10 Best Athletic Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are designed with athletes in mind, offering a secure fit thanks to reinforced earhooks that stay in place during intense workouts. They come with five ear tip sizes to help you find a comfortable fit. With an IPX4 water and sweat resistance rating, these earbuds can handle rain and sweat, making them suitable for running, cycling, and gym sessions. Battery life is impressive, providing up to 45 hours with the charging case and around 10 hours on a single charge, plus a quick 5-minute charge gives 1.5 hours of playback, which is handy for busy days.

Sound quality is rich and immersive, featuring Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to block distractions, Transparency mode to stay aware of your surroundings, and Adaptive EQ that adjusts music to your ears. The inclusion of Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking offers a more engaging listening experience. Connectivity is strong with Class 1 Bluetooth, ensuring stable wireless connection for both Apple and Android devices, though some advanced features like one-touch pairing and Heart Rate Monitoring are best experienced on Apple or via the Beats app on Android. Controls are user-friendly, featuring on-ear buttons, volume rockers, and voice commands through Siri, allowing easy operation without interrupting your workout flow. The earbuds also include heart rate monitoring, which can be a useful tool for tracking fitness data in real time.

One minor downside is that the charging case does not include a USB-C cable, so you may need to provide your own. Also, while the earbuds are lighter than the previous version, their size might still feel a bit bulky for users with smaller ears. These earbuds are a great fit for active users who want durable, feature-rich wireless earbuds that work well across different activities and devices, especially for those invested in the Apple ecosystem.

The SAMSUNG Galaxy Buds 3 Pro AI True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds are designed with athletic users in mind, offering a range of features that make them suitable for workouts and active lifestyles. The redesigned comfort fit ensures they stay secure during physical activities, and their lightweight construction adds to the comfort. Additionally, they are water-resistant, making them a good choice for sweat-heavy workouts or light rain exposure. However, it's important to note that while they are water-resistant, they may not be fully waterproof, so caution is advised in very wet conditions.

Battery life is decent, with up to 6 hours of use on a single charge and up to 26 hours with the charging case, which should be sufficient for most daily activities. The sound quality is robust, enhanced by Adaptive Equalizer and Sound Optimization features that tailor the audio experience to the user's surroundings. The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is a standout feature, helping to block out unwanted noise while allowing important ambient sounds through when needed. Connectivity is strong with Bluetooth 5.4, offering a stable and long-range connection.

The touch controls are intuitive and customizable, adding convenience for managing music and calls. The real-time translation feature is a unique addition that could be useful for travelers or multilingual conversations. Despite these strengths, some users might find the need for three nonstandard batteries a bit inconvenient, and the charging time of 135 minutes might be longer than expected for those in a rush. The buds come with a two-year warranty, providing added peace of mind. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a solid choice for those seeking versatile, high-quality athletic earbuds with advanced features, though potential buyers should consider the battery aspects and water resistance limitations.

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Earbuds are designed to offer a premium audio experience with several features enhancing their suitability for athletic use. One of their standout features is the active noise cancellation, which helps to block out distractions and provide an immersive listening experience. The sound quality is impressive, with deep bass and a rich, satisfying audio profile. Comfort and fit are well-considered, with multiple sizes of ear tips and stability bands included to ensure a secure and snug fit during workouts or other activities.

The IPX4 rating means these earbuds can handle sweat and light rain, adding to their durability for athletic use. Battery life is solid, offering up to 8.5 hours of playtime on a full charge, and a quick charge feature provides an additional 2 hours of playback with just 20 minutes of charging. Connectivity is reliable, thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, and the earbuds support seamless switching between devices, which is useful for those who use multiple gadgets. Customizable touch controls and the Bose QCE app allow for easy management of playback, volume, and sound settings.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The IPX4 rating, while decent, is not the highest level of water resistance available in the market, so those engaged in very intense workouts or who need something more rugged might find this limiting. The touch controls, although customizable, can sometimes be less intuitive compared to physical buttons, especially during intense activities. Lastly, while the noise cancellation is excellent for focused listening, it could be a safety concern if you're running or cycling in busy areas and need to stay aware of your surroundings. These earbuds are a great choice for those who value sound quality and noise cancellation, but might not be the best fit for extremely rugged athletic environments or users who prefer tactile controls.