10 Best Headphones For Running 2025 in the United States

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are designed with runners in mind, offering a blend of open-ear comfort and bone conduction technology. They ensure a secure and stable fit, thanks to the ergonomic ear hooks and Ni-Ti alloy memory wire, making them ideal for any physical activity without worrying about them slipping or shifting. The open-ear design allows you to stay aware of your surroundings, which is crucial for outdoor running safety.

With a water-resistant build, these headphones can withstand sweat, making them suitable for intense workouts and various weather conditions. The 12-hour battery life is impressive, ensuring they last through several runs before needing a recharge. Sound quality is a strong point, with dual drivers delivering clear highs and deep bass. The dedicated EQ modes available through the Shokz App allow for customization based on your environment, enhancing your listening experience.

Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.3, offering a stable connection up to 33 feet. Controls are intuitive with button-based operations for volume and playback. Durability is notable with the use of materials like Nickel-Titanium alloy and silicone, aiming to provide longevity. On the downside, the open-ear design might not be suitable for those seeking traditional noise isolation, and the bone conduction technology may take some getting used to for those unfamiliar with it. However, for runners who prioritize safety, sound awareness, and comfort, these headphones are a solid choice.

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Earbuds offer a strong package for runners seeking quality sound and comfort. They deliver deep, rich audio with active noise cancellation, helping block out distractions during your runs. The fit is thoughtfully designed with multiple eartip and stability band sizes, which helps keep the earbuds snug and secure—important when moving. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, they can handle sweat and light rain, making them fairly reliable for outdoor workouts.

Battery life is decent, providing up to 8.5 hours on a single charge, plus a quick 20-minute charge adds 2 more hours, so they can easily last through long runs or multiple sessions. Connectivity is solid thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint pairing, allowing easy switching between devices without hassle. The touch controls are customizable via the Bose app, letting you adjust volume, skip tracks, and tweak sound settings to your liking, although touch controls can sometimes be tricky when running. At around 2.5 ounces, they are lightweight, but not the lightest on the market.

One limitation is the IPX4 rating—it protects against sweat and splashes but isn’t fully waterproof for heavy downpours or extensive water exposure. Also, while noise cancellation is excellent for blocking ambient noise, some runners might prefer a bit more awareness of their surroundings for safety. These earbuds are well-suited for runners who want premium sound, comfortable fit, and reliable battery life, though if you need full waterproofing or maximum outdoor awareness, you might want to consider other options.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with runners in mind, offering a secure-fit earhook that stays locked in during intense workouts. The earhooks are reinforced for flexibility and comfort, and five ear tip sizes help customize the fit, enhancing comfort and stability on the move. They have an IPX4 rating, so they resist sweat and light rain, making them suitable for most running conditions, though heavy water exposure should be avoided.

Battery life is impressive, with up to 45 hours total using the charging case and about 10 hours from a single charge, plus quick charging that gives 1.5 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charge—this means you won’t be interrupted during long runs or workouts. Sound quality benefits from Adaptive EQ that adjusts music based on your ears and Personalized Spatial Audio for an immersive experience, delivering clear highs and strong bass, which is motivating for many runners. The earbuds include active noise cancelling to block distractions, along with a Transparency mode so you can stay aware of surroundings—a helpful safety feature when running outdoors.

Connectivity is solid with Class 1 Bluetooth, offering stable connections with both Apple and Android devices. Controls are versatile: you can use on-ear buttons, voice commands via Siri, or the Beats app (on Android) to adjust settings without breaking your stride. Added heart rate monitoring directly from the earbuds is a notable bonus for fitness tracking without extra gear. One downside is the absence of a USB-C charging cable in the box, which you may need to buy separately. Additionally, while the IPX4 rating is good for sweat and light rain, these earbuds aren’t fully waterproof, so they aren’t suited for heavy rain or swimming. The Powerbeats Pro 2 provides a strong combination of comfort, sound quality, long battery life, and useful fitness features, making them an excellent option for runners seeking reliable, feature-packed earbuds.