It's easy to see the appeal of completely wireless earphones for runners—it's one less thing in the way of your workout. But not all wireless earbuds are ideal for running, so we're here to help you narrow down your choices. PCMag has been reviewing exercise-focused earphones for well over a decade now, so you can trust that our recommendations are among the best you can get. The Editors' Choice-winning Apple AirPods Pro 3 are our current favorites thanks to their unbeatable transparency mode that keeps you aware of your environment, their waterproof design, and heart rate tracking. One of our other picks might fit your budget or needs better, however, so make sure to read our in-depth reviews of each. And don't forget to scroll down past the list for everything you need to know about running earphones before making a purchase.
Overview
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![Apple AirPods Pro 3]()
Best Transparency ModeApple AirPods Pro 3
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![JBL Endurance Peak 3]()
Best for Ear Hook DesignJBL Endurance Peak 3
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![Tribit FlyBuds 3]()
Lowest PriceTribit FlyBuds 3
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![Shokz OpenRun Pro 2]()
Best for Outdoor WorkoutsShokz OpenRun Pro 2
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![Anker Soundcore Sport X10]()
Best for Affordable Noise CancellationAnker Soundcore Sport X10
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![Beats Powerbeats Pro 2]()
Best for Noise CancellationBeats Powerbeats Pro 2
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![JBL Reflect Aero]()
Best for Alexa and Google Assistant UsersJBL Reflect Aero
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![Sennheiser Momentum Sport]()
Best for Heart Rate TrackingSennheiser Momentum Sport
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
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Credit: Eric Zeman
![Apple AirPods Pro 3]()
Best Transparency ModeApple AirPods Pro 3
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The third-generation AirPods Pro deliver top-quality noise cancellation, wiping out deep, low-frequency rumble and more complex, higher-frequency sounds. Beyond the improved ANC, Apple's Adaptive Audio mode gives you a more natural way to monitor your surroundings without letting loud noises harm your hearing. The re-tuned audio is still rich but more balanced than before, providing a first-class listening experience. In addition, they include advanced features like live language translation, heart rate monitoring, workout tracking, and a bevy of hearing health tools—all for the same price as the old model.
Who It’s For
The AirPods Pro 3 are ideal if you're invested in the Apple ecosystem and use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. They're also for those who want top-class noise cancellation, excellent sound, and long battery life paired with advanced features like heart rate monitoring and fitness tracking.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Battery Life Up to 8 hours for earbuds, and 24 hours with case Charging Support Lightning, MagSafe, Qi Wireless, USB-C Chip H3 headphone chip; U2 chip for case Connection Type Bluetooth Hands-Free Siri In-Canal Seal On-Ear Controls Volume swipes; press and press-and-hold gestures (ANC/Transparency selection, calls, playback, Siri, track navigation) Spatial Audio Personalized Spatial audio with Head tracking Transparency Mode Standard and Apdative Transparency True Wireless Type In-Canal Water Resistance IP57 Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Apple AirPods Pro 3 Review -
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![JBL Endurance Peak 3]()
Best for Ear Hook DesignJBL Endurance Peak 3
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The JBL Endurance Peak 3 are fully waterproof and dustproof, with one of the highest IP ratings on this list (IP68). These are less expensive than the JBL Reflect Aero, giving up modest noise cancellation for a much lower price. They sound good as well, with powerful bass and an adjustable in-app EQ.
Who It’s For
These are the earphones to get if you don't want to shell out for active noise cancellation but still want a solid build quality and strong audio performance. The customizable EQ is a big bonus, too.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More JBL Endurance Peak 3 Review -
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![Tribit FlyBuds 3]()
Lowest PriceTribit FlyBuds 3
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Tribit FlyBuds 3 far outperform their $35 price. Their decent sound, completely waterproof build, and secure fit completely make up for their less-than-inspiring design.
Who It’s For
These earphones should appeal to anyone who appreciates a good value. Additionally, their (somewhat bulky) case offers extensive battery life and the ability to charge other devices on the go; both qualities are helpful for people who aren't often near an outlet.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Tribit FlyBuds 3 Review -
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![Shokz OpenRun Pro 2]()
Best for Outdoor WorkoutsShokz OpenRun Pro 2
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 blend traditional bone conduction tech with a conventional speaker and are a set of workout headphones that sound great and are safe to use when situational awareness is key. Athletes will appreciate the significant improvement in sound, solid battery life, and comfortable fit.
Who It's For
The OpenRun Pro 2 should appeal to runners who prefer an open design so they can remain aware of their surroundings while exercising.
Specs & Configurations
Connection Type Bluetooth Type Bone conduction Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Review -
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![Anker Soundcore Sport X10]()
Best for Affordable Noise CancellationAnker Soundcore Sport X10
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The IPX7-rated Anker Soundcore Sport X10 earphones are an excellent value because they deliver decent active noise cancellation and a bass-forward audio experience at a midrange price. They also fit quite securely thanks to their integrated ear hooks. Better yet, they pair with a companion app that offers adjustable EQ and the ability to customize controls.
Who It’s For
If you want quality noise cancellation from earphones with an ear hook-style design, go with this Anker pair. Just keep in mind that they might create a bit of discomfort if you wear glasses with thick frames.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Anker Soundcore Sport X10 Review -
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![Beats Powerbeats Pro 2]()
Best for Noise CancellationBeats Powerbeats Pro 2
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earphones improve their durability and extend their battery life, while upping the ante further by adding solid noise cancellation and accurate heart rate monitoring to accompany the energizing, bass-forward sound signature. The earbuds have an IPX4 water-resistance rating, which means they can handle sweat and rain but not submersion.
Who It's For
Get the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 if you want to eliminate noise during your workout routine or otherwise.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Review -
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![JBL Reflect Aero]()
Best for Alexa and Google Assistant UsersJBL Reflect Aero
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The JBL Reflect Aero earphones are possibly the best value of all the waterproof models we've tested, especially if you can find them at their frequent sale price of $100. The chunky earbuds are nowhere near as sleek as Apple’s stem-style AirPods Pro, but they offer a superior fit.
Who It’s For
If you want a highly durable design for a reasonable price, these are one of your top options. Aside from their IP68 rating, they also offer hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant support, decent noise cancellation for the price, and an adjustable in-app EQ.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More JBL Reflect Aero Review -
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![Sennheiser Momentum Sport]()
Best for Heart Rate TrackingSennheiser Momentum Sport
Pros & Cons
Why We Picked It
The Sennheiser Momentum Sport earphones are unique in that they can accurately measure your heart rate and body temperature all by themselves. Otherwise, they produce balanced, potent audio and use semi-perforated eartips that reduce the impact of noises during exercise, such as heavy breathing. Finally, both the earbuds (IP55) and wirelessly charging case (IP54) are decently durable.
Who It's For
If you want to track health metrics while you exercise but don't want to wear a fitness tracker, these Sennheiser earphones can record vital data. They also sound quite good and offer above-average noise cancellation.
Specs & Configurations
Active Noise Cancellation Connection Type Bluetooth True Wireless Type In-Canal Water/Sweat-Resistant Wireless Learn More Sennheiser Momentum Sport Review -
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5.0 Exemplary |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
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4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
5.0 Exemplary |
4.0 Excellent |
4.0 Excellent |
Best For | Best Transparency Mode | Best for Ear Hook Design | Lowest Price | Best for Outdoor Workouts | Best for Affordable Noise Cancellation | Best for Noise Cancellation | Best for Alexa and Google Assistant Users | Best for Heart Rate Tracking | Best Transparency Mode | Best for Ear Hook Design | Lowest Price |
Type | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Canal | Bone conduction | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Canal | In-Canal |
Wireless | |||||||||||
True Wireless | |||||||||||
Connection Type | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth | Bluetooth |
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Active Noise Cancellation |
Buying Guide: The Best Wireless Earbuds for Running for 2025
Which Wireless Earbuds Are Waterproof?
If you're going to wear wireless earphones for running or other types of exercise, some level of water resistance is vital. You can check how protected your earbuds are against the elements by looking at their IP rating, the standard that describes how well a device handles dust and water.
The last number in an IP rating indicates a device's water resistance; earphones with an IPX7 or IPX8 rating are safe even if you submerge them completely in water, for example. For handling sweat, a rating of at least IPX5 is generally sufficient. Earphones with an IPX4 rating can handle moisture, but you shouldn't rinse them off under a faucet.
The first number in an IP rating refers to dust resistance, but sometimes manufacturers don't officially certify products against dust. If a product has an IP rating that starts with IPX and then a number (e.g., IPX6), the device is technically rated only against water.
Most runners—except for, perhaps, ultra-marathoners doing desert runs—don't need to worry too much about dust protection ratings, but water and sweat resistance are crucial. Beware of manufacturers that claim a product is "waterproof" even if it has a low IP rating and can't withstand substantial water pressure.
Which Wireless Earbuds Have the Best Battery Life?
Battery life is a weakness in the wireless category. The best pairs can last up to 10 hours on a full charge, though the worst last only a few hours. This is why charging cases with internal batteries are critical to the equation.
That said, I don't see many runners carrying a charging case and docking earpieces for extra battery life on their long runs. But this is also because—again, ultra-marathoners, this excludes you—most of these battery life ratings are sufficient for runs. If you run a full marathon, your wireless in-ears can likely last most of, if not the entire race. If you run a half marathon, you almost certainly don't need to worry about running out of juice. Of course, the battery life depends heavily on volume levels, so one way to get a longer result is by listening at lower levels.
Which Wireless Earphones Fit the Best?
Let's move on to something nearly all wireless headphones are good at—staying in place. Earpieces must be lightweight and notably larger than those for wired earphones. This larger contour typically rests against various areas of the ear for stability. Eartips that seal off the canal are also crucial for keeping the earpieces in place and ensuring solid ear-to-ear audio balance and bass depth. That's why models like Apple's AirPods don't make this list: They lack a secure in-ear fit.
Many sports-focused models include additional fit accessories like earfins or even bands that wrap around the earpiece to increase its width slightly. Nearly all the materials involved are some form of rubber or silicone, which aids the secure fit.