10 Best Running Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with runners and active users in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit thanks to reinforced earhooks and multiple ear tip sizes. This makes them reliable during intense workouts without worrying about them falling out. Sound quality is enhanced with Active Noise Cancelling and Adaptive EQ, providing clear highs, rich mids, and strong bass, plus a Transparency mode to stay aware of surroundings—useful for outdoor running.

The battery life is impressive, delivering up to 45 hours with the case and about 10 hours per single charge, which is helpful for long training sessions. Sweat and water resistance rated IPX4 mean they can handle rain or sweat, but they aren’t fully waterproof for swimming. Connectivity is strong, with Class 1 Bluetooth ensuring stable connections for both Apple and Android devices. The earbuds support useful features like hands-free voice commands, easy controls on the buds, and a heart rate monitor that tracks your pulse during exercise. The case is smaller and supports wireless charging, adding convenience.

These earbuds are a bit heavier than some competitors, which might affect comfort for those who prefer ultra-light gear. Also, the USB-C charging cable is not included, so you may need to have one ready. If you want premium running earbuds with great sound, durable build, and useful workout features, the Powerbeats Pro 2 represents a solid choice, but if you prioritize ultra-lightweight or waterproof headphones, there might be better options.

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are designed with runners and athletes in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit thanks to their ergonomic design and Ni-Ti alloy memory wire. The open-ear design keeps you aware of your surroundings, enhancing safety during outdoor activities. Sound quality is a highlight, with dual drivers delivering clear highs and deep bass, and customizable EQ modes available through the Shokz App to tailor your audio experience.

Battery life is impressive, providing up to 12 hours of playback, which is ample for extended workouts and runs. Additionally, these headphones are sweat and water-resistant, making them suitable for intense exercises and various weather conditions. Connectivity is solid, with Bluetooth 5.3 ensuring a stable wireless connection within a 33-foot range.

The controls are easy to use with buttons for volume and playback, and the built-in microphones with AI noise reduction ensure clear calls even in windy environments. However, they lack active noise cancellation, which might be a drawback in very noisy surroundings. The open-ear design might not be suitable for those who prefer complete immersion in their music. Despite these minor downsides, the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are an excellent choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable, high-quality audio companion.

The SHOKZ OpenRun Mini are bone conduction headphones designed specifically for runners and fitness enthusiasts who want to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying music or calls. Their open-ear design is lightweight and comfortable, avoiding earbuds that sit inside your ear canal, which many find more pleasant during long workouts. The included headband helps keep the headphones stable during active movement, adding to their security on your head.

With an IP67 rating, these headphones are fully sweatproof and water-resistant, making them reliable for sweaty runs or rainy conditions. The battery life of up to 8 hours is generous for daily workouts, and a quick 10-minute charge can give you about 1.5 hours of listening, which is helpful if you’re short on time. Sound quality is clear and decent for bone conduction tech, allowing you to hear your audio without blocking external sounds—a big safety plus if you run outdoors. Calls come through clearly thanks to the built-in microphone. You also get Bluetooth 5.1 for stable wireless connectivity and simple button controls for volume and playback.

Bone conduction headphones usually don’t offer the same deep bass or audio richness as traditional earbuds or over-ear headphones. There’s no noise cancellation, so in very noisy environments, it might be harder to hear your music clearly. The design may not perfectly fit everyone’s head shape, although the included headband helps. These headphones are ideal if you prioritize safety, comfort, and convenience during running or workouts and don’t mind slightly less immersive sound. For outdoor exercise where awareness and comfort count, the SHOKZ OpenRun Mini is a solid pick.