10 Best Budget Running Headphones 2025 in the United States

The JBL Vibe Beam earbuds are a solid choice for budget-running headphones. They offer impressive sound quality with JBL Deep Bass, ensuring an enjoyable audio experience while running. The earbuds are designed to fit comfortably in the ear, allowing you to wear them for extended periods without discomfort. The closed design helps block out external noise, further enhancing the bass performance, which can be particularly motivating during workouts.

Durability is another strength, as these earbuds are water and dust resistant (IP54 certification), making them suitable for various environments, whether you're at the beach or on a dusty trail. The battery life is substantial, with up to 32 hours of total playtime (8 hours in the earbuds plus an additional 24 hours from the charging case). A quick 10-minute charge can provide an extra two hours of playback, which is convenient for users on the go.

Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.2, providing a stable connection within a 10-meter range. The touch control feature allows for easy management of calls and music, and the VoiceAware function lets you adjust how much of your own voice you hear during calls. While these earbuds offer active noise cancellation, they may not provide the same level of noise reduction as higher-end models. Additionally, the plastic build may not be as premium as some users might prefer. Despite these minor drawbacks, the JBL Vibe Beam earbuds are a great value for those seeking budget-friendly, high-performing running headphones.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with runners and active users in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit thanks to reinforced earhooks that stay in place through intense workouts. Their IPX4 water resistance means they can handle sweat and light rain, which is great for outdoor running. Sound quality is strong, featuring Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to block distractions, plus Transparency mode if you need to stay aware of your surroundings. The adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio deliver clear highs, solid mids, and punchy bass, enhancing your music experience during exercise.

With up to 45 hours of battery life including the charging case, these earbuds last well beyond most typical runs or workouts, and a quick 5-minute charge provides 1.5 hours of playtime, helping if you’re in a hurry. Connectivity is reliable with Class 1 Bluetooth, and they support both Apple and Android devices, offering seamless pairing and extra features like heart rate monitoring and customizable controls via the Beats app. Controls are easy to use through physical buttons and voice commands, letting you adjust volume or take calls without interrupting your rhythm.

On the downside, the earbuds and case are a bit larger and heavier than some budget options, and the charging cable isn’t included, so you might need to buy one separately. Also, while the IPX4 rating protects against sweat and splashes, they’re not suitable for heavy water exposure like swimming. These earbuds are a solid choice if you want a durable, feature-rich pair that fits well for running and workouts, especially if you value long battery life and enhanced sound. If you’re seeking a very lightweight or more affordable option, there could be simpler alternatives.

The TOZO Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Wireless Earbuds are a solid choice if you’re looking for budget-friendly headphones suitable for running and other active use. They offer a comfortable fit with six different ear tip sizes, making it easier to find a snug, secure feel during workouts. The hybrid active noise cancellation works well to reduce background noise up to 45dB, so you can focus on your music even in busy environments. Sound quality is boosted by 10mm drivers and customizable equalizer settings through the app, allowing you to adjust bass and tones to your liking, which is great for personalizing your listening experience.

Durability is strong thanks to the IPX8 waterproof rating, meaning these earbuds can handle sweat, rain, and splashes without issue—good news for outdoor runners. Battery life impresses with up to 59 hours of playback when ANC is off, and about 42 hours with it on, plus a handy LED case display to track remaining power. Bluetooth 5.3 offers stable connections within a 15 to 20-meter range and low latency, although the 60ms delay might be noticeable if you plan to use them for gaming.

Controls are accessible through touch and the dedicated app, which also includes a unique sharing feature for EQ settings with other users. Calls come through clearly with six microphones and environmental noise cancellation. The earbuds feature a relatively small 6mm audio driver according to specs, which might mean less powerful bass compared to higher-end models. Their rectangular shape might not suit everyone’s ear shape perfectly. These earbuds meet the needs of budget-conscious runners seeking comfort, solid noise cancellation, water resistance, long battery life, and reliable connectivity, all packed into a user-friendly design with smart app controls.