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The right headphones or earbuds can make or break a run. Whether you’re grinding through mile 20 of a marathon or just trying to make it through a Tuesday morning one-miler, your earbuds need to be up to the task.
My all-time favorite running earbuds were the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 2100. Comfortable, secure, sweat-resistant, and with just the right amount of ambient sound awareness. Tragically, they’ve been discontinued, leaving runners like me searching for worthy successors.
Of course, the best running earbuds depend on your specific needs, running style, and preferences. After extensive testing (and more than a few mid-run equipment failures), here’s my breakdown of the top options across different categories.
My absolute favorite: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
When I’m running around Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, I rely on bone conduction technology to keep my ears completely open to traffic, other runners, and deranged cyclists. As my colleague Daniel Oropeza reviews in-depth here, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are best for anyone who wants to still hear their surroundings without sacrificing too much on audio quality.
I’ve experienced little-to-no ear fatigue, even during 18+ mile runs. Their IP55 rating has proven true for me, having worn these headphones during humid summer runs, not to mention unexpected downpours. Most important for me, their battery life holds up, lasting even my longest training runs. Plus, even if I forget to charge the night before a run, a quick five-minute charge gives you around 1.5 hours of listening time.
While they’ll never match the bass response of traditional in-ear monitors, they provide clear, detailed audio that’s perfect for podcasts, audiobooks, and music during my training runs.
For a budget alternative, consider Shokz OpenMove for just $79.95. They’re great for runners new to bone conduction who want to test the waters. And speaking of waters—might I recommend this pair of bone conduction headphones that actually work underwater?
My favorite wireless earbuds
I usually prefer the secure fit of headphones over disconnected earbuds. Similarly, Lifehacker’s senior health editor Beth Skwarecki prefers ear hooks (even if she knows an earbud is secure, she will worry), and Shokz is her go-to choice as well. She recommends using this measuring guide from Shokz to find the perfect fit for you.
If you prefer earbuds, or you’re in a pinch, you can’t go wrong with Apple AirPods Pro 2. AirPods are ubiquitous for a reason, and if you like the pair you have, there’s no reason you need to buy a new set of earbuds just for running. They’ve got excellent active noise cancellation, with transparency mode for safety.
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For the best fit all-around, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are pretty unbeatable. I’m talking active noise cancellation, earhooks with flexible grip, and even heart rate monitoring.
Another set of wireless earbuds I used to love: the Bose QuietComfort. The only reason I say “used to” is because I tragically left my pair on a plane years ago. They’re small but mighty, not mention surprisingly secure given just how little they are. I especially appreciate a pair of earbuds with customizable tap control buttons, so you can easily skip a song that isn’t matching the vibe of your run.
Over-ear and on-ear options
Audiophiles may spring for fancier options, but my philosophy here is if you know you’re going to sweat in a pair of soundproof headphones, you should use a budget pair for the task.
My under-the-radar budget recommendation for you is the BlueAnt Pump X Headphones. They deliver on the two things I need during an intense workout: sweat resistance and impressive sound quality. If I’m on a treadmill, I need true over-the-ear bass pumping through my skull. The Pump X headphones have an “X-mode” bass boost that feels like it was designed specifically for the moment when you’re struggling through that final mile.
My honorable mention in this category is the Soundcore Life Q30 by Anker. They’re comfortable, have a solid battery life, and since they cost less than $100, I never feel guilty for sweating profusely in them. Their noise cancellation and sound quality have never disappointed me in the gym.
Consider a wired option
While I’m not huge on wired headphones myself, they’re worth considering. Think about it: no battery anxiety. No Bluetooth glitches. Perfect for races where you want zero tech failures. If you’re looking for a backup pair that you know you won’t lose, the JBL Endurance Run 2 are just $19.95.
What to look for in running earbuds
Through years of trial and error, I’ve identified these non-negotiables in running earbuds and headphones.
Security is everything: If they fall out during mile 15, they’re useless. Look for multiple ear tip sizes, ear hooks, or bone conduction designs.
Sweat resistance matters: IPX4 minimum, but IPX7 or IP55+ ratings provide peace of mind during intense training.
Battery life should exceed your longest run: Nothing kills motivation like dead earbuds halfway through a long run.
Sound awareness equals safety: Whether through bone conduction, transparency modes, or single-ear wearing, you need to hear your environment.
Comfort for hours: What feels fine for 30 minutes might become torture after two hours.
The bottom line
While I mourn the loss of my beloved Plantronics BackBeat Fit 2100, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are treating me well. Their combination of safety, comfort, and performance makes them ideal for serious runners—especially those wanting to stay safe in city streets, like me.
That said, the best running earbuds are the ones that match your specific needs. Trail runners might prioritize different features than track athletes. Marathon trainers have different requirements than casual joggers (cough cough, battery life). The key is finding the pair that disappears during your run—earbuds that let you focus on your pace, your breathing, and the rhythm of your feet on the pavement.
