10 Best Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out 2025 in the United States

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones excel in providing a comfortable fit, making them a great choice for long workout sessions. The plush earcup cushions and padded headband are designed to stay secure, which is important when you're on the move. They also feature impressive noise cancellation technology that allows you to focus on your workout without distractions. With two listening modes—Quiet and Aware—you can control how much of your surroundings you want to hear, catering to both intense training environments and more relaxed settings.

When it comes to sound quality, these headphones deliver high-fidelity audio with customizable EQ settings, enabling you to tailor the bass and treble to your liking, which is a nice touch for music lovers.

In terms of connectivity, the multipoint Bluetooth feature is a significant advantage, allowing you to easily switch between devices without hassle. The included app provides added functionality but may not be necessary for all users.

For those who prioritize comfort, sound quality, and noise cancellation while working out, the Bose QuietComfort headphones are a strong contender.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones present a solid option for those looking for over-ear headphones while working out. One of their standout features is the custom acoustic platform that delivers rich sound quality, making workouts more enjoyable, whether you're listening to music or taking calls. The Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) technology can be a game-changer in a gym setting, allowing you to focus on your workout by drowning out ambient noise. Additionally, the personalized spatial audio adds an immersive experience, enhancing your connection to the music.

Comfortably designed with over-ear placement, these headphones should fit snugly, although they might feel heavy for some users during intense workouts due to their 9.2-ounce weight. They offer decent battery life, lasting up to 40 hours on a single charge, which is excellent for extended gym sessions. Plus, a quick 10-minute charge provides an extra 4 hours of playback, ensuring you won’t be left without music during your workouts.

However, while they excel in sound quality and battery life, the Beats Studio Pro headphones are not sweat or water-resistant. This is a significant drawback for those who sweat heavily or work out in humid environments, as moisture could damage the headphones. Furthermore, the focus on sound quality and noise cancellation might mean they are less suitable for outdoor workouts where awareness of your surroundings is crucial. In terms of connectivity, these headphones offer seamless pairing with Apple and Android devices, which is a plus for users who often switch between devices. The built-in voice-targeting mics ensure clear call performance, making them handy for multitasking.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones cater well to users who prioritize sound quality and battery life for workout environments but may not be the best choice for those needing sweat resistance or those who work out outdoors frequently.

The Sony WH-1000XM4 headphones offer several impressive features that make them stand out in the over-ear headphone category. They are designed for premium noise cancellation with their Dual Noise Sensor technology, which is great for blocking out distractions during workouts. Their sound quality is enhanced with Edge AI and DSEE Extreme, providing rich and clear audio, which is ideal for music lovers.

Additionally, the headphones have up to 30 hours of battery life, and a quick charge feature gives you 5 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge, making them convenient for extended use without frequent recharging. The touch sensor controls are intuitive, allowing you to control your music and calls effortlessly, and the Speak-to-Chat feature automatically pauses your audio during conversations, which can be quite handy in a gym setting. The design is comfortable for long periods, alleviating pressure on your ears, which is important during extended workouts.

However, there are some drawbacks for those looking specifically for workout headphones. The WH-1000XM4 lacks explicit sweat and water resistance features, which means they might not be suitable for intense workouts where sweating is inevitable. Durability might also be a concern if they get exposed to moisture regularly. While the headphones perform excellently in aspects like noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort, their suitability for rigorous physical activity might be limited due to the absence of dedicated sweat and water resistance. If you are looking for headphones with high-quality sound and noise cancellation for moderate workouts or general use, the Sony WH-1000XM4 would be a good choice.