The best workout headphones for that perfect look and fit on your next run or gym session

Looking for some motivation to smash your daily workout routine? Look no further than the best workout headphones on the market. These top-rated earbuds and headphones can help motivate you to get out on a run or hit the gym and work towards your fitness goals.

When choosing workout headphones, it's important to consider critical factors such as weather resistance, sweat resistance, and a comfortable fit that means they won't fall out mid-workout. Our research, testing, and independent reviews have taken all these factors into account, ensuring you can find the perfect pair for your workout needs.

With options from top brands such as Sony and Beats, and features such as noise-cancelling and sleek design choices, there's truly an impressive range of workout headphones out there. And if you're looking to take your general health goals to the next level, check out our guide to the best fitness trackers.

So what are you waiting for? Grab a pair of the best workout headphones and start taking your fitness journey to the next level today.

The best workout headphones in 2024

These high-quality workout headphones proven to boost motivation, ensure comfort, and resist wear and tear. Our top options from brands like Beats and Sony feature noise cancellation and sleek design choices, so nothing compromises your fitness goals.

(Image credit: Sony)

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are an excellent choice for those who value sound quality, noise-cancelling features, and durability. The sweat-resistant design is comfortable and secure even when you're really going for it in the gym, and you have total control over your audio via the Sony Headphones Connect app. DSEE Extreme Technology takes it even further by upscaling low-quality audio.

You get 8 hours of battery life on a single charge, and the sleek charging case adds another 16 hours to this. If you're in a rush, five minutes of charging will give you an hour of use. Ambient sounds are reduced while wearing the earbuds, and the Speak to Chat function automatically reduces the volume of your music when speaking to someone.

Livingetc rating: 5 out of 5 stars

(Image credit: Marshall)

Having a pair of headphones that are stylish enough to wear on your commute and to the gym is a challenging task, but these Marshall earbuds deliver on all fronts, including in terms of sound quality. Having tested these Marshall earbuds for exercise and also looking good in the ears, we found that the noise canceling technology, in combination with the high quality of sound, made for a great match when walking, jogging or running.

With one long tap, you can turn the noise canceling technology on and off, so you can zone back into the world quickly, like if you need to navigate a busy road during your run, and to block out distractions the rest of the time. There is a sleek design to the case and earbuds, with an easy-to-carry design. You can also get 20 hours of charging per charge at a time, which will last you a week.

Unless you're doing a very intense activity, the earbuds stayed put.

Livingetc rating: 5 out of 5 stars

(Image credit: Apple)

The 3rd generation Apple AirPods offer impressive features such as noise filtering, optical sensors, and Siri integration. They also have a sleek and modern design and are easy to set up and use, making them a popular choice for pretty much everyone. However, there was some discomfort with the fit despite the expertly contoured design, which may mean they're not quite suitable for all ear shapes. 

Despite this quibble, the AirPods still provide excellent audio quality and are a stylish choice for listening to music or taking phone calls while on the go. iPhone users will appreciate Siri integration, which allows for hands-free control in certain situations, and excellent battery life coupled with sweat and weather resistance make them ideal for working out and wearing for long periods.

Livingetc rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars | read our full Apple AirPods (3rd Gen) review

(Image credit: Beats)

Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds provide up to 9 hours of listening time while working out or walking. With six colors to choose from, you'll be enamored with these earbuds right out of the box, and a reinforced design that keeps sweat and water out during tough workouts. It has a unique earhook design that ensures these earbuds stay put, and you'll have a variety of eartip options to choose from so you can find the right fit for you.

One of the best things about these earbuds is that they can gain up to 1.5 hours of charge within five minutes of being charged. The buds offer 9 hours alone, with an additional 24 hours from the charging case. That's great for those who have several devices to charge at night.

Beats products tend to be most compatible with Apple products, so Android users should do their research before deciding whether the Powerbeats Pro are for them.

Livingetc rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

(Image credit: JLab)

These waterproof and weatherproof earbuds should be at the top of your shopping list if you want to max out when it comes to battery life, and get your hands on a pair of reliable everyday headphones. With their excellent sound quality and in-ear design, they are well suited for any type of trip.

The four interchangeable silicone gel tips help you find the perfect fit, and with IP66 waterproofing, these earbuds will keep you dry even in the rain. We tested the earbuds ourselves and found that the noise cancellation technology was excellent, and loved playing with the EQ settings.

Livingetc rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

(Image credit: Bang & Olufsen)

It's hard to beat the Beoplay EX wireless earbuds if you're looking for headphones to use during your yoga practice. These earbuds come in aluminum and specialized toughened glass, and not only are they incredibly stylish, but they also feature advanced noise-canceling technology.

We tried these out during a yoga class to get the whole experience, and we were blown away by how clear the sound was, and how background noise faded away to create a sense of calm. Our only complaint is that their Bluetooth connection is quite sensitive, making it difficult to connect them to many other Bluetooth devices. They're also quite expensive, and lack the wide compatibility of other products.

The Bang & Olufsen app has a variety of in-depth settings to play around with to get the most out of these earbuds.

Livingetc rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

(Image credit: Sony)

Sony WF-C500 true wireless earbuds are a blend of affordability, reliability, and performance. Compact and lightweight, the headphones fit most people comfortably, and the water-resistant design and touch controls make them convenient for workouts and everyday activities alike. Audio quality could be better at this price point, and the lack of noise-canceling features is a minus.

The charging case offers 14 hours of extra battery life on top of 6 hours from the earbuds alone, adding up to a massive 20 hours in total. A quick 10-minute charge will get you an hour of use. This is impressive given the budget price tag, and the whole package feels high-quality despite being primarily plastic. It took us a while to get used to the single-button controls, though.

Livingetc rating: 4 out of 5 stars

(Image credit: Future/Molly Cleary)

About this guide

Livingetc believes how we test products in our buying guides is crucial to ranking them. In order to give you an honest opinion of each set of earphones here, we've tested the majority of them out, at length, in order to tell you exactly what's great (and not so great) about each pick. 

Where these headphones are concerned, there's a clear emphasis on them being used while working out, which is why we walk, run and go to the gym with them in our ears. This allowed us to test their sweatproof and waterproof qualities, as well as challenge any claims about battery life. We also judged if they will easily fall out of your ears when you're on the go. With all of that in mind, we've created the rankings above, so you can make an informed decision. 

(Image credit: Marshall)

Choosing the best workout headphones for you

When choosing workout headphones, it's critical to first determine what you'll use them for and consider the specifics accordingly. If you're planning to use earbuds while swimming, for example, make sure the technology supports waterproofing before choosing. Similarly, if you enjoy hiking and need headphones that work at high altitudes, pick earbuds with those capabilities.

Once you've found earbuds suitable for your activities, consider the practical features most relevant to you. Battery life, in particular, is critical - if you're forgetful about charging devices, choose earbuds that can be charged quickly to provide an hour of use.

When purchasing workout headphones, style and fit are also significant to consider since you'll wear them regularly. If you often have trouble getting your earbuds to stay in place, look for models with adjustable eartips that provide the ideal level of comfort. Ultimately, finding the right pair of workout headphones will require thorough research, considering the range of available options. This will enable you to find one that fits your specific preferences and needs.

How to clean sweat from workout headphones

Cleaning workout headphones can be a challenging task due to their intricate design, especially when exposed to sweat during a workout. When cleaning your headphones, it's critical to handle them gently to avoid damaging the delicate inner workings and prevent expensive replacements.

If you're dealing with sweat, start by wiping the exterior of your headphones with a damp cloth. Ensure that you only make contact with the casing. After that, dry them immediately with a clean cloth. If your earphones are waterproof, you can be more thorough in cleaning. You can also clean the in-ear buds following the same process. These buds are often available in different sizes, so you can interchange them to find the most comfortable fit for your ears. It's essential to dry them thoroughly to prevent moisture from damaging your headphones.