10 Best Running Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are designed with runners and active users in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit thanks to flexible earhooks tested extensively for stability during intense workouts. With five ear tip sizes, most users can find a good personal fit that stays put. Sound quality is strong, featuring advanced Active Noise Cancelling to block distractions, Transparency mode to stay aware of surroundings, and Adaptive EQ which adjusts audio for a richer, more immersive experience. These earbuds also support Personalized Spatial Audio for spacious sound.

Battery life is impressive, providing up to 45 hours with the charging case, and a quick 5-minute charge gives 1.5 hours of playback, which is very handy for busy users. They have an IPX4 rating, meaning they resist sweat and light rain, suitable for outdoor runs but not for heavy water exposure. Connectivity is reliable with Class 1 Bluetooth, ensuring solid wireless range and compatibility with both Apple and Android devices, enhanced by features like hands-free Siri, one-touch pairing, and an app for customization. The inclusion of heart rate monitoring sensors adds useful workout tracking without extra devices.

The earbuds might feel a bit bulky to some, and the case is smaller than before but still somewhat pocketable. Also, a USB-C charging cable isn’t included. Volume and playback controls are physical buttons which may require learning but help avoid accidental touches during exercise. If you want earbuds that focus on workout performance, secure fit, and long battery life with smart features, Powerbeats Pro 2 is a strong contender. However, if you need full waterproofing or a lighter, ultra-compact design, you might look elsewhere.

The SHOKZ New OpenFit 2+ earbuds use an open-ear design, making them a good choice if you want to stay aware of your surroundings during runs or workouts. They’re very lightweight (only 9.4g) and have soft silicone ear hooks, which help keep them comfortable and secure even when you're moving or sweating. With an IP55 rating, they resist water and sweat well, so they can handle rain or intense exercise without issues.

When it comes to sound, these earbuds stand out by using Dolby Audio and Shokz’s DualBoost technology, which delivers clear highs and decent bass for an open-ear style. However, because they don’t fully cover or seal the ear, the bass won’t be as strong as in traditional in-ear earbuds. The battery life is impressive — 11 hours of continuous use on a single charge and up to 48 hours when combined with the wireless charging case. Quick charging is also handy, giving 2 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge.

Connectivity is solid with Bluetooth 5.4, a decent range, and the ability to connect to two devices at once, which is convenient for switching between phone and laptop. Call quality benefits from multiple microphones that reduce background noise. These earbuds do not offer noise cancellation, so ambient sounds will always be audible, which is a safety plus for outdoor runners but might be distracting in noisy environments. They are well-suited for runners who prioritize comfort, situational awareness, and long battery life, but might not satisfy those looking for deep bass or full noise isolation.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds feature a unique open-ear design that allows users to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying music, making them ideal for outdoor runners who prioritize safety without sacrificing sound quality. Their clip-on, lightweight design ensures comfort and stability during movement, although open-ear styles do not fully isolate sound, which might not satisfy those seeking a more immersive listening experience.

Sound quality benefits from Bose’s OpenAudio and Immersive Audio technologies, delivering clear and spacious audio that enhances listening without blocking ambient noise. The earbuds provide approximately 7 hours of battery life per charge, with an additional 48 hours available using the charging case, supporting extended use for long runs or multiple workouts. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, they can handle sweat and light rain but are not suitable for heavy rain or swimming.

Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint support, enabling seamless switching between devices such as phones and laptops. The Bose app offers useful control features and updates. While these earbuds lack active noise cancellation, making them less suitable for users seeking complete sound isolation, they cater well to runners who value situational awareness, comfort, and solid sound quality and battery performance.