© iStock.com / Ridofranz
Key Points
- When choosing the best wireless earbuds for working out, there are several factors to consider, including sound quality, fit, and battery life, among others.
- The Jabra Elite Active 75t was voted the best overall wireless earbud for working out.
- If budget is a concern, the JLab Go Air Pop may be for you.
Picture yourself in the gym with no earbuds. The cacophony of grunts, slamming weights, and general chatter berates your ears. It’s hard to focus on the intensity of your workout when all you think of is escaping the noise. This is where a good set of earbuds will come in handy.
The market for wireless earbuds has grown significantly since the early days of wired options. With so many features to consider, like battery life, noise cancelation, sweat resistance, and price tag, figuring out the right earbuds can be tricky. We have done some sleuthing, comparing product comfort, utility, and sound quality. Here are the best wireless earbuds for working out:
- Best Overall: Jabra Elite Active 75t
- Best Budget: JLab Go Air Pop
- Best for Android: Google Pixel Buds A-Series
- Best Noise-cancellation: Beats Fit Pro
- Best Bone-conduction: Shokz OpenRun Pro
Best Overall: Jabra Elite Active 75t
- IP57-rated sweat-proof and waterproof earbuds
- Special grip coating for a secure fit
- Active noise canceling
- Four microphones for clear call quality
- Up to 24 hours of battery time with ANC on
The Jabra Elite Active 75t is an older model, released in 2020, yet remains the best wireless earbud for working out due to its overall versatility, active noise canceling, and sweat resistance.
It boasts a sleek redesign compared to its predecessor, with a focus on improved functionality. The earbuds come with three ear tips to provide a snug, comfortable fit for most users. Paired with the integrated pressure vent, these features deliver optimal audio quality and block out ambient noise. The earbuds also house sensors for automatic ear detection, meaning that removing one earbud pauses playback until reinserted.
A single multifunction button on each earbud controls the volume, changes the track, and accesses the virtual assistant. Although the controls do have some sensitivity issues, causing inadvertent inputs, it’s hardly a problem in the gym when you’re in the zone. The Elite Active 75t offers a HearThrough mode for when you need to pay attention to your surroundings.
Jabra released a software update in the fall of 2020 that enabled active noise cancelation (ANC). Unfortunately, the Elite Active 75t’s ANC is lackluster compared to other models on the list. If noise cancelation is a big deal to you, you may want to consider another option.
Pros
- Automatic ear detection
- Quick charging
- IP57 rated protection
Cons
- Button sensitivity
- Lackluster ANC
- Expensive
Check out the Jabra Elite Active 75t on Amazon.
Best Budget: JLab Go Air Pop
- Long Battery Life: GO Air POP features 8+ hours of playtime in each earbud and 24+ extra hours from the charging case (32+ hours total). Return to the case to recharge the buds, and use the integrated...
- Dual Connect: Use either earbud independently or use both together. A built-in MEMS microphone in each bud ensures clear calls.
- 15% Smaller Fit: Smaller than a credit card, the case fits in your pocket and the earbuds are our smallest yet – 15% smaller earbuds and 40% lighter with the compact case. Try the three tip sizes to...
- EQ3 Sound / Touch Controls: With just a few taps via touch sensors, you can choose your sound preference: JLab Signature, Balanced and Bass Boost modes – without an app. Enjoy volume and track...
- INCLUDES: GO Air POP True Wireless Earbuds, Charging Case w/ Integrated USB Charging Cable, 3 Sets Gel Tips: Small, Medium, Large, JLab Two Year Warranty.
If you’re looking at more affordable wireless earbuds for working out, look no further than the JLab Go Air Pop.
The Go Air Pop is both durable and water resistant due to its hard plastic composition, but this doesn’t interfere with wearability. Although this cheaper option lacks the features of higher-end earbuds, the price and functionality are worth the tradeoff. The battery life is better than even some high-end earbuds. If the promised 8 hours doesn’t get you through the day, the case comes with an integrated USB cable that makes on-the-go charging a breeze.
Sound quality is good for the price and offers three EQ profiles to choose from. The JLab Signature profile is for general music, while balanced is for audiobooks and other neutral sounds. For those who favor bass, Bass Boosted delivers the perfect EQ for heavy workout tunes.
If you’re looking for a calling headset in addition to workout earbuds, you might be disappointed in the Go Air Pop. Call quality is poor at best. The controls can be finicky due to weak touch sensitivity, making inputs like pause/play a hassle in the middle of a workout session. If these are issues you can overlook, then the JLab Go Air Pop is the earbud bargain of your dreams.
Pros
- Affordable
- Good battery life
- IPX4 rated protection
Cons
- No ANC
- Poor call quality
- Finicky controls
Check out the JLab Go Air Pop on Amazon.
Best for Android: Google Pixel Buds A-Series
- Pixel Buds A-Series have custom-designed 12 mm dynamic speaker drivers that deliver rich, high-quality audio.Material Type : Polypropylene.Note : If the size of the earbud tips does not match the...
- With a flush-to-ear design, three eartip sizes, and a stabilizer arc, the wireless earbuds stay in place and create a gentle seal for amazing sound
- Get up to 5 hours of listening time or 2.5 hours of talk time with a single charge, or listen for up to 24 hours with the charging case[1]
- Play music, get directions, check the weather, or have notifications read to you just by using your voice; or press and hold the earbud to talk to Google[2]
- Pair the Pixel Buds A-Series with your Pixel or any Android device in just one tap[3]; or quickly and easily connect to iOS or any other Bluetooth 4.0 plus device[4]
Google Pixel Buds A-Series is ideal for those seeking feature-rich earbuds that’s also compatible with their Android devices.
In exchange for some durability, these lightweight, comfortable earbuds can make you forget you’re wearing them. Thanks to the pressure vent, long workout sessions won’t leave you with an earache. Bluetooth connectivity is a breeze and future reconnecting is automatic. The A-Series offers two frequency response options with no other customization: one for speech, making it an excellent option for the frequent caller, and the other for music, with a Bass Boost option.
The A-Series offers integration for features like Google Assistant. There’s also a feature to find your earbuds if they get lost.
One drawback of the Google Pixel Buds A-Series is its low battery life. Topping off at just 5 hours of continuous music, these earbuds may not get you through the day without charging. Then again, the lightweight case makes on-the-go charging easy.
Pros
- Easy to pair with Android
- Comfortable fit
- IPX4 rated protection
Cons
- Better sound quality for talking
- Short battery life
Check out the Google Pixel Buds A-Series on Amazon.
Best Noise-Canceling: Beats Fit Pro
- Available in 9 different colors including navy, black, white and sage gray
- Up to 6 hours of battery life on a single charge or up to 24 hours with case
- Enhanced by Apple H1 chip for super smooth syncing to Apple iPhone
- IPX4 rated for sweat and water resistance
For those seeking absolute peace from their workout session, there’s no better option than the Beats Fit Pro.
If you use a particularly noisy gym, then active noise canceling might be the highest priority on your list. The Fit Pro has added wingtips to secure the earbuds better for a more active listening experience, unlike previous releases.
While the Beats Fit Pro is a good option for both Android and IOS users, some features like the Spatial Audio will be unavailable to Android users. Spatial Audio allows for a virtual 3D-like sound that mimics the surround sound movie theater experience. Since the Fit Pro runs on the H1 chip, IOS users can share audio with other Beats owners, automatically switch between devices, and access Siri with a simple voice command.
The adaptive ANC calibrates based on the level of ambient noise around you but does require a good fit to get the best experience. With the Fit Pro, you can look forward to the kind of bass emphasis that’s perfect for hardcore workouts.
Though these have a slightly shorter battery life than some options on our list, between fast charging and automatic pause/play, the Beats Fit Pro are the perfect earbuds for any athlete. The main drawback: Android users are somewhat limited in what features they can access.
Pros
- Strong ANC
- Impressive automatic pause/play
- IPX4 rated protection
Cons
- Expensive
- IOS-exclusive features
Check out the Beats Fit Pro on Amazon.
Best Bone-Conduction: Shokz OpenRun Pro
- Open-ear comfort while staying put throughout a workout and allowing you to road noise
- Up to 10 hours of music battery life while a 5-minute charge offers 1.5 hours of use
- IP55 water and sweat resistance
- Delivers audio directly through your cheekbone
Sitting outside the ear, the Shokz OpenRun Pro is perfect for those with hearing loss, and anyone who walks outside regularly.
The ear hook design adds extra security to get through even your most intense workouts without budging. Physical buttons allow for sound adjustment mid-workout.
Some users may find the proprietary charger inconvenient in a world of USB-C. But with the best battery life yet, these earbuds will get you through a full 10 hours of listening without charge.
The OpenRun Pro is a win for people with ears that are sensitive to pressure or competitive runners who may not be allowed traditional earbuds. They are also perfect for outdoor athletes who need to be vigilant of their surroundings. As with most bone-conduction earbuds, the tradeoff is sound quality. Since they sit on the ear and not in, sound quality decreases in exchange for being able to hear everything that goes on around you.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Good for safety
- IP55 rated protection
Cons
- Decent microphone quality
- Proprietary charging port
Check out the Shokz OpenRun Pro on Amazon.
How to Pick the Best Wireless Earbuds for Working Out: Step by Step
When purchasing wireless earbuds for working out, there are several things to consider. Fit and comfort are a top priority, but also consider the sweat resistance of the product. Features like Bluetooth coverage and sound quality can make or break a good set of earbuds.
Here are some important features to consider before making your purchase:
- Comfort
- Water/sweat resistance
- Sound quality
- Battery life
- Price
Comfort
Earbuds come with different-sized ear tips to accommodate most users. Unfortunately for some, small, medium, and large are not enough variety to create that coveted snug fit. Such as with the Jabra Elite Active 75t, some users reported the earbuds fit improperly despite changing ear tips. Pick a pair that’s going to fit you comfortably.
Water/sweat resistance
With working out comes sweat, and with sweat comes the risk of damaging your earbuds. The sweatier, the risker. Do yourself a favor and check out the IP rating to determine if your pick is satisfactory to the level of desired activity.
Sound quality
Sound quality will depend on the codec. Codecs determine how audio is transmitted over Bluetooth. Cheaper earbuds often support higher latency codecs, resulting in a loss of audio quality. If sound quality is important to you, opt for wireless earbuds that support codecs such as aptX or aptX HD.
Battery life
Battery life is a huge determining point when making your final choice. There’s nothing worse than your earbuds turning off in the middle of an intense workout, or in the middle of an important call. The Google Pixel Buds A-Series has the shortest battery life of all listed options, so if charging regularly is a dealbreaker, consider an option with longer battery life.
Price
Price is often the defining point of whether or not to make a purchase. Higher-priced earbuds are usually going to have better features, but that’s not always the case. Be sure to scour the internet for the best price, as there are often sales on even high-end earbuds.
What to Know Before Buying Wireless Earbuds for Working Out
Before buying earbud purchase, you need to consider a couple of things that ultimately make or break your listening experience, starting with comfort.
You need to be aware of your comfort levels before settling on any one option. Some people have ears that are more sensitive to pressure than others, which limits their earbud options. Luckily, options that offer an ear hook design avoid the problem altogether.
Longevity is another key factor that will ultimately boil down to a product’s use. High-intensity workouts, like mountain biking or rock climbing, may cause faster wear and tear on a product. Consider the kind of durability and resistance your device will need to withstand the intensity of your desired activity.
One concern that comes with wearing earbuds is maintaining awareness of your surroundings. While earbuds are a wonderful immersion tool, they can put you at risk. Always be vigilant and consider opting for earbuds that offer HearThrough technology for when you want sound while still being aware of what goes on around you. If safety is your top priority, consider bone-conduction earbuds like the Shokz OpenRun Pro, which leave your ears unoccluded and open to external noise.
Above all else, get a pair of earbuds that meets your needs. Consider factors that may affect your own experience, and choose an option that offers you the best workout without the need for worry or hassle.
Using Wireless Earbuds for Working Out: What It’s Like
Picture this: you’re in the gym surrounded by activity. Tacky music blaring from the speakers, gymgoers dropping weights all around you, chatter drifting in from every corner. But you can’t hear any of it because you’ve got a set of well-fitting, comfortable earbuds.
Whether you work out strictly at the gym or you’re more of an outdoor athlete, it can be difficult to concentrate when there are distractions all around you. A good pair of earbuds can be worth its weight in gold because it allows you to tune out all distractions with your sound of choice. That’s why it is so important to consider a variety of options when looking for the best wireless earbuds for working out.
