10 Best Headphones For Exercise 2025 in the United States

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones shine in sound quality and comfort, offering rich, customizable audio with deep bass and adjustable EQ. Their plush, over-ear cushions provide a gentle fit that stays comfortable even during long sessions. With 24 hours of battery life and quick charging, they easily last through extended use. The active noise cancelling and Aware modes allow you to either immerse yourself or stay alert to surroundings.

These headphones are not water or sweat resistant, which is a significant drawback for exercise use where moisture and movement are common. Their over-ear design, while comfortable, might feel bulky or less stable for intense or high-movement workouts compared to sport-specific earbuds or on-ear models. Durability is solid for everyday use but might not withstand rough handling during intense exercise.

Additional features like multipoint Bluetooth for device switching and a wired option add flexibility. These headphones are excellent for high-quality sound and comfort but may not be the best choice if water or sweat resistance and a secure, lightweight fit are your top priorities for exercise.

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are designed especially for active users who want to stay aware of their surroundings during workouts. Their open-ear bone conduction technology lets you hear your music while keeping your ears free, which is great for safety when running or cycling outside. The fit is secure and comfortable, thanks to a lightweight, memory-wire frame that stays in place without pressure. These headphones are sweat resistant and water resistant, making them suitable for most exercise conditions, though they might not be fully waterproof for heavy rain or swimming.

Sound quality is a highlight here, combining bone conduction with traditional air conduction drivers to deliver surprisingly deep bass and clear highs, which is better than many open-ear models. You can also customize sound settings through the companion app, which helps if you’re in noisy environments. Battery life is solid, offering up to 12 hours per charge, enough for multiple workouts or a full day of use. Charging is quick too, taking about an hour.

One standout feature is the dual noise-reducing microphones, which provide clear calls even outdoors with wind up to 15 mph. This makes them practical for hands-free calls during exercise. On the downside, while open-ear design is great for awareness, it may allow some sound leakage and less immersive audio compared to in-ear headphones. Also, the price might be higher than basic workout earbuds. These headphones suit fitness enthusiasts who prioritize safety, comfort, and good sound with long battery life. They are especially useful for runners, cyclists, and outdoor exercisers who need to stay alert while enjoying quality audio.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with exercise in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit thanks to their reinforced flexible earhooks and five sizes of ear tips. These earbuds stand out for durability too, with an IPX4 water and sweat resistance rating, making them suitable for workouts in various weather conditions. Sound quality is impressive, featuring Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) to block distractions and Adaptive EQ that adjusts music based on your environment, delivering clear highs, rich mids, and strong bass. Plus, they have Personalized Spatial Audio for a more immersive experience.

Battery life is excellent, providing up to 45 hours with the charging case and up to 10 hours of continuous play on a single charge; a quick 5-minute charge can give you 1.5 hours of use, which is handy for busy schedules. Additional features include a built-in heart rate monitor that tracks your pulse during activity, compatibility with both Apple and Android devices (with some extra app functions on Android), hands-free voice controls like Siri, and reliable Bluetooth connection for calls and media. The charging case is smaller than before and supports wireless charging, adding convenience.

One minor downside is the USB-C charging cable isn’t included, so you may need to provide your own. Also, while the IPX4 rating protects against splashes and sweat, it’s not fully waterproof for heavy rain or swimming. These earbuds represent a strong choice if you want a combination of comfort, solid sound, long battery life, and fitness-focused extras for your workouts.