Best headphones for working out in 2026: Break a sweat with confidence

Nowadays, there are a plethora of headphones suitable for your most intense workouts. Depending on your needs, you can prioritize comfort, a robust ingress protection rating, or a bass-heavy sound profile. Some headphones focus on an open fit or the latest bone-conduction technology. Whatever you desire, we put the best headphones for working out through their paces. Here’s how they compare in 2026.

The Quick Answer

For a quick guide to the best headphones for working out that suit your needs and budget, check out our top picks below. Each has a link to our full review.

The best over-ears: Nothing Headphone (1)

The best for iPhone: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

The best value: JLab JBuds Lux ANC

The best open-ears: Nothing Ear (Open)

The best for bass: Heavys H1H

The best clip-on: HUAWEI FreeClip 2

Best over-ear headphones for working out: Nothing Headphone (1)

It’s not every day that we come across a pair of over-ear headphones with an ingress protection rating. Nevertheless, the Nothing Headphone (1) are IPX2-rated to protect against sweat. They’re fashionable, too, with a retro Sony cassette aesthetic and AirPods Max 2-style rectangular cups. Speaking of which, the cups have intuitive controls that are easy to locate during workouts. These include a volume roller, track-skipping paddle, and multifunction button. The ear padding is ample, though the headband could use a little more cushioning. Similarly, the tight clamping force is ideal for keeping the cans in place during workouts, but could become uncomfortable for those with larger-than-average heads.

Read our full Nothing Headphone (1) review

The Nothing Headphone (1) come packed with features, including nearly 43 hours of battery life and the ability to fast-charge 5 hours from a 5-minute top-up. Their noise cancellation is also competitive, achieving an average attenuation of 85% across the audible frequency spectrum. The default sound quality is darker than we usually like, but the elevated sub-bass will be favorable among athletes. The headphones score 4.6 Overall in our MDAQS tests, placing them firmly in the “good” category.

The cans run Bluetooth 5.3 with the SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs for tangle-free listening. However, those seeking wired connections can utilize the USB-C and 3.5mm ports beneath the right ear cup. Setup is streamlined with Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair support, and the Nothing X app bundles top-tier features. These include spatial audio with head tracking, a low-latency gaming mode, an 8-band custom EQ, and control customizations. There’s even Essential Space for voice notes and Channel Hop for switching between audio apps, provided you have the new Nothing Phone (3).

Nothing Headphone (1) price history

The best headphones for working out for iPhone: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

Apple’s subsidiary, Beats, manufactures some of the best workout headphones on the market. While the Beats Fit Pro are among the most popular, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are by far the most accomplished. These feature an IPX4-rated hooked design that stays in place during the most intense workouts. To refine your fit, Beats includes five silicone ear tips out of the box, ranging from XS to XL. There’s even an ear tip fit test within the iOS Settings app or the Beats mobile app to ensure you are using the right size of ear tips.

Read our full Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review

Most enticingly, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 support heart-rate monitoring using built-in optical sensors and green LED lights. These track when you start a workout, but do not constantly monitor your heart rate throughout the day. You can share your heart rate data with third-party fitness apps and equipment for real-time monitoring. The buds also connect instantly to all your iCloud devices, display controls in the Control Center, and feature comprehensive customizations in the iOS Settings app.

Beats advertises the battery life as up to 10 hours per charge cycle and up to 45 hours with the charging case. This aligns with our hands-on testing, and the buds support wireless charging for seamless top-ups. noise cancelation is very good, attenuating environmental sounds by an average of 83%, and the earbuds score 4.6 Overall in our MDAQS tests. For context, the bass response is more sensible than competing overly-bassy workout buds. The microphone quality is decent, and it works significantly better when paired with Apple devices.

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 price history

The best value headphones for working out: JLab JBuds Lux ANC

Because over-ears so rarely tout IP ratings, it may be worth spending less on your next workout headphones. The JLab JBuds Lux ANC are an excellent consideration for price-conscious athletes, offering a comfortable form factor. They weigh just 235g, feature soft-foam pleather padding, and accommodate real ear shapes better than other headphones. The ear cups can be folded inward for smaller storage, and the headband is adorned with ample breathable fabric padding. Glasses wearers shouldn’t experience any fit issues.

Read our full JLab JBuds Lux ANC review

Controlling the headphones is easy thanks to the intuitive rubberized tactile buttons on the rear of the right ear cup. Users can listen wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3 with the SBC codec or wired via USB-C. While some may lament the lack of Hi-Res wireless options, few athletes will notice the difference during workouts. Instead, users should focus on the impressive 44 hours of battery life, which far surpasses the industry average of 30 hours. Similarly, a 10-minute charge should yield 4 hours of listening time.

The JLab JBuds Lux ANC offers decent noise canceling for the price, making low-end noise 50-75% less prominent. High frequencies are attenuated even more, meaning you shouldn’t be too bothered by the repetitive gym radio. The headphones score 4.5 Overall in our MDAQS tests, and their elevated bass response provides extra “oomph” during workouts. They’re also capable of taking calls, though wind noise may be audible to those on the other end. Still, downloading the JLab app unlocks a 10-band custom EQ, a volume limiter, adjustable ANC, and more.

JLab JBuds Lux ANC price history

The best open-ear headphones for working out: Nothing Ear (Open)

If you’re a city dweller, it may be worth considering open-ear headphones like the Nothing Ear (Open). Unlike over-ears, these leave your ears unoccluded so you can hear everything going on around you. This provides a safer listening experience at the cost of superior sound quality and active noise cancelation. Still, the hooked design stays secure during workouts, and the Nothing Ear (Open) has an IP54 rating that guards against dust and sweat damage.

Read our full Nothing Ear (Open) review

The earbuds support Bluetooth 5.3 with the SBC and AAC codecs. There’s also Multipoint connectivity, Google Fast Pair, and Microsoft Swift Pair compatibility. The battery lasts a very respectable 8 hours per charge cycle, and you get an extra 22 hours from the case. There’s no noise cancelation here, but compared to other open-ear buds, the Nothing Ear (Open) has reasonably decent sound quality. For context, they score 3.6 Overall in our MDAQS tests and boost the bass around 100Hz by approximately 6dB.

The Nothing X app is a vital addition for installing firmware updates. It also unlocks an 8-band parametric EQ, a handful of presets, control customizations, low-lag gaming mode, and sets up your voice assistant for ChatGPT. The Nothing Ear (Open) can be used for phone calls, too, but they struggle with wind noise rejection. The earbuds also do not support wireless charging, which may be off-putting for those who need to charge on the fly.

Nothing Ear (Open) price history

The best bass-heavy headphones for working out: Heavys H1H

If you enjoy heavy music with plentiful bass, the Heavys H1H are a worthy contender for your ears. While they do not sport a robust IP rating, they have a decent clamping force and a metal headband slider for added rigidity. There’s ample cushioning on the ear cups, and the ear cup shells can even be customized with band artwork. Most handily, the headphones feature a physical volume knob that doubles as a play/pause button, making it easier to adjust playback in real-time.

Read our full Heavys H1H review

Connection-wise, the Heavys H1H support Bluetooth 5.1 with the SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive codecs. However, those who prefer wired listening can make use of the 3.5mm and USB-C audio ports. Under the hood is a unique 8-driver system with a frequency response that emphasizes bass frequencies below 250Hz. However, while still ample for bass heads, the low-end is less pronounced when ANC is enabled. The Heavys H1H score 4.9 Overall in our MDAQS test, meaning most people will enjoy how they sound out of the box.

The Heavys H1H feature what the company describes as “Hellblocker Noise Cancelation (ANC)”, in addition to Transparency Mode to maintain situational awareness. They can also be used for calls, which is ideal if you’re a social athlete. Just be mindful that these cans are on the bulky side and weigh 410g. So, you may find them uncomfortable if you’re planning a marathon run. Really, they’re best for those who want an over-ear exercise companion with a bass-forward sound profile.

Heavys H1H price history

The best clip-on headphones for working out: HUAWEI FreeClip 2

If you want extra stability, consider buds that attach to your outer ear, like the HUAWEI FreeClip 2. These feature a super robust IP57 rating, a futuristic C-bridge design, and weigh just 5.1g per bud. Even the charging case is IP54-rated, so you don’t need to worry about your device surviving harsh weather. Most importantly, the earbuds apply enough pressure to remain stable without pain during long, intensive activities.

Read our full HUAWEI FreeClip 2 review

The HUAWEI FreeClip 2 connect wirelessly over Bluetooth 6.0 with the SBC and AAC codecs. They also support Multipoint connectivity, which is handy if you’re sporting two devices simultaneously. Battery life is advertised at 9 hours per charge cycle, with a total of 38 hours with the case. This can be topped up via USB-C or with a compatible wireless charging pad.

As with all open-ear buds, the HUAWEI FreeClip 2 does not support ANC and lacks bass. Nevertheless, the earbuds have more low-end “punch” than many of their rivals, and it’s easy enough to pick out individual instruments in the mix. You can use the FreeClip 2 for phone calls, but they struggle to block out environmental noise. You can download the HUAWEI Audio app to access firmware updates, a 10-band custom EQ, and head gestures. The last is especially handy for workouts, and the earbuds are interchangeable, meaning you can wear either one in either ear.

HUAWEI FreeClip 2 price history

The best headphones for working out: Notable mentions

• Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100 (): While several years old, these IPX5-rated workout over-ear headphones are ideal for sweaty exercises. They weigh just 240g, last nearly 27 hours per charge cycle, and have an emphasized bass response to power you through the toughest gym sessions.
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport (): Designed specifically for fitness enthusiasts, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport carry an IPX5 rating, a built-in heart rate monitor, body temperature sensors, and a secure wing-tip design. Their ANC is middling, but the buds last nearly 7 hours per charge.
• Under Armour Project Rock by JBL (): These workout over-ears are IPX4-rated, weigh 294g, and have ample ear cushioning for longer wear. The My JBL Headphones app unlocks a custom EQ, and the cans last over 41 hours per charge cycle.
• Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 (): To avoid accidental slips altogether, consider the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2. These bone conduction headphones leave your ears unoccluded, are IP55-rated, and weigh just 30.3g. Battery life runs at up to 12 hours per charge, and the bass response is surprisingly good.
• Anker Soundcore AeroClip (): These IP55-rated clip-on buds are ideal for city runners thanks to their lightweight 5.9g frame and robust memory titanium core. They support Bluetooth 5.4 with the SBC, AAC, and LDAC codecs, and provide 8 hours of continuous music playback.
• Beats Powerbeats Fit (): A more affordable companion to the Powerbeats Pro 2, these earbuds are IPX4-rated, feature a wingtip design, and have decent noise cancellation. They last over 7 hours per charge cycle and work equally well on Android and iOS.
• Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 (): Bass heads who enjoy EDM should consider these earbuds. They’re IP54-rated, have excellent active noise cancelation, and support wireless charging. They include 3 concha fins, 4 tip sizes, and last nearly 8 hours per charge.
• Shokz OpenRun Pro (): While they have shorter battery life than their successor, the Shokz OpenRun Pro remain a compelling option for athletes. They support Multipoint connectivity, have an IP55 rating, and weigh just 27g. Despite their open-ear design, they have decent sound quality.
• Shokz OpenSwim Pro (): Swimmers should purchase the OpenSwim Pro. These include 32GB of internal storage, feature intuitive tactile controls, and are IP68-rated to guard against dust and water. They also provide 9 hours of listening time and support Multipoint connectivity.
• JBL Endurance Peak 3 (): Budget-conscious athletes will enjoy these buds. They’re IP68-rated, feature a reliable hooked design, and last nearly 9 hours per charge. They don’t feature ANC, but they offer sound quality bass heads will appreciate. There are a ton of workout-related features baked in.
• Shokz OpenDots ONE (): Marathon runners who enjoy clip-on designs will like the OpenDots ONE. They provide 10 hours of listening time, receive 20 additional hours from the case, and are IP54-rated to protect against the elements. Downloading the Shokz app unlocks 4 EQ presets, 2 custom modes, and Shokz DirectPitch, which minimizes sound leakage.

What you should know about the best headphones for working out

For most athletes, in-ears, bone conduction headphones, or clip-on buds are preferable to over-ear cans. That’s because they’re more secure during workouts and shouldn’t come loose with a shake of the head. Conversely, over-ears are prone to slipping off during floor and bench exercises. You’ll be in good standing if you find earbuds that support attachable ear hooks, wing tips, or concha fins. These offer even greater stability and better accommodate a wider range of ear shapes.

Regardless of the type of headphones you choose, you’ll want to consider models with a robust ingress protection rating. This determines how well-protected a product is against dust and water damage. Generally speaking, the greater the number, the greater the level of protection. For example, an IP68 rating is preferred over an IPX2 rating. Be mindful that ingress protection degrades over time with repeated use. So, your once-waterproof earbuds may become less water-resistant after weeks and months of wear.

A secure fit, robust IP rating, bassy sound profile, and transparency mode are essential considerations when buying workout headphones.

Open-ear buds are an excellent workout companion for city dwellers. They allow the wearer to retain situational awareness by keeping the ear canal unoccluded. This can be especially handy for crossing a busy street or cycling along a main road. Nevertheless, private gym-goers may decide they need active noise cancelation to block out the world around them. In this case, you should pick headphones with decent ANC capabilities. Long-distance runners prioritize endurance, so they should choose headphones with long battery life. Anything above 5 hours is considered good for wireless earbuds, while over-ear headphones should last at least 30 hours per charge.

Sound quality is subjective. However, many athletes prefer their headphones to reproduce music with added “oomph”. If that sounds like you, consider options with a loud bass response. Headphones like the Heavys H1H or Sennheiser MOMENTUM True Wireless 4 are excellent options that prioritize a bass-forward frequency response. Just be mindful that, due to their unsealed design, open-ear buds frequently suffer from a perceived lack of bass.

How we test the best headphones for working out

We test most of our headphones using our Bruel & Kjaer 5128 head simulator. This gathers objective measurements for frequency responses, isolation, noise cancelation, and battery life. We also conduct hands-on testing to assess how well headphones fit, their best features, and how they connect.

However, our test head struggles with bone-conduction headphones. In these instances, some of our microphone quality data is very experimental. We are continually refining our testing apparatus and updating measurements as soon as possible.

Why you should trust SoundGuys

We have years of experience testing and reporting on consumer audio devices here at SoundGuys. Our editorial team adheres to a strict ethics policy, and the survival of our business depends almost entirely on readers enjoying their purchases. We pride ourselves on transparent, objective facts while accounting for our testers’ subjective experiences. We correct our measurements and set the record straight when new testing data is available.

Frequently asked questions