I’m a Marathon Runner and These Are the Best Headphones for Running.
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The right headphones can make the difference between success and failure in your run. Whether you’re running a 20-mile marathon or just trying to squeeze in a mile on a Tuesday morning, your headphones need to be up to the task.
My all-time favorite running headphones were the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 2100. Comfortable, reliable, sweat-resistant, and perfectly sensitive to ambient sounds. Sadly, they’ve been discontinued, leaving runners like me scrambling for a worthy replacement.
Of course, choosing the best running headphones depends on your specific needs, running style, and preferences. After extensive testing (and several instances of them breaking mid-run), I’ve compiled a list of the best options across various categories.
My absolute favorite: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
When running in Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, I use bone conduction technology to fully hear traffic noise, other runners, and inattentive cyclists. As my colleague Daniel Oropeza wrote in detail here , the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are ideal for those who want to hear surrounding sounds without sacrificing audio quality.
My ears hardly get tired, even during runs of 18 miles or more. Their IP55 rating was confirmed when I wore these headphones during humid summer runs, not to mention unexpected downpours. Most importantly, their battery lasts a long time, withstanding even the longest workouts. Plus, even if I forget to charge the headphones the night before a run, a quick five-minute charge gives me about 1.5 hours of listening time.
While they’ll never match traditional in-ear headphones for bass sound quality, they deliver clear, detailed sound that’s perfect for podcasts, audiobooks, and music while running.
For a budget option, check out the Shokz OpenMove for just $79.95. They’re perfect for runners just starting out with bone conduction and wanting to give it a try. Speaking of water, can I recommend these bone conduction headphones that actually work underwater ?
My favorite wireless headphones
I generally prefer a secure fit over detachable earbuds. Lifehacker’s senior health editor, Beth Skuerecki, for example, prefers ear hooks (even if she’s confident the earbuds are secure, she’ll still worry), and Shokz are her favorite. She recommends using this Shokz measuring guide to find the perfect size.
If you prefer in-ear headphones or are in a bind, Apple AirPods Pro 2 are your best choice. AirPods are popular for a reason, and if you love your current earbuds, there’s no point in buying new ones just for running. They feature excellent active noise cancellation and a Transparency mode for safety.
When it comes to ultimate versatility, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are simply unrivaled. That includes active noise cancellation, flexible ear hooks, and even heart rate monitoring.
Another wireless headphone I used to love: the Bose QuietComfort . I say “used” only because I tragically forgot them on a plane many years ago. They’re small but mighty, not to mention surprisingly durable for their size. I especially like the customizable controls, so you can easily skip a track that doesn’t fit your running rhythm.
On-ear and full-size headphone options
Audiophiles might prefer fancier options , but my philosophy is this: if you know you’ll be sweating in sound-proof headphones, you should go with a budget pair.
My budget recommendation is the BlueAnt Pump X headphones. They offer two things I need during intense workouts: sweat resistance and impressive sound quality. On the treadmill, I need real bass that thumps over my head. The Pump X headphones feature an “X-mode” bass boost, perfect for those moments when you’re trudging through the last mile.
In this category , the Soundcore Life Q30 by Anker deserves an honorable mention. They’re comfortable, have a long battery life, and, since they cost under $100, I never feel guilty sweating profusely in them. Their noise-canceling and sound quality never disappointed me at the gym.
Consider a wired connection
While I’m not a huge fan of wired headphones myself, they’re worth considering. Just think: no battery life worries. No Bluetooth glitches. Perfect for racing, where you need a completely seamless experience. If you’re looking for a spare pair you won’t lose, the JBL Endurance Run 2 are only $19.95.
What to look for when choosing headphones for running
Over years of trial and error, I’ve discovered these undeniable benefits of in-ear headphones and running earbuds.
Safety is paramount : if they fall out after 15 miles, they’re useless. Consider different-sized earbuds, ear hooks, or bone-conducting models.
Sweat resistance matters : minimum IPX4, but IPX7 or IP55+ ratings provide peace of mind during intense workouts.
The battery life should exceed the duration of your longest run . Nothing kills motivation more than a dead battery during a long run.
Sound awareness equals safety : Whether you’re using bone conduction, transparency mode, or one ear, you need to be able to hear your surroundings.
Comfort for many hours : what seems pleasant for 30 minutes can become torture after two hours.
Bottom line
While I mourn the loss of my beloved Plantronics BackBeat Fit 2100, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are doing their job perfectly. Their combination of safety, comfort, and performance makes them ideal for serious runners, especially those who, like me, are concerned about their safety on city streets.
However, the best running headphones are those that meet your specific needs. Trail runners may value different features than track and field athletes. Marathon runners have different needs than casual runners (cough, battery life). The key is to find headphones that won’t make noise while you run—headphones that allow you to focus on your pace, breathing, and the rhythm of your steps on the pavement.