The 6 Best Headphones For Running - Fall 2023 Reviews

The Beats Studio3 Wireless are the best headphones for running that we've tested. These comfy over-ears are equipped with an ANC system that does a decent job of blocking out chatty gym-goers and squeaky treadmills, though they don't do as well at cutting out the low rumble from traffic if you're running outside. On the upside, they last 23 hours continuously and have a stable fit, so they won't move around during moderate exercise.

The Beats have a warm sound profile with a touch of extra bass to compliment your pump-up jams. Unfortunately, instruments and vocals sound muddy and dull. They also lack sound customization features, so you're stuck with their sound out of the box. Their control scheme is hard to navigate, as all the buttons are flush with the body of the earcups. Fortunately, feedback is tactile and clicky, so you'll know when you've input a command. They also have a W1 chip for seamless pairing with Apple devices, so you won't need to fiddle with your iPhone to connect them.

If you're looking for something cheaper, the Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless are the best wireless headphones for running in the mid-range we've tested. These comfortable headphones have a durable build and good stability on the head. They'll stay in place during a moderate jog or brisk run on the treadmill but can move around during a more intense sprint. Unlike the Beats Studio3 Wireless, they don't have an ANC system and can't cut out the low rumble of nearby traffic or mid-range ambient chatter. This can be advantageous if you want better spatial awareness while running outside.

Their sound profile is very excited and V-shaped. There's a lot of thumpy bass to compliment genres like EDM and hip-hop, but their overemphasized treble range makes sibilants like cymbals sound piercing. Unfortunately, they aren't compatible with a companion app, so you can't customize their mix to suit your needs better. Thankfully, they have a 44-hour battery life, which is twice as long as our top pick and will last you several long runs without needing a top-up. The similarly mid-range TREBLAB Z7 Pro Wireless don't last as long on a single charge, but they're rated IPX4 against water splashes and will hold up better if you mainly run outside.

For the frugal foot racer, consider the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless. These budget headphones have decent stability on-head, so they'll stay put during moderate runs and jogs. Their ANC system performs very well, considering their low price. It can easily block out background conversations and high-pitched frequencies at the gym but will still let in some noise from passing traffic and rumbly bus engines when outside. It's a substantial leg up from the Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless, which don't have an ANC system at all, but the Skullcandy have better stability and will stay in place better during intense runs and workouts.

Their sound profile is excited and V-shaped. There's lots of rumbly, thumpy bass to compliment your pump-up playlists, while vocals and instruments sound clear and intense. However, the overemphasized treble range makes high-end frequencies sound somewhat sharp and piercing. There's also no way to adjust their mix to suit your preferences since they aren't compatible with a companion app. If you like how they sound out of the box, their nearly 33-hour continuous battery life will last through several long runs.

If you're looking for high-end headphones, look no further than the Apple Airpods Max Wireless. These premium over-ears have better build quality than the Beats Studio3 Wireless and offer reasonably good stability, though they move around during more intense movement. Their high clamping force helps prevent them from falling off your head outright, but this same clamping force negatively impacts their comfort. Thankfully, they're reasonably well-padded and aren't fatiguing for shorter daily workouts and runs. Their H1 chip also allows for seamless pairing with other Apple devices.

Their warm sound profile has a touch of extra bass to make rock and hip-hop come alive, while instruments and vocals sound clear and detailed. They don't come with any companion app, and you can't manually adjust their sound profile. Still, they do feature an integrated Adaptive EQ system that automatically adjusts the mix based on the headphones' fit and seal on your head. Their ANC system also outperforms our top pick and adjusts automatically depending on the amount of ambient noise around. It can easily isolate you from the deep rumble of passing bus and truck engines, as well as background chit-chat and whiny AC units. They only last around 22 hours on a single charge, which will still be enough for several long runs.

Having good spatial awareness is key to staying safe when running outside. Unlike the previous picks, the Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction completely bypass the ear canal and use bone conduction to send vibrations via your cheekbones, leaving your whole ear uncovered so you can hear the world around you. However, this means they don't block out any background sound. Their unique sound reproduction may not be for everyone since they lack low-bass, and music like EDM and hip-hop sounds hollow. However, thanks to their fairly balanced mid-range, they can be a solid choice if you listen to vocal-centric content like podcasts.

These headphones hook around your ear, ensuring they don't move too much during intense movement outside. They're well-built and have an IP67 rating for resistance against dust and water, meaning you can wear these out in the rain without worrying about damage. They last roughly 13 hours continuously and have a standby mode to help conserve battery life if you forget to turn them off. However, they use a proprietary charging cable, so you'll need to buy a new one if you lose or misplace it.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro Truly Wireless are the best earbuds for running that we've tested. Their ear hook design makes them almost impossible to shake out during an intense sprint or brisk jog. They're also lightweight and flexible enough to fit comfortably around your ears without causing any discomfort. While they're only rated IPX4 for resistance against water splashes, they have good build quality, and their H1 chip allows for seamless pairing with Apple devices, so you won't have to spend time ensuring connection to your iPhone before starting a run.

While they lack sound customization options, they have a neutral default sound profile suitable for most audio. Their battery lasts nearly 12 hours on a single charge, meaning they're well-suited for longer runs or marathon training sessions. They don't block out much ambient noise passively, but you'll stay more aware of your surroundings. You can also check out the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) Truly Wireless if you want noise cancelling earbuds. They block out sounds like car traffic and ambient voices very well but aren't as stable, and their battery doesn't last nearly as long as the Beats.

If you like earbuds for running, check out our list of the best earbuds for running and working out.