10 Best Workout Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods 4 are a strong choice for workout headphones thanks to their comfortable in-ear design, which has been improved for better stability during activity. They are sweat, dust, and water resistant with an IP54 rating, so they can handle rain and intense exercise without worry. Battery life is solid, offering up to 5 hours of listening on a single charge and up to 30 hours total with the charging case, which supports USB-C charging.

Sound quality benefits from Apple’s H2 chip, providing clear audio and personalized spatial sound that can make your music and calls feel immersive. Noise isolation and voice isolation features help reduce background noise, which is useful when working out in busy or noisy environments. Being fully wireless adds freedom of movement, a big plus during exercise. However, the IP54 rating means they are resistant but not fully waterproof, so heavy sweating or submersion should be avoided. While the AirPods 4 include Active Noise Cancellation, using it reduces battery life somewhat.

The redesigned case is more compact but still requires a USB-C cable (sold separately). The control options are versatile, including touch and voice commands with Siri, which can be handy hands-free. These earbuds suit iPhone users looking for a premium, wireless, comfortable set of workout headphones with good sound and decent durability, though they may be pricier compared to more rugged sports-focused brands.

The Bose QuietComfort Headphones are over-ear wireless headphones known for their excellent noise cancellation and rich, high-fidelity sound. They offer up to 24 hours of battery life, which is great for long sessions without frequent recharging, and a quick 15-minute USB-C charge giving 2.5 hours of playtime adds convenience. The headphones come with plush, comfortable cushions and a padded headband, making them nice for long wear, but because they are over-ear and not designed specifically for workouts, they might feel bulky or less stable during intense exercise. These headphones lack any water or sweat resistance, so they are not ideal if you sweat heavily or plan to use them outdoors in wet conditions. The Bluetooth 5.1 connection supports multipoint pairing, allowing easy switching between devices, and controls are managed via the Bose app and on-ear buttons, providing good control but not as simple as some true wireless earbuds.

Two listening modes let you switch between full noise cancellation and ambient awareness, which is handy if you need to stay aware of your surroundings when running outside. While the sound quality is impressive with adjustable EQ, the size, lack of water resistance, and over-ear design mean these headphones fit better for casual or low-impact workouts rather than intense or sweaty gym sessions. If comfort, sound, and noise cancelling are your top priorities and you plan to use them mostly indoors or in dry conditions, they make a solid choice. For serious workouts, especially those involving a lot of movement or sweat, you might want to look for sport-specific models that offer a more secure fit and water resistance.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with workouts in mind, featuring secure earhooks that stay firmly in place no matter how intense your activity. Thanks to extensive athlete testing, they offer a comfortable fit and come with five ear tip sizes to suit different ears. They have an IPX4 rating, meaning they resist sweat and light rain, making them reliable for most exercise conditions. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 45 hours total with the charging case and about 10 hours on a single charge; a quick 5-minute charge even gives you 1.5 hours of playback, which is handy for busy schedules.

Sound quality is enhanced by Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode, so you can focus on your music or remain aware of surroundings as needed. The earbuds also include personalized sound features like Adaptive EQ and Spatial Audio for a richer listening experience. Wireless connectivity is strong with Class 1 Bluetooth, supporting both Apple and Android devices seamlessly, with useful app controls and hands-free Siri available. The reinforced nickel-titanium earhooks provide both flexibility and durability, while the earbuds themselves are lightweight at 8.7 grams each.

The IPX4 rating means they can handle sweat and some moisture but aren't fully waterproof, so heavy rain or submersion should be avoided. Also, the charging case doesn't include a USB-C charging cable, which you may need to purchase separately. These earbuds are well-suited for fitness enthusiasts seeking secure, durable, and feature-rich wireless earbuds, with standout battery life and sound quality, although they have minor limitations for extreme wet conditions and come at a premium price.