The Best Wireless Earbuds for Working Out (2024)

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Adrienne So

Gear

Rock your inner jock with a pair of sturdy, sweatproof, and tangle-proof headphones. Here are our favorites.

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Featured in this article

The Best Wireless Earbuds for Working Out (3)

A Few Pointers

Should I Get Wired or Wireless Headphones?

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The Best Wireless Earbuds for Working Out (4)

Best Overall

Jabra Elite 8 Active

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The Best Wireless Earbuds for Working Out (5)

Best Cheap Buds

JLab Audio Go Air Sport

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The Best Wireless Earbuds for Working Out (6)

Best for Apple Lovers

Beats Fit Pro

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12

Luxurious over-the-ear headphones are plush and comfortable, and they sound great. But for most everyday activities—working out, traveling, and wandering around my house pretending to put things away—I much prefer a pair of convenient, durable, wireless workout buds. Since I started testing them, their sound and comfort have improved dramatically. I trail run, hike, work on my yard, lift weights, and watch mildly embarrassing barre and yoga videos on my laptop, all while testing the best wireless workout headphones around.

If you like listening to music while scrambling up stony slopes or mowing your lawn, here are a bunch of WIRED's favorite pairs. We've worn and sweated on all of them. Don't see anything you like? Check out our Best Wirefree Earbuds, Best Cheap Headphones, Best Bluetooth Speakers, or any of our other buying guides for more.

Updated October 2023: We added the Jabra Elite 8 Active, the new AirPods Pro, the JLab Audio JBuds Mini and the Nwm MBE001. We also updated links and pricing throughout.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you'd like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

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Adrienne So is a senior associate reviews editor for WIRED, where she reviews consumer technology. She graduated from the University of Virginia with bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish, and she previously worked as a freelance writer for Cool Hunting, Paste, Slate, and other publications. She lives in Portland, Oregon.

Senior Associate Reviews Editor

TopicsShoppingbuying guideswireless headphoneaudioworkoutExerciseHeadphones

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The Best Wireless Earbuds for Working Out (2024)

FAQs

The Best Wireless Earbuds for Working Out? ›

IQbuds2 MAX are hands-down the best earbuds for work. Consider the all-around combination of features (and value) found in these devices: Active noise cancellation for better focus on your work. Rock solid Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity with your digital devices.

What are the best earbuds to use while working? ›

IQbuds2 MAX are hands-down the best earbuds for work. Consider the all-around combination of features (and value) found in these devices: Active noise cancellation for better focus on your work. Rock solid Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity with your digital devices.

What earbuds can you answer calls? ›

Best earbuds for talking on the phone
  • JBL Live Pro 2.
  • Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds (2nd Gen)
  • Sony WF-1000XM4 Noise-Canceling Wireless Earbud.
  • Galaxy Buds 2 True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds.
  • Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbud.
  • Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 Earbuds.
  • Bang & Olufsen Beoplay EX.
Feb 27, 2024

Is it better to workout with headphones or earbuds? ›

Bluetooth earbuds are best for workouts because they're small and unobtrusive. Plus, you can keep your phone tucked away. To endure sweat, headphones should have a rating of IPX4 or higher. The more punishing the workout, the higher the rating needed.

Is it better to workout with AirPods or headphones? ›

There are a couple of reasons to use headphones while working out instead of earbuds. First, they provide better stability. Headphones will not fall out as easily as earbuds, meaning you can focus on your workout without worrying about losing your music. Second, they tend to be more comfortable.

Why won't earbuds stay in my ears? ›

Here are potential reasons that earphones may not stay secure or may not fit comfortably: The earphone sleeve is too large for the ear canal. The earphone sleeve is too small for the ear canal. The ear canal is too slippery to grab the sleeve due to ear wax.

Are Beats earbuds good? ›

The Beats Studio Buds Plus are a competent, if slightly understated true wireless option for those who don't want the AirPods Pro. Though expensive, the buds seem to tick most of the boxes the average user may have, but no wireless charging and no equalizer mean power users will have less to gush about.

Are JBL wireless earbuds good? ›

The sound quality is excellent and has a good bass. The audio is loud and clear. If I had the volume on 10 with wired earphones, I could lower the volume to 5 with JBL and sounds better.

How do I keep my earbuds from falling out during exercise? ›

How Do I Stop My Earbuds Falling Out?
  1. Check the User Manual for Markings and Instructions. ...
  2. Wear Your Earbuds the Right Way. ...
  3. Firmly Insert Your Earbuds in Your Ear. ...
  4. Choose the Right Ear Tips. ...
  5. Keep Sweat Out for Your Ears. ...
  6. Always Clean Your Earbuds. ...
  7. Don't Use Cotton Swabs to Clean Your Ears. ...
  8. Use Accessories for Extra Stability.
Nov 24, 2023

What is better than earbuds? ›

Headphones vs earbuds: verdict

If you want the best sound quality available regardless of portability and size, headphones are the way to go. They come out on top when it comes to dynamics, bass, and overall authority. Headphones are also the go-to choice if you want the best noise cancelling available.

Which earbuds have the strongest noise Cancelling? ›

These are best noise-cancelling earbuds you can buy right now
  1. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds. Best ANC performance from a pair of wireless earbuds. ...
  2. Sony WF-C700N. ...
  3. Sony WF-1000XM5. ...
  4. Apple AirPods Pro 2 USB-C. ...
  5. OnePlus Buds 3. ...
  6. Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. ...
  7. Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4. ...
  8. 1More PistonBuds Pro.
2 days ago

Is it OK to workout with earbuds? ›

Earbuds are also often sweat-proof and easier to clean. On the other hand, those focused on strength training and similar may prefer a pair of traditional over-the-ear headphones. Headphones often have better noise cancellation as well. Ultimately the decision will come down to personal taste.

Are wireless earbuds good for gym? ›

While many runners prefer going truly wireless, having a cable between your earbuds can be a benefit when you're working out in the gym. Truly wireless earbuds eliminate the annoying rustling sound you hear when a cable brushes against your shirt, also called microphonics.

Why do my earbuds fall out when I run? ›

It's common for earbuds to fall out, especially if they're not fitted securely. Factors like sweat can cause them to slip, and accumulated earwax can affect the grip. Cleaning your ears and earbuds regularly can help improve your fit. Also, look into earbuds with features like ear fins, hooks, or latching mechanisms.

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