10 Best Workout Headphones 2025 in the United States

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 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 Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are designed specifically with workouts in mind, featuring secure-fit earhooks that keep the earbuds stable even during intense exercise. They come with five ear tip sizes to help you find a comfortable fit, and the earhooks are made of a flexible nickel titanium alloy, making them both lightweight and durable. With an IPX4 rating, these earbuds are sweat and water resistant, suitable for running in the rain or sweaty gym sessions but not for heavy water exposure like swimming. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 45 hours with the charging case and around 10 hours on a single charge, plus a quick 5-minute charge gives you 1.5 hours of playtime, which is great for busy workout days. Sound quality is enhanced by Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio, providing clear highs, rich mids, and strong bass that can keep you motivated during training. Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) helps block distractions, while Transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings, balancing safety and focus.

The earbuds also include heart rate monitoring with frequent pulse checks, a unique feature for tracking fitness during workouts. Controls are versatile, with physical buttons, touch, voice commands (including Siri), and app support for customization, making it easy to adjust settings without stopping your exercise. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.3 and works smoothly with both Apple and Android devices. On the downside, while IPX4 protection covers sweat and light rain, these earbuds aren’t designed for heavy water activities. Additionally, the charging case lacks a USB-C cable in the box, requiring you to have your own or buy separately. These earbuds represent a solid choice for fitness enthusiasts who want secure fit, excellent battery life, and advanced features like heart rate monitoring and noise control, though they may be on the pricier side and need careful handling around water.