10 Best Headphones For Running 2026 in the United States

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 Mini is a solid choice for runners looking for open-ear, bone conduction headphones that keep you aware of your surroundings. Its lightweight design with ergonomic ear hooks and memory wire offers a secure and comfortable fit that won’t slip during movement. These headphones are sweat-resistant, which is helpful for intense workouts or running in light rain, though they may not be fully waterproof for heavy downpours or swimming. Battery life is impressive at 12 hours per charge, allowing for extended use without frequent recharging.

Sound quality benefits from a combination of bone and air conduction technology, delivering clear highs and surprisingly deep bass for this style, with customizable EQ modes via the companion app to suit different environments. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.3, supporting a typical range of about 33 feet and compatibility with most devices like smartphones and watches. Controls are physical buttons on the unit, which might take some getting used to but are straightforward and provide quick access during activity. The dual microphones, enhanced by noise reduction and wind resistance, make calls clear even outdoors.

Durability is supported by a titanium alloy frame and silicone materials, giving a sturdy feel without excess weight. A trade-off with the open-ear design is less isolation from external noise, which is safer outdoors but may not satisfy those wanting complete sound blocking. These headphones are well-suited for runners who prioritize situational awareness, comfort, and long battery life while enjoying decent sound performance.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with runners in mind, offering a secure-fit earhook that stays locked in during intense workouts. The earhooks are reinforced for flexibility and comfort, and five ear tip sizes help customize the fit, enhancing comfort and stability on the move. They have an IPX4 rating, so they resist sweat and light rain, making them suitable for most running conditions, though heavy water exposure should be avoided.

Battery life is impressive, with up to 45 hours total using the charging case and about 10 hours from a single charge, plus quick charging that gives 1.5 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charge—this means you won’t be interrupted during long runs or workouts. Sound quality benefits from Adaptive EQ that adjusts music based on your ears and Personalized Spatial Audio for an immersive experience, delivering clear highs and strong bass, which is motivating for many runners. The earbuds include active noise cancelling to block distractions, along with a Transparency mode so you can stay aware of surroundings—a helpful safety feature when running outdoors.

Connectivity is solid with Class 1 Bluetooth, offering stable connections with both Apple and Android devices. Controls are versatile: you can use on-ear buttons, voice commands via Siri, or the Beats app (on Android) to adjust settings without breaking your stride. Added heart rate monitoring directly from the earbuds is a notable bonus for fitness tracking without extra gear. One downside is the absence of a USB-C charging cable in the box, which you may need to buy separately. Additionally, while the IPX4 rating is good for sweat and light rain, these earbuds aren’t fully waterproof, so they aren’t suited for heavy rain or swimming. The Powerbeats Pro 2 provides a strong combination of comfort, sound quality, long battery life, and useful fitness features, making them an excellent option for runners seeking reliable, feature-packed earbuds.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are designed with runners in mind, offering a unique open-ear design that lets you stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying your music. Their clip-on style hooks comfortably around your ears and feels lightweight, making them stable and pleasant for active use. They have an IPX4 water resistance rating, so they can handle sweat and light splashes, which is helpful during workouts.

You get about 7 hours of listening time on a charge, with the included case providing nearly 48 hours of standby power, meaning you won’t need to charge them frequently. Sound quality is clear and spatial thanks to Bose's Immersive Audio technology, though being open-ear means noise isolation is limited—so music won’t feel as sealed off compared to in-ear buds. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures reliable wireless connection and multipoint support lets you switch easily between devices. Controls are simple physical buttons, and you can use the Bose app for updates and settings.

These earbuds don’t have active noise cancellation and the open-ear style might leak sound in very noisy environments. Also, while the water resistance is good for sweat, they aren't suited for heavy rain or swimming. This product suits runners who prioritize safety and comfort with decent sound and solid battery life, but if you want full noise blocking or better waterproofing, other options might be better.