds) we tested, we found the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds to be the best.
Firstly, the true wireless earbuds are IPX4 rated. Therefore, they are resistant to sweat. This makes them a great choice for walking, running and working out. They are comfortable and durable. The earbuds come with 3 pairs of ear tips (different sizes) to provide a great fit. Different members of our review team tried these earbuds on different occasions (while running on the treadmill, lifting dumbbells, sprinting and so on) and they did not fall out.
Secondly, the Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds deliver phenomenal sound quality. The sound is crystal-clear and powerful. The bass is rich, and the mids and lows are crisp. The earbuds also comprise a dual microphone array on the right earbuds. Therefore, you can receive calls while you are working out; however, you’ll only hear the call audio in the right earbud.
Thirdly, we really liked the battery life of the earbuds. We charged them in the case for 2 hours and the earbuds worked continuously for 7 hours, without any issues. Therefore, the charging case can be used for both charging the earbuds and storing them with adequate protection.
Another interesting aspect of these earbuds is the “Bose Connect app.” The app even allows you to track your lost earbuds.
In conclusion, the Bose SoundSport True Wireless Earbuds are the most comfortable, durable, and reliable sweat proof earbuds on the market right now. The earbuds connected seamlessly with other Bluetooth devices and we did not experience any latency issues. Also, they provide you with respite from annoying wires. However, please note that these earbuds do not provide noise isolation. They can also be used as gaming earbuds.
If you prefer wireless earphones over true wireless earbuds, you can check Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds.
2. TREBLAB Z2 Over-the-Ear Wireless Headphones
Best Sweat Proof Wireless Headphones
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Bluetooth 5.0
- 35 hours of playtime
- Google/Siri voice assistants
- IPX4 waterproof
- Great sound quality
- Come with a carrying case
- Cancel outside noise
- We did not experience any issues with the product
Out of all the wireless sweat proof headphones we tested, we loved the TREBLAB Z2 Over-the-Ear Wireless Headphones. TREBLAB is an emerging sports earphones and headphones store on the market. We had not heard much about the brand before; however, upon reading existing customer reviews, we got to know about the popularity of the brand.
Firstly, the Bluetooth headphones are IPX4 rated; therefore, they are sweat proof and water resistant. So, whether you are running on the treadmill, playing football or lifting weights, you can wear them without worrying about your sweating issues.
Secondly, the headphones are comfortable. The swiveling ear cups are covered with premium-quality foam and feel soft on your ears. The headband is flexible and can be adjusted per your convenience. We tried almost 10 different wireless sweat proof headphones, and the TREBLAB ZR felt the lightest of all.
Thirdly, the wireless headphones provide an excellent listening experience. They come with active noise cancelation (ANC) technology and ensure you concentrate on what you are doing without getting distracted by your surroundings. The Bluetooth 5.0 aptX codec ensures instant connectivity with other devices that support Bluetooth. The headphones also comprise a built-in mic and cVs 6.0 technology for flawless calls. We tested the headphones with some bass-heavy songs, and simply loved the complete listening experience. The bass is neither too overwhelming nor too soft; it’s just perfect for gymming.
In conclusion, the TREBLAB Z2 Over-the-Ear Wireless Headphones are simply fantastic workout headphones. We bet you won’t find such amazing quality at such an affordable price. Crisp sound, great comfort, powerful bass, wireless convenience; what else do you want?
3. Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100 Wireless Headphones
Best Sweat Proof Bluetooth Headphones for Running
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Fits well on your head
- Excellent sound; good bass
- Great battery life
- IPX5 rated
- Durable and sturdy
- Intuitive control buttons
- “Awareness” function for activating microphones to hear external noises
- Bluetooth connectivity can take time to set up
The Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100 Bluetooth Headphones are one-level more sweat proof than the TREBLAB Z2 Wireless Headphones. They are IPX5 rated and perfect for running. The headphones’ unique breathable headband with pores ensures a sweat-free experience while running. The headband also comprises a unique hexagonal pattern for better grip. You can adjust it per your convenience for an accurate fit during strenuous workout sessions.
Secondly, these over-the-ear headphones isolate external noises and sounds, and provide great audio quality. The sound is deep and rich; thanks to the 40 mm angled drivers.The bass response is also good.
Thirdly, the battery life of the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100 Bluetooth Headphones is excellent. In a single charge, you can use the headphones for up to 24 hours straight. If you are short on time, a quick 15-min charge can allow you to use the headphones for at least 2 hours without any interruption. Another interesting feature of these headphones is that you can use them as both wired and wireless headphones. The headphones come with a USB to 3.5 mm cable for wired usage.
In conclusion, the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100 Bluetooth Headphones comprise a nice design, comprise a variety of functionalities for runners, provide average noise cancelation and are value for money. You can use them for both running and working out without worrying about the battery, comfort or sweat issues.
4. Plantronics BackBeat FIT 2100 Wireless Headphones
Best Sweat Proof Wireless Headphones for Working Out
- Great battery life; up to 7 hours in a single charge
- Good sound quality; balanced bass and clear mids
- Dust and sweat proof
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Eye-catching ear hook design for immense stability
- Intuitive and responsive controls
- Do not seal your ears
- A little expensive
We have another great offering by Plantronics, the BackBeat FIT 2100 Wireless Headphones. While the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100 Wireless Headphones are great for running, the Plantronics FIT 2100 Wireless Headphones are perfect for working out.
Firstly, the headphones are IPX7 rated and comprise an ear hook design for an accurate fit while working out. We tested the earhook headphones while running on the treadmill, lifting weights, doing pushups, and dancing, and we were amazed to see how beautifully they stayed put. They remained stable during some of the most strenuous workouts. They can also be a good choice for running as they have a reflective finish.
Secondly, the sound quality is good. The headphones do not seal your ear completely; therefore, you may hear external noises off and on. The bass is good; neither too powerful nor too light.
Thirdly, the Plantronics FIT 2100 Wireless Headphones come with a new “My Tap” feature that can be customized using the Backbeats app. This feature makes them perfect workout headphones. Using this My Tap feature, you can start a stopwatch, track your steps, set times, and play music directly from your earbuds. We really liked this feature. In fact, it’s one of the reasons why we picked these headphones as the best sweat resistant wireless headphones for working out.
In conclusion, the Plantronics FIT 2100 Wireless Headphones are comfortable, lightweight, stylish and value for money. Their stability is incredible. Even though the sound quality is not great for audio playback, it’s good enough for your workout sessions.
5. Avantree Jogger Plus Bluetooth Headphones
Best Budget Sweat Proof Headphones
- Great sound quality; good bass
- Extremely affordable
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Durable and sturdy
- Impressive battery life
- We did not experience any issues with the headphones
If you are on a shoestring budget, the Avantree Jogger Plus Bluetooth Headphones can be a good option. Firstly, the headphones are IPX4 rated and sweat proof. You can use them for both running and working out.
Secondly, the Bluetooth headphones provide great sound quality. For such a low price, the sound quality deserves a special mention. The headphones come with Bluetooth V4.1 EDR aptX audio codec technology and a highly responsive built-in microphone. The sound was crystal-clear, crisp and stereo quality.
Thirdly, we were really impressed by the battery life. In a single, full charge, the battery lasted for almost 7 hours. We did not experience any Bluetooth connectivity issues either. The headphones are compatible with both Android and iOS devices.
In conclusion, the Avantree Jogger Plus Bluetooth Headphones are not just extremely affordable but also the best budget sweat proof headphones out there. Nevertheless, they comprise all the features you’ll find in some of the high-end sweat proof headphones, such as great comfort, perfect fit, good sound quality, impressive bass, and a lot more.
6. Motorola Escape 800 Wireless Active Noise-Canceling Headphones
Best Noise-Canceling Sweat Proof Headphones
- Great sound quality; responsive bass
- Active noise cancelation
- Comfortable and durable
- Versatile
- Great build quality
- Value for money
- Bulky
Not all fitness enthusiasts and runners like to be aware of their surroundings, some prefer focusing completely on what they are doing. That is where Motorola Escape 800 Wireless Active Noise-Canceling Headphones can help. Firstly, they are IPX4 rated and perfect for running, gyming and working out.
Secondly, they come with the ANC feature that blocks unwanted background noises. So, you can focus on what you are doing without getting distracted. The 40 mm drivers deliver impeccable audio quality and the bass is powerful. We had a great listening experience!
Thirdly, you can use the headphones as both wired and wireless headphones. In wireless mode (with ANC), the headphones can work for up to 12 hours straight. The smart headphones also support voice-assistant functionality. Therefore, you can command Siri, Google Assistant and Alexa to play your favorite music when your hands are busy lifting weights!
In conclusion, the Motorola Escape 800 Wireless Active Noise-Canceling Headphones are as reliable as their manufacturer. The headphones are comfortable, durable, sweat proof and most importantly noise-canceling. The design is simple yet eye-catching. The build quality is excellent.
7. AfterShokz Aeropex Bone Conduction Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
Best Bone Conduction Sweat Proof Headphones
- Attractive open-back design
- Comfortable for running and working out
- Durable and lightweight
- IPX6-rated waterproof headset
- Value for money
- Come with ear plugs and a portable carrying case
- Great battery life
- Good sound quality
- Can connect to multiple devices in one go
- Tickling sensation on the cheek can increase when the volume is high
We’ve already reviewed the AfterShokz Aeropex Bone Conduction headphones in our previous article, “The Best Bone Conduction Headphones.” However, we are back to praise these headphones for also being one of the best sweat proof headphones out there.
Since the headphones are IPX6-rated, they are waterproof. This makes them perfect for running and working out. Another benefit of using these headphones is that they do not cover your ears. Therefore, they don’t cut you off from your surrounding; so, you can hear what’s going on around you and work out at the same time.
However, if you are someone who doesn’t like external disturbances when working out, we do not suggest purchasing the AfterShokz Aeropex Bone Conduction Headphones. Nevertheless, if you are a runner, it’s good to have your ears open, especially if you like running on busy roads. In conclusion, we really liked the AfterShokz Aeropex Bone Conduction Headphones for their durability and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sweat Proof Headphones
What are the best over-the-ear headphones for working out?
The TREBLAB Z2 Wireless Headphones are the best over-the-ear headphones for working out.
Yes, sweat can ruin over-the-ear headphones. Therefore, as repeatedly mentioned in our guide, ensure you buy only IPX 4 or above rated earbuds/headphones for running and working out. Excessive moisture from sweat can damage the speakers and impact the audio quality of the headphones.
The best headphones for sweating are:
– Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds
– TREBLAB Z2 Over-the-Ear Wireless Headphones
– Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100 Wireless Headphones
– Plantronics BackBeat FIT 2100 Wireless Headphones
– Avantree Jogger Plus Bluetooth Headphones
– Motorola Escape 800 Wireless Active Noise-Canceling Headphones
Can you wear Bose headphones to the gym?
Yes, you can wear Bose headphones to the gym. The Bose SoundSport Free True Wireless Earbuds are great workout earbuds. They are comfortable, durable, reliable and provide great audio quality. You get 3 pairs of ear tips (different sizes) to ensure an accurate fit. We tested these earbuds with strenuous workouts, and they stayed put come what may!
Will sweat ruin Bose headphones?
Yes, as already mentioned above, sweat can ruin Bose headphones that do not have an IPX rating between 4 to 8. For instance, the Bose Quietcomfort 35 II Headphones are rated less than IPX 4, and can get damaged by sweat. Moisture in your sweat can damage the audio equipment in headphones, and salt can damage the cushioning on the ear cups and headband.
Final Words
Now that you know you can buy sweat proof headphones, you don’t need to worry about your sweating issues. From a physiological viewpoint, sweating is good. It’s just that if your headphones are not resistant to sweat, they can get damaged over a period. As mentioned in the FAQ section, sweat is corrosive; it can damage the audio equipment in your audio device.
Therefore, it doesn’t matter if you sweat mildly or heavily; as a protocol, you should buy sweat proof headphones for running and working out. After all, we’ve provided you with 6 incredible options to save your effort and time.
If you ask us to pick the best out of the lot, we’ll pick the Bose Soundsport True Wireless Earbuds. Even though they are not noise-canceling, their audio quality is good and they are most comfortable for running and working out. Not only this but they are also durable and portable. You can carry them in the charging case conveniently in your pocket and use them continuously for up to 7 hours without any hiccups. They are indeed the best workout earbuds as well as the best running earbuds.
We sincerely hope you found our guide on the best sweat proof headphones worth reading. If you have any queries or suggestions, please leave them in the comment section below.
