10 Best Athletic Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 3 are premium wireless earbuds that offer excellent features for athletic use, though they shine beyond just workouts. Their fit and comfort are improved with five sizes of silicone ear tips, ensuring a secure and personalized in-ear fit which is crucial for active movement. With water resistance and sweatproof design, they can handle intense workouts and outdoor runs without worry. Battery life is strong, providing up to 8 hours of listening time with noise cancellation on, which is ample for long exercise sessions. Sound quality stands out, offering active noise cancellation that removes twice as much unwanted noise compared to the previous generation, plus high-fidelity, three-dimensional audio that makes music and calls sound crisp and immersive.

Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth 5.3 and easy switching between Apple devices, adding convenience if you use multiple gadgets. Controls are intuitive with touch and voice commands, including Siri integration for hands-free use. Some distinctive extras include heart rate sensing and hearing aid features that might interest fitness-focused users and those concerned with hearing health. However, the AirPods Pro 3 do not include a USB-C charging cable in the box, which is a minor inconvenience, and their premium price may be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. These earbuds are best suited for athletes who want high-quality audio, smart health tracking, and strong noise cancellation packed into a comfortable, sweat-resistant design.

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 Beats Studio Buds are a solid choice for those seeking athletic earbuds that offer both performance and comfort. They feature a customizable fit with three sizes of ear tips, ensuring a snug and comfortable seal during workouts. Their IPX4 rating guarantees water and sweat resistance, making them suitable for various physical activities, from running to cycling.

In terms of sound quality, the custom acoustic platform delivers a powerful and balanced listening experience. With two listening modes—Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode—you can tailor your audio experience to your environment. This versatility is a major plus for users who want to switch between immersing themselves in music and remaining aware of their surroundings.

The battery life is commendable, offering up to 8 hours on a single charge and a total of 24 hours when combined with the charging case. Quick charging is also a highlight; just 5 minutes of charging provides up to an hour of playback, which is especially useful for those in a rush. On the connectivity front, the Class 1 Bluetooth ensures a strong connection and extended range, minimizing dropouts. They work seamlessly with both Apple and Android devices, making them versatile for users with different tech ecosystems.