This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
For running fanatics, few things are more important than a good pair of running shoes. But ranking just below those running shoes is a quality set of headphones. Especially when combined with a killer playlist to help push you through those last miles.
Let’s face it: running without music is like some form of medieval torture. It sucks. Cheap, crappy headphones just aren't going to cut it.
When shopping for a quality pair of headphones to wear while running, there are certain features to look out for — features that may actually assist your performance or keep you in the workout zone. If this is your first time buying running headphones, or you want to up your tech game, here’s some crucial details.
What are the different types of running headphones?
There are plenty of different types of headphones out there: on-ear headphones, over-ear headphones, and in-ear earbuds. While there are on-ear and over-ear headphones designed for fitness and running, serious runners should only consider in-ear earbuds. Not only are they best suited for running, but tech companies are gearing their fitness-specific tech towards earbuds. However, there are different kinds of earbuds:
- Wireless earbuds — Maybe you don't want to deal with a long wire when running or want features that can track your progress while you hit the pavement. Wireless earbuds may be the best choice for you. There are plenty of options available that use a link cable for the earphones only or are completely wireless and have features like fitness tracking or voice controls.
- Wired earbuds — Wired headphones are a classic choice, though wired earbuds don’t necessarily mean that they’re wired to your devices, but are wired to each other. The benefits of these are some extra support around your neck, meaning the buds are less likely to pop out, and guaranteed in-sync audio between left and right buds. Also, they’re much harder to lose.
You'll also find an example of bone conducting headphones in this roundup, which use vibrations to transmit sound through your cheekbone directly to your inner ear.
What are the most important features for running headphones?
You can go running with any pair of earbuds, but there are some specific features that will actively help your run and get you on track to smash your PB:
- Volume controls — If there’s one thing guaranteed to slow you down, it’s having to dig your phone out of your pocket to fiddle with the volume or other functions. Look out for headphones that have buttons/touch controls on the ear cups or buds.?
- Water resistance — Water resistant/proof earbuds will ensure you can go running in any weather and that you can sweat as profusely as you like. Look out for dustproof buds too.
- Workout tracking — Some headphones will connect with popular fitness apps that help track performance and goals.
The most important features will generally let you forget all about your headphones. The focus should be on your run, not what's on your head.
Do runners need noise cancellation?
This is another key feature of modern headphones, and worth knowing about — especially if you’ll be doubling up to use them as regular, everyday headphones too. Noise cancellation is a feature that works exactly as it sounds — it blocks and dampens external sounds, so you can shut yourself away from the outside world and fully immerse. It works by using tiny microphones within the ear cups/buds, which emit signals to block out incoming noise. This is called active noise cancellation (ANC).
This can be useful for runners who want to stay fully in the zone and burst through their workout distraction-free. However, it might not be advisable to shut yourself off fully if running through a location you don’t know well, or you’re running alongside traffic. Look out for ANC that has transparency or ambient modes, which allows some external noise in, keeping you partially in tune with the outside world.
What are the best headphones for running?
Whether you're training for a marathon or just looking to take a jog around the block, there is a set of headphones for you. From those that are sweatproof and have fitness tracking capabilities, to headphones with wires, earbud-style pairs, and everything in between, there is something out there that will suit you perfectly.
These are the best headphones for running in 2023.
Beats Fit Pro
Best AirPod alternative
- Battery Life: Six hours (up to 24 hours with charging case)
- Colors: Black, white, coral pink, dune, earth, moon, sage gray, stone purple, tidal blue, volt yellow
- Ear tip sizes: S, M, L
Check out our full review of the Beats Fit Pro.
Who it's for:
Beats Fit Pro earbuds check the boxes for most athletes. These small buds fit comfortably in ears, and three different sizes of ear tips create a comfortable, secure fit. With active noise cancellation, the buds block out noise so you can focus on your workout. However, there is still some noise leakage, which isn't a bad thing if you need to remain aware of your surroundings for safety.
If you like touch controls, the Fit Pro have a clickable button that makes it easy to take calls or play/pause music. Despite being built into the iOS system, Beats buds work for iPhone and Android users alike with easy connectivity.
Why we like it:
You can't beat the quick connectivity of the Beats Fit Pro. As an iOS user, I just had to open the case for the Beats Fit Pro to connect nearly instantly. Earbuds can be a tough fit for me, so I appreciated the multiple-sized ear tips that created the most secure fit.
It took me a second to get comfortable with the Beats Fit Pro, but the wing-tipped design kept them secure in my ear as I moved through my workouts. They can still fall out, particularly if you're bending over, but they're much more secure than typical earbuds. While I was initially very impressed with these earbuds' secure fit, I discovered that newer earbuds like the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds stay in place even better.
What I initially really loved about the design was the touch controls. While most headphones don't have actual buttons to use for touch controls, these do, making it a breeze to take calls. However, that makes it a little too easy to end calls — I accidentally ended a call or two while using these earbuds.
The sound quality on the Beats Fit Pro is excellent. The active noise cancellation dimmed the busy world around me so I could tune into my podcast while I was working out. I did find that the ANC got a little buzzy around loud noises as it worked harder to block them out, and ultimately, I found it a little distracting. With an IPX4 rating, they're water-resistant, making me confident that my sweat or a sudden rainstorm wouldn't cause any damage.
Sony WI-XB400
Best For Organisation
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours
- Colours: Black
It’s another entry from Sony, which is unsurprising — it’s one of the go-to brands for audio technology wherever you fly around the globe. The Sony WI-XB400 are far from the most advanced earbuds in the Sony range but they do have some nice touches that make them ideal for flying.
For starters, you can easily throw them in a bag or even in your pocket. They also have punchy bass, which helps overpower the ambient noise of flying.
But best of all, the buds are actually magnetic, so when you’re not actually listening to them you can keep them connected around you like a necklace. If you’re the kind of person who gets easily disorganised on flights — never sure whether you’ve stashed your belongs in the seat pocket, overhead, or left them in your luggage — these are absolutely ideal.
JBL Reflect Flow Pro
Best For Noise Cancellation
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- App Support: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
JBL does active noise cancellation very well, even on its mid-price offerings. With the JBL Reflect Flow Pro, the noise cancellation isn’t just active, but adaptive. It adjusts automatically to drown out distractions. Also, an ambient mode helps you to stay aware of your surroundings or chat to your workout buddy.
These aren’t as geared towards pristine, nuanced sounds in the way that audio-centric brands deliver. But JBL sound is always reliable, with the added durability and sport-specific features.
They’re both sweat proof and dust proof — safe for working out in all conditions — with patented powerfins to keep them secure. A max of 30 hours' battery life (thanks to the charging case) is more than enough for those long runs.
Jabra Elite 4 Active
Best For Playlists
- Active Noise Cancellation: Yes
- App Support: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 7 hours
Jabra has made its share of top-rated earbuds, but the Jabra Elite 4 Active make the list because they pack so much great tech into what are essentially budget earbuds. At least, budget by the usually pricey standards of fitness tech.
We love the on-ear volume control, controlled with a physical button on the bud, which prevents you from having to fumble around with your phone mid-run. Other features (at your literal fingertips) include Alexa and Spotify Tap Playback, which allows you access playlists and songs with a quick tap.
They’re pleasingly snug in the ears, allowing you to hammer the pavement without the fear of losing one along the way. Elsewhere, active noise cancellation is bolstered by HearThrough technology.
Haylou PurFree BC01
Best For Safety
- Active Noise Cancellation: No
- App Support: No
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
You might not be familiar with bone conducting technology, but listen up, because you should give it a chance. These Haylou headphones use vibrations to transmit sound through your cheekbone directly to your inner ear, meaning you can enjoy your favourite tunes or podcasts on your run whilst still hearing everything going on around you. This is particularly useful if safety is a priority when you're running roadside, or you care about ear canal health.
In-ear headphones deliver better sound, so these might not be best suited to real audiophiles. But if you're a casual listener who just wants to stay entertained when running, you should be absolutely fine. They also work great if you're a podcast listener on your runs.
They are sweat and waterproof for even the toughest workouts, while a 10-minute quick charge will even deliver up to two hours of battery life.
Sennheiser Sport
Best For Sound Quality
- Active Noise Cancellaltion: No
- App Support: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 9 hours
You know you’re in good hands both fitness and audio-wise with a name like Sennheiser Sport. The German-built brand is well known for its top-of-the-line audio performance — it’s a top choice for true audiophiles. Especially reassuring with the true wireless technology.
As for fitness features, they’re made to fit snugly — so they won’t fall out during your workout — with a mammoth battery life (up to 27 hours with the charging case) for extra-long runs. They’re also sweat proof, and with easy touch controls for control while you work out.
The big downside is the high-end price tag, though you do get advanced audio features such as adatable acoustics for staying aware of surroundings. Be warned though: this noise cancelation is passive not active.
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JLab Go Air Sport
Best For Tight Budgets
- Active Noise Cancellation: No
- App Support: No
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
Even if you spend less, you don't need to compromise on quality. The JLab Go Air Sport are a superb option for anyone. They’re made with lo-fi features specifically designed for running and working out.
For instance, check out the over-the-ear ergonomic hooks. There’s no way these will slip out. They’re also sweatproof, so you can really put everything into your session. They also have an impressively long battery life — up to 32 hours with the charging case.
No, they don’t sound quite as good as more expensive options. But the sound certainly isn’t bad. And they do have adjustable EQ settings (signature, balanced, and bass boost). The only reason not to buy these is if you’re desperate for all the latest tech.
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