10 Best Over Ear Headphones For Gym 2025 in the United States

The Bose QuietComfort headphones in Twilight Blue offer a comfortable fit with plush over-ear cushions and a padded headband, making them suitable for longer wear during workouts or gym sessions. Their build feels solid, although they aren’t designed to be water or sweat resistant, which might be a concern if you sweat heavily or want to use them outdoors.

Sound quality is strong, featuring deep bass and clear highs, with an adjustable equalizer to suit your music style. Active noise cancellation effectively blocks out background noise, helping you focus even in noisy gym environments. The headphones provide reliable wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1 and allow you to connect to multiple devices easily. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 24 hours on a full charge, with quick USB-C charging that provides extra playtime after just 15 minutes.

Controls are touch-based, intuitive, and responsive, though some users might prefer physical buttons for quicker adjustments while moving. While these headphones excel in sound and comfort, their lack of water resistance and somewhat premium price point could influence your decision if sweat or rough handling is expected. For gym sessions involving moderate activity and a preference for superior noise cancellation and sound, these headphones are an excellent fit.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones offer a strong set of features that appeal to gym-goers seeking high-quality sound and reliable wireless performance. They use Beats' custom acoustic platform to deliver rich, immersive audio, enhanced by personalized spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, making music feel lively during workouts. Active noise cancelling (ANC) helps block out distractions, while the transparency mode allows users to stay aware of their surroundings, an important safety feature for gym use.

Battery life is impressive, providing up to 40 hours on a single charge, with a quick 10-minute charge adding 4 more hours, minimizing the need for frequent charging even with daily workouts. The wireless Bluetooth 5.3 connection offers strong range and fewer dropouts, ensuring consistent music connectivity as you move. On-ear controls are user-friendly and allow management of calls, music, and voice assistants without needing to reach for your device.

Designed with comfort in mind, the headphones feature an over-ear fit and faux leather materials, which feel secure but may become warm during intense exercise. They come with a fabric carrying case and a foldable design for durability; however, the faux leather and lack of water resistance mean they may not withstand heavy sweat or rain exposure well. If you prioritize sound quality, battery life, and wireless convenience with effective noise control, these headphones are a solid choice, though they may be less comfortable for very intense workouts or outdoor use in wet conditions.

The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are designed to deliver a premium listening experience, making them an attractive option for gym enthusiasts. One of their standout features is the advanced noise cancellation, which can help you focus on your workouts by blocking out distracting sounds. The sound quality is excellent, providing a rich audio experience that many users appreciate. With up to 30 hours of battery life on a single charge, you won’t have to worry about recharging often, and the quick charge feature allows for minimal downtime.

Comfort is another strong point; these headphones have a lightweight design and soft ear pads, making them suitable for long workouts. However, they fall short on sweat and water resistance, which is an important factor if you're sweating heavily during your sessions. The WH-1000XM5 isn’t rated for water resistance, so users need to be cautious if using them in a gym setting where moisture is prevalent.

Connectivity is seamless with Bluetooth technology, allowing you to move freely without being tethered to a device. The intuitive touch controls make it easy to adjust settings on the go, and hands-free calling features are a bonus for those who need to take calls during workouts. On the downside, while they are built with quality materials, the durability in extreme gym conditions (like dropping or exposure to heavy moisture) could be a concern. Additionally, their over-ear design might not suit all preferences, especially for those who prefer lighter or more compact alternatives during physical activity.