The Best Headphones for Working Out

Dec 18, 2023

Bump your favorite beats on the run or in the gym with these water-resistant, comfortable headphones.

Nothing beats a blast of your favorite tunes to help you get in the zone during your workout. And a great pair of earbuds or headphones can help you take your workout up a notch or two as well.

With built-in ANC features, you can block out external noise when you need to concentrate and dig deep. And with Transparency Modes, you can keep your ears attuned to the outside world when you need to, as well. Water-resistance ratings are great for providing sweat-resistant earwear for working out, and you'll want something with decent battery life, too. Plus, clear call features mean you can easily switch from audio to voice calls, should you need to, without struggling to make yourself heard from inside a busy gym.

However you like to work out, you can find the perfect pair of headphones for you. Here are our picks for the best headphones for working out in 2023.

The best wireless earbuds for working out

With the Beats Fit Pro True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds, you can train hard every time. These ANC earbuds are rated IPX4 water-resistant, so won't mind you working up a sweat. Adaptive EQ keeps sounds loud and fresh, and voice assistant compatibility and clear call technology make them versatile and convenient to use.

If you’re settling into a workout, and want to stay firmly in the zone, a lightweight pair of earbuds with ANC makes a great choice. Not only do the Beats Fit Pro feature active noise canceling, but they’re also rated IPX4 water-resistant, too. Perfect for a long, sweaty session.

As well as ANC, they also feature a Transparency Mode for when you want to hear the world around you and have an adaptive EQ too. Secure-fit wingtips mean they won’t drop from your ear anytime soon, and three sizes of ear tips mean you can find the perfect fit for you.

Beats Fit Pro also supports Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, so you can enjoy premium sound quality however you’re moving. Compatible with Android and iOS, they also come equipped with Apple H1, so iOS users can enjoy automatic switching or audio sharing between devices. And with six hours of battery life on a full charge, they’ll run full pelt for the most epic of workouts.

The perfect pair of earbuds for water sports

With an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating, the JBL Reflect Aero TWS earbuds are ideal for water sports or wetter workouts. And with active noise-canceling and ambient modes too, you can adjust your sound to suit your environment.

Water resistance is all well and good. But if you’re after something a bit more waterproof, you’ll want to consider something more specialized, like the JBL Reflect Aero TWS. These lively little earbuds are rated IP68 waterproof and dustproof, making them an ideal go-to option for water sports, or all-weather hiking or running.

Built to withstand full submersion for up to 30 minutes at depths of up to five feet, these won’t buckle while you’re swimming a few lengths. They feature four-mic Adaptive Noise Canceling, and a Smart Ambient Mode acts to eliminate distractions while also keeping you alert to your surroundings.

Once you’re done with your workout, you can use the JBL Reflect’s Voice Aware to let your nearest and dearest know you’re on your way back. With three beamforming mics built-in to each earbud, they deliver ultra-clear voice quality, even in noisy environments. So, for wetter workouts, you might want to splash out on a pair of these.

Premium comfort for a budget price

The soundcore by Anker Sport X10 True Wireless Bluetooth Sport Earbuds offer a great value for the asking price. Not only are they IPX7 waterproof and sweatproof, but with bass boost technology built-in, they provide great sound quality too.

A good pair of earbuds for your workouts typically won’t come cheap. But there are always some savings to be made if you know where to look. Take these soundcore by Anker Sport X10 Wireless Earbuds, for instance. Perfect for working out with, they have rotating ear hooks to provide you with the perfect in-ear fit.

IPX7 waterproof, sweatproof, and with bass-boosting BassUp technology built-in, these sports earbuds are more than willing to be put through their paces. Amp up your audio with their dynamic acoustic system for two times as much bass, and tailor your sound profile with up to 22 EQ presets.

Enjoy eight hours of continuous playback from a single charge, which can be extended a further three times with the charging case. Tough-wearing and comfortable, the X10s deliver superb bassy sound and make an ideal choice for more modest pockets, so long as you don’t have your heart set on ANC features for your workouts.

More Bang for your buck

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX Wireless Bluetooth Earphones provide incredible sound quality in a lightweight and stylish pair of earbuds. IP57 waterproof, and with ANC built-in, they're the perfect high-quality earbuds to accompany you on your next workout.

Known for their superior sound quality, Bang & Olufsen has turned its hand to earbuds here, with the workout-friendly EX Bluetooth earbuds. Naturally, they have ANC built-in, so you can pump iron and pound pavements without distractions. Delivering punchy, high-resolution sound, you can enjoy rich, full-bodied sonics with these elegant earbuds.

As well as ANC, you have the option of engaging Transparency Mode too, if you want to tune in to your surroundings for safety’s sake, or any other sake. Rated IP57 water-resistant, they are forgiving for gym-based sweat, and use six omnidirectional microphones for crystal clear voice calls, if you ever want to call someone during your workout.

With fast charging, you can enjoy six hours of ANC sound or eight hours of non-ANC sound from just 1.5 hours of charging. And with the charging case included, you can have a total run time of 20 hours on tap. Beautiful sound quality, ANC and Transparency Modes, water-resistant, and great for voice calls. The only downside is the price tag, which is as premium as the sound quality.

The best over-the-ear headphones for workouts

Bose 700 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-the-Ear Headphones offer premium sound quality with 11 levels of ANC to choose from. Voice assistant compatible too, these sophisticated headphones offer versatility as well as quality.

Even the best quality wireless earbuds will struggle to deliver the same quality of sound that a really good pair of over-ear headphones can deliver. And the Bose 700 Wireless Headphones provide some of the best sound quality that wireless headphones have to offer. Full ANC, a Transparency Mode, plus a one-click Conversation Mode that instantly switches from music to calls, are just a few of the star features here.

These headphones come with Alexa and Google Assistant built-in and are also compatible with Siri, too. They have a battery life of 20 hours, are water and sweat-resistant, and can be fully adjusted for your comfort. Plus, a Capacitive Touch feature allows you to swipe up or down on the earcups to control the volume or swipe back to front to skip forwards or backward.

Additional customization options can be accessed via the Bose Music app, including selectable EQ and more. The earcups and made from soft protein leather and are set at a 15-degree angle to your head and ears, for optimum comfort. If you can afford a pair, these fantastic headphones provide exceptional comfort and sound for your workouts.

Adjust your audio to suit your environment for a unique personal experience

Sennheiser Sport True Wireless Earbuds feature an Adaptive Acoustic feature that lets you match Open or Closed ear adapters with various EQ modes to tailor your audio to suit your environment. Using these features you can make individual adjustments, like tuning out your own breathing, while keeping the rest of the outside world audible.

For an audio experience that can adapt to your workout regime, the Sennheiser Sport True Wireless Earbuds are well worth your attention. An Adaptable Acoustic feature gives you the choice of Open or Closed ear adapters, which can be matched to different EQ modes, to tailor the sound output to suit your activity.

An Open style is equivalent to a Transparency Mode, although one which allows you to minimize certain sounds, such as your own breathing. And the Closed style is rather like a full ANC mode. However, combining these with the various EQ modes provides you with a layered and more personal experience.

An IP54 water-resistance rating means these earbuds can handle sweat, rain, and dust. They offer nine hours of playback time, plus another 18 hours with the charging case. Touch controls make these easy to operate on the fly, and the sound quality is particularly good, especially for bass heads.

All-in-all, these are very high-quality, albeit expensive earbuds, which can be endlessly tweaked to suit your requirements.

Battery life that digs deep alongside you

Although not waterproof or sweatproof, Skullcandy Hesh ANC Over-Ear Wireless Headphones are a great choice for the gym, thanks to their excellent battery life, which offers 22 hours on a single charge. And with fast-charging capabilities, they provide up to three hours on just a 10-minute charge, making them a perfect grab-and-go option.

Let’s just get this out of the way; the Skullcandy Hesh ANC Wireless Headphones have no water-resistance rating. They are not water-resistant, nor are they sweatproof. So why are they a good option for workouts? Well, for three main reasons: comfort, ANC, and battery life.

These foldable headphones have soft, comfortable memory foam earcups. They feature ANC, plus an Ambient Mode that keeps essential sounds audible. But the main reason is that they can run for 22 hours straight with ANC on! And with Rapid Charge giving you three hours of playback from just a ten-minute charge, these are the perfect grab-and-go headphones for the gym.

With full ANC and great battery life, plus the bonus of a more affordable price point, you might forgive the Skullcandy Hesh for not being able to resist your sweat. Easy to fold up and carry in your gym bag, they make a great dedicated set of headphones for working out with.

There are some important factors to consider when shopping for a great pair of earbuds or headphones for working out, from the price point to their waterproof and sweatproof ratings, and whether or not they have active noise-canceling features.

If you're into swimming or watersports and want a pair of lightweight earbuds that won't drown, and won't easily fall out of your ears, then the JBL Reflect Aero TWS are a great choice. Being IP68 waterproof and dustproof, they're happy near the water and ideal for rough weather conditions, too.

If you don't mind the absence of ANC features and want to save a few bucks, then the soundcore by Anker Sport X10 True Wireless Earbuds are a good option. They offer deep bass sounds and are IPX7 waterproof, and won't mind you working up a sweat. Plus, their adjustable over-ear hooks make them comfortable to wear throughout even the toughest of sessions.

However, for the ultimate headphones to work out with, we recommend the Beats Fit Pro Noise-Canceling Earbuds. Flexible wingtips provide all-day comfort for the wearer, and they produce rich, immersive sound. Besides ANC, they also have a Transparency Mode and Adaptive EQ to tailor your listening experience. They are IPX4 rated against water and sweat and use Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking to ensure that you get the best possible sound, no matter what you're doing. And their sleek and cool design provides plenty of aesthetic appeal, too.

The best wireless earbuds for working out

With the Beats Fit Pro True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds, you can train hard every time. These ANC earbuds are rated IPX$ water-resistant, so won't mind you working up a sweat. Adaptive EQ keeps sounds loud and fresh, and voice assistant compatibility and clear call technology make them versatile and convenient to use.

Rob is a freelance writer with a BA Hons Degree in English and Media Studies and a Diploma in Proofreading and Editing. After several years working in the financial sector, Rob decided to pursue his passion for writing and joined MUO as a Buyer's Guide writer in 2022. Rob is passionate about music, movies, gaming, martial arts, and of course... tech.