10 Best Sports Headphones 2025 in the United States

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 are open-ear bone conduction headphones designed specifically for sports and active use. Their open-ear design stands out by letting you stay aware of your surroundings, which is great for outdoor activities like running or cycling where safety matters. They’re lightweight and have a secure fit with memory wire and ergonomic ear hooks, so they’re unlikely to slip during intense workouts. The headphones offer 12 hours of battery life, which is solid for long exercise sessions or daily use, and they charge quickly in about an hour.

In terms of sound, they combine bone conduction technology with air conduction to deliver clear highs and deeper bass than typical bone conduction headphones. You can also adjust the sound profile using the SHOKZ app, especially helpful if you’re in noisy environments. Call quality is strong due to dual microphones and noise reduction, making them reliable for hands-free calls even in windy conditions. They have a water-resistant rating, so they’ll handle sweat and light rain well, but they’re not meant for heavy water exposure like swimming. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures a stable wireless connection within about 33 feet, and the controls are simple button types for volume and playback.

These headphones don’t offer active noise cancellation, so background noise is still audible. The open-ear style means sound leakage can happen, which might not be ideal in very quiet or shared spaces. Also, if you prefer traditional in-ear or over-ear styles for immersive sound isolation, these won’t fit that need. For those seeking comfortable, safe, and sweat-resistant headphones for running, cycling, or gym workouts, with good sound and call quality without blocking outside noise, the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 is a strong choice, considering the trade-off in noise isolation due to the open-ear design.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are designed with athletes in mind, offering a very secure and comfortable fit thanks to reinforced, flexible earhooks and multiple ear tip sizes. This makes them great for intense workouts or running without worrying about them falling out. They have an IPX4 rating, meaning they resist sweat and light rain, so durability during exercise is solid though they aren’t fully waterproof. 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—ideal for long training sessions.

Sound quality is enhanced by Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio, delivering clear highs, rich mids, and strong bass, along with Active Noise Cancellation to block distractions and a Transparency mode to stay aware of your surroundings. Connectivity is seamless with both Apple and Android devices, including fast pairing, stable Class 1 Bluetooth, and useful app features like customizable controls and heart rate monitoring. Controls are user-friendly with physical buttons, volume rockers, and voice commands, allowing you to keep focus without fumbling.

On the downside, the earbuds are only water resistant, not waterproof, so they might not handle heavy sweating or swimming well. Also, the USB-C charging cable is not included, which could be inconvenient if you don’t already own one. These earbuds suit active users who want high-quality sound, noise control, and reliable fit during workouts, especially those who appreciate Apple ecosystem features but also support Android devices.

The SHOKZ New OpenFit 2 headphones are designed with active users in mind, especially those who want to stay aware of their surroundings while listening. Their open-ear design lets you hear ambient sounds, which is great for outdoor sports like running or cycling where safety is important. Weighing only 9.4 grams with earhooks that mold to your ears, these headphones offer a comfortable, secure fit that can be worn all day without discomfort. The IP55 water resistance rating means they can handle sweat and light rain, making them suitable for most workout conditions.

Sound quality benefits from Shokz’s DualBoost drivers and OpenBass 2.0, delivering clear mids and highs along with deeper bass than typical open-ear models. However, because they don’t fully cover or seal your ears, the bass won’t be as strong as in traditional earbuds or headphones. Battery life is a strong point here, with 11 hours of continuous use and a total of 48 hours when combined with the charging case. Quick charging adds convenience if you’re in a hurry.

Connectivity is straightforward with Bluetooth and the ability to switch between two devices easily. Physical buttons allow you to control volume, skip tracks, and answer calls, which is practical during exercise. The dual noise-cancelling microphones help improve call clarity, though the open-ear design means external noise can still be noticeable during calls. These headphones excel for outdoor sports enthusiasts who value safety, comfort, and decent sound with long battery life, though they might not suit those wanting full noise isolation or very powerful bass. Their durability for everyday workouts is good, but they should be handled with care due to the lightweight design. The SHOKZ New OpenFit 2 are an excellent choice for those prioritizing situational awareness and comfort during sports activities.