10 Best Workout Headphones 2026 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 are in-ear true wireless earbuds designed specifically for workouts, featuring secure-fit earhooks that help keep them stable during intense exercise. Their reinforced, lightweight design and five sizes of ear tips provide a personalized and comfortable fit, which is a big plus if you move around a lot. They offer solid sweat and water resistance with an IPX4 rating, so they can handle rain and sweat but might not be ideal for heavy water activities like swimming.

Battery life is impressive, delivering up to 45 hours with the charging case and about 10 hours on a single charge, plus a quick 5-minute charge gives you 1.5 hours of playback—great for long training sessions or busy days. Sound quality is enhanced with Adaptive EQ and personalized Spatial Audio, giving clear highs, rich mids, and strong bass, so your music sounds lively and immersive. Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) works well to block distractions, while Transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings, both useful depending on your workout environment.

Controls are versatile, with physical buttons, volume rockers, voice commands, and app customization available for both Apple and Android users. The earbuds also include heart rate monitoring, a handy feature for fitness tracking without an extra device. The charging case requires you to provide your own USB-C cable, and although the IPX4 rating protects against sweat and splashes, it’s not suitable for full water immersion. These earbuds are better suited for users within the Apple ecosystem to unlock all features, though compatibility with Android via the Beats app remains good. For those seeking durable, high-quality workout earbuds with excellent battery life, a strong fit, and smart features like heart rate monitoring and ANC, the Powerbeats Pro 2 offer a compelling option.