10 Best Running Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are a strong choice for those seeking high-quality sound and features suited for a variety of listening situations, including workouts. Their over-ear design provides a comfortable fit, which is essential for longer sessions. The sound quality stands out with Beats' custom acoustic platform delivering immersive audio, and the ability to switch between active noise cancellation and transparency mode allows you to adjust to your environment, which is particularly useful if you're running outdoors.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 40 hours of playback, and the fast charging feature is a great plus for users on the go. The headphones are also designed to work seamlessly with both Apple and Android devices, making them versatile for different users.

While they excel in many areas, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The over-ear design, while generally comfortable, might be too bulky for some users, especially during high-intensity workouts. Additionally, while they provide a good level of sweat and water resistance, they're not fully waterproof, which may be a concern for those running in heavy rain or very humid conditions.

One more thing to think about is the price point; they tend to be on the higher end compared to other running headphones, which may not be ideal for everyone, especially those looking for a budget option. The Beats Studio Pro headphones are well-suited for fitness enthusiasts who value sound quality and comfort but may not be the best fit for everyone based on their size and price.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with runners and active users in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit thanks to reinforced earhooks and multiple ear tip sizes. This makes them reliable during intense workouts without worrying about them falling out. Sound quality is enhanced with Active Noise Cancelling and Adaptive EQ, providing clear highs, rich mids, and strong bass, plus a Transparency mode to stay aware of surroundings—useful for outdoor running.

The battery life is impressive, delivering up to 45 hours with the case and about 10 hours per single charge, which is helpful for long training sessions. Sweat and water resistance rated IPX4 mean they can handle rain or sweat, but they aren’t fully waterproof for swimming. Connectivity is strong, with Class 1 Bluetooth ensuring stable connections for both Apple and Android devices. The earbuds support useful features like hands-free voice commands, easy controls on the buds, and a heart rate monitor that tracks your pulse during exercise. The case is smaller and supports wireless charging, adding convenience.

These earbuds are a bit heavier than some competitors, which might affect comfort for those who prefer ultra-light gear. Also, the USB-C charging cable is not included, so you may need to have one ready. If you want premium running earbuds with great sound, durable build, and useful workout features, the Powerbeats Pro 2 represents a solid choice, but if you prioritize ultra-lightweight or waterproof headphones, there might be better options.

The SHOKZ OpenRun Mini are bone conduction headphones designed specifically for runners and fitness enthusiasts who want to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying music or calls. Their open-ear design is lightweight and comfortable, avoiding earbuds that sit inside your ear canal, which many find more pleasant during long workouts. The included headband helps keep the headphones stable during active movement, adding to their security on your head.

With an IP67 rating, these headphones are fully sweatproof and water-resistant, making them reliable for sweaty runs or rainy conditions. The battery life of up to 8 hours is generous for daily workouts, and a quick 10-minute charge can give you about 1.5 hours of listening, which is helpful if you’re short on time. Sound quality is clear and decent for bone conduction tech, allowing you to hear your audio without blocking external sounds—a big safety plus if you run outdoors. Calls come through clearly thanks to the built-in microphone. You also get Bluetooth 5.1 for stable wireless connectivity and simple button controls for volume and playback.

Bone conduction headphones usually don’t offer the same deep bass or audio richness as traditional earbuds or over-ear headphones. There’s no noise cancellation, so in very noisy environments, it might be harder to hear your music clearly. The design may not perfectly fit everyone’s head shape, although the included headband helps. These headphones are ideal if you prioritize safety, comfort, and convenience during running or workouts and don’t mind slightly less immersive sound. For outdoor exercise where awareness and comfort count, the SHOKZ OpenRun Mini is a solid pick.