10 Best Athletic Earbuds 2026 in the United States

Apple AirPods 4 are designed with comfort and stability in mind, featuring a redesigned shape that fits securely for all-day wear, which is great for active users. They offer good water and sweat resistance (IP54 rating), meaning they can handle rain and heavy workouts without trouble. Battery life is solid, providing up to 5 hours of listening on a single charge and up to 30 hours total with the charging case, which is convenient for long days of activity.

Sound quality stands out thanks to the Apple H2 chip, delivering clear, immersive audio with Personalized Spatial Audio and active noise cancellation, enhancing music and calls even in noisy environments. The Bluetooth 5.3 connection is reliable and pairs quickly with Apple devices, making setup smooth and hassle-free. Controls are easy to use with touch gestures and voice commands via Siri, including some unique hands-free options like nodding or shaking your head to respond to calls.

On the downside, while the earbuds offer good sweat and water resistance, they are not fully waterproof, so submerging them in water should be avoided. Also, the charging case requires a separate USB-C cable, which might be an extra cost if you don’t have one. These earbuds work best for users deeply embedded in the Apple ecosystem and looking for premium sound, comfort, and smart features during workouts or daily use. Those who need very rugged earbuds or need compatibility beyond Apple devices might find other options more suitable.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed specifically for active users who need earbuds that stay securely in place during intense workouts. Thanks to reinforced earhooks made from nickel titanium alloy, they offer a comfortable, stable fit suitable for various ear shapes. They are sweat and water resistant with an IPX4 rating, making them a good choice for exercise in different weather conditions. Battery life is impressive, with up to 45 hours total using the charging case and about 10 hours per single charge, plus quick charging that gives 1.5 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charge.

Sound quality benefits from adaptive EQ and personalized spatial audio for a rich, immersive experience with clear highs, mids, and powerful bass. Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) helps block distractions, while Transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings when needed. Connectivity is strong with Apple’s H2 chip enabling seamless pairing and advanced features like hands-free Siri, automatic device switching, and audio sharing. Android users also get useful features through the Beats app. Call quality is reliable due to updated microphones.

Controls are versatile, including physical buttons, volume rockers, and voice commands, allowing easy adjustments during workouts without interruption. The case is smaller than before and supports wireless charging, adding convenience. The only minor drawbacks are that the USB-C charging cable isn’t included and the IPX4 rating means they can handle sweat and light rain but aren’t suitable for full water immersion. These earbuds are an excellent fit for fitness enthusiasts looking for durable, comfortable, and feature-rich wireless earbuds that deliver excellent sound and long battery life.

The SHOKZ New OpenFit 2+ earbuds offer a unique open-ear design that keeps you aware of your surroundings, which is great for outdoor activities like running or cycling where safety matters. They are lightweight and feature soft, flexible ear hooks for a secure and comfortable fit, even during intense workouts. With an IP55 rating, they handle sweat and splashes well, making them suitable for gym sessions or rainy runs.

Sound quality is enhanced by Dolby Audio and special bass technology, delivering clear highs and solid bass, which is impressive for open-ear headphones. However, since they don't seal in sound, they don't block outside noise and lack active noise cancellation, so noisy environments might interfere with your listening experience. Battery life is strong, offering up to 11 hours on a single charge and 48 hours with the charging case. Fast charging and wireless charging add convenience if you're on the go. Connectivity uses Bluetooth 5.4, which is stable and supports connecting to two devices at once, handy if you want to switch between phone and laptop without hassle.

Controls include physical buttons plus customization through the companion app, allowing you to adjust sound settings and button functions to your liking. Call quality is good thanks to AI-enhanced microphones that reduce background noise. These earbuds are best for active users who prioritize comfort, safety, and decent sound without isolating from the environment. They might not be ideal if you want deep noise isolation or very loud bass, but they perform well as durable, user-friendly workout companions.