10 Best Sports Headphones 2025 in the United States

The SHOKZ OpenRun headphones stand out for their unique open-ear bone conduction design, which means you don’t have to put anything inside your ears. This makes them very comfortable and safe for outdoor activities like running or cycling because you can still hear your surroundings. The lightweight, wraparound frame with an included headband adds to their secure fit during workouts. They are rated IP67 for water and sweat resistance, so they handle intense exercise and rainy conditions well, but they aren’t meant for swimming.

Battery life is solid, providing about 8 hours of continuous playback, and the quick charge feature gives you up to 1.5 hours of use from just 10 minutes of charging, which is handy when you’re on the go. Sound quality is good for this type of headphone; bone conduction delivers clear audio through vibrations on your cheekbones, though it won’t beat traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones in bass depth or noise isolation. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.1 and a decent range of about 33 feet, making pairing with phones or other devices seamless.

Controls are straightforward with push buttons for volume and calls, and there’s a built-in mic for hands-free use. The headphones are durable thanks to strong materials like nickel-titanium alloy and come with a protective case and charging cable. They perform especially well for runners and fitness enthusiasts who prioritize situational awareness and comfort, but if you want immersive sound or noise blocking, these might not be the best choice.

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 are open-ear bone conduction headphones designed especially for active users who want to stay aware of their surroundings while exercising. Their open-ear design is great for safety during outdoor activities like running or cycling, letting you hear ambient sounds without blocking your ears. The titanium alloy frame with ergonomic ear hooks ensures a secure and comfortable fit that resists slipping, making them suitable for workouts involving movement. They are sweat-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about moisture damage during intense sessions. Battery life is solid, offering up to 12 hours of continuous use, which should cover most daily exercise routines and then some.

The sound system is unique because it combines bone conduction for clear highs with traditional air conduction drivers to provide deeper bass, delivering an immersive audio experience unusual for this type of headphone. Connectivity is stable with Bluetooth 5.3 and a range of 33 feet, plus they work with a variety of devices like phones, watches, and computers. Controls are accessible via buttons on the device and further customizable through the Shokz app, which offers different sound modes to adapt to noisy environments. Call quality is enhanced by dual microphones with wind noise reduction, making conversations clearer even outdoors.

One consideration is that being open-ear means some sound leaks out, which may bother those wanting complete privacy in noise isolation. Also, while sweat-resistant, they are only water-resistant, so they may not hold up well under heavy rain or swimming. The price can be higher than traditional sport earbuds, and the unique bone conduction sound might take time for some users to get used to. If you prioritize safety and comfort over full sound isolation and want a long-lasting, well-designed option for active use, these headphones offer a strong choice.

The Bose Ultra Open Bluetooth Earbuds are designed with an open-ear style that lets you stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying quality sound, which is great for outdoor activities like running or exercising. They’re very comfortable thanks to a clip-on design that gently hooks behind your ear, helping them stay put without feeling heavy or intrusive. While they don’t cancel noise, the OpenAudio technology delivers clear, immersive sound that makes your music feel engaging.

Battery life is solid, offering up to 7 hours on a single charge and a total of around 48 hours with the charging case, so they can last through long workouts or a full day out. These earbuds have an IPX4 water resistance rating, meaning they can handle sweat and light rain but are not meant for swimming or heavy water exposure. Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity is stable and supports multipoint, letting you switch smoothly between devices like your phone and laptop. Controls are easy to use with simple button presses to manage music and calls. They also work well with other Bose products for enhanced audio experiences.

Because of the open-ear design, they won’t block out background noise, which might not suit noisy gyms or busy streets. Durability is decent but typical for plastic earbuds, so some care is needed to keep them in good shape. These earbuds are ideal if you want to stay aware of your environment while enjoying good sound and comfort during sports or everyday use, but they’re less suited if you need strong noise isolation.