10 Best Earbuds For Working Out 2026 in the United States

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with workout enthusiasts in mind, offering a secure fit thanks to flexible earhooks tested extensively to stay in place during intense activity. With an IPX4 sweat and water resistance rating, they can handle rain, sweat, and even snow, making them reliable for various outdoor conditions. The earbuds provide excellent sound quality, featuring Active Noise Cancelling to block distractions and Transparency mode to stay aware of your surroundings.

The battery life is impressive, delivering up to 45 hours with the charging case and about 10 hours from a single charge, plus a quick 5-minute charge can give you 1.5 hours of playback—great for long training sessions. Connectivity is strong with Class 1 Bluetooth 5.3, ensuring stable wireless connections and compatibility with both Apple and Android devices, including helpful features like one-touch pairing and customizable controls through the Beats app. Controls are versatile, combining physical buttons, touch, and voice commands, so you can easily adjust volume, manage calls, or activate Siri without interrupting your workout.

The earbuds are lightweight and come with multiple ear tip sizes for personalized comfort. A noted limitation is the absence of a USB-C charging cable in the box, which must be provided separately. Additionally, while the IPX4 rating protects against sweat and splashes, these earbuds are not fully waterproof for swimming or heavy water exposure. These features make the Powerbeats Pro 2 a strong choice for active users seeking a secure fit, long battery life, quality sound with noise cancellation, and smart workout-focused functionality.

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are premium earbuds with features that many people working out will appreciate. They offer a customizable fit with four sizes of silicone tips, helping them stay secure and comfortable for extended wear. The IP54 rating means they resist sweat and light water exposure, so they can handle gym sessions and outdoor workouts without worry. Battery life is solid, providing up to 6 hours of listening on a single charge with noise cancellation active, and the charging case extends that to about 30 hours, which is convenient for long days.

Sound quality is impressive thanks to Apple’s H2 chip, delivering clear highs and rich bass, which can make workout music feel lively and immersive. Active Noise Cancellation helps block out distractions, while Transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings—important for safety during runs. The earbuds also support personalized spatial audio for a more natural listening experience. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable connectivity with Apple devices, and touch controls along with Siri voice commands make it easy to adjust volume, skip tracks, or take calls without interrupting your workout. The case adds handy features like a built-in speaker and lanyard loop, making it easier to find and carry.

There are some limitations to consider. While the fit is customizable, very vigorous or high-impact activities might challenge the earbuds’ grip compared to some sport-specific models designed with ear hooks or fins. Also, the IP54 rating protects against sweat and dust but isn’t fully waterproof, so heavy rain or swimming isn’t recommended. These earbuds tend to be more expensive than many workout-focused alternatives, which may matter if budget is a concern. They suit users who want excellent sound, smart noise control, and seamless integration with Apple devices during workouts, especially for running, gym use, or casual exercise. For ultra-secure fit during intense sports or fully waterproof gear, other specialized options might be better.

The Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) are designed to offer a secure and comfortable fit, thanks to nine different eartip and stability band combinations that help them stay put during workouts. Their IPX4 rating means they resist sweat and light splashes, making them suitable for gym sessions and outdoor exercise in mild conditions. Battery life is decent, providing up to 6 hours of playback on a single charge, with the wireless charging case adding three full charges for convenience throughout the day.

Sound quality is impressive, featuring advanced noise cancellation that adapts to your environment and customizable sound tuning to match your ear shape, resulting in clear, immersive audio that stands out for music and calls alike. Connectivity is solid with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint support, allowing you to switch seamlessly between multiple devices, which is handy during busy days. Controls are mainly app-based, offering extensive customization but may require an initial learning curve.

The battery life, while good, is not the longest available for workout earbuds, and the IPX4 rating, while water-resistant, may not hold up well in heavy rain or intense sweat sessions. Also, the earbuds are a bit on the pricier side, reflecting their premium features. If you want earbuds focused on excellent noise cancellation, sound quality, and a stable fit for moderate workouts, these Bose earbuds are a strong choice, but if you need extended battery life or higher water resistance for very intense activities, there might be better options.