The best headphones for running

Read our full review of the Beats Fit Pro.

Who it's for:

Beats Fit Pro earbuds check the boxes for most athletes looking for noise cancellation. These tiny 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 bad if you need to remain aware of your surroundings for safety.

Why we like it:

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 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. However, I think they're the best headphones with noise cancellation for working out. With an IPX4 rating, they're water-resistant, making me confident that my sweat or a sudden rainstorm wouldn't cause any damage to them. Plus, at $199, they're significantly cheaper than other premium earbuds, and you probably don't want to spend too much on headphones dedicated to working out.

I'd never used a pair of Beats headphones before testing the Fit Pro earbuds, but I was quickly impressed. You can't beat the quick connectivity. 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, so I appreciated the multiple-sized ear tips that created a secure fit — not quite as good as the Bose, but definitely better than the AirPods Pro.

What I really loved about the design was the touch controls. While most headphones don't have actual buttons 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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.