10 Best Over Ear Headphones For Gym 2026 in the United States

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones stand out for their exceptional comfort, making them great for long wear during workouts thanks to soft ear cushions and a padded headband that stays secure without feeling tight. Their build quality is solid but made of plastic, which may not be as rugged as some sport-focused models. Sound quality is excellent, offering deep bass and clear highs with customizable equalizer settings, ideal for motivating gym sessions. Active noise cancellation effectively blocks out distractions in busy environments, while an awareness mode helps you stay alert to surroundings—a useful feature when exercising in public spaces.

Wireless connectivity uses Bluetooth 5.1 with multipoint support, so you can easily switch between devices without hassle. Battery life impresses with up to 24 hours of playtime, which is more than enough for daily gym use. Controls are touch-based and intuitive, though the headphones aren't water or sweat-resistant, which is a drawback for intense workouts involving heavy perspiration. They also come with a wired option for use when the battery runs low. These headphones combine comfort and premium sound with strong noise cancellation, but they may require extra care during sweaty gym sessions due to their lack of water resistance.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones excel in delivering top-notch sound quality and industry-leading noise cancellation, thanks to advanced processors and 12 microphones that adapt to your environment. This makes them great if you want to fully immerse yourself in music without distractions. Comfort-wise, they offer a soft, pressure-free fit with a wider headband and smooth materials, which helps during longer wear. Their battery life is impressive at up to 30 hours, so you won't need to worry about frequent recharging, and quick charging gives you hours of playback with just minutes plugged in.

Wireless connectivity is smooth with Bluetooth 5.3, providing stable connections within about 10 meters. The touch controls are intuitive, letting you manage music and calls easily. Durability is solid, with a foldable metal design and a compact carrying case, though the headphones are not water-resistant, which could be a concern during intense gym sessions where sweat is involved. Noise isolation is excellent, but because these are large over-ear headphones, they might not be the best choice for high-movement workouts since they can feel bulky or warm.

While they handle calls well with multiple microphones, their size and fit might not suit all gym activities. If your main goal is premium sound and noise canceling with good comfort, these headphones perform exceptionally. However, for heavy sweating or very active workouts, specialized gym headphones with water resistance and a more secure fit might be more appropriate.

The JBL Tune 720BT wireless over-ear headphones offer a strong mix of features that suit gym users who value long battery life and good sound quality. With up to 76 hours of playback, you won’t need to charge often, and a quick 5-minute boost gives an extra 3 hours—which is handy for busy schedules. The sound is powered by JBL’s Pure Bass technology, delivering deep and clear bass that can make workouts more motivating. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable wireless connection to your smartphone or other devices, making movement easy without cords getting in the way.

Comfort-wise, the Tune 720BT is lightweight and has an adjustable headband with a foldable design, so it’s easy to wear for extended periods and store in your gym bag. However, they are not water or sweat resistant, which is something to consider if you tend to sweat heavily or exercise in damp conditions. The headphones lack active noise cancellation, so while they block some background noise due to their over-ear fit, they won’t fully isolate you from a busy gym environment.

Controls are user-friendly with touch buttons on the ear cups, allowing you to manage music and calls hands-free. The Voice Aware feature helps you hear your own voice clearly during calls, which is a nice touch. You can also customize the sound profile using the JBL Headphones App to match your preferences. The JBL Tune 720BT is a solid choice for gym users who prioritize long battery life, good bass sound, and simple wireless convenience. Just keep in mind it’s not designed to handle sweat or heavy moisture and doesn’t offer noise cancellation, so if those are top priorities, you might want to look elsewhere.