Running with the right headphones transforms the experience from mundane to motivational. For those lacing up their sneakers and hitting the pavement (or treadmill), the importance of finding the best headphones that keep up with you cannot be overstated. They need to withstand sweat, stay secure during vigorous movement, and deliver crystal-clear audio. This guide is dedicated to helping runners, from casual joggers to marathon enthusiasts, discover the best headphones for their jogging hobbies. Don’t worry, there is a diverse selection ensuring that there's a perfect match for every runner. Do you prefer running with earbuds? Check our guide for the best earbuds in 2024!
Updated on April 28, 2024 by Marc Storch: With summer right around the corner, it is time to get set for running outside again. Open-ear headphones are a great way to stay aware of your surroundings while still jamming out to your favorite tunes, and there are a ton of options coming out. The AeroFit Pro from Soundcore made it on this guide, but be sure to keep an eye out for more options.
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Shokz OpenRun Pro Headphones
The Shokz OpenRUN Pro headphones redefine everything about open-ear listening. While the drivers are 20% smaller than previous models, they still feature Shokz's signature open-ear design and deliver all-day comfort. Crush training goals while jamming to some music, but stay aware of traffic, pedestrians, cyclists, and more with OpenRun Pro.
- Weight
- 29 grams
- Connectivity Technology
- Bluetooth 5.1
- Play Time
- 10 Hours
- Waterproof?
- IP55 Water-Resistant
- Charging Type
- Proprietary Charging
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Good sound for bone conduction
- Multipoint connectivity
- IP55 rating
- Every button press has a beep with it
- Poor microphone quality
While most bone-conduction headphones are great for running, the Shokz OpenRun Pro takes it to another level. The titanium headband and rubberized grips guarantee a secure fit no matter how much movement and sweat they encounter. No pair of headphones is perfect, but for people looking for their next running companion, the OpenRun Pro gets pretty close.
Compared to in-ear earbuds or headphones, the OpenRun Pro's audio quality might be a bit lackluster, but they make up for it, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings. The bass is surprisingly present and even powerful for bone-conduction headphones. The new rubberized coating keeps the sound more consistent because it doesn't move around as much.
While the OpenRun Pro is nearly perfect for most runners, if people do other exercises or don't solely focus on running, these earbuds can be a bit annoying. The headband is finicky for cyclists to fit under a helmet, and the IP rating is not high enough to take swimming. But as long as you are willing to sacrifice some versatility for fantastic running performance, the OpenRun Pro is hard to beat.
Sennheiser IE 200
It's no secret that Sennheiser strives to produce top-quality audio products, and IE 200 earphones are no exception. Built around Sennheiser's True Response transducers, these earbuds deliver outstanding sound quality for a small package. Thanks to the IE 200's ergonomic design and the selection of silicone ear tips, these earbuds can easily be worn all day without fatigue.
- Driver Size
- 7mm
- Impedance
- 18 Ω
- Solo bud mode?
- Yes
- Weight
- 4 grams
- Noise Cancellation
- No
- Frequency response
- 6 - 20,000Hz
- Comfortable fit
- Replaceable cable
- Decent isolation
- Good sound quality
- Quieter bass response is not for everyone
- Replacement cables are quite expensive
Wired headphones might not be the first choice for a lot of runners, but if you don't want to fuss around with a Bluetooth connection, just plug in and be ready to run; there is nothing much better than a comfortable pair of wired headphones. The Sennheiser IE 200 might seem like a bit overkill for some runners, but the incredibly comfortable fit with the over-ear loop that keeps them stable even during high-intensity movement makes them a fantastic choice.
Comfort is king when it comes to running headphones, and the IE 200 does not disappoint. These earbuds fit snuggly into most people's ears, and there are a good number of ear tip options to choose from. Combining that with the over-ear loops so that even if the earbuds do pop out of your ear, they will stay secure and wrapped around your ear. On the package, the IE 200 might not seem like a runner's dream, but after wearing it for a bit, you will soon see why it got this spot in this guide.
Sennheiser is known for its incredible audio quality in headphones, so it makes sense that the IE 200 are easily some of the best-sounding wired earbuds. They won't have the same gut-punching bass of over-ear headphones that some runners are looking for, but they are incredibly enjoyable to listen to regardless of the music you run to. Plus, with a properly fitted ear tip, these earbuds do a good job with passive isolation, which can come in handy when you are running in the gym and just want to zone out.
Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro
The AeroFit Pro open-ear headphones utilize a non-intrusive design to eliminate discomfort and allow you to enjoy a breathable listening experience while leaving your ears open to hear your surroundings. Using air-conduction technology, these earbuds deliver fuller and clearer audio compared to bone-conduction headphones.
- Battery Life
- 14 hours / 46 hours
- Charging Case Included?
- Yes
- Microphones
- 4 mics with AI algorithm
- Supported codecs
- AAC, SBC, LDAC
- Bluetooth
- 5.3
- IP Rating
- IPX5
- Solo bud mode?
- Yes
- Driver Size
- 16.2mm
- Charging type
- USB-C
- Secure fit
- IPX5 protection rating
- Allow you to maintain awareness naturally
- LDAC codec support
- Custom EQ is not very powerful
- No "previous track" control option
Runners who want to zone out fully on their run might want to look for headphones with ANC or passive isolation, but if you want to stay aware of your surroundings and don't really like the sound quality of bone conduction headphones, open-ear earbuds are the way to go. That is where the AeroFit Pro comes in. These earbuds are an excellent choice for any runner who wants to leave their ears open while they run.
Using Air conduction technology to transmit sound, these earbuds not only leave your ears open to hear your surroundings but also significantly reduce the amount of ear strain associated with traditional headphones. Of course, with the open-ear design, the sound quality is also reliant on your surroundings. While a song might sound amazing while running on a trail, that same song might not live up to the same standards while running next to traffic.
While the sound quality might not be monumentally better than bone conduction earbuds, the AeroFit Pro's much smaller form factor and comfort are huge pluses. These earbuds come with a magnetic strap to keep them more secure while doing rigorous activities. However, most people will probably find that just using the earbuds works well enough. The soft TPU ear loop does a great job of grabbing onto your ear, but it's not so tight that it becomes uncomfortable.
Anker Soundcore Space One Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Soundcore Space One is a pair of over-ear headphones with 40mm drivers that deliver hi-res audio and, on supported devices, LDAC audio. Paired with unparalleled noise-canceling that blocks out 98% of sound around the user, the Space Ones can make a change for anybody's commute or music listening experience, not to mention that with ANC on, the battery lasts for 40 hours and with ANC off it last up to 55 hours.
- Battery Life
- 40 Hours ANC On 55 Hours ANC Off
- Wireless?
- Yes
- Microphones
- Yes
- Brand
- Anker
- Transducer Size
- 40mm
- Connection Type
- Bluetooth and 3.5mm wired
- Noise Cancellation
- Yes
- Supported codecs
- LDAC & Hi-Res Audio
- Advanced noise cancellation, blocking 98% of ambient sound
- Up to 40 hours of battery life with ANC, 55 without
- Supports Bluetooth and wired 3.5mm connections
- ANC feature may drain battery faster
- Higher price point within the mid-range category
Looking for high-resolution audio and noise cancellation? Search no further, because the Anker Soundcore Space One Headphones are a prime choice for runners seeking quality sound without breaking the bank. The 40mm drivers offer an immersive listening experience, while LDAC support ensures a rich audio profile even during the most vigorous runs.
Because of Space One's incredible ANC performance that effectively blocks out 98% of surrounding noises, these headphones are incredible for tuning out the world and focusing on your run. That being said, you might want to use a lower ANC setting when running outside to stay aware of traffic and other pedestrians. But for running on a treadmill in the gym, it is hard to beat this ANC performance, especially for this price.
The Space One might be a bit bulky for some runners, but in our full review, we found them to be incredibly comfortable. At 260 grams, they are surprisingly lightweight for over-ear headphones, so they won't cause a lot of ear strain even after wearing them for long periods of time.
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 features an advanced noise-canceling feature that allows 11 levels of active noise cancelation. This allows the user to enjoy their music, podcast, and other entertainment without distractions no matter the environment. The headphones also deliver a clear and crisp sound with full bass and a crystal-clear voice call quality thanks to noise-reducing microphones.
The headphones also support hands-free control with voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Bose promises up to 20 hours of battery life on a single charge.
- Brand
- Bose
- Battery Life
- 20 hours (ANC)
- Material
- Synthetic Leather
- Bluetooth
- Yes, V5.0
- Noise Cancellation
- Yes, Active
- Waterproof
- No
- Microphones
- 8 (6 for ANC, 2 for communication)
- Weight
- 255g
- Colors
- Triple Black, Luxe Silver
- Supported codecs
- SBC, AAC
- Foldable
- Flat Folding, with hard case included
- Charging type
- USB-C charging
- Multipoint
- Yes
- Compatbility
- Works with all Bluetooth-enabled devices
- Dimensions
- 8 x 6.5 x 2"
- Battery charge time
- 2.5 hours
- Carrying case
- Yes, Hard Case
- Advanced 11-level noise cancellation
- 20-hour battery life
- Compatibility with voice assistants
- Concerns about long-term battery performance
- Occasional connectivity issues
Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 stand out as the best high-end headphones for running, offering an unmatched blend of sound quality and features. These headphones are designed for runners who demand superior sound isolation and audio performance, evident in their advanced 11-level active noise cancellation. The immersive audio experience they provide, combined with Bluetooth 5.0 technology and a robust 20-hour battery life, make them a top choice for runners who want to lose themselves in their music while on the move.
Moreover, these headphones cater to the modern, tech-savvy runner. The integration of 8 microphones ensures crystal-clear calls, while USB-C charging adds a layer of convenience. Additionally, compatibility with voice assistants makes them a versatile companion for a range of activities beyond just running. The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 strike a perfect balance between luxury and functionality, perfect for runners seeking a high-end set of headphones.
JBL Tune 510BT Headphones
The JBL Tune 510BT wireless headphones deliver the renowned JBL Pure Bass sound that can be heard in top venues worldwide. Stream wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.0 and switch between two devices without missing calls. Enjoy up to 40 hours of wireless listening and recharge the battery in just 2 hours using the included USB-C cable. A quick 5-minute recharge gives an additional 2 hours of playback.
Manage calls and sound with the convenient earcup buttons and activate Siri or Hey Google by pushing the multi-function button.
- Battery Life
- 40 Hours
- Wireless?
- Yes
- Microphones
- Yes
- Brand
- JBL
- Frequency Response
- 20 Hz
- Connection Type
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Weight
- 5.6oz
- Dimensions
- 8.07 x 1.89 x 8.78 inches
- Charging type
- Type-C
- Exceptional JBL Pure Bass sound
- Impressive 40-hour battery life
- Lightweight and comfortable design
- Some concerns over durability
- On-ear design may not suit all preferences
The JBL Tune 510BT Headphones emerge as the top choice for budget-conscious runners, blending impressive sound quality with practical features. Their JBL Pure Bass sound provides an immersive audio experience, perfect for maintaining motivation and rhythm on the run. The extended 40-hour battery life, coupled with the convenience of Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, ensures these headphones are always ready for action.
Many praise the JBL Tune 510BT for its sound quality, ease of use, and exceptional value. Despite some mixed opinions on the fit and performance stability, the overall satisfaction with their value and battery life is high. This combination of features and sound quality reinforces why the JBL Tune 510BT Headphones are a standout choice in the budget category for runners.
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Choosing the Best Headphones for Running
When selecting headphones for running, consider these essential aspects:
- Fit and Comfort: Ensures headphones stay secure and comfortable, even during long runs.
- Water Resistance: Vital for protection against sweat and unexpected weather conditions.
- Sound Quality and Features: High-quality audio and features like noise cancellation enhance the running experience.
While exploring the best headphones for running, you might also consider a different solution for your needs. For those interested in a more compact experience, the best wireless earbuds can be a preferred alternative, offering freedom of movement and a lightweight design. Whether it's headphones or earbuds, choosing the right audio gear can significantly improve your running experience.
FAQ
Q: Are there waterproof options for running headphones?
Absolutely, many running headphones are waterproof or water-resistant, making them ideal for all weather conditions.
Q: Are there wireless running headphones that don't fall off?
Yes, wireless running headphones are available with various secure-fit designs to ensure they don't fall off.
Q: Can I control music and calls directly from my running headphones?
Most running headphones come with built-in controls for easy access to music and calls while on the run.