Are you on the hunt for the best sweatproof headphones to power through your workouts? You’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re hitting the gym, going for a run, or pushing through an intense workout, having the right headphones can make all the difference. Gyms can be noisy, and outdoor runs can be full of distraction — this is where sweatproof headphones come in. Not only do they keep up with your intense routines, but they also stay secure and functional, no matter how much you sweat.
In this guide, we’ll take you through our top picks for the best sweatproof headphones of 2024. After evaluating almost 40 pairs of earbuds and wireless headphones, we’ve narrowed it down to the 8 best options that deliver on durability, sound quality, and comfort.
Whether you’re looking for noise-canceling features to block out distractions or waterproof designs to withstand your toughest workouts, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and find the perfect pair for your fitness journey!
Roundup of the Best Sweat Proof Headphones
| Overall Best | JBL Reflect Aero |
| Best for Active Lifestyle | Jabra Elite 8 Active |
| Best for Battery Life | JLab Epic Air Sport ANC Gen 2 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds |
| Best for Sound Quality | Beats Fit Pro |
| Best Bone Conduction | SHOKZ OpenRun |
| Best for Noise Cancellation | Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones |
| Best Over-Ear Option | TREBLAB Z2 Bluetooth Headphones |
| Best Budget Option | TOZO HT2 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones |
How to Find the Right Sweat Proof Headphones
When searching for the ideal sweatproof headphones for your workouts, consider the following key factors:
1. Decide Between Earbuds and Over-Ear Headphones
First things first, decide whether you prefer sweatproof earbuds or wireless over-ear headphones. Earbuds are compact, lightweight, and ideal if you don’t want anything bulky while running or working out. They offer mobility and convenience, making them perfect for high-intensity workouts.
On the other hand, over-ear headphones deliver superior sound quality with larger drivers and often feature active noise cancellation, which can immerse you fully in your music. Choose based on your comfort, preferred fit, and sound quality needs.
2. Check the IPX Rating
The IPX rating indicates the level of water and sweat resistance your headphones offer. Aim for a minimum IPX4 rating to ensure sweatproof capabilities.
For added durability, especially during intense workouts, consider headphones with an IPX6 or IPX7 rating, which provide enhanced protection against moisture.
Read Also: 6 Best Shower Headphones in 2023
3. Assess Battery Life
Look for headphones that offer at least 6 to 8 hours of battery life on a full charge to ensure they last through your workout sessions.
Sufficient battery life is essential to avoid interruptions during your exercise routines.
4. Evaluate the Controls
Make sure the headphones have user-friendly controls that allow you to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and answer calls without disrupting your workout.
Intuitive controls are crucial for maintaining focus and ease of use while exercising.
8 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. JBL Reflect Aero
Overall Best
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional waterproofing with IP68 rating
- Secure fit with POWERFINS and Oval Tubes
- Long battery life with fast-charging capabilities
- Rich JBL Signature Sound with adaptive noise cancellation
- Multi-point connection and voice assistant integration
What Disappointed Us
- Noise cancellation performance could be better
- Bass-forward sound signature may not appeal to all users
We chose the JBL Reflect Aero as the Best Sweat Proof Headphones because of its outstanding performance and durability in sweat-intensive environments. Whether you’re hitting the gym, running in the rain, or going through a tough workout, these headphones consistently deliver high-quality sound without faltering, making them a top choice for active individuals.
As the Overall Best in our list, the JBL Reflect Aero combines excellent sweat and water resistance with a robust design, ensuring that they stay secure and functional even during the most rigorous activities. The IP68 rating means they can handle heavy sweat and even submersion, which is crucial for anyone looking for reliable headphones in harsh conditions.
In addition to their durability, the Reflect Aero offers a comfortable fit with multiple ear tip options, ensuring they stay in place without causing discomfort. The sound quality is impressive, with powerful bass and clear mids, driven by high-quality drivers that make your music sound great.
The active noise cancellation feature is a bonus, blocking out distractions so you can focus on your workout. The battery life is solid, providing up to 8 hours on a single charge, with an additional 16 hours from the charging case, and the intuitive volume control makes adjustments easy on the go.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for the best sweat-proof headphones that combine durability, comfort, and top-notch sound quality, the JBL Reflect Aero is a fantastic choice. They offer everything you need to stay motivated and focused, no matter how intense your workout gets.
View on amazon: JBL Reflect Aero
2. Jabra Elite 8 Active
Best for Active Lifestyle
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional durability and water resistance
- Advanced noise-canceling capabilities
- Long battery life
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Good sound quality with Spatial Sound powered by Dolby
What Disappointed Us
- Voice-calling performance is average
We chose the Jabra Elite 8 Active as one of the Best Sweat Proof Headphones due to its exceptional balance between performance and durability, specifically designed for an active lifestyle. These earbuds are built to endure intense workouts and harsh conditions while delivering high-quality sound, making them perfect for those who demand reliable performance during physical activities.
As the Best for Active Lifestyle, the Jabra Elite 8 Active excels with its secure fit, ensuring the earbuds stay in place no matter how vigorous your workout gets. Their IP68 rating makes them not only sweatproof but also waterproof and dust-resistant, providing the confidence that they’ll hold up in any environment.
These earbuds are also known for their excellent comfort, featuring ergonomic ear tips that conform to your ears for a snug fit. The sound quality is impressive, with rich bass and clear treble that enhance your music experience.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active offers intuitive volume controls, and with up to 8 hours of battery life (and an additional 24 hours with the case), they’re ready to keep up with your day. The active noise cancellation is highly effective, allowing you to stay focused even in noisy surroundings.
In conclusion, the Jabra Elite 8 Active is a fantastic choice for anyone with an active lifestyle who needs headphones that can withstand the rigors of daily workouts while providing great sound and comfort.
View on amazon: Jabra Elite 8 Active
3. JLab Epic Air Sport ANC Gen 2 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
Best for Battery Life
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sweat and water resistance with IP66 rating
- Long battery life with wireless charging
- Active Noise Cancelation (ANC) for immersive sound
- Comfortable and secure fit with ear hooks
- Affordable price point
What Disappointed Us
- Bulky charging case
- Limited call quality
We selected the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC Gen 2 as one of the Best Sweat Proof Headphones because of their outstanding battery life and robust performance in high-intensity environments. These earbuds are engineered for those who prioritize longevity and endurance, making them a top pick for long workout sessions or extended outdoor activities.
As the Best for Battery Life, the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC Gen 2 stands out with an incredible 15 hours of battery life on a single charge, plus an additional 55 hours with the charging case. This makes them ideal for those who need a reliable audio companion that can last through multiple workouts without needing frequent recharging.
In addition to their impressive battery, these earbuds are designed for comfort with secure ear hooks that ensure they stay in place during intense movement. The sound quality is dynamic, delivering punchy bass and clear mids, driven by powerful drivers.
The active noise cancellation effectively minimizes distractions, allowing you to focus on your workout. These earbuds are also IP66-rated, offering solid protection against sweat and moisture, making them well-suited for intense training sessions.
In conclusion, if battery life is a priority for you, the JLab Epic Air Sport ANC Gen 2 offers unmatched endurance along with great sound quality and durability, making them an excellent choice for extended use in any sweaty situation.
View on amazon: JLab Epic Air Sport ANC Gen 2 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
4. Beats Fit Pro
Best for Sound Quality
What Impressed Us
- Excellent fit and stability during exercise
- Good sound quality with a bass-boosted signature
- Effective noise-canceling capabilities
- Long battery life
- Comfortable and lightweight design
What Disappointed Us
- May be uncomfortable for some users after extended wear
- Noise-canceling can compromise sound quality
We included the Beats Fit Pro on our list of the Best Sweat Proof Headphones because of their superior sound quality and stylish design, making them a top choice for audiophiles who want to enjoy their music during workouts. These headphones deliver the iconic Beats sound with deep bass and clear highs, ensuring your music sounds incredible no matter how hard you push yourself.
As the Best for Sound Quality, the Beats Fit Pro offers an audio experience that is hard to beat. Their custom-designed drivers produce powerful, balanced sound that elevates your music, whether you’re lifting weights or running outdoors. Additionally, the active noise cancellation feature enhances this experience by blocking out ambient noise, so you can stay fully immersed in your workout playlist.
The Beats Fit Pro also excels in comfort, with secure-fit wing tips that keep the earbuds in place without causing discomfort during long periods of use. The earbuds are sweat and water-resistant, making them durable enough to handle intense workouts.
The battery life is also commendable, offering up to 6 hours of playback with ANC on and up to 24 hours with the charging case. Volume control is easily accessible, allowing you to make adjustments without breaking your stride.
In conclusion, if sound quality is your top priority, the Beats Fit Pro delivers exceptional audio performance along with comfort and durability, making them the perfect companion for music lovers who are serious about their workouts.
View on amazon: Beats Fit Pro
5. SHOKZ OpenRun
Best Bone Conduction
What Impressed Us
- Unique, secure fit that stays in place during exercise
- Vibrational technology allows for awareness of surroundings
- Water-resistant and suitable for wet weather conditions
- Long battery life with quick charging option
- Comfortable and lightweight design
What Disappointed Us
- May not be suitable for those who need complete noise cancellation
- Some users may find the fit awkward at first
We chose the SHOKZ OpenRun as one of the Best Sweat Proof Headphones for its innovative bone conduction technology and open-ear design, which makes it perfect for those who value safety and awareness during outdoor workouts. These headphones allow you to enjoy your music while staying fully aware of your surroundings, making them an excellent choice for runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts.
As the Best Bone Conduction Headphones, the SHOKZ OpenRun stands out by offering a unique listening experience that keeps your ears open to ambient sounds. This feature is particularly useful for anyone who needs to stay alert to traffic or other hazards while exercising outdoors. Despite the open-ear design, the sound quality is surprisingly good, with clear mids and highs that make your music enjoyable without blocking out the world around you.
The SHOKZ OpenRun is also extremely comfortable, with a lightweight and flexible design that fits securely without causing any pressure on the ears.
The headphones are IP67-rated, meaning they’re resistant to sweat, dust, and even water immersion, so you can trust them to perform well in any sweaty or rainy conditions. The battery life is solid, offering up to 8 hours of continuous use, and the simple volume controls make it easy to adjust your music on the go.
In conclusion, the SHOKZ OpenRun is an excellent choice for those who prioritize safety and situational awareness during their workouts. Its unique design and reliable performance make it a standout option for outdoor fitness enthusiasts.
View on amazon: SHOKZ OpenRun
6. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Best for Noise Cancellation
What Impressed Us
- Excellent noise-canceling capabilities
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Intuitive controls and smart technologies
- Good sound quality with a balanced signature
- Long battery life
What Disappointed Us
- Higher price tag
- No USB-C audio
We selected the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless as one of the Best Sweat Proof Headphones because of their exceptional noise-canceling capabilities and premium comfort, making them the ideal choice for those who want to block out distractions during their workouts. These headphones are perfect for anyone who needs to focus on their exercise routine without being disturbed by surrounding noise.
As the Best for Noise Cancellation, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless excels in creating a serene listening environment, whether you’re at the gym or running in a busy area. Their advanced noise-canceling technology is second to none, effectively eliminating background noise so you can concentrate fully on your music or workout.
These headphones are also designed for maximum comfort, with plush ear cushions and a lightweight frame that ensures you can wear them for hours without discomfort. The sound quality is superb, with deep bass, clear mids, and detailed highs that make every track sound amazing.
Additionally, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless is sweat-resistant, making them suitable for workouts, though they’re more ideal for less intense activities due to their over-ear design. The battery life is excellent, providing up to 24 hours of playtime, and the intuitive volume control is easily accessible.
In conclusion, if noise cancellation and comfort are your top priorities, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless delivers unparalleled performance, making them the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy their music without any distractions.
View on amazon: Bose QuietComfort Ultra Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
7. TREBLAB Z2 Bluetooth Headphones
Best Over-Ear Option
What Impressed Us
- Well-balanced sound profile with clear highs and detailed lows
- Long battery life for extended use
- Active Noise Cancellation technology for improved sound isolation
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Supports multi-device pairing and aptX-LL for low latency
What Disappointed Us
- ANC may not be as effective in blocking out all background noise
- Microphone quality can be sub-par, leading to distorted voice
We included the TREBLAB Z2 Bluetooth Headphones on our list of the Best Sweat Proof Headphones because of their excellent performance as over-ear headphones that are built to handle intense workouts. These headphones are ideal for those who prefer the comfort and sound quality of over-ear headphones but still need them to be sweatproof and durable.
As the Best Over-Ear Option, the TREBLAB Z2 stands out with its impressive sound quality and secure fit. The over-ear design provides immersive audio, with powerful bass and clear highs, making your workout music sound fantastic. Despite their larger size, they’re comfortable to wear for extended periods, with memory foam ear cushions that adapt to the shape of your ears for a snug fit.
The TREBLAB Z2 is IPX4-rated for sweat and water resistance, ensuring they can handle the rigors of intense workouts without issue. They also feature active noise cancellation, which helps block out external distractions so you can focus on your exercise. The battery life is another highlight, offering up to 35 hours of playback on a single charge, and the easy-to-use volume controls make it simple to adjust your sound while on the move.
In conclusion, the TREBLAB Z2 Bluetooth Headphones are a great choice for anyone who prefers the comfort and sound quality of over-ear headphones but still needs them to be durable and sweatproof. They offer a balanced mix of comfort, sound, and resilience that’s perfect for serious workouts.
View on amazon: TREBLAB Z2 Bluetooth Headphones
8. TOZO HT2 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphone
Best Budget Option
What Impressed Us
- Excellent noise-canceling capabilities
- Long battery life of up to 60 hours
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Hi-Res Audio certification for high-quality sound
- Multiple noise control modes for different environments
What Disappointed Us
- Some users may find the touch controls very sensitive
We chose the TOZO HT2 as one of the Best Sweat Proof Headphones because of their impressive features at an affordable price, making them a top pick for budget-conscious users who don’t want to sacrifice quality. These headphones provide a great combination of active noise cancellation, sound quality, and sweat resistance, making them a standout option for those on a budget.
As the Best Budget Option, the TOZO HT2 delivers excellent value with features typically found in more expensive models. Their hybrid active noise cancellation effectively reduces ambient noise, allowing you to focus on your music or calls during workouts. The sound quality is clear and well-balanced, providing an enjoyable listening experience whether you’re at the gym or on a run.
These headphones are also designed for comfort, with soft ear tips that create a secure fit without causing discomfort during extended use. The TOZO HT2 is IPX6-rated, offering solid protection against sweat and moisture, which is essential for any workout.
The battery life is impressive, with up to 8 hours of playback on a single charge and an additional 32 hours with the charging case. The volume controls are conveniently placed, allowing for easy adjustments while you’re on the move.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for sweat-proof headphones that offer great features without breaking the bank, the TOZO HT2 is an excellent choice. They provide everything you need for a quality workout experience at an affordable price.
View on amazon: TOZO HT2 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphone
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.
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
After analyzing the reviews, the JBL Reflect Aero and Jabra Elite 8 Active stand out as the top choices. The JBL Reflect Aero excels as the overall best for its durability, sound quality, and sweat-proof design, making it perfect for intense workouts.
The Jabra Elite 8 Active is ideal for those with an active lifestyle, offering a secure fit and excellent protection against sweat and water. Both provide reliable performance and are highly recommended for anyone looking to enhance their workout experience.
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.
