10 Best Running Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds offer a blend of comfort, advanced features, and solid performance for runners. The redesigned shape and shorter stem contribute to a more comfortable and secure fit, which is essential for running. Additionally, the earbuds are rated IP54 for dust, sweat, and water resistance, making them suitable for sweaty workouts and outdoor runs in various weather conditions.

The inclusion of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) helps block out unwanted background noise, providing an immersive listening experience. However, the battery life with ANC enabled is up to 4 hours, which might be insufficient for extended runs without recharging. Without ANC, the earbuds offer up to 30 hours of total listening time using the charging case, which is more suitable for longer durations.

The earbuds' sound quality is enhanced by the H2 chip, offering features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ that dynamically adjust the audio based on your ear shape and listening environment. The Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology ensures stable connectivity, which is crucial during physical activities. Furthermore, quick-press controls and voice commands with Siri allow for easy operation without needing to constantly handle your device. One potential drawback is the necessity to purchase the USB-C charge cable separately. The Apple AirPods 4 are a strong contender for running earbuds, combining comfort, sound quality, and water resistance, with a minor setback in battery life when ANC is used continuously.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with runners and active users in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit thanks to their reinforced, flexible earhooks and multiple ear tip sizes. This helps them stay in place during intense workouts, which is a key strength. They feature advanced Active Noise Cancelling to block out distractions, plus Transparency mode when you need to stay aware of your surroundings, making them versatile for outdoor use. The sound quality is impressive, with personalized spatial audio and adaptive EQ that adjusts the music to your ear, delivering clear highs, rich mids, and powerful bass.

Battery life is excellent, providing up to 10 hours of continuous play per charge and a total of 45 hours with the charging case, which also supports wireless charging—a convenient feature. The earbuds are sweat and water resistant with an IPX4 rating, meaning they can handle rain and sweat but may not be suitable for heavy water exposure like swimming. Connectivity is solid, featuring Class 1 Bluetooth for stable connections and compatibility with both Apple and Android devices, with easy pairing and useful app controls. The built-in heart rate monitor is a helpful addition for fitness tracking, though it might not replace dedicated fitness devices.

One downside is that the charging cable is not included, which could be inconvenient if you don’t already have a USB-C cable. Also, while the earbuds are lighter than their predecessor, some users might still find them a bit bulky compared to minimalist running earbuds. Taking all features into account, these earbuds provide a robust mix of comfort, sound quality, and fitness capabilities, making them an excellent choice for runners seeking advanced technology and long battery life.

These wireless earbuds are designed with fitness and running in mind, offering a secure fit thanks to soft earhooks and multiple ear tip sizes that help keep them in place during movement. Their IP7 waterproof rating means they can handle sweat and rain well, so you don’t have to worry about moisture during workouts. Sound quality is a strong point, featuring larger 14.2mm graphene drivers for clear highs and deep bass, along with four microphones that reduce background noise for clearer calls. The Bluetooth 5.4 technology ensures stable connection and lower power use, with a range of about 50 feet and smooth audio transmission. Battery life is impressive—each earbud lasts about 8 hours per charge, and the charging case extends total playtime up to 60 hours, with fast charging adding extra playtime quickly.

The earbuds also have user-friendly touch controls for music and calls, and a smart feature that powers them on when you open the case. One minor drawback is that while the earbuds are waterproof, the IP7 rating means they aren't meant for full submersion or swimming. Also, the ear hooks, while great for stability, might take some getting used to if you prefer a more minimal feel. These earbuds are well suited for runners and gym enthusiasts looking for reliable sound, long battery life, and a secure fit without breaking the bank.