10 Best Headphones For Running 2026 in the United States

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with runners in mind, offering a secure-fit earhook that stays locked in during intense workouts. The earhooks are reinforced for flexibility and comfort, and five ear tip sizes help customize the fit, enhancing comfort and stability on the move. They have an IPX4 rating, so they resist sweat and light rain, making them suitable for most running conditions, though heavy water exposure should be avoided.

Battery life is impressive, with up to 45 hours total using the charging case and about 10 hours from a single charge, plus quick charging that gives 1.5 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charge—this means you won’t be interrupted during long runs or workouts. Sound quality benefits from Adaptive EQ that adjusts music based on your ears and Personalized Spatial Audio for an immersive experience, delivering clear highs and strong bass, which is motivating for many runners. The earbuds include active noise cancelling to block distractions, along with a Transparency mode so you can stay aware of surroundings—a helpful safety feature when running outdoors.

Connectivity is solid with Class 1 Bluetooth, offering stable connections with both Apple and Android devices. Controls are versatile: you can use on-ear buttons, voice commands via Siri, or the Beats app (on Android) to adjust settings without breaking your stride. Added heart rate monitoring directly from the earbuds is a notable bonus for fitness tracking without extra gear. One downside is the absence of a USB-C charging cable in the box, which you may need to buy separately. Additionally, while the IPX4 rating is good for sweat and light rain, these earbuds aren’t fully waterproof, so they aren’t suited for heavy rain or swimming. The Powerbeats Pro 2 provides a strong combination of comfort, sound quality, long battery life, and useful fitness features, making them an excellent option for runners seeking reliable, feature-packed earbuds.

Apple AirPods 4 are a solid choice for running thanks to their improved fit and comfort, designed to stay stable during movement with a refined shape and shorter stem. They hold up well against sweat and rain with an IP54 rating, meaning they can handle heavy workouts and unexpected weather. Battery life is dependable, offering up to 5 hours of listening on a single charge and about 30 hours total with the compact USB-C charging case, which is smaller and more convenient than before.

Sound quality is enhanced by the Apple H2 chip, delivering clear calls even in noisy environments and a rich, immersive experience through Personalized Spatial Audio. Connectivity is seamless for iPhone users, with effortless pairing and Bluetooth 5.3 ensuring a steady wireless connection. The earbuds include intuitive controls like quick-press buttons and voice commands via Siri, including novel head nod/shake responses, which are handy for hands-free use while running. They do not have active noise cancellation, which some runners might miss for blocking out distractions.

The charging cable is sold separately, which could be inconvenient. While they are durable against dust and moisture, the IP54 rating doesn’t guarantee full waterproofing, so submerging should be avoided. These earbuds suit runners who prioritize comfort, solid sound, and easy integration with Apple devices, but those seeking strong noise cancellation or a more universal fit might want to explore other options.

The SHOKZ OpenFit 2 headphones are designed specifically with runners and active users in mind. Their open-ear, earhook design offers a lightweight and comfortable fit that stays secure during workouts while allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings—a big plus for outdoor running safety. The Ni-Ti alloy earhooks contour nicely to the ear, making them suitable for extended wear without discomfort. With an IP55 rating, they resist sweat and light rain well, so you don’t have to worry about moisture affecting your run.

The sound quality is clear and balanced, thanks to their DualBoost drivers and OpenBass 2.0 technology, delivering decent bass without blocking external sounds. Battery life is strong for this category, offering 11 hours of continuous playtime and up to 48 hours with the charging case, plus a quick 10-minute charge for 2 extra hours which is handy on busy days. Connectivity via Bluetooth 5.4 is stable with a 33-foot range, and the ability to switch between two devices can be convenient. Physical buttons provide reliable control during activity, and a companion app lets you customize sound settings and controls.

As open-ear headphones, they won’t provide noise isolation, which may be a drawback if you want to block out traffic noise or crowds entirely. Also, the lack of active noise cancellation limits sound immersion. Some may find the sound less punchy compared to in-ear options. While the build feels durable and the included carrying case is compact, the plastic material might not withstand rough treatment as well as more rugged models. The SHOKZ OpenFit 2 is an excellent choice for runners who prioritize situational awareness, comfort, and long battery life over full noise isolation.