10 Best Workout Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds are a strong contender for workout headphones, offering a host of features designed to enhance your exercise experience. One of the standout strengths is their fit and comfort, with four pairs of silicone tips (XS, S, M, L) to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for various ear shapes. This is crucial for workouts where movement might otherwise dislodge less secure earbuds. Additionally, the AirPods Pro 2 are dust, sweat, and water-resistant (IP54), making them suitable for intense workouts and various weather conditions. This durability ensures they can handle the rigors of strenuous activities without compromising performance.

The battery life is commendable, offering up to 6 hours of listening time on a single charge with Active Noise Cancellation enabled and up to 30 hours using the case. This is beneficial for long workout sessions or multiple shorter sessions throughout the day without frequent recharging. Sound quality is another area where these earbuds excel, featuring high-fidelity sound with a custom-built driver for clear high notes and rich bass. The personalized spatial audio and adaptive EQ enhance the listening experience, making music or podcasts sound immersive.

Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode provide intelligent noise control, allowing you to focus on your workout by minimizing distractions or staying aware of your surroundings when needed. The H2 chip contributes to improved sound and call quality, which can be especially useful in noisy gym environments. However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. These earbuds are designed to work seamlessly with Apple devices, which might limit their functionality with non-Apple products. Additionally, the advanced features and high-quality materials come at a premium price point, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious users. The Apple AirPods Pro 2 Wireless Earbuds offer excellent fit, sound quality, and durability for workouts, with advanced noise control features. They are ideal for users within the Apple ecosystem who prioritize premium performance and comfort.

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 JBL Vibe Beam earbuds are designed to meet the needs of fitness enthusiasts looking for reliable workout headphones. With their ergonomic fit, these earbuds are comfortable enough for extended wear, which is crucial during long workout sessions. They are also sweat and water-resistant, boasting an IP54 certification for the earbuds and IPX2 for the charging case, making them suitable for various outdoor activities and intense workouts. You won't have to worry about durability in sweaty or dusty environments.

The 32-hour battery life (8 hours in the earbuds and 24 hours in the case) ensures that you can go through multiple workout sessions without the need to constantly recharge. Additionally, the speed charging feature allows you to quickly boost the battery in just 10 minutes, which is convenient if you're in a hurry. Sound-wise, the JBL Deep Bass Sound with 8mm drivers delivers quality audio that can enhance your workout experience by providing clear, deep bass. The Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity offers a stable wireless experience, freeing you from the hassle of wires.

Hands-free calls with VoiceAware are a practical addition, allowing you to manage calls efficiently without interrupting your activities. However, while they do come with active noise cancellation, some users might find that this feature is not as effective as higher-end models, especially in very noisy environments. Additionally, the closed design might not appeal to everyone since it can feel isolating. If you're someone who values robust sound, comfort, and extended battery life in a water and dust-resistant package, the JBL Vibe Beam is a solid choice for workout headphones.