The Best Workout Headphones
For many of us, no workout is complete without music to motivate us through every rep. Whether it's going for a run or hitting the squat rack, you're going to need headphones that deliver high-quality audio without tangling cords and underwhelming bass tones. That's why we decided to scour the market for the best workout headphones that money can buy. In our search, we focused on three main qualities: a comfortable design that doesn't get in the way of our workouts, high-quality speakers, and a price that's fair. A lot of our favorites feature excellent sweat resistance, such as our best overall option from Apple. Indeed, the AirPods Pro made the top of our list, thanks to their clear balanced sound quality and cutting-edge features like Transparency Mode. However, Apple products are pretty pricey, so we also found a sweet pair of earbuds from Tozo that won't break the bank. Clearly, there's a lot to consider. Read on for more of our in-depth reviews of the best workout headphones.
Apple AirPod Workout Headphones
Essential for exercise
The best overall workout headphones give you the capacity to hear high-quality sound and maximum comfort as you exercise. Fortunately, that doesn’t change with these Airpod workout headphones from Apple. What’s even better is that they feature a transparency mode which allows you to clearly hear all outside sound. Now you can conveniently talk with a friend you see at the gym, even if you have the music blaring. On top of all that, these Airpods also happen to be water-resistant, making them the perfect pair for wearing while you sweat.
Pros:
- We find that the batteries in the earbuds themselves last about four hours of continuous music playing. However, the case charges them really quickly and extends the overall battery life to 24 hours before you need to plug into a wall charger.
- Switching between active noise cancellation and transparency mode is simple since you just have to press and hold the stem. It’s ideal for gym environments where you may want to chat with someone or block out the noise.
- Compared to the original AirPods, the AirPods Pro earbuds fit more securely in the ear. That way, they don’t slip out during jogs and other intense activities.
Cons:
- You can’t control the volume of your music with the buds, but you can ask Siri to change the volume.
- They’re a premium piece of tech, so the price is high.
Tozo Wireless Workout Headphones
The perfect pair
If you happen to be on a tight budget, you came to the right place. This pair of workout headphones from Tozo offers the best bang for your buck. Thanks to its super compact design, it is an amazing option to use during an intense workout at the gym. Plus, with their extremely long-lasting battery, these workout headphones can last for around six hours on a single charge. They also can be paired to your Bluetooth instantly, allowing you to put on your favorite workout songs within seconds.
Pros:
- We were blown away by the quality of the bass on these budget-friendly earbuds. Though not the loudest, it sounds clear and dynamic.
- If you’re the type of person to wear your earbuds for long stretches of time, these are ideal. Their long battery life and super comfortable design make them perfect for all-day music sessions, podcasts, and workouts.
Cons:
- The Bluetooth disconnects fairly easily if there’s interference, such as metal objects between them and your phone.
Occiam Workout Headphones
Silky smooth sound
If you’re looking for a sturdy pair of headphones, the over-ear design is the way to go. Not only does the effective design prevent the earbuds from slipping off as you work out, but they also provide added comfort, too. Luckily, this is exactly what you can expect from these workout headphones from Occiam. With their intricate HD-rendering technology, these headphones offer crisp and smooth audio. Now you can get more pumped up than ever before. And since these headphones present a convenient auto-pairing mode, you can quickly link them to your phone.
Pros:
- We love the little digital power display, which tells you the percentage of charge left.
- If you get caught in the rain during a jog, don’t worry about it. These are IPX7, so their waterproofing is top-notch.
- The sound quality is really dynamic, so you can hear all the individual instruments.
Cons:
- The charging case can extend the battery life to 64 hours, but the trade-off is in the size. It’s fairly bulky and larger than most.
Beats Pro Workout Headphones
Keep the pump going
Nothing is worse than having your headphones die on you while in the middle of an intense workout. Luckily, you’ll never have to worry about this kind of issue again thanks to these long-lasting workout headphones from Beats. They even feature a water-resistant design. This prevents any of your sweat from undermining your audio as your workout. Additionally, the convenient dial controls give you full access to alter the songs or volume of the songs right from your earbuds. This is especially useful as you can now skip through your playlist with ease without stopping midway through your workout routine.
Pros:
- Unlike many over-ear options, this one has hooks that are lightweight and flexible yet keep a secure hold. They’re so comfortable, you might even forget that you’re wearing them.
- The Bluetooth connects automatically and quickly, without any dropouts. It also has an exceptional range, so you can place your phone down and go hit the squat rack without needing to stay in close proximity.
Cons:
- The Beats brand is a premium name, so they’re fairly expensive.
Aftershokz Workout Headphones
Constant connection from a distance
A reliable connection is obviously a key concern when it comes to finding your favorite pair of workout headphones. A stable connection will ensure that your headphones can always provide crisp and clear sound with no interruptions or cuts in the audio. If this sounds intriguing to you, you’re going to fall in love with these workout headphones from Aftershokz. Aside from the incredibly stable connection, these headphones also offer a long lifespan. Now you’ll never have to worry about your earbuds shutting down right when you get to the gym. And it should go without saying these headphones provide you with unmatched comfort so you can listen all day long.
Pros:
- If you don’t prefer in-ear headphones, go with these. They use bone conduction, so even folks with hearing aids can still wear them.
- We were surprised by the quality of the audio, especially since the speakers don’t even go into the ear canal.
- These are also a great option if you need to be able to hear your environment since they don’t obstruct outside noises. In other words, you can still hear what’s going on around you.
Cons:
- Instead of individual earbuds, this one is a single unit connected by a band, so it can be a bit bulkier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all workout headphones feature a noise-canceling function?
Unfortunately, not all workout headphones have a noise cancellation function. That being said, many models still do. Noise cancellation provides extra convenience as it blocks out any noisy surroundings so you can really focus on your music while you’re working out.
Why are wireless headphones better for working out?
Wireless headphones are the ideal option to use at the gym because of they’re their convenient and lightweight design. Without any bulky wires or big overhead earbuds, wireless headphones also provide you with incredible flexibility that can further extend the convenience of your workout.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.