10 Best Running Headphones 2025 in the United States

The Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Earbuds offer a premium experience with several strengths and a few areas to consider. These earbuds feature active noise cancellation, making them ideal for blocking out distractions during runs or workouts. The sound quality is excellent, delivering deep bass and rich audio to enhance your listening experience.

With an IPX4 rating, they are resistant to water and sweat, which is crucial for active users. The fit is customizable with multiple eartip and stability band sizes, ensuring comfort and security during movement. The battery life of up to 8.5 hours is impressive, and a quick 20-minute charge can extend playtime by 2 hours, which is handy for those on the go.

Additionally, Bluetooth 5.3 technology allows for a stable connection and the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously, adding convenience. The built-in microphone and touch controls provide easy access to manage calls and music without hassle. However, the earbuds might be on the heavier side for some users, weighing 70 grams. The IPX4 rating, while adequate for sweat, may not provide enough protection for more intense water exposure. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are a solid choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for high-quality sound and effective noise cancellation.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are a strong choice for those seeking high-quality sound and features suited for a variety of listening situations, including workouts. Their over-ear design provides a comfortable fit, which is essential for longer sessions. The sound quality stands out with Beats' custom acoustic platform delivering immersive audio, and the ability to switch between active noise cancellation and transparency mode allows you to adjust to your environment, which is particularly useful if you're running outdoors.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 40 hours of playback, and the fast charging feature is a great plus for users on the go. The headphones are also designed to work seamlessly with both Apple and Android devices, making them versatile for different users.

While they excel in many areas, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The over-ear design, while generally comfortable, might be too bulky for some users, especially during high-intensity workouts. Additionally, while they provide a good level of sweat and water resistance, they're not fully waterproof, which may be a concern for those running in heavy rain or very humid conditions.

One more thing to think about is the price point; they tend to be on the higher end compared to other running headphones, which may not be ideal for everyone, especially those looking for a budget option. The Beats Studio Pro headphones are well-suited for fitness enthusiasts who value sound quality and comfort but may not be the best fit for everyone based on their size and price.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are designed with runners and active users in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit thanks to flexible earhooks reinforced with nickel titanium alloy and five sizes of ear tips. They are sweat and water resistant with an IPX4 rating, meaning they can handle rain and sweat during tough workouts. One of the standout features is their impressive battery life—up to 45 hours with the charging case—and quick charging that gives 1.5 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charging.

Sound quality is enhanced by Adaptive EQ and Personalized Spatial Audio, delivering clear highs, rich mids, and strong bass to keep motivation high during runs. The earbuds also include Active Noise Cancelling with Transparency mode, letting you focus or stay aware of your surroundings when needed. Wireless connectivity is strong with Class 1 Bluetooth 5.3, supporting seamless pairing with both Apple and Android devices, and controls are easy to use with physical buttons, touch, voice commands, and app customization.

The built-in heart rate monitor updates your pulse in real time, adding fitness tracking directly from your earbuds. While the IPX4 rating offers good but not full waterproofing, so they are not suited for heavy water exposure like swimming, and the USB-C charging cable is not included, these earbuds remain a solid choice for runners who want secure fit, excellent sound, long battery life, and useful fitness features in a wireless package.