Listening to music as you run or pump out reps may make your workout feel like it's going by faster and help you reach your fitness goals, but that's only if your headphones are up to the sweaty challenge. It can feel nearly impossible to go on a run or finish a grueling set without your favorite songs blasting in your ears. As an avid runner, I need my earbuds to be charged and ready to play my favorite songs before I hit the pavement -- and I need them to be durable enough to last through a rainy or sweaty exercise session.ZDNET and our team of exercise and headphone enthusiasts have done most of the figurative and literal heavy lifting by testing out our favorite earbuds and headphones at the gym, on runs, and while we stay active. We've logged miles and sweat with these headsets and considered options for all budgets. Needless to say, we've got some strong opinions on what makes a good workout headphone.What are the best workout headphones right now?With a compact but secure design, water resistance, and sound performance in mind, we compiled a list of the best headphones for working out to compare and choose which fits your workout style -- and ears -- the best. The best workout headphones right now are the Nothing Ear (open) for its lightweight and comfortable build that you can wear anywhere, clear and loud sound (despite its aware form factor), good battery life, compatibility with different exercises, and overall value. Sort by All The best workout headphones of 2024 Show less View now at Nothing As far as value goes, no brand is beating Nothing and its impressive lineup of earbuds that deliver amazing sound, long battery life, and prices that are nearly unbelievable when we think of brand quality. I can see this most clearly with the new Nothing Ear (open) earbuds that are as comfortable as can be and deliver supreme sound (even though it's an open earbud, a type of earbud that historically tends to sacrifice volume and audio strength for situational awareness), an eight-hour battery life in the earbud and a 30-hour battery life in the case, and a form factor that you can truly wear anywhere.I took the Nothing Ear (open) out on a run, wore them in the office and on commutes to and from, on calls, and on strolls, and was pleased with its unobtrusive design, which made the earbuds feel nearly invisible, the audio strength, which kept things loud and the bass booming while also keeping me aware of the noises around me, Nothing's thoughtful touch controls, and its substantial battery.These are the earbuds you'd want to exercise in, whether you're working out at a busy gym, going on a silent stroll, or running on a car-packed street, because of how they deliver a lightweight, comfortable build and audio that is loud yet aware.At its highest level, the earbuds get crazy loud (and experience some sound leakage, I'll be honest). But while you're listening with these, you probably won't need to raise the volume up all the way because the sound is substantially loud, clear, crisp, and bass-forward at mid-level volume. Keep in mind that these earbuds don't have noise cancellation because they are open earbuds that prioritize awareness, so you'll want to consult the other noise-canceling picks on this list if silence is what you're looking for during your workouts.Lots of the choices on this list also have the aforementioned qualities, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a pair that retails for $150. These do.Nothing Ear (open) specs: Weight: 4.8g |Battery life:8 hours in earbud, 30 in case |Bluetooth version:5.3 |Waterproof:IP54 |Noise cancellation:None Pros Best value Super comfortable Amazing, loud-yet-aware sound You can wear these anywhere Cons Multipoint Bluetooth didn't work perfectly Sound leakage at highest volume As far as value goes, no brand is beating Nothing and its impressive lineup of earbuds that deliver amazing sound, long battery life, and prices that are nearly unbelievable when we think of brand quality. I can see this most clearly with the new Nothing Ear (open) earbuds that are as comfortable as can be and deliver supreme sound (even though it's an open earbud, a type of earbud that historically tends to sacrifice volume and audio strength for situational awareness), an eight-hour battery life in the earbud and a 30-hour battery life in the case, and a form factor that you can truly wear anywhere.I took the Nothing Ear (open) out on a run, wore them in the office and on commutes to and from, on calls, and on strolls, and was pleased with its unobtrusive design, which made the earbuds feel nearly invisible, the audio strength, which kept things loud and the bass booming while also keeping me aware of the noises around me, Nothing's thoughtful touch controls, and its substantial battery.These are the earbuds you'd want to exercise in, whether you're working out at a busy gym, going on a silent stroll, or running on a car-packed street, because of how they deliver a lightweight, comfortable build and audio that is loud yet aware.At its highest level, the earbuds get crazy loud (and experience some sound leakage, I'll be honest). But while you're listening with these, you probably won't need to raise the volume up all the way because the sound is substantially loud, clear, crisp, and bass-forward at mid-level volume. Keep in mind that these earbuds don't have noise cancellation because they are open earbuds that prioritize awareness, so you'll want to consult the other noise-canceling picks on this list if silence is what you're looking for during your workouts.Lots of the choices on this list also have the aforementioned qualities, but you'd be hard-pressed to find a pair that retails for $150. These do.Nothing Ear (open) specs: Weight: 4.8g |Battery life:8 hours in earbud, 30 in case |Bluetooth version:5.3 |Waterproof:IP54 |Noise cancellation:None Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Best Buy Finding the right earbuds to work out in is challenging, especially if you sweat a lot. Bone conduction headphonesmight be the perfect solution. By wrapping around your head and sitting near instead of entirely in your ear, the H2O Audio Tri 2 bone conduction headphones transmit sound through the bone architecture, allowing your ears to breathe. This is great for anybody who exercises for a long time, like people training for a half marathon or cyclists going on hours-long bike rides.The headphones deliver a 9-hour battery life and a waterproof rating of IPX8. You can swim with these on for up to 12 feet. But let's say you aren't a swimmer: the waterproof and dustproof rating is strong enough to withstand a sweat-drenched workout at the gym or on the bike path.One downside to most bone conduction headphones is the fact that you're sacrificing audio quality and volume for environmental awareness. ZDNET's Jack Wallen, who reviewed the headphones, says this isn't the case with the Tri 2. "Up until the H2O Tri 2, I just assumed bone-conducting headphones would never be able to deliver anything close to punchy bass. I'm not saying you're going to feel the kick drum in your chest, but you'll certainly hear it with more clarity than your other bone-conducting headphones," he writes. Also:One of the best bone conduction headphones I've listened to is also waterproofThere's also a memory mode feature that becomes essential while you're swimming laps in the pool or opting for a phone-free exercise session. You can load songs onto the memory of the bone conduction headphones to play them in your ears while you're in the water or far from your phone. It's pretty handy.Bone conduction headphones aren't for everyone, but if you love exercising outdoors, rain or shine, want environmental awareness, decent sound for your music and podcasts, and long battery life, the H2O Audio Tri 2 headphones are the platonic ideal of a workout headphone."Not only do they allow you to enjoy your music without having to carry your phone with you (which could be disastrous in a pool), but they produce some of the best sound I've heard from bone-conducting headphones," Wallen writes.H2O Audio Tri 2 bone conduction tech specs: Type:Open ear |Wired/wireless:Wireless| Waterproof rating:IPX8, waterproof up to 12 feet |Weight:.08 pounds|Battery life:9 hours Pros Waterproof and dustproof Can swim or exercise above water with these on No in-ear pressure build up Memory mode Cons Touch controls are finicky Finding the right earbuds to work out in is challenging, especially if you sweat a lot. Bone conduction headphonesmight be the perfect solution. By wrapping around your head and sitting near instead of entirely in your ear, the H2O Audio Tri 2 bone conduction headphones transmit sound through the bone architecture, allowing your ears to breathe. This is great for anybody who exercises for a long time, like people training for a half marathon or cyclists going on hours-long bike rides.The headphones deliver a 9-hour battery life and a waterproof rating of IPX8. You can swim with these on for up to 12 feet. But let's say you aren't a swimmer: the waterproof and dustproof rating is strong enough to withstand a sweat-drenched workout at the gym or on the bike path.One downside to most bone conduction headphones is the fact that you're sacrificing audio quality and volume for environmental awareness. ZDNET's Jack Wallen, who reviewed the headphones, says this isn't the case with the Tri 2. "Up until the H2O Tri 2, I just assumed bone-conducting headphones would never be able to deliver anything close to punchy bass. I'm not saying you're going to feel the kick drum in your chest, but you'll certainly hear it with more clarity than your other bone-conducting headphones," he writes. Also:One of the best bone conduction headphones I've listened to is also waterproofThere's also a memory mode feature that becomes essential while you're swimming laps in the pool or opting for a phone-free exercise session. You can load songs onto the memory of the bone conduction headphones to play them in your ears while you're in the water or far from your phone. It's pretty handy.Bone conduction headphones aren't for everyone, but if you love exercising outdoors, rain or shine, want environmental awareness, decent sound for your music and podcasts, and long battery life, the H2O Audio Tri 2 headphones are the platonic ideal of a workout headphone."Not only do they allow you to enjoy your music without having to carry your phone with you (which could be disastrous in a pool), but they produce some of the best sound I've heard from bone-conducting headphones," Wallen writes.H2O Audio Tri 2 bone conduction tech specs: Type:Open ear |Wired/wireless:Wireless| Waterproof rating:IPX8, waterproof up to 12 feet |Weight:.08 pounds|Battery life:9 hours Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Nothing I loved these earbuds so much while I was training for my half marathon that out of all the many earbuds I tested for my job, these were the only ones I used the day of my race.The Nothing Ear (a) earbuds are the best workout earbuds for most people for these three reasons. First is the price: They're only $100. Second is sound: They sound incredible, with the perfect amount of noise cancellation that takes you away from distracting environmental noise without forcing complete unawareness. Third is touch controls: The Nothing Ear (a)'s touch controls mimic those of the AirPods Pro 2. They use pinch controls on the bottom stem of the earbud instead of touch controls near the top.Review: Nothing Ear (a)As I write in my spotlight, I always run with earbuds in. When my ears get too sweaty and whatever pair of earbuds I wear begins to slip out, I accidentally touch and activate the pause button when attempting to press the bud back into my ears. Having pinch controls on the stem of the earbud negates this annoying issue.The three reasons above justify the Nothing Ear (a) as one of the best workout earbuds. But one extra feature that sweetens the deal is how cool these look in your ears. The transparent design is unique and creative, and the earbuds come in this sunshine yellow color (although you can also pick them up in white or black if you're looking for a less flashy earbud).The ear tips are super tactile and stick to your ears as you run and move, making them great for working out. They come with IP55 waterproofing, a solid and long battery life, and will work for Android and iOS users. All in all, these are a joy to use and exercise with, and it's refreshing to see technology packed with every feature you want, designed thoughtfully, and priced competitively. Apple should be scared.Nothing Ear (a) specs:Weight: 4.8g |Battery life:9.5 hours in buds and 42.5 in case with ANC off |Bluetooth version: 5.3 |Waterproof:IP54 |Noise cancellation:Active noise cancellation Pros Long battery life Pinch controls are intuitive for exercise Sounds great Cons Not the strongest ANC out of all the earbud options I loved these earbuds so much while I was training for my half marathon that out of all the many earbuds I tested for my job, these were the only ones I used the day of my race.The Nothing Ear (a) earbuds are the best workout earbuds for most people for these three reasons. First is the price: They're only $100. Second is sound: They sound incredible, with the perfect amount of noise cancellation that takes you away from distracting environmental noise without forcing complete unawareness. Third is touch controls: The Nothing Ear (a)'s touch controls mimic those of the AirPods Pro 2. They use pinch controls on the bottom stem of the earbud instead of touch controls near the top.Review: Nothing Ear (a)As I write in my spotlight, I always run with earbuds in. When my ears get too sweaty and whatever pair of earbuds I wear begins to slip out, I accidentally touch and activate the pause button when attempting to press the bud back into my ears. Having pinch controls on the stem of the earbud negates this annoying issue.The three reasons above justify the Nothing Ear (a) as one of the best workout earbuds. But one extra feature that sweetens the deal is how cool these look in your ears. The transparent design is unique and creative, and the earbuds come in this sunshine yellow color (although you can also pick them up in white or black if you're looking for a less flashy earbud).The ear tips are super tactile and stick to your ears as you run and move, making them great for working out. They come with IP55 waterproofing, a solid and long battery life, and will work for Android and iOS users. All in all, these are a joy to use and exercise with, and it's refreshing to see technology packed with every feature you want, designed thoughtfully, and priced competitively. Apple should be scared.Nothing Ear (a) specs:Weight: 4.8g |Battery life:9.5 hours in buds and 42.5 in case with ANC off |Bluetooth version: 5.3 |Waterproof:IP54 |Noise cancellation:Active noise cancellation Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less These open earbuds can be considered a dupe for the $300 Bose Ultra Open earbuds. While its look is slightly less refined than the Ultra Opens, they share many of the same specs. That includes a 7-hour battery life in the buds, an IPX4 waterproof and dustproof rating, and Bluetooth 5.3. I'd recommend the Bose Ultra Open to anybody with $300 to spend on a pair of earbuds, but if that's not you and you'd rather spend a healthy $40 instead, the JLab Flex is for you.They clip onto the rim of your ear and stay put no matter what, which makes them ideal for exercise -- whether you're running in a park, biking on a trail, or weightlifting in one place.They produce sound that is good and loud enough for an outdoor run or a workout in a busy gym. Plus, with an IPX4 rating, you can run in light rain or sweat in them without water damage.The touch controls are pretty finicky; I paused my music using the touch feature, only to have it continue to play a few minutes later. For this reason, I'd recommend using your phone to control the music over the earbud's touch controls.They aren't perfect, but at $40, you're getting what you pay for. I'd recommend purchasing these specifically for running and exercise and using another pair for listening to music at the office or at home. And if you like the idea of a clip-on, open earbud, but wouldn't mind spending more money on them, I'd definitely recommend the Bose Ultra Open.JLab Flex specs:Weight:.13 pounds |Battery life:7 hours in buds, 21 hours in case |Bluetooth version:5.3 |Waterproof:IPX4|Noise cancellation:N/A Pros Allows for environmental awareness Impressive battery life Great alternative to bone-conduction headphones Cons Finicky touch controls Just ok sound These open earbuds can be considered a dupe for the $300 Bose Ultra Open earbuds. While its look is slightly less refined than the Ultra Opens, they share many of the same specs. That includes a 7-hour battery life in the buds, an IPX4 waterproof and dustproof rating, and Bluetooth 5.3. I'd recommend the Bose Ultra Open to anybody with $300 to spend on a pair of earbuds, but if that's not you and you'd rather spend a healthy $40 instead, the JLab Flex is for you.They clip onto the rim of your ear and stay put no matter what, which makes them ideal for exercise -- whether you're running in a park, biking on a trail, or weightlifting in one place.They produce sound that is good and loud enough for an outdoor run or a workout in a busy gym. Plus, with an IPX4 rating, you can run in light rain or sweat in them without water damage.The touch controls are pretty finicky; I paused my music using the touch feature, only to have it continue to play a few minutes later. For this reason, I'd recommend using your phone to control the music over the earbud's touch controls.They aren't perfect, but at $40, you're getting what you pay for. I'd recommend purchasing these specifically for running and exercise and using another pair for listening to music at the office or at home. And if you like the idea of a clip-on, open earbud, but wouldn't mind spending more money on them, I'd definitely recommend the Bose Ultra Open.JLab Flex specs:Weight:.13 pounds |Battery life:7 hours in buds, 21 hours in case |Bluetooth version:5.3 |Waterproof:IPX4|Noise cancellation:N/A Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less Headphones tend to be bulky while you exercise, but these fan-favorites from Sony pack a comfortable punch; Sony's WH-1000XM5 delivers superior sound, a comfortable form factor, and a lightweight design, all features that gave them ZDNET's title as one of theover-ear headphones. These are also Virginia Wooten's, CEO and founder of Dawn Fitness, favorite headphones for whenever she hits the gym or goes for runs outside. "[They have the] best sound quality I could ask for, and I love how they look and feel as an over-the-ear headphone," said Wooten.Powered by the QN1 Sony HD Noise Cancelling Processor, the Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancelation is not only top-notch but customizable thanks to the Auto NC Optimizer, which automatically adjusts to the noise in your workout environment. Plus, the headphones pack in up to thirty hours of continuous music playback, so you can focus on supercharging your workouts instead of your headphones.Review:Sony WH-1000XM5Sony WH-1000XM5 specs:Weight:8.8 ounces|Battery life:30 hours|Bluetooth version:5.2 |Waterproof:No|Noise cancellation:Sony HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 Pros Comfortable fit Long battery life Fan-favorite headphone Cons Expensive Some users prefer the XM4 fit to the XM5 Headphones tend to be bulky while you exercise, but these fan-favorites from Sony pack a comfortable punch; Sony's WH-1000XM5 delivers superior sound, a comfortable form factor, and a lightweight design, all features that gave them ZDNET's title as one of theover-ear headphones. These are also Virginia Wooten's, CEO and founder of Dawn Fitness, favorite headphones for whenever she hits the gym or goes for runs outside. "[They have the] best sound quality I could ask for, and I love how they look and feel as an over-the-ear headphone," said Wooten.Powered by the QN1 Sony HD Noise Cancelling Processor, the Sony WH-1000XM5 Noise Cancelation is not only top-notch but customizable thanks to the Auto NC Optimizer, which automatically adjusts to the noise in your workout environment. Plus, the headphones pack in up to thirty hours of continuous music playback, so you can focus on supercharging your workouts instead of your headphones.Review:Sony WH-1000XM5Sony WH-1000XM5 specs:Weight:8.8 ounces|Battery life:30 hours|Bluetooth version:5.2 |Waterproof:No|Noise cancellation:Sony HD Noise Cancelling Processor QN1 Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon I can understand why people wouldn't want to spend an arm and a leg on headphones that they sweat in every day. That's where a good pair of affordable earbuds, like the JLab JBuds ANC 3, come in. These are $60 with competitive ANC, a marathon battery life in the earbuds plus 33 hours in the case, multipoint Bluetooth, and a tight and comfortable fit in my ears. I used these while training for my half marathon and loved how long I could go without charging them, especially as I was pounding pavement day in and day out.Review: JLab JBuds ANC 3JLab JBuds ANC 3tech specs: Connectivity:Bluetooth Multipoint|Battery life:9 hours in the earbuds and 33+ hours in the case|Noise cancellation:Yes|Waterproof?IP55 Pros Long battery life Stays in your ears Affordable Cons Feels a little cheap I can understand why people wouldn't want to spend an arm and a leg on headphones that they sweat in every day. That's where a good pair of affordable earbuds, like the JLab JBuds ANC 3, come in. These are $60 with competitive ANC, a marathon battery life in the earbuds plus 33 hours in the case, multipoint Bluetooth, and a tight and comfortable fit in my ears. I used these while training for my half marathon and loved how long I could go without charging them, especially as I was pounding pavement day in and day out.Review: JLab JBuds ANC 3JLab JBuds ANC 3tech specs: Connectivity:Bluetooth Multipoint|Battery life:9 hours in the earbuds and 33+ hours in the case|Noise cancellation:Yes|Waterproof?IP55 Read More Show Expert Take Show less What are the best workout headphones? The best workout headphones depend on your preference, like whether you want a bone conduction headphone, an over-ear headphone, an earbud, or something in between.HeadphonesFitPriceBatteryWaterproof ratingNothing Ear (open)Open-ear$150Up to 8 hours in buds, 30 hours in caseIP54H2O Audio Tri 2Bone conduction$180Up to 9 hoursIPX8Nothing Ear (a)In-ear$100Up to 43 hoursIP54JLab FlexOpen-ear$40Up to 7 hours in buds, 21 hours in caseIPX4Sony WH-1000XM5Over-ear$400Up to 30 hoursN/AJLab Jbuds ANC 3In-ear$60Up to 33 hoursIP55 Show more Which headphones for working out are right for you? Much like fitness, earbuds don't have a "one size fits all" approach -- it ultimately comes down to preference. And while the specs speak for themselves, there are specific scenarios in which it's better to invest in one headphone pair over the other. Here's a chart to help you compare.Choose these workout headphones...If you...Nothing Ear (open)Want a substantially loud earbud that is uber-comfortable for wearing on the go, in the office, and during long-haul workouts. These don't have noise cancellation, though.H2O Audio Tri 2 bone conduction headphonesWant bone conduction, waterproof headphones that deliver a 9-hour battery life. Run, swim, lift, and cycle with these on, and maintain environmental awareness through the headphones' light and open design. Nothing Ear (a)Want the best workout earbuds for most people. At $100, they promise substantial noise cancellation, in-ear detection, a long battery life, a comfortable fit that sticks in your ears, thoughtful pinch controls that are way more convenient for exercise, and great sound.JLab Flex Open earbudsWant to keep ambient awareness of your surroundings while running or working out, or looking for an alternative to bone-conducting headphones more suitable for movement. These are dupes for the Bose Ultra Open (that retail for $300), and they cost $40.Sony WH-1000XM5Are looking for a lightweight over-ear option great for both strength training and running. These are great for those who like to customize their ANC listening experience.JLab Jbuds ANC 3Want a great budget earbud with impressive ANC, great sound, and a comfortable fit, all for $60. These earbuds don't have ear stems. Show more Factors to consider when choosing headphones for working out These headphones were chosen based on an array of factors, including:Fit: From multiple ear tips to extra-soft materials, there are several ways to make your workout and running headphones more comfortable while you exercise.Water resistance: The waterproof rating for your workout headphones is important in case you find yourself caught in a sudden downpour or in the middle of an especially vigorous workout. Some charging cases even include waterproofing.Sound quality: After all, what good are your headphones if you cannot hear your audio? Some headphones feature better technology than others to offer improved sound and call quality.Special features: Spatial awareness can be improved with bone conduction, while active noise cancellation can help drown out the outside world so you can get lost in your workout. Whatever you prefer, consider which audio features are available for your next workout and running headphones.Price: The price for your headphones can vary significantly, with our top picks running from $50 to $250. Your budget may determine which workout and running headphones are available to you. Show more How we test headphones for working out If I didn't exercise in these headphones myself, one of my trusted colleagues has. Here at ZDNET, we only recommend products we have used ourselves, and use these products every day to understand just how long the battery life actually lasts, how the noise cancellation sounds in a loud environment, and how the microphones sound on calls and Zooms.Also: How we test headphones Show more FAQs on headphones for working out Is it better to work out with headphones or earbuds? Ultimately, it's not "better" or "worse" to work out with over-ear headphones versus in-ear buds, it simply comes down to preference. As a profuse sweater, I prefer in-ear buds to avoid over-ear padding from getting soaked or potent. However, many strength trainers prefer over-ear models for stability, while sweaty runners opt for a bone conducting option. Show more Are bone conduction headphones good for working out? Given their open-air, over-ear design, many runners like bone conduction headphones to hear their surroundings. There are also waterproof options that even let swimmers enjoy music during their laps. Slipping over your head and sitting outside rather than in-ear, people who sweat heavily during a workout also prefer bone conduction headphones for workouts. However, bone conduction headphones can lead to sound leakage issues and the over-head design isn't optimal if your exercise requires lying on your back. Show more Are AirPods good for working out? As an avid walker and pilates lover, I love my second-gen AirPods for low-impact exercise, especially since they came out with the extra small ear tip. In the past, however, I've had issues with my AirPods staying in my ears -- which is a shame given their otherwise excellent performance. If you don't want to buy a whole new pair of AirPods for the tips alone, purchasing separate ear hooksis an effective, low-cost solution to keeping AirPods in place. Show more Other headphones we've testedThere are many other types of headphones available for running and workouts. Here are three additional headphones to consider before buying your next pair of earbuds. ZDNETs Headphones Guide Headphones & Earbuds Roundups Headphones & Earbuds Reviewed & Compared Headphones & Earbuds Explained ZDNET Recommends