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Oct 27, 2024

The best running headphones in 2024 | Tom's Guide

Durable, lightweight headphones that will stay in place on the run When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. I’ve been testing the best

Durable, lightweight headphones that will stay in place on the run

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

I’ve been testing the best running headphones for almost a decade and getting the right set of earbuds can make a huge difference to your training. Headphones that fit well and sound great will make the miles fly by, while the wrong headphones can be a constant source of frustration on the run.

To ensure all the picks in this list will work for runners I log a lot of miles while wearing them in all weathers, focusing on key features like a secure and comfortable fit, sound quality, durability and battery life.

I’ve run hundreds of miles while using our top pick — the Beats Powerbeats Pro — which have a rock solid fit thanks to their earhook and offer great sound quality and long battery life. They’re not your only option, however, and if you want open headphones for greater awareness on the run the Shokz OpenRun are another set of buds I’ve loved throughout hundreds of miles of running.

Along with those two sets of running headphones I’ve also picked out buds that offer great value, sets that work well for both lifestyle and running, and headphones that stand out for their durability. Whatever you’re looking for in your running headphones, you should be able to find a pair that suits.

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Our expert review:

The Beats Powerbeats Pro are older headphones, but still stand out as my top pick for runners because they offer a secure fit, long battery life and great sound quality. While they miss out on some modern features like active noise cancellation (ANC), the Powerbeats Pro have everything keen runners need to soundtrack their workouts.

Beats has since launched the Beats Fit Pro, but these used a wing rather than an earhook, and I found the Powerbeats Pro more secure and more comfortable on the run. The Powerbeats Pro also have physical buttons that are easy to use during workouts, rather than touch controls which can be unreliable when sweaty, and while their IPX4 rating means they are not fully waterproof, they are sweat and water resistant and have lasted me years of workouts.

Another advantage for Apple users is that the Powerbeats Pro use the same Apple H1 chip as the AirPods Pro, so they share the ability to instantly pair with iPhones, and they can instantly switch to other iOS and Mac devices you might have at home. The price is quite high, but as older headphones you can almost always find the Powerbeats Pro in sales.

Our expert review:

The JLab Go Air Sport headphones have no right to be as cheap as they are given the quality you’re getting here. While the sound quality doesn’t match the standards of more expensive buds, as you’d expect, it’s still pretty good and powerful enough to keep you motivated during workouts, and everything else about the headphones matches up well with more expensive options.

Thanks to the earhook design, I found the fit to be very secure during runs of any length and intensity, and the battery life is impressively long too. The IP55 rating also means the headphones won’t be damaged by sweat or rain during your runs. I was not a big fan of the controls, which were often unresponsive and hard to use during runs, and the connectivity can be flaky if you carry your phone in a shorts pocket by your thigh, but it was fine when using a running belt or armband phone holder.

If you don’t need an earhook to get a reliable fit on the run, then the JLab Go Air Pop buds are even cheaper, but I found the hook on the Sport version of the headphones welcome to provide extra security.

Our expert review:

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 set new standards for sound quality in bone conduction headphones, and while they still can’t match the best in-ear buds on this front, they do sound great while still offering the extra awareness you get from open headphones. This is useful for running outdoors in busy areas, and the OpenRun Pro 2 are the headphones I use most often for my own runs as a result.

Shokz’s DualPitch technology is key to the improved sound quality on the OpenRun Pro 2 compared to other bone conduction buds. This uses an air conduction speaker as well as a bone conduction speaker, with the former beefing up the bass considerably.

The battery life on the headphones is also excellent at 12 hours, and although I found it dropped to more like 10 or 11 hours when I had the volume maxed out most of the time, the OpenRun Pro 2 still outlast any other bone conduction headphones I’ve tested.

If you want a cheaper set of bone conduction headphones for your runs the standard Shokz OpenRun are a great option. They don’t sound as good as the OpenRun Pro 2 or last as long on a charge, but they offer the same awareness and secure, comfortable fit at a lower price.

Our expert review:

The AirPods Pro 2 are excellent lifestyle headphones that also work well for running, making them the best option for people who just want one set of buds for everything. The sound quality and ANC are top-notch, the fit is very comfortable for in-ear headphones, and as you’d expect they offer easy connectivity with other Apple devices.

One downside of the wing-less design is that the AirPods Pro 2 are not as secure in the ear as more sports-focused headphones, and sometimes on runs they did come loose for me. You can improve the fit for running using third-party memory foam ear tips or even wings that you attach to the buds just for runs, but if that’s not working then the Jabra Elite 8 Active are another great set of lifestyle headphones that crossover well for sports use.

Our expert review:

Jabra’s range of Elite Active headphones contains some brilliant buds for runners, and the cheaper Elite 4 Active are the best value, especially as they’re often in sales because they came out a couple of years ago. The Elite 4 Active have a comfortable and secure fit for in-ear buds, offer great sound and pretty good ANC as well, along with Jabra’s useful HearThrough feature to increase environmental awareness without having to take a bud out.

If you upgrade to the Elite 8 Active, which are also on this list, you’ll get a slightly more durable design, longer battery life and improved ANC and sound quality, but the Elite 4 Active score well on all those features too and for me they offer the best balance of price and features on the market if you want in-ear buds.

Our expert review:

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds have a novel design that involves them clipping onto the side of your ear so that a speaker rests near your ear canal without blocking it. This allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while running, and also enjoy the best sound quality you can find from open headphones. That’s whether you use the Immersive Audio setting available on the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds or not — I tended not to, as they still sounded great and Immersive Audio reduces the battery life considerably.

I found the clip-on fit to be very secure for all my runs and the headphones are more comfortable than in-ear buds for general use too, though the sound quality is reduced by the lack of passive or active noise cancellation. Do be wary of knocking the buds off when running through — I know people who’ve accidentally flicked them loose during runs. If you'd prefer open headphones with an earhook design, the Shokz OpenFit Air are a great option.

The button controls are easy to use during workouts and the battery life is impressive if you’re not using Immersive Audio. The IPX4 water resistance rating is not as high as on other sports buds, but it’s high enough that the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds will withstand sweat and rain during your runs.

Our expert review:

The Elite 8 Active serve exceptionally well for running and lifestyle use. Upgraded with military-standard materials for unbreakable protection, they're built like tanks, with the IP68 rating meaning they are waterproof, dustproof and sweatproof. Even the case is IP54-rated, so you can stick it in a sweaty running belt or backpack without worrying it will get damaged.

Despite the lack of wings or an earhook, the fit proved very reliable for me during runs, and the battery life is impressively-long given how small the buds are. The sound quality is also very good, and the ANC filters out most external noises well, while the HearThrough mode allows you to hear your surroundings when required.

The Jabra Elite 4 Active are better value, but the Elite 8 Active are better headphones overall and still pretty good value compared to other top in-ear options like the Apple AirPods Pro 2.

Our expert review:

If you prefer on-ear headphones then the Beats Solo 4 are a great option for running thanks to the secure fit they have. I’ve used these for many runs at varying paces and they stay in place well and are comfortable, though it is worth noting they get hotter and feel heavier than in-ear buds if you’re running for a long time.

There is no official IP rating for the Solo 4 headphones either, though they are designed to be used for workouts. With a quick wipe clean after each run you shouldn’t have any major concerns about sweat damaging the headphones, though if you want greater peace of mind a set of buds with a high IP-rating will be more suitable.

The advantage of on-ear headphones over in-ear buds is that you get fantastic sound quality and incredible battery life, with the Solo 4 buds lasting up to 50 hours on a charge. You can also plug them in with a 3.5mm cable if you are out of juice, another advantage over truly wireless in-ear buds.

Our expert review:

They might be primarily aimed at swimmers, but the Shokz OpenSwim Pro bone conduction headphones are also an excellent option for runners and a standout pick for racing. That’s because they offer MP3 storage, which means you can load your audio files onto the headphones and leave your phone behind when you race while still listening to music or podcasts.

In addition, bone conduction headphones also have the advantage of being allowed at more races than in-ear headphones, which block out external noise and so are sometimes banned at events where runners need to hear marshal on the course or be aware of traffic.

Along with MP3 playback the OpenSwim Pro headphones also offer Bluetooth connectivity, so you can link them to your phone during normal training sessions, which can be worth doing because the MP3 mode drains the battery faster than Bluetooth playback.

They are more expensive than the Shokz OpenRun, and it’s only worth the upgrade to the OpenSwim Pro if you value the flexibility of the MP3 mode either for racing, or indeed if you do swim as well as run.

Our expert review:

Open and bone conduction headphones are becoming more and more popular for runners who want the extra awareness and comfort of their design, but you do sacrifice sound quality with those buds. I find that the open-fit AirPods 4 sits somewhere in the middle between completely open headphones and in-ear buds, and deliver something like the best of both worlds.

The fit is comfortable and, for me, secure while running — my first run with the buds was a 20-miler and they didn’t budge at all, and I've had no problems with them on any runs since then either. That’s in contrast to many in-ear buds like the AirPods Pro 2, which I find squirm loose for me while running, and the AirPods 4 are more comfortable for long runs because they don’t sit in the ear canal, which also means you can hear more of the world around you.

They aren’t quite as good for awareness as bone conduction headphones, but I feel safe running in any situation with the AirPods 4 because I can hear traffic, especially with the transparency mode on.

Then you have the big advantage of better sound quality than open and bone conduction headphones, plus the active noise cancellation you get with the AirPods 4, which is remarkably good at limiting external sounds when it’s safe to do so. It’s great for making the whirring of a treadmill or exercise bike disappear, for example.

The fit might not work for everyone with the AirPods 4, and some will prefer either the extra awareness of open headphones or the better sound quality and ANC of in-ear buds, but I find them more or less perfect for running and general use. I would like a little more battery life though, if I’m being greedy.

Our expert review:

The JLab JBuds Sport ANC 4 have a lot of features that will appeal to runners, but their battery life in particular is outstanding. The buds themselves last 14 hours on a charge with the ANC off, and nine hours with it on, and the carry case can bring the total battery up to 60 hours, long enough to last you multi-day adventures without needing to find a plug.

There’s also little need to take the battery hit by using the ANC on the buds, which is a nice way of saying it’s not very good. On the plus side, the Be Aware transparency mode is very useful for runners, allowing you to hear external sounds like traffic without having to take a headphone out.

The ear hook fit is reliably secure for all kinds of workouts, though it’s not the most comfortable design for using for long stretches outside your runs. A novel feature on the headphones is an interval timer, which you can use for your runs and other workouts.

While the sound quality is not outstanding it’s certainly good given the low price you pay for the JLab JBuds Sport ANC 4, which offer excellent value given the fit and battery life. If you value great sound highly then it will be worth paying the extra for the Beats Powerbeats Pro, which also have a secure ear hook fit and are better for general use, but the JLab headphones are considerably cheaper and do offer longer battery life.

Fit: The fit is crucial when picking running headphones, because no matter how great their other features are, they're useless if they fall off during runs. You might prefer an earbud design that hooks over your ear, or buds that sit entirely within your ear, perhaps with a wing for extra stability. Any style can work, and though an earhook tends to deliver the most reliable fit, smaller in-ear buds can be more practical and comfortable, especially if you wear glasses.

Water resistance: Even if you’re averse to running in the rain, we’d strongly recommend a pair of running headphones with certified water resistance to protect against sweat. An IP rating of IPX7 denotes full waterproofing, while IPX4 represents basic moisture resistance and is usually the minimum I look for when picking running headphones. If you plan to take the case for the headphones with you, it's also worth looking to see if it has an IP rating to protect it from sweat in your pocket or a running belt.

Active noise cancelation and transparency: A lot of the best running headphones feature ANC, but this isn’t necessary for running. In fact you may want to turn if off for better situational awareness near traffic and pedestrians. Some buds also offer a transparency mode to let you hear more external noise, and many now have an open design that leaves your ear canals clear for greater awareness.

Battery life: Some qualities are universal across all wireless earbuds, like battery life. Consider how long and how often you’ll want to wear your headphones for; if you’re a regular traveler it can definitely be worth picking a pair with longer battery life, either per charge or in terms of how much the bundled charging case provides. Wireless earbuds can last about 5 to 10 hours and offer extended playtime with their bundled charging cases — always make sure one is included.

Comfort: All running headphones need to be comfortable as well; all of the pairs on this list are fine to wear for a couple of hours at least, though some cope better with extended use than others.

Pricing considerations: Obviously, price is a big consideration when looking for the best headphones. Although there are always exceptions, big-name brands will typically command a bit extra, but generally speaking, the less you spend on a pair of headphones the greater the chance that sound and features will be compromised. Going for a budget option isn't always the best choice, as any money you save on your purchase won't do you much good if you're constantly needing to recharge your audio gear, or the sound quality is poor.

As the saying goes: timing is everything; and right now many of our favorite models are being discounted by online retailers, meaning you can bag a bargain for even less. Bookmark our best headphone deals page to keep track of the latest price drops.

I test running headphones by doing a lot of a running with them. I usually log around 60 miles a week and almost always wear headphones to listen to music or podcasts during my training. My first focus is fit, because buds that stay in place reliably are a must for running. I also check their IP rating and usually get a chance to run in the rain with them — a rare advantage to the unreliable British weather.

Sound quality is also important, and all the models in this buying guide have good sound — some also appear in our pick of the best wireless earbuds overall. I listen to a range of music with the buds both during and outside of my runs, and with open and bone conduction headphones I check if they're loud enough to hear in busy environments.

Once all our testing is complete, I rate running headphones on a five-point system (1 = worst, 5 = best). The very best running headphones are awarded an Editor's Choice badge.

Here at Tom’s Guide our expert editors are committed to bringing you the best news, reviews and guides to help you stay informed and ahead of the curve!

Nick Harris-fry is an experienced health and fitness journalist, writing professionally since 2012. He spent nine years working on the Coach magazine and website before moving to the fitness team at Tom’s Guide in 2024. Nick is a keen runner and also the founder of YouTube channel The Run Testers, which specialises in reviewing running shoes, watches, headphones and other gear.

Nick ran his first marathon in 2016 after six weeks of training for a magazine feature and subsequently became obsessed with the sport. He now has PBs of 2hr 27min for the marathon and 15min 30sec for 5K, and has run 13 marathons in total, as well as a 50-mile ultramarathon.

He runs 50-80 miles a week and races regularly with his club, which gives him a lot of opportunity to test out running gear: he has tested and reviewed hundreds of pairs of running shoes, as well as fitness trackers, running watches, sports headphones, treadmills, and all manner of other kit. Nick is also a qualified Run Leader in the UK.

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