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

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are designed to deliver a high-quality audio experience, making them a solid choice for gym-goers who appreciate sound quality along with comfort. One of their standout features is the rich and immersive sound, thanks to BEATS' custom acoustic platform and USB-C lossless audio capabilities. The personalized spatial audio and dynamic head tracking also enhance your listening experience, making workouts feel more engaging.

In terms of comfort and fit, these over-ear headphones are generally well-padded, but they may feel a bit bulky for some users, particularly during intense activity. While they offer decent passive noise isolation, the Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) feature can help block out gym noise, allowing you to focus on your music or podcast.

Battery life is impressive, boasting up to 40 hours on a single charge, with a quick 10-minute Fast Fuel charge providing an additional 4 hours of playback. This longevity is particularly beneficial for longer workouts or trips to the gym, ensuring you won't have to frequently recharge. However, one aspect worth noting is the lack of water resistance. While they are durable, if you're someone who sweats heavily or enjoys outdoor workouts, this could be a potential drawback as moisture might damage them over time. Additionally, their wireless connectivity is strong, thanks to industry-leading Bluetooth technology, but some users may prefer a wired option for gym use to avoid battery concerns.

The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones excel with top-tier noise cancellation and superb sound quality, thanks to advanced processors and collaboration with audio engineers. Their active noise cancellation is powerful, helping you focus on music even in noisy environments, which could be helpful in busy gyms. The over-ear design and plush synthetic leather padding offer a comfortable fit for extended wear.

Because they are built primarily for noise isolation and audio quality rather than intense physical activity, they might feel a bit bulky or less secure during vigorous workouts compared to sport-specific headphones. The foldable design and sturdy build make them durable and easy to carry. Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth is strong, and battery life is impressive, providing up to 30 hours of playtime—a big plus for long gym sessions or travel. Controls are touch-based and intuitive, allowing easy adjustments without interrupting your workout.

Noise isolation through adaptive features works well, but the headphones' size and weight might cause some discomfort or slipping with heavy movement. The WH-1000XM6 suits users who prioritize high-quality sound and premium noise cancellation during moderate gym use or commuting. For those needing a lightweight, sweat-proof model specifically for intense exercise, there may be better options.

The Soundcore Anker Life Q20 headphones offer several impressive features that make them a strong contender for over-ear gym headphones. They are known for their exceptional sound quality, thanks to custom oversized 40 mm dynamic drivers that deliver Hi-Res audio, and the BassUp technology which enhances bass for genres like EDM and hip-hop. The memory foam ear cups promise a comfortable fit, which is crucial during extended use in the gym. The remarkable 60-hour playtime ensures you won’t need to frequently recharge, and a quick 5-minute charge provides 4 hours of playback, adding convenience for users on the go.

Active noise cancellation is another strong point, effectively reducing ambient noises, which can improve focus during workouts. Its durability is supported by robust build quality, though the headphones might feel a bit bulky for some users. Connectivity is seamless with wireless Bluetooth, and the included USB-C charging is a modern and fast option. For those looking for high-quality sound and long battery life, they are a solid choice.