10 Best Running Headphones 2025 in the United States

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 are open-ear, bone conduction headphones designed with runners and active users in mind. Their standout feature is the open-ear design combined with bone conduction technology, which lets you enjoy clear, immersive sound while staying fully aware of your surroundings—a big safety plus for outdoor running. They deliver a rich audio experience by blending bone conduction with air conduction drivers, offering deep bass and crisp highs, which is uncommon for open-ear headphones.

Comfort and fit are well addressed through a lightweight (just 30 grams) design with flexible titanium alloy memory wire and ergonomic ear hooks that hold the headphones securely in place without causing pressure or discomfort. This makes them stable during vigorous movement and resistant to slips or shifts. For sweat and water resistance, these headphones are sweatproof and water-resistant, suitable for sweaty workouts and light rain, though they are not fully waterproof for swimming or heavy downpours. Battery life is solid, offering up to 12 hours on a single charge with a quick one-hour recharge, enough for most daily runs or workouts.

Connectivity relies on Bluetooth 5.3, providing a stable wireless connection within about 33 feet. The controls use physical buttons, which can take some getting used to but work reliably even when running. They also support customization through the Shokz app, allowing users to switch between EQ modes to enhance sound depending on their environment. Call quality is enhanced with dual wind-resistant microphones and AI noise reduction, making it clearer even when running outdoors. Because of the open-ear design, the sound might leak a bit and won’t provide the noise isolation that traditional earbuds offer. These headphones suit runners who prioritize safety and comfort while wanting decent sound quality and reliable performance. If you want earbuds that block outside noise or have a fully waterproof design, these might not be the best fit, but for most runners, they strike a thoughtful balance between awareness, comfort, and audio.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed specifically for workouts like running, offering a very secure and comfortable fit thanks to their reinforced earhooks and multiple ear tip sizes. This makes them stable enough to stay in place through vigorous movement. They are sweat and water resistant with an IPX4 rating, so they can handle rain and sweat without issue, which is great for outdoor or intense training sessions. Battery life stands out with up to 45 hours total from the earbuds and charging case combined, plus a quick 5-minute charge gives you 1.5 hours of playback—ideal for long days or multiple workouts without frequent recharging.

Sound quality is advanced: active noise cancelling helps block distractions, while Transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings, important for outdoor safety. The Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio provide clear, immersive sound with balanced highs, mids, and bass, enhancing your music or calls. Wireless connectivity is reliable with Class 1 Bluetooth, supporting smooth pairing with Apple and Android devices, plus handy controls on the earbuds and voice activation help maintain focus during exercise.

One unique feature is built-in heart rate monitoring, which could benefit fitness enthusiasts wanting extra data without a separate device. The IPX4 rating means they resist splashes but aren't fully waterproof for swimming. Also, the charging case doesn’t include a USB-C cable, so you might need to have one handy. These earbuds suit runners and active users who want a combination of secure fit, long battery life, solid sound quality, and workout-focused features.

The SHOKZ New OpenFit 2 Open-Ear Headphones offer a unique experience with their open-ear design, making them ideal for runners who need to stay aware of their surroundings. Fit and comfort stand out with lightweight earhooks and a personalized fit, ensuring comfort during long runs. The IP55 rating provides good water and sweat resistance, making them suitable for various weather conditions and intense workouts.

Sound quality is enhanced with DualBoost composite drivers and OpenBass 2.0, delivering clear mids and highs along with rich bass. Despite the open-ear form factor, the DirectPitch 2.0 technology helps maintain a private listening experience. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 11 hours on a single charge and up to 48 hours with the charging case, which is beneficial for long training sessions. A quick 10-minute charge provides an extra 2 hours of playback, which is very convenient.

Though these headphones lack active noise cancellation, the dual noise-canceling microphones ensure clear phone calls. The multifunction buttons and the Shokz App allow easy control over various functions and customization. However, the absence of noise cancellation might be a drawback for those who prefer a more immersive listening experience. These headphones are best suited for runners and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize awareness of their environment and comfort over noise isolation.