If you’re looking for an excellent pair of over-ear headphones that stand out in both their sound quality and looks, the Nothing Headphone (1) is currently marked down to just $239 on Amazon, a 20 percent discount from its usual price. It’s one of our favorite wireless headsets, earning the title “Best Looking” while still sounding almost as good as some headsets at twice the price.
Photograph: Parker Hall
Photograph: Parker Hall
Photograph: Parker Hall
The Nothing Headphone (1) has basically every feature you’d expect from a much higher-end offering, including high-resolution audio, the ability to connect to and remember multiple devices, and even object-based surround for watching a movie on a long flight. They’re all controlled through the Nothing app, which is available for both iOS and Android.
Sound quality is excellent, partially thanks to a collaboration with British speaker maker KEF, and these 40-mm drivers have excellent low-mid performance that gives them a unique pop. The soundstage isn’t quite as expansive as some of the very best, but it gets most of the way there without costing nearly as much. Similarly, the active noise canceling doesn’t match the performance on the big hitters like Sony or Bose, but excellent fit and passive isolation pick up the slack.
They have quite a few thoughtful design touches that make them easy to love. A small red dot on the right ear cup makes sure they always go on your head the right way, rather than trying to read a little letter on the inside of a band. The physical controls, a clicky wheel and a flicky knob, combine to open up a surprising amount of interaction, which our reviewer Parker Hall called “some of the best and most intuitive controls ever designed.”
I spotted the deal on Amazon in both the black and white, and while looks are subjective, I think the white pair look pretty dang sweet. If you’re still not sure, pop over to our roundup of the best noise-canceling headphones to help you tune out the sounds of your holiday travel. Just know that you’re unlikely to find a pair that will draw as many jealous looks as these.
Need a new pair of headphones for the end of the year? Plotting an upgrade for a friend or loved one for the holidays? We have you covered. We’ve checked our lists twice for the best black friday headphone deals, from fancy noise-canceling options to open earbuds for workouts, there should be something on sale for everyone.
These are Sony’s top-of-the-line noise-canceling headphones and rank among the best wireless models available. Their powerful processing effectively blocks out the most disruptive ambient noise, while the high-quality microphones ensure clarity on video calls. The audio performance is superb, with custom drivers producing Sony’s signature clean and balanced sound.
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 builds thoughtfully on its predecessor with a familiar, comfortable design, vibrant sound, and top-tier noise cancellation. New features are subtle but useful, including the ability to wake and unpair the headphones by simply putting them on or laying them flat. The updates also bring lossless audio over USB-C, a dedicated Cinema mode, and more natural ambient sound controls. Combined with a slight battery improvement, these refinements make the Ultra 2 a compelling package.
Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
While among the most expensive wireless headphones, Apple’s AirPods Max deliver fantastic sound with rich bass, a massive soundstage, and excellent noise cancellation. A standout feature is the large, Apple Watch-like knob for easy volume control. They offer seamless integration with iOS devices and excel with video, using head tracking in certain apps to simulate immersive, object-based surround sound. It’s great for Netflix on flights, though they are a bit heavy.
Photograph: Parker Hall
Photograph: Parker Hall
Photograph: Parker Hall
I’m a fan of these distinctive transparent over-ear headphones, which boast one of the most satisfying physical volume controls I’ve used. Their sound profile was expertly tuned by the renowned hi-fi company KEF.
Courtesy of Sony
It’s no accident that Sony’s headphones are consistently ranked among the best. The WH-1000XM5, while an older model, continue to be one of the finest pairs of wireless noise-canceling headphones you can buy.
Bose continues to defend its noise-canceling crown with the QuietComfort Ultra 2, which builds on a foundation of excellent fit and bold sound. This iteration introduces welcome refinements like wireless charging and more customizable audio. Its phenomenal noise reduction bests the previous model, silencing everything from keyboard clicks to low rumbles. Enhanced processing creates a detailed and immersive soundscape from the same drivers.
Courtesy of Google
This is the older model of Pixel Buds Pro, but they’re still a favorite of ours, and for under $200 they do everything that AirPods Pro do on Android.
Photograph: Christopher Null
Apple
AirPods Pro 2 (With USB-C)
Even this previous generation of AirPods Pro remains a compelling purchase for iPhone users. They feature strong active noise cancellation, good (though bass-emphasized) sound quality, and seamless, instant pairing with the Apple ecosystem.
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
These are a top pick for workout headphones, thanks to their secure ear-hook design and smooth integration with iOS devices, a benefit of Apple’s ownership of Beats.
Courtesy of Amazon
The Soundpeats Capsule3 Pro+ earned a rare 10/10 score for their truly epic audio, which bests everything in their price class. This performance comes from a special driver duo, and they add further value with features like LDAC support, good noise canceling, and a handy app.
Photograph: Ryan Waniata
Soundcore by Anker
Aeroclip
Open earbuds are perfect for listening to audio while staying aware of your surroundings. This model is one of our preferred choices in that category.
Photograph: JLab
If you’re simply looking for an ultra-affordable pair of earbuds to toss in your gym bag, these are currently on sale.
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The Beats Studio Pro Wireless Headphones have become the audio brand’s flagship over-ear headphones since they were first released in 2023 and they’re still one of the best values on the market right now, especially with this Black Friday deal at Best Buy.
The popular headphones, known for their wireless connectivity and high-end audio, are currently 51% off at Best Buy, bringing down their usual $349.99 price tag to just $169. It’s hard to come by any premium cans in this price range, so this is a deal you won’t want to miss.
Best Buy’s Black Friday offer includes three free months of Apple Music and Apple Fitness+, to use with these headphones. Plus, you can also get two free months of Apple TV with purchase.
BLACK FRIDAY DEAL
Beats Studio Pro Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones
The Beats Studio Pro headphones feature the brand’s proprietary chip for better-than-ever performance: think bigger, bolder bass; less distortion; and 360-like sound with Beats’ “spatial audio” capabilities. These are also noise-cancelling headphones, with Beats’ ANC tech constantly monitoring the environment around you to reduce distracting outside noise.
Battery life is superb at up to 40 hours on a single charge. In a hurry? Just ten minutes of charging gets you up to four hours of playtime.
In our testing, the cushy earpads are comfortable enough for all-day wear, and they’re super breathable too, so you won’t sweat your music. The headband is secure enough to take these on a run or hike, but not so constricting that you get a headache.
Considering their luxe design and comfortable fit, the Studio Pros are great for those looking for headphones to wear for work or while on the go. They store easily for travel too. These headphones are a consistent go-to in our rotation.
Regularly $349.99, get the Beats Studio Pro Wireless ANC Headphones on sale for just $169.99 at Best Buy now. This deal gets you the Beats headphones, a carrying case, 3.5mm analog cable, USB charging cable (USB-C), user manual and warranty card. Best Buy offers in-store pickup in as little as an hour or you can get the headphones shipped to your door.
Yesterday I wrote about a deal on the Nothing (1) Headset, an awesome pair of active noise-canceling headphones that compete with some of the best available options at a fraction of the price. For those who don’t feel like compromising, and already have Apple devices, I also found a juicy discount on the Apple AirPods Max. That’s right, Apple’s biggest and baddest headphones are marked down to just $400 at both Best Buy and Amazon.
Photograph: Brenda Stolyar
Even for the steep price tag, the audio quality on the AirPods Max is nothing short of incredible. When WIRED writer Parker Hall reviewed them initially, he called them “the best-sounding wireless headphones [he’s] ever heard, and by a significant margin.” Even when stacked up against the big hitters from Bose and Sony, they have an impressively open soundstage, letting details shine in every genre, from highly-produced pop to soft jazz. The active noise canceling is extremely potent as well, with a pass-through mode that’s sharp and clear.
As long as you’re in the Apple ecosystem, these have an impressive level of features and excellent coordination between devices. Like most AirPods, simply hold them near your iPhone or iPad and they’ll connect right away, no extensive pairing or app installations. Because they’re always running in a low-power state, you can remove them from their little case or put them on your head, and they’ll connect to the closest iOS device and start playing. It’s a neat trick, but one that’s always draining the battery slowly, so you may find them dead if you don’t use them for too long.
While there have been occasional discounts on the headset, to my knowledge this is the lowest price yet for the updated USB-C model. It’s matched only by a similar markdown on the older Lightning port version in July of 2024, just before the update, although this time there don’t seem to be any rumors swirling about another update. While your availability may vary by location, as I write this all five colors are in stock and discounted at Best Buy, but Amazon is sold out of the orange.
Whether you need a new pair of headphones for yourself or as a gift this holiday season, Black Friday deals should save you some cash. Cans from a bunch of brands are on sale now, including Beats. One of the best deals from that brand is on the Beats Studio Pro, which is available for a whopping 51 percent off. Grab a pair while they’re down to $170; this matches the cost we’ve seen for the Studio Pro headphones during other peak shopping times earlier this year.
Beats
The Beats brand last updated this wireless over-ear headset in 2023, but it’s still a solid choice for a workhorse pair of headphones. The current model improved audio quality and added a useful Transparency mode, so that you can listen to your tunes and still be aware of the world around you, which is great for settings such as public transit and the gym. The other option is a more immersive active noise-canceling mode. Beats Studio Pro also support lossless audio when wired on a USB-C cable. The official specs say the battery life for the headphones lasts up to 40 hours, or 24 hours when the active noise canceling mode is engaged. If you need to eke more life out of these Beats, they do offer a fast-charging mode that promises four hours of activity from just ten minutes of recharge.
There are several color options for the Beats Studio Pro, so if there’s a particular hue you want to be sporting, this might be a deal to hop on quickly before the supplies run out or the deal expires. Also on sale in the Beats realm for Black Friday is the Beats Solo 4, which is 35 percent off and down to $130.
Say what you will about Beats fans, but at least they know what they like. These headsets and earbuds are instantly recognizable for their slick styling and bass forward sound profile. If that sounds like your speed, the Beats Studio Pro are currently marked down as low as $150 Amazon, depending on your color preference. I spotted them at the lower price in matte white, sand gray, and dune, with a slightly higher $170 price tag for the remaining colors, though your availability may vary.
Courtesy of Beats
While the Studio Pro lack some of the Apple-exclusive features you get with AirPods, for example, the upside is that they’re much more friendly with Android devices. Both platforms get access to one-touch pairing and the helpful Beats app, while iPhone owners also get the benefits of Hey Siri and Find My Device. The other features are a bit of a mixed bag, with a decent battery life of up to 24 hours with ANC on, or 40 with ANC off, but no auto pause when you take them off, or multi-point pairing beyond Google’s Chromebook and Android option.
Like most headphones from Beats, the sound profile is decidedly bass-forward, but Apple’s ownership has tempered that tendency over the last few years. As a result, this generation is more balanced than previous eras, with our reviewer Ryan Waniata complimenting the expansive sound stage and sharp details. Unfortunately, most Beats headsets don’t have any equalizer, and the Studio Pro are no different. For better or worse, you’re stuck with how they sound coming out of the box. These at least support high-resolution audio, up to 24-bit/48-kHz, but only in the wired USB-C mode.
For the Beats enthusiast looking for an upgrade or a second headset for the gym, these are a solid option at a deeply discounted price. They lack some of the richer and more advanced features found on more expensive headsets, but that may be the right compromise for some folks who just want something simple that works every time. If you’re not sure you can stand the bass, make sure to check out all of our favorite wireless headsets.
Looking for a great headset for your Xbox Series X or S that’s super simple to setup and use? Microsoft’s Xbox Wireless Headset is built specifically for console life, with easy setup, great spatial audio, and easy to use controls. It’s currently marked down to just $105 on Amazon, a $15 discount, and is a great choice for Xbox enthusiasts who spend most of their time gaming from the couch.
Photograph: Brad Bourque
Microsoft
Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset
My favorite thing about the Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset is that how easy it is to connect to your console. It leverages the existing wireless connection from the Xbox Series S/X to pair directly, no need for USB dongles or extra apps. Just press the pairing button on the headset and the console’s sync button, and you’re ready to game.
I also appreciate the big volume knobs that take up the outside surface of both earcups. They’re easy to adjust even in the middle of a battle, with one side changing the volume, and the other setting the balance between game chat and communication audio. The latter is particularly useful for quick adjustments when your friends get a little too rowdy. While I wasn’t overly impressed with the mic’s quality, it sounds good enough for the price point, and more importantly, does a great job filtering out background noise, so your squad doesn’t have to hear your dog barking.
The Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset is equipped with Dolby Atmos, as long as you’re connected to an Xbox Series S or X, and the game you’re playing supports it. It gives a massive boost to spatial audio, which is great for both shooters and immersive games, and you can tweak the settings directly from the Xbox settings menu on your console, or from the Xbox mobile app.
While the Xbox Wireless Gaming Headset is my preferred pick for casual console gamers, there’s a whole world of other gaming headsets out there with different features like ANC or swappable batteries. Make sure to check out our full guide to see if anything else appeals to you, or take advantage of a discount on the Xbox pair to get gaming fast.
Bose’s headphones have top-notch comfort and active noise cancellation (ANC). For the latter, you can choose between “Quiet” (full ANC) and “Aware” (hear your surroundings) modes. There’s also a wind-blocking feature. The headphones’ audio, while not quite on par with the $449 Ultra variant (and missing spatial tricks), far surpasses what you’ll typically find for $199.
Bose
The company estimates 24 hours of battery life. It also supports quick charging: Plug in its USB-C cable and get up to 2.5 hours of charge in only 15 minutes.
This model doesn’t include an option to turn off ANC altogether, which some people may have appreciated. (That would have led to even more battery life, desirable for frequent travelers.) But if you’re like me and always listen in ANC or aware modes, this is as solid a pick as you’ll find for the sale price.
The good news is, these sound way better than the previous generation of Pixel Buds Pro, with upgraded drivers and better processing. They have a wide soundstage, particularly for wireless earbuds, that our reviewer Parker Hall says provides an “energetic and joyous listening experience” and handles a variety of genres with grace.
Google made some big improvements to the active noise canceling as well, boosting it to levels that almost match Bose and Sony, the current top tier of ANC. It’s great at filtering out barking dogs and neighbor noises; only high-frequency sounds manage to evade silencing. They have a great transparency mode as well, with a richer sound reproduction than we’re used to seeing on compact earbuds. You’ll get about eight hours of listening with ANC on, and closer to 12 with it off, which beats the Apple AirPods Pro.
While a lot of companies claim to use laser measurements and careful planning on their ergonomics, they often fall short of excellent comfort, but not Google. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are extremely comfortable, particularly for small ears, and have no trouble staying put, thanks to their rounded, flat shape. With an IP54 dust and moisture rating, they’re just as well suited for yoga as they are getting caught in the rain.
They work particularly well with Android phones, which enable a variety of convenience features like easy pairing and multiple connections. All you have to do is open the case near an Android phone and it will ask if you want to pair. The Pixel Buds app provides some extra features as well, but isn’t necessary, particularly since the Gemini AI features are pretty underwhelming.
While these are great for Pixel and other Android owners, there are better options if you have an iPhone, so make sure to swing by our guide and check out our favorite wireless earbuds for other options.
Techtober may have come to an end, but our reviews team is still hard at work with this fall’s haul of new devices. Over the last two weeks, we’ve tested two new Apple products, a powerful gaming handheld, some seriously impressive headphones and Meta’s sporty smart glasses — and that’s just the start. Read on to catch up on all you might’ve missed, including our picks for the best of 2025.
Apple MacBook Pro M5 (14-inch)
Apple
The M5 14-inch MacBook Pro retains everything we love about Apple’s pro-grade laptops, while also adding in a much more powerful GPU.
When it comes to the new M5-powered MacBook Pro, the question isn’t whether it’s a capable machine or not. The real dilemma is whether to buy now or wait for even more muscle from the upcoming M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. “If you absolutely need a workhorse MacBook Pro today, you’ll have to settle for the M4 Pro and M4 Max (which are still far faster than the base M5 chip),” senior reviews reporter Devindra Hardawar explained. “But for most creatives, the M5 MacBook Pro offers an impressive balance of power and portability.”
Sennheiser HDB 630
Sennheiser/Engadget
Sennheiser moves closer to open-back performance in a set of closed wireless headphones with the HDB 630, but they look more midrange than high-end.
Sennheiser uses a USB-C dongle to bridge the gap between wireless convenience and audiophile-grade sound quality with the HDB 630. The problem is they don’t really look like a set of high-end headphones and the $500 asking price is steep. “As good as the HDB 630 is sound-wise, I can also appreciate that these aren’t the best headphones for everyone,” I wrote. “If you crave the best sound quality that still offers the convenience of wireless headphones — and you’re okay with a few extra steps — the HDB 630 is a worthy investment. Just don’t leave home without that dongle.”
Lenovo Legion Go 2
Lenovo / Engadget
While it isn’t super affordable starting at $1,100, the Lenovo Legion Go 2 is like the SUV of gaming handhelds thanks to its combination of strong performance and unmatched adaptability.
Sometimes it’s better to have a utility player instead of a specialist. According to senior reviews reporter Sam Rutherford, that’s exactly what you get with Lenovo’s Legion Go 2. You encounter great performance from a device with a huge 8.8-inch OLED display, but the handheld is expensive and bulky. “Just like an SUV that might go off-road once or twice a year, you might not use the Legion Go 2’s full capabilities all the time, but when you do and everything comes together, you realize all that utility isn’t just for show,” he said. “While the ROG Xbox Ally X is the better value, I appreciate how Lenovo’s handheld was made to handle a variety of battle conditions.”
Apple iPad Pro M5 (13-inch)
Apple / Engadget
The iPad Pro remains perhaps the most impressive piece of hardware Apple sells, and it’s more powerful and capable than ever. Too bad it’s so incredibly expensive.
Pros
M5 chip is a significant update for some GPU-powered tasks
Possibly the best screen I’ve ever seen
Extremely thin and light
First iPad with fast charging
iPadOS 26 is a major improvement
Cons
Prohibitively expensive
Accessories like the Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil Pro make it cost even more
The M5 iPad Pro is impressive, but it’s also entirely too expensive. While the new chip offers a sizable upgrade, the screen is excellent and fast charging has finally hit the iPad, this model also requires you to spend more on accessories. “Unless you are going to use it as your main computer — all day, every day — and know exactly what benefits you’ll get from the iPad over a more traditional laptop, you’re probably better off buying an iPad Air and saving yourself a lot of money,” deputy news editor Nathan Ingraham wrote.
Oakley Meta Vanguard
Engadget
Wraparound frames aren’t for everyone, but the new look enables some unique capabilities that will appeal to even casual athletes.
Pros
Better battery life, speakers and durability than Meta’s other glasses
Redesigned camera makes photos and videos more usable
Action button means you can do more without saying “Hey Meta”
Meta’s sportier collab with Oakley has arrived, with a slew of features that might convince you to replace your action cam with a set of smart glasses. “If you’re a dedicated cyclist, runner, hiker or [insert outdoor activity of your choice], there’s a lot to like,” senior reporter Karissa Bell said. “The camera makes a lot more sense for action cam-like POV footage, and better video stabilization means you’re more likely to get shots you actually want to share.”
Other recent reviews
In other reviews, deputy buying advice editor Valentina Palladino put the slightly updated Powerbeats Fit through their paces and senior reporter Igor Bonifacic went on a gaming spree with the Fractal Design Scape. Igor also spent some time with the Galaxy S25 FE and I test drove Amazon’s completely rebuilt Echo Studio. Senior writer Sam Chapman compiled a list of the best free VPNs and published an in-depth review of Private Internet Access VPN.
Engadget’s best of 2025
In case you missed it, we announced our best of 2025 earlier this week. We made our picks based solely on the highest review scores in a variety of categories, so there’s a range of devices that made the cut. Our editors also explained why each one was the best in its category, so this is a good opportunity to get reacquainted with this year’s crop of gadgets and services.
Bose’s headphones have top-notch comfort and active noise cancellation (ANC). For the latter, you can choose between “Quiet” (full ANC) and “Aware” (hear your surroundings) modes. There’s also a wind-blocking feature. The headphones’ audio, while not quite on par with the $449 Ultra variant (and missing spatial tricks), far surpasses what you’ll typically find for $199.
Bose
The company estimates 24 hours of battery life. It also supports quick charging: Plug in its USB-C cable and get up to 2.5 hours of charge in only 15 minutes.
This model doesn’t include an option to turn off ANC altogether, which some people may have appreciated. (That would have led to even more battery life, desirable for frequent travelers.) But if you’re like me and always listen in ANC or aware modes, this is as solid a pick as you’ll find for the sale price.
Best Buy’s Halloween weekend sale, dubbed “DoorBOOsters” (yes, really), is effectively a kickoff to the retailer’s Black Friday sale season, with more deal events to follow in November. Note that Amazon has already matched the price on the QuietComfort headphones, too.
Looking to score almost 50 percent off on a pair of high-end true wireless earbuds? Amazon currently has the Black Graphite Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 (7/10, WIRED Recommends) marked down to just $180, a full $170 off their list price, with lesser discounts on the regular black and white varieties.
Courtesy of Sennheiser
Sennheiser
Momentum True Wireless 4
If you’ve ever used a pair of Sennheiser headphones before, you know they have a consistently excellent sound quality, and the True Wireless 4 are no exception. They’re incredibly detailed, particularly for earbuds, regardless of your favorite genre. Our reviewer Ryan Waniata “had a lovely time letting the buds loose across [his] whole music library” and had high praise for the excellent dynamics and precision. If you’re an audio nerd who wants every note to stand out and shine, these are a great pick, particularly without the high price barrier.
The noise-canceling isn’t perfect, but it does a great job of tuning out traffic and other busy city noises, if you want to sit out in a park and just enjoy some music without being bothered. They compared well to the Sony WF-1000XM5 (7/10, WIRED Review), and did a great job of tuning out airplane noise, in case you don’t want to lug your over-ears on a quick trip.
In addition to the excellent audio quality and active noise-canceling, they have all the trimmings you’d expect from a modern pair of wireless earbuds. There’s a smartphone app that will let you adjust codec settings, or tweak a five-band EQ to fit your preferred listening style. They have multipoint pairing as well, in case you need to switch between your phone and laptop regularly. We were able to get between seven and eight hours of runtime with the ANC turned on, so they should last you through most of the day, and the case brings the total to around 30 hours.
While the textured case and classy earbuds have a unique, eye-catching design, they’re both a bit on the large side. If you have small ears, or only carry a small bag, these might not be the best pick, but our guide to the best wireless earbuds would be a good place to start. Otherwise, audio enthusiasts should at least consider the excellent sound the Sennheiser True Wireless 4 can provide.
Regardless of what kind of exercise you’re into, if you’re working out, you’ll want a pair of wireless workout headphones. They allow you to be free and untethered during a serious weight-lifting session, a 5K run, an hour at the skate park and everywhere in between where you’re moving and sweating a ton. There are dozens of great wireless headphones and wireless earbud options out there, but for exercise in particular, there are additional factors to consider before picking one up like water resistance, battery life and overall comfort.
At Engadget, we’ve tested a bunch of fitness-ready headphones and earbuds to come up with our top picks, plus some advice to consider before you pick up a pair. All of our top picks below will work in and out of the gym, so you can invest in just one pair and make those your daily driver. If you’re primarily a runner, check out our list of best headphones for running.
Best workout headphones for 2025
Beats
Connectivity: Wireless | Style: In-ear with wingtip | Assistant support: Google Assistant, Siri
With a few key tweaks, Beats make a more polished version of the Fit Pro earbuds in the Powerbeats Fit. The company didn’t reinvent the wheel here, but this is one of the rare instances where that was for the best. The new buds have 20 percent more flexible wingtips and the charging case is 17 percent more compact than that of the Beats Fit Pro. Both of those adjustments make for a more comfortable, more portable pair of buds. Once you pick from the four eartips included in the box, you can pretty much pop the Powerbeats Fit in your ears and get going — no constant readjustments needed. And, blessedly, the charging case more easily slips into a back pocket now (it was a bit of a chonkster before).
Sound quality and active noise cancellation (ANC) are just as good as they were on the Beats Fit Pro. You’ll get that signature, bass-heavy sound you expect from a pair of Beats earbuds, and ANC that’s strong enough to block out most ambient noise. Transparency mode remains a highlight here, and will be especially useful if you use these buds all day long and need to jump in and out of conversations while wearing them. While an IPX4-rated design isn’t the most durable, it’s plenty to withstand sweaty workouts and even an accidental splash in water. Battery life is just average, but the charging case provides up to a total of 30 hours of use before you’ll need to recharge. That’s plenty if these buds are solely your workout companions, and more than enough to get you through a couple of days of constant use.
If you have less than $50 to spend, the $30 JLab Go Air Sport+ are a great option. These are the latest version of our previous pick here, the Go Air Sport. When I tested those, I didn’t have high expectations going into testing these buds, but I was quickly impressed by their comfort and sound quality. Lots of headphones designed for workouts have this hook that wraps around the top of your ear, and it does help the Go Air Sport stay securely attached to your head.
The Sport+ maintains that design. The hooks are quite flexible and have a soft-touch finish, which adds to their comfort. Admittedly, this design will take some getting used to if you’re new to it, but it’s a surefire way to get a little extra stability during high intensity workouts.
Sound quality is pretty good on these buds as well, although not nearly as balanced as that of our top pick. I also appreciate that you can cycle through three different EQ modes — Signature, Balanced and Bass Boost — using the buds’ onboard controls. There’s no app to fuss with, and that was a nice change of pace after mostly testing buds with some kind of app connectivity.
You can expect over nine hours of playtime on the Go Air Sport+, plus another 26 hours of battery life with its charging case. JLab also fixed a major pain-point about the previous versions here: instead of the old, built-in USB-A cable for charging, it’s now a more modern USB-C cable. Still, the case is on the bulky side; you can still throw it into a backpack or purse easily, but it’s not as svelte as cases you’ll see on more expensive buds.
The Shokz OpenFit 2 are the latest iteration of these open-ear headphones, with our previous top pick here being the original OpenFit. Earbuds with open designs like this allow for more situational awareness, with the goal being to let noise in rather than block it out. In my experience, the OpenFits do a great job of this without skimping on sound quality or comfort.
The buds themselves almost float over your ear cavern and Shokz’s soft-finish “dolphin arc” hook is flexible enough to securely wrap around the top of your ear without putting too much pressure on it. There’s a bud-like portion at the other end of the hook that acts as counterbalance, resulting in a reliable fit that never faltered during all sorts of activities including running, strength training and indoor cycling. Granted, none of those exercises involve shaking your head too much; maybe don’t wear the OpenFit to listen to head-banging death metal (if you can’t control yourself).
Sound quality is solid considering the design, and the OpenFit gets pretty loud as well. These buds have Shokz’s Direct Pitch technology, which uses reverse sound waves to optimize the distance and angle to your ear canal. The company claims this helps reduce sound leakage. In my testing, I found that true to a certain extent. The OpenFit had the best sound quality and overall volume out of all of the open-ear devices I tried, but if you crank the volume up to the max (or close), the person next to you will definitely hear what you’re listening to. Overall, these are a great option for anyone who doesn’t find in-ear buds particularly comfortable, or those who just prefer to have more awareness of their surroundings while working out.
Pros
Comfortable open-ear design
Design allows for more situational awareness
Good sound quality and volume
Cons
No ANC
Not as secure when compared to in-ear or hook-toting buds
Some prefer to wear over-ear headphones all day, every day, and if that sounds like you, there’s a good chance you already use your daily-driver headphones at the gym. But if you’re noticing increased wear-and-tear on those cans due to sweat or extended periods of use, you may want to consider a pair of over-ear headphones specifically for working out.
In that case, consider the H2O Audio Ript Ultra. While these wireless headphones don’t have a specific IP rating (they’re not designed for the pool, to be clear), they do claim to be “100 percent sweatproof” thanks in part to their removable and washable earcups. They survived some of my toughest runs and strength-training sessions without issue, and the earcups are pretty easy to remove when you want to give them a wipe-down. There’s also a second pair of earcups included in the box so you can swap them in when the originals eventually give up the ghost.
Sound quality is decent, but it should be better on a pair of $250 headphones. The Ript Ultra has custom 45mm drivers and active noise cancellation up to 30 dB. While the overall sound quality isn’t better than our top pick, it’s more than enough to get your blood pumping during a workout. But more importantly, you’ll likely get better sound quality on a pair of Bose or Beats headphones at the same price range; you’re really paying for the enhanced durability with the Ript Ultra. Ultimately, if you want a pair of headphones for the gym that can handle sweat and (potentially) last longer than other cans in the same price range, the Ript Ultra is a good choice.
When it comes to running and working out, the edge that the AirPods Pro 3 have over the Pro 2, or even the top picks on our list, is built-in heart rate monitoring. That means you could go out with just your Pro 3 earbuds and your iPhone and still get heart rate information for your entire training session. But otherwise, the Pro 3 buds are just as capable as the Pro 2 when it comes to exercise. Some may prefer the soft-touch finish on our top picks to the AirPods’ slick texture.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are a good alternative to the Beats Fit Pro if you’re a stickler for a hook design. However, they cost $50 more than the Powerbeats Fit, and the main added advantage here is built-in heart rate sensors.
Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro
The Soundcore AeroFit Pro is Anker’s version of the Shokz OpenFit, but I found the fit to be less secure and not as comfortable. The actual earbuds on the AeroFit Pro are noticeably bulkier than those on the OpenFit and that caused them to shift and move much more during exercise. They never fell off of my ears completely, but I spent more time adjusting them than I did enjoying them.
JBL Endurance Peak 3
The most noteworthy thing about the Endurance Peak 3 is that they have the same IP68 rating as the Jabra Elite 8 Active, except they only cost $100. But, while you get the same protection here, you’ll have to sacrifice in other areas. The Endurance Peak 3 didn’t blow me away when it came to sound quality or comfort (its hook is more rigid than those on my favorite similarly designed buds) and their charging case is massive compared to most competitors.
What to look for in workout headphones
Design
Before diving in, it’s worth mentioning that this guide focuses on wireless earbuds. While you could wear over-ear or on-ear headphones during a workout, most of the best headphones available now do not have the same level of durability. Water and dust resistance, particularly the former, is important for any audio gear you plan on sweating with or taking outdoors, and that’s more prevalent in the wireless earbuds world.
Most earbuds have one of three designs: in-ear, in-ear with hook or open-ear. The first two are the most popular. In-ears are arguably the most common, while those with hooks promise better security and fit since they have an appendage that curls around the top of your ear. Open-ear designs don’t stick into your ear canal, but rather sit just outside of it. This makes it easier to hear the world around you while also listening to audio, and could be more comfortable for those who don’t like the intrusiveness of in-ear buds.
Water resistance and dust protection
Even if a pair of headphones for working out aren’t marketed specifically as exercise headphones, a sturdy, water-resistant design will, by default, make them suitable for exercise. To avoid repetition, here’s a quick primer on durability, or ingression protection (IP) ratings. The first digit you’ll see after the “IP” refers to protection from dust and other potential intrusions, measured on a scale from 1 to 6. The second refers to water resistance or even waterproofing, in the best cases. The ratings for water resistance are ranked on a scale of 1 to 9; higher numbers mean more protection, while the letter “X” means the device is not rated for protection in that regard.
All of the earbuds we tested for this guide have at least an IPX4 rating, which means there’s no dust protection, but the buds can withstand splashes from any direction and are sweat resistant, but probably shouldn’t be submerged. For a detailed breakdown of all the possible permutations, check out this guide published by a supplier called The Enclosure Company.
Active noise cancellation and transparency mode
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is becoming standard on wireless earbuds, at least those above a certain price point. If you’re looking for a pair of buds that can be your workout companion and serve you outside of the gym, too, noise cancelation is a good feature to have. It makes the buds more versatile, allowing you to block out the dull roar of your home or office so you can focus, or give you some solitude during a busy commute.
But an earbud’s ability to block out the world goes hand-in-hand with its ability to open things back up should you need it. Many ANC earbuds also support some sort of “transparency mode,” or various levels of noise reduction. This is important for running headphones because exercising outdoors, alongside busy streets, can be dangerous. You probably don’t want to be totally oblivious to what’s going on around you when you’re running outside; adjusting noise cancelation levels to increase your awareness will help with that. Stronger noise cancelation might be more appealing to those doing more indoor training if they want to block out the dull roar of a gym or the guy exaggeratingly lifting weights next to you.
Battery life
All of the Bluetooth earbuds we tested have a battery life of six to eight hours. In general, that’s what you can expect from this space, with a few outliers that can get up to 15 hours of life on a charge. Even the low end of the spectrum should be good enough for most athletes and gym junkies, but it’ll be handy to keep the buds’ charging case on you if you think you’ll get close to using up all their juice during a single session.
You’ll get an average of 20 to 28 extra hours of battery out of most charging cases and all of the earbuds we tested had holders that provided at least an extra 15 hours. This will dictate how often you actually have to charge the device — as in physically connect the case with earbuds inside to a charging cable, or set it on a wireless charger to power up.
How we test workout headphones
In testing wireless workout headphones, I wear them during every bit of exercise I do — be it a casual walk around the block, a brisk morning run or a challenging weight-lifting session. I’m looking for comfort arguably most of all, because you should never be fussing with your earbuds when you should be focusing on working out. In the same vein, I’m cognizant of if they get loose during fast movements or slippery when I’m sweating. I also use the earbuds when not exercising to take calls and listen to music throughout the day. Many people will want just one pair of earbuds that they can use while exercising and just doing everyday things, so I evaluate each pair on their ability to be comfortable and provide a good listening experience in multiple different activities.
While I am also evaluating sound quality, I’m admittedly not an audio expert. My colleague Billy Steele holds that title at Engadget, and you’ll find much more detailed information about audio quality for some of our top picks in his reviews and buying guides. With these headphones for working out, however, I will make note of related issues if they stood out (i.e. if a pair of earbuds had noticeably strong bass out of the box, weak highs, etc). Most of the wireless workout headphones we tested work with companion apps that have adjustable EQ settings, so you’ll be able to tweak sound profiles to your liking in most cases.
Boy, gaming headsets sure are getting expensive these days. There’s Sony’s Inzone H9 II, which costs $350, a sum that’s more than half the cost of a 1TB PlayStation with a disc drive. Then there are even more expensive options, like SteelSeries’ Arctis Nova Elite, which costs more than the aforementioned console at $600, though it does come with a separate hub. I’m not saying those gaming headsets don’t sound good—I tried the Inzone H9 II for myself and was impressed—but if you’re spending a several-hundred-dollar sum on a gaming headset (justaheadset for Pete’s sake), it better be game-changing.
That’s a high bar for a peripheral, to be sure, but one that I think resonates with most gamers willing to tread into the ultra-premium category. That being said, it’s a bar that can be met, as evidenced by Sony’s Inzone H9 II. Still, rising to the level of game-changing is no easy task, which is why I went into testing VZR’s Model One MKII Audiophile gaming headset with a raised eyebrow. With a $360 price tag, can the Model One MKII really deliver the goods at a level that makes the premium feel justified? The answer… is complicated.
VZR Model One MKII
The Model One MKII is an expensive headset that sounds good in moments but lacks modern conveniences.
Sounds good when set up the right way
Comfy
Feels sturdy
No option for Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle
No active noise cancellation
Sounds mediocre when plugging into a Bluetooth controller
An “audiophile game headset”
Right out of the gate, VZR positions its Model One MKII as a gaming headset geared toward audiophiles. To back that claim up, it’s using something called CrossWave, the same technology in its previous headset, the MK One. CrossWave is a proprietary tech that is meant to more closely mimic the way sound naturally enters your ears. The idea here is that with precise acoustic tuning, it delivers more “natural” spatial audio that makes the headset ideal for first-person shooters, where hearing footfalls and other environmental noise can be make or break.
To augment that acoustic experience even further, VZR has included a “Talisman” in the Model One MKII, which is a patent-pending bass diffuser that, in VZR’s words, “brings tighter, harder-hitting lows that make every scenario feel massive.” That bass diffuser should also give you an indication as to where VZR intended to improve the sound in this iteration, which is to say, in the midrange frequencies. With less overpowering bass, you should be able to hear midranges and treble more easily.
So, that’s what VZR meant to do with the Model One MKII. The question is, does it actually achieve those goals? The answer? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. In my experience, the level of satisfaction with the Model One MKII depended largely on how I was using the headset. Using it the lazy way, which in my case is plugging directly into an Xbox controller (sometimes wired and sometimes not) and calling it a day, the gaming headset feels… lackluster. While I get a touch more spatiality while playing games like Fortnite, I wouldn’t describe the sound experience as groundbreaking. Footfalls and gunshots are perceptible, but not quite “wow, I’m right in the action” levels of sound.
Similarly, plugging into a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller and playing Gears of War is a fine experience, but it didn’t quite leave me feeling like spending $360 would be a good idea.
But this method isn’t the hi-fi way. If you’re buying this headset (spending nearly 400 freaking dollars to do so), you should think like an audiophile, and audiophiles don’t use Bluetooth like some regular-ass noob. Audiophiles take advantage of wires and the lossless audio they provide, in addition to the low latency. So, to test the headset like an audiophile would, I plugged the Model One MKII into Steel Series’ Arctis Nova Elite gaming hub, which is basically a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that is meant to maximize sound quality and precision. The result was a marked improvement in sound quality and overall satisfaction with VZR’s hardware. Gears of War: Reloadedsounded a hell of a lot more immersive, with more spatiality and much higher fidelity sound—rock crumbling felt proximate, and enemies felt like they were in the room.
Is it cheating to use a DAC? I don’t know; you tell me. Maybe it is, but I also imagine most people spending nearly $400 on a headset will have a proper setup at home to use said hi-fi headset, so in some ways, this feels like the better way to actually assess the Model One MKII’s audio chops. Ultimately, whether you feel satisfied with the Model One MKII’s sound quality will depend largely on your setup at home. If you’re taking the lazy approach and plugging this thing into a Bluetooth controller and calling it a day, beware. If you have the right interface to make the hardware sing, then it might be worth the investment.
Quality, but not always convenience
VZR’s Model One MKII brings quality in a lot of ways, and one of the areas you’ll notice immediately is the build. The Model One MKII feels sturdy, with a metal headstrap and a comfortable pleather band underneath that connects earcups made from heavy plastic. There’s a weight to the headset, but it doesn’t feel burdensome on your head, which means that it’s balanced well. Earcups, which contain memory foam, are also well-padded and comfortable in longer gaming sessions, though they don’t necessarily allow for the best heat dissipation.
Overall, the Model One MKII looks and feels like it’s worth several hundred dollars, which is good because it costs (checks notes)… several hundred dollars.
The mic quality also holds its own, according to people I gamed with, and is detachable, which is great if you’re storing the Model One MKII between gaming sessions or if you want to toss the headset in its included carrying case without crunching the mic. The mic also picks up my voice well, even when it’s not ideally positioned, which is good if you happen to bump your mic mid-game and don’t have time to fix it. The mic positioning also holds up well compared to cheaper gaming headsets with less rigidity.
There is one area that I have to take exception with, which is the fact that the headset is wired-only. For some people, that will be fine, and there’s no denying that wires provide unparalleled low latency and lossless audio, but I can’t help but feel like an option to use the headset with Bluetooth would be nice. I still think, despite the superiority of wires, that I prefer a dongle solution like Sony’s Inzone H9 II, which uses a 2.4GHz signal to transmit more audio information and cut down drastically on latency compared to regular Bluetooth connections. Sure, having to plug a dongle in and keep track of it isn’t ideal, but frankly, neither are wires, and the former solution looks a hell of a lot cleaner than dealing with all that black spaghetti on your desk.
Speaking of wires, the Model One MKII comes with revamped cables for more stability and better audio quality. I haven’t used the Model One that came before the MKII, so I don’t have much of a comparison, but I can tell you that the signal felt stable for the most part, though I did have some hiccups while plugged into my aging Xbox controller at home via Bluetooth. I’m going to give VZR the benefit of the doubt and say the signal instability was the controller’s fault, given the fact that the gaming headset operated fine when plugged into other controllers with less wear and tear.
So, back to the original question: should you really spend $360 on a gaming headset? It’s hard for me to answer that since I don’t have access to your last bank statement, but I think if you are going to spend that much, there are gaming headsets that I would spring for before the Model One MKII. Sony’s Inzone H9 II, for example, has quality sound in a dongle solution that feels a hell of a lot more convenient, and while it may not have the same premium build, it gives you even more features like active noise cancellation (ANC), which the Model One MKII lacks.
Also, Sony’s Inzone H9 II can be used wired via a 3.5mm cable if you really want to, so is there any real advantage to buying VZR’s Model One MKII? I’ll let you be the decider there, but if it were me spending almost $400 on a gaming peripheral, I’d want to have options. As high-quality as the Model One MKII can sound with the right setup, I find it a little too confining and not as full-featured as competitors that offer custom sound profiles, ANC, and options for wired/Bluetooth, while still bringing the A-game in the sound department. My advice? If you really feel like you need a premium headset, do yourself a favor and get one that does it all.
Speaking of critical listening, the XC1 work with Sony’s hi-res capable LDAC Bluetooth codec, should you happen to own a compatible Android phone (sorry, iPhone users). Using LDAC can reveal more detail, especially when listening to a source of lossless audio, but for these earbuds, I don’t think the juice is worth the squeeze. Using LDAC disables your EQ settings and Bluetooth Multipoint, and the XC1 struggle to maintain a steady Bluetooth connection when LDAC is set to its highest-quality setting.
Baseus also includes two Dolby Audio modes (Music and Cinema), which are meant to create a more immersive, spatial experience. For me, it’s the opposite. I find they wash out the sound, with Cinema being downright muddy. At 60 percent volume, there was more than enough power for an engaging listening experience indoors. Outside, I needed a bit more oomph.
Beyond Music
Photograph: Simon Cohen
Calling on the Inspire XC1 is good. Whether indoors or outdoors, your callers will find it easy to understand you, and almost all background sounds are kept at bay. However, as with most clip-style open-ear earbuds, your voice won’t be crystal clear—some distortion does manage to creep in, particularly when outside.
Baseus rates battery life on the XC1 at eight hours per charge, with 40 hours of total use when you include the case’s battery, numbers that are only eclipsed by the OpenDots One’s 10/40 combo. Baseus assumes 50 percent volume and does not include the use of either Dolby Audio or LDAC. LDAC can be very power hungry, often reducing battery life by up to 30 percent, which is one more reason to avoid it.
Open-ear earbuds aren’t for everyone, but with great sound quality, a comfortable, clip-style design, and easy-to-use controls, the Baseus Inspire XC1 are an excellent choice. They check a lot of boxes for a price that’s considerably less than their nearest competitors, including strong water and dust resistance, optional LDAC mode, and Bluetooth Multipoint. The only thing that’s missing is support for Auracast. Sadly, that feature has yet to see widespread adoption. If you’re after an affordable pair of open buds that compete with the best, these are among the best we’ve tried.
This luxurious gaming headset is a great pick for daily gamers who want excellent sound quality and high-end comfort. They have big drivers that make sounds in-game pop, and an excellent mic with noise-canceling so good your friends won’t even know you have a dog. They’re super comfortable, with the SteelSeries signature ski-goggle strap to take the pressure off your head.
While they’re built for gaming, they also sound great listening to music or watching movies. They have a nice, punchy sound profile and spatial audio support for a more immersive experience. If you’re on a PC, the SteelSeries GG software gives you a ton of options for balancing your audio across multiple sources, and you can even set individual EQ profiles for different applications.
By including a USB DAC for wireless connectivity, the Arctis Nova Pro can achieve some unique and compelling features not found on other headsets. The range is impressive, thanks to more room for the antenna and power than you’d find in a smaller USB dongle. You can adjust the volume and audio mix from a generous knob on the front, and it has multiple audio inputs for switching between consoles.
Best of all, the hub can charge a spare battery for the headset, giving you essentially infinite run time as long as you’re seated at the computer. When you run down the 25 or so hours on one charge, just swap out the battery and the headset will reconnect and pick up where you left off. It’s the perfect feature for anyone with battery concerns, but don’t worry, you can also charge the headset via USB-C directly.
Whether you’re already an avid runner or hope to be one as you start a new training regimen, you’ll get more out of your exercise routine if you have some good music to accompany you. Getting into the zone during a long run with your preferred music, be it rap, classic rock or today’s pop hits, can totally change your experience for the better. To do that, you have to start with a good pair of running headphones.
But not all wireless workout headphones are created equally, and runners need to consider specific factors before investing in a pair like how long your runs are, what type of music or other audio you prefer listening to and how much you want to block out the world during a session. I’ve tested out more than a dozen pairs to find which are the best headphones for running for all budgets and all kinds of runners.
Table of contents
Best headphones for running in 2025
Beats
Connectivity: Wireless | Style: In-ear with wingtip | Assistant support: Google Assistant, Siri | Water resistance: IPX4 | Active noise cancellation: Yes | Battery life: Up to six hours
With a few key tweaks, Beats make a more polished version of the Fit Pro earbuds in the Powerbeats Fit. The company didn’t reinvent the wheel here, but this is one of the rare instances where that was for the best. The new buds have 20 percent more flexible wingtips and the charging case is 17 percent more compact than that of the Beats Fit Pro. Both of those adjustments make for a more comfortable, more portable pair of buds. Once you pick from the four eartips included in the box, you can pretty much pop the Powerbeats Fit in your ears and get going — no constant readjustments needed. And, blessedly, the charging case more easily slips into a back pocket now (it was a bit of a chonkster before).
Sound quality and active noise cancellation (ANC) are just as good as they were on the Beats Fit Pro. You’ll get that signature, bass-heavy sound you expect from a pair of Beats earbuds, and ANC that’s strong enough to block out most ambient noise. Transparency mode remains a highlight here, and will be especially useful if you use these buds all day long and need to jump in and out of conversations while wearing them. While an IPX4-rated design isn’t the most durable, it’s plenty to withstand sweaty workouts and even an accidental splash in water. Battery life is just average, but the charging case provides up to a total of 30 hours of use before you’ll need to recharge. That’s plenty if these buds are solely your workout companions, and more than enough to get you through a couple of days of constant use.
Connectivity: Wireless | Style: In-ear with hook | Assistant support: None | Water resistance: IP55 | Active noise cancellation: No | Battery life: Up to eight hours
If you have less than $50 to spend, you can’t go wrong with the $30 JLab Go Air Sport. I didn’t have high expectations going into testing these, but I was quickly impressed by their fit and sound quality. Lots of devices billed as workout-friendly headphones have this hook that wraps around the top of your ear, and on the Go Air Sport it does help keep things securely attached to your head. The hooks on these buds in particular are quite flexible and have a soft-touch finish, which makes them more comfy (I tried a few similarly designed buds with much stiffer hooks that were a pain in more ways than one.) Admittedly, a hook design will take some getting used to if you’re new to it, but it’s a surefire way to get a little extra stability during intense workouts.
Sound quality is pretty good on these buds as well, although not nearly as balanced as the Jabra Elite 8 Active or the Beats Fit Pro. I also appreciate that you can cycle through three different EQ modes — Signature, Balanced and Bass Boost — using the onboard controls. There’s no app to fuss with, and that was a nice change of pace for me after mostly testing buds with some kind of software controls.
You can expect eight hours of playtime on the Go Air Sport, plus another 24 hours of battery life with its charging case. While the USB-A cable built into the bottom of the case is handy, really should be a USB-C connector instead. The case is also on the bulky side; you can still throw it into a backpack or purse easily, but it’s not as svelte as cases you’ll see with more expensive buds.
Connectivity: Wireless | Style: Open-ear | Assistant support: None | Water resistance: IP55 | Active noise cancellation: No | Battery life: Up to 11 hours
The Shokz OpenFit 2 are the latest iteration of these open-ear headphones, with our previous top pick here being the original OpenFit. Earbuds with open designs like this allow for more situational awareness, with the goal being to let noise in rather than block it out. In my experience, the OpenFits do a great job of this without skimping on sound quality or comfort.
The buds themselves almost float over your ear cavern and Shokz’s soft-finish “dolphin arc” hook is flexible enough to securely wrap around the top of your ear without putting too much pressure on it. There’s a bud-like portion at the other end of the hook that acts as counterbalance, resulting in a reliable fit that never faltered during all sorts of activities including running, strength training and indoor cycling. Granted, none of those exercises involve shaking your head too much; maybe don’t wear the OpenFit to listen to head-banging death metal (if you can’t control yourself).
Sound quality is solid considering the design, and the OpenFit gets pretty loud as well. These buds have Shokz’s Direct Pitch technology, which uses reverse sound waves to optimize the distance and angle to your ear canal. The company claims this helps reduce sound leakage. In my testing, I found that true to a certain extent. The OpenFit had the best sound quality and overall volume out of all of the open-ear devices I tried, but if you crank the volume up to the max (or close), the person next to you will definitely hear what you’re listening to.
As I alluded to previously, these aren’t for anyone who wants to block the world out during exercise (or otherwise). But the OpenFit might be the best option for those who live in cities or anyone who constantly runs outside amongst traffic, pedestrians and other hazards. There’s no question that you’ll hear what’s going on around you and that can be crucial to keeping yourself safe on those streets.
Pros
Comfortable open-ear design
Design allows for more situational awareness
Good sound quality and volume
Cons
No ANC
Not as secure when compared to in-ear or hook-toting buds
Connectivity: Wireless | Style: Over-ear | Assistant support: None | Water resistance: None | Active noise cancellation: Yes | Battery life: Up to 50 hours
Some prefer to wear over-ear headphones all day, every day, and if that sounds like you, there’s a good chance you already use your daily-driver headphones at the gym. But if you’re noticing increased wear-and-tear on those cans due to sweat or extended periods of use, you may want to consider a pair of over-ear headphones specifically for working out.
In that case, consider the H2O Audio Ript Ultra. While these wireless headphones don’t have a specific IP rating (they’re not designed for the pool, to be clear), they do claim to be “100 percent sweatproof” thanks in part to their removable and washable earcups. They survived some of my toughest runs and strength-training sessions without issue, and the earcups are pretty easy to remove when you want to give them a wipe-down. There’s also a second pair of earcups included in the box so you can swap them in when the originals eventually give up the ghost.
Sound quality is decent, but it should be better on a pair of $250 headphones. The Ript Ultra has custom 45mm drivers and active noise cancellation up to 30 dB. While the overall sound quality isn’t better than our top pick, it’s more than enough to get your blood pumping during a workout. But more importantly, you’ll likely get better sound quality on a pair of Bose or Beats headphones at the same price range; you’re really paying for the enhanced durability with the Ript Ultra. Ultimately, if you want a pair of headphones for the gym that can handle sweat and (potentially) last longer than other cans in the same price range, the Ript Ultra is a good choice.
When it comes to running and working out, the edge that the AirPods Pro 3 have over the Pro 2, or even the top picks on our list, is built-in heart rate monitoring. That means you could go out with just your Pro 3 earbuds and your iPhone and still get heart rate information for your entire training session. But otherwise, the Pro 3 buds are just as capable as the Pro 2 when it comes to exercise. Some may prefer the soft-touch finish on our top picks to the AirPods’ slick texture.
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
The Powerbeats Pro 2 are a good alternative to the Beats Fit Pro if you’re a stickler for a hook design. However, they cost $50 more than the Powerbeats Fit, and the main added advantage here is built-in heart rate sensors.
Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro
The Soundcore AeroFit Pro is Anker’s version of the Shokz OpenFit, but I found the fit to be less secure and not as comfortable. The actual earbuds on the AeroFit Pro are noticeably bulkier than those on the OpenFit and that caused them to shift and move much more during exercise. They never fell off of my ears completely, but I spent more time adjusting them than I did enjoying them.
JBL Endurance Peak 3
The most noteworthy thing about the Endurance Peak 3 is that they have the same IP68 rating as the Jabra Elite 8 Active, except they only cost $100. But, while you get the same protection here, you’ll have to sacrifice in other areas. The Endurance Peak 3 didn’t blow me away when it came to sound quality or comfort (its hook is more rigid than those on my favorite similarly designed buds) and their charging case is massive compared to most competitors.
What to look for in running headphones
Design
Before diving in, it’s worth mentioning that this guide focuses on wireless earbuds. While you could wear over-ear or on-ear Bluetooth headphones during a run, most of the best headphones available now do not have the same level of durability. Water and dust resistance, particularly the former, is important for any audio gear you plan on sweating with or taking outdoors, and that’s more prevalent in the wireless earbuds world.
Most earbuds have one of three designs: in-ear, in-ear with hook or open-ear. The first two are the most popular. In-ears are arguably the most common, while those with hooks promise better security and fit since they have an appendage that curls around the top of your ear. Open-ear designs don’t stick into your ear canal, but rather sit just outside of it. This makes it easier to hear the world around you while also listening to audio, and could be more comfortable for those who don’t like the intrusiveness of in-ear buds.
Water resistance and dust protection
Water resistance and dust protection are crucial for the best running headphones to have since you’ll likely be sweating while wearing them. Also, if you have the unfortunate luck of getting caught in the rain during a run, at least your gear will survive. Here’s a quick rundown of ingress protection (IP) ratings, which you’ll see attached to many earbuds on the market today. The first digit after the abbreviation rates dust protection on a scale from one to six — the higher, the better. The second digit refers to water- resistance, or waterproofing in some cases, ranked on a scale from one to nine. A letter “X” in either position means the device isn’t rated for the corresponding material.
Check out this guide for an even more detailed breakdown. All of the earbuds we tested for this guide have at least an IPX4 rating (most have even more protection), which means they can withstand sweat and splashes but do not have dust protection.
Active noise cancellation and transparency mode
Active noise cancellation (ANC) is becoming a standard feature on wireless earbuds, at least in those above a certain price. If you’re looking for a pair of buds that can be your workout companion and continue to serve you when you’re off the trail, ANC is good to have. It adds versatility by allowing you to block out the hum of your home or office so you can focus, or give you some solitude during a busy commute on public transit.
But an earbud’s ability to block out the world goes hand in hand with its ability to open things back up should you need it. Many earbuds with ANC support some sort of “transparency mode” or various levels of noise reduction. This is important for running headphones because you don’t want to be totally oblivious to what’s going on around you when you’re exercising outside along busy streets. Lowering noise cancelation levels to increase your awareness will help with that.
Battery life
All of the earbuds we tested have a battery life of six to eight hours. In general, that’s what you can expect from this space, with a few outliers that can get up to 15 hours of life on a charge. Even the low end of the spectrum should be good enough for most runners, but it’ll be handy to keep the buds’ charging case on you if you think you’ll get close to using up all their juice during a single session.
Speaking of, you’ll get an average of 20-28 extra hours of battery out of most charging cases and all of the earbuds we tested had holders that provided at least an extra 15 hours. This will dictate how often you actually have to charge the device — as in physically connect the case with earbuds inside to a charging cable, or set it on a wireless charger to power up.
How we test headphones for running
When testing to determine the best running headphones, I wear each contender during as many runs as possible. I typically run three to five days each week, completing at least a 5K (3.01 miles) each time. I’m looking for comfort arguably most of all, because you should never be fussing with your earbuds when you’re on the tread or trail (as a note, I primarily run outside). I’m also paying attention to fit over time, particularly if the earbuds get slippery or loose while I sweat, or if they tend to pop out or feel less stable in my ears as I pick up speed or make quick movements.
I also use the earbuds when not running to take calls and listen to music, podcasts and the like throughout the day. Many people will want just one pair of earbuds that they can use while exercising and just doing everyday things, so I evaluate each pair on their ability to be comfortable and provide a good listening experience in multiple different activities.
While I am also listening for audio quality, I’m admittedly not an expert in this space. My colleague Billy Steele holds that title at Engadget, and you’ll find much more detailed information about sound quality for some of our top picks in his reviews and buying guides. Here, however, I will make note of audio-quality characteristics if they stood out to me (i.e. if a pair of earbuds had noticeably strong bass out of the box, weak highs, etc). Most of the wireless workout headphones we tested work with companion apps that have adjustable EQ settings, so you’re able to tweak sound profiles to your liking in most cases.
Skullcandy has cracked the code on one of my most-requested features for wireless earbuds. Unlike almost every other pair I’ve owned, dropping the charging case won’t send the earbuds flying across the room. For my fellow clumsy humans, I’m happy to report that the Skullcandy Method 360 ANC (8/10, WIRED Review) are marked down at several retailers. I found the best price on the white (Bone) pair at Amazon, but some of the other colors are discounted too if you don’t mind paying a little extra.
Courtesy of Skullcandy
While the enclosed case is my favorite thing about these earbuds, they also have excellent active noise-canceling. That’s largely thanks to a collaboration with Bose, one of the best in the business when it comes to ANC, giving these a truly impressive level of sound isolation and noise reduction, particularly for the price.
The sound profile has clearly taken some notes from Bose as well, with our reviewer Parker Hall saying, “There is a real life to this listening experience in the midrange, with vocals, pianos, guitars, and other center-heavy instruments each occupying their own musical space.” He was also impressed by the wide stereo image, which can give a lot of life to panning, and the intricate details that stand out when you have good isolation and tuning.
Of course, if you want to tweak the experience you can use the mobile app to adjust button functionality or change the equalizer profile for your preferred music genre. There are noise-canceling and transparency mode settings as well, the latter of which works particularly well for hearing traffic while walking the dog.
The downside here is that the whole setup is slightly bulky. The earbuds have a sizable back-end that sits flush inside your ear, making them a bit more noticeable than some of the other earbuds we like. The case, while great for keeping your earbuds in one place when you knock it off the kitchen counter, is also on the large side and a little awkward to use at first. Still, for under $100, you get excellent ANC, quality sound profile, and a comfortable fit, which I think is well worth the price of admission.
The QuietComfort Ultra sit right near the top of our list of the best noise-canceling headphones, and for good reason. They sound great, with top-tier clarity and detail, and our reviewer Ryan Waniata was particularly impressed by the “fabulous instrumental separation” and the “wide and spacious soundstage.” The bass is a little boomy out of the box, but a quick tweak of the EQ can smooth that right out, and even if you prefer the big bass, it’s still clear and punchy. They sound just as good during phone calls, in case you really need to focus in while working or chatting.
The noise-canceling is the star here, and there are really only two companies that compete for the crown, Bose and Sony. Each company has flagship headsets that do a stellar job of keeping out plane engine noises, crying babies, and your chatty seat neighbor, with performance so close we have a dedicated guide comparing the two. There’s also a great transparency mode for when you need to stay a little more alert, but want to keep the music going.
There are some other features that we’re less enthusiastic about, like a spatial audio mode that tries to “spatialize” existing stereo tracks, which is a neat trick for some songs, but less so for more produced music or watching videos. There’s optional head-tracking as well that tries to keep sound coming from the same places as you turn around. They’re both a little gimmicky and don’t help with the QuietComfort Ultra’s already-middling 24 hours of battery life.
Even though Bose recently updated these extremely popular headphones, the newer version isn’t massively different from these. That means these are still a great deal, and one of our favorite noise-canceling headsets, despite being on the market for a few years. Its price compared to some of its biggest competitors was a downside, so the $100 discount makes a big difference if that was a deciding factor.
Looks aren’t everything, but they ain’t nothin’ neither. Or, I guess they are Nothing in that the U.K.-based tech company often makes appearance a defining part of its gadgets, and not in an entirely superficial way. Nothing’s products are fun to look at, but their appearance, which incorporates elements of ’90s tech (specifically, a transparent design), also mean something symbolically: that the company is down to Try Things.
What those things are depends on the category. In phones, it’s custom software and flashy lights on the back, which are both meant to wean you off staring at your screen all the time. Nothing has tried lots of other stuff with its earbuds, including open-ear design, ChatGPT integration, and—most recently, with the Ear 3—a novel microphone feature that is better in theory than it is in practice. Sometimes those ideas work, and sometimes they don’t, but there is one category where they have hit more than they miss, and that’s headphones.
Nothing’s Headphone 1 aren’t just a more affordable alternative to high-end competitors like AirPods Max. They also hold their own in the field, delivering on aesthetics, functionality, and more practical features like active noise cancellation (ANC) and sound. Because of those high marks, I was excited to get my hands on the Headphone Pro, which are an even more affordable alternative to the Headphone 1 made by CMF, a subbrand of Nothing. Like the Headphone 1, the CMF Headphone Pro take some chances—and the hit rate is higher than I expected.
CMF Headphone Pro
The CMF Headphone Pro give you a good amount for an affordable price.
When it comes to budget devices, the question is always: What are you sacrificing, and to what degree? With personal audio products like wireless earbuds and headphones, the answer is usually sound quality, features like ANC, or maybe battery life. The name of the game is whether those sacrifices are acceptable at the price point in question, and in the Headphone Pro’s case, they generally are.
The first thing you’ll notice about the CMF Headphone Pro when you’re actually holding them in your hand is that they feel a lot cheaper than the Headphone 1. This is to be expected given the $200 price difference between the two, and if you’re willing to accept budget build quality (which I am, though I can’t attest to the comparative durability of the two devices), then you’ll likely get past that difference pretty quickly.
Do these headphones look as cool as the Headphone 1? That’s subjective, but also no, definitely not. The Headphone 1 crush the design part of things, and as someone who’s worn them out in public fairly often, I can tell you that they’re likely to turn heads (I’ve had more than one person ask where I got them). The CMF Headphone Pro have a look all their own, but the vibe isn’t quite as bold. CMF does get points for including a light green color that, especially when coupled with orange earcups, looks different from the rest of the crowd.
In the spirit of uniqueness, CMF also lets you buy additional earcups in different colors. In my case, CMF sent along orange earcups that I paired with the light green headphones. The color combination won’t be for everyone, but I actually like it. It brings a “look-at-me” spirit that makes Nothing’s product design fun, and in addition to aesthetics, also adds a dose of modularity, which is great for longevity. Earcups are often one of the first parts of a pair of headphones to deteriorate, and replacing them is much cheaper than buying a whole new pair. As an added plus, swapping the earcups out couldn’t be easier; just twist them off and then twist different ones back on.
Ultimately, though, the look is really just a first impression and, like all first impressions, subject to change. That’s a point in the Headphone Pro’s favor.
Budget isn’t always bad
If you’re willing to adorn your head with a big pair of over-ear headphones, you’re probably expecting bigger sound than your average pair of wireless earbuds. While the Headphone Pro don’t match the Nothing Headphone 1 in sound quality, they did exceed my expectations at a price that undercuts most headphones and even some wireless earbuds.
I listened across a few different genres and found the Headphone Pro most at home with electronic music. Their quite round-sounding bass worked well with electronic sound-scape-y music from Kitty Ray and groovier, disco-forward electronic tracks from Daft Punk. That round bass, however, is a bit less suited to grunge-y, folk-y tunes from my favorite newer bands like Wednesday.
Even if the bass tuning feels slightly out of place in rock genres, the Headphone Pro still performed better than I expected them to on a fairly wide soundstage, presenting guitars and other midrange frequencies as distinct elements. I would have liked to see the same attention to higher-frequency vocal ranges in rock songs, but premium headphones these are not. As always, I used the companion app, Nothing X, to tune the CMF Headphone Pro to my hearing, and while the hearing test definitely improved the sound a bit (especially vocals), that wasn’t enough to change my mind about the tuning.
If there’s one thing of which these headphones are guilty in the sound department, it’s putting a little too much oomph on the low end and not as much love on the other frequencies, which is funny given what I’m about to touch on next.
Buttons, buttons, buttons
One bit of carryover from the Nothing Headphone 1 to the CMF Headphone Pro is an emphasis on buttons. Like the Headphone 1, there’s a roller for volume that can also be pressed for pause/play and (unlike the equivalent button on the Headphone 1) double-pressed to skip tracks. There’s also a button on the underside of the right earcup for power and Bluetooth pairing, and a red dot button on the left earcup activates a voice assistant on your phone by default.
Those aren’t the buttons I really want to talk about, though; the tactile control I find most interesting is what CMF calls the “energy slider.” In normal person parlance, it’s an adjustable slider that controls the amount of bass. As someone who’s very specific about how headphones and wireless earbuds handle bass in particular, a slider is something I might actually use.
For others like me, I have good and bad news. The good news is that the thing works: Sliding that bad boy up definitely cranks the bass to 11, as a member of the fictional band Spinal Tap would say. The bad news? Well, it’s probably a bit redundant given how bass-heavy the Headphone Pro’s tuning already is. Maybe you’ll use it if you’re a bass junkie that just needs more, but I didn’t end up seeing a need to crank the low end on any song I listened to.
While we’re being honest about the buttons of the CMF Headphone Pro, it’s worth noting that the volume roller feels significantly cheaper than that of Nothing’s Headphone 1. While the Headphone 1’s has a nice pop when you press it, the Headphone Pro’s has a gritty, almost flimsy feel. Though it does work, it’s not what I would call a superb tactile experience. But again, this is the type of compromise you’re signing up for when you buy a budget pair of headphones.
CMF Headphone Pro: Everything else
One thing that caught my eye when CMF was leaking news about its headphones before their release was the battery life. The manufacturer claimed that the Headphone Pro would deliver 50 hours of battery life with ANC on and a whopping 100 hours with ANC off. ANC-enabled listening is the more important figure here, and while 50 hours wouldn’t break any records (companies like Sennheiser and Marshall have gone into the 60-hour and 70-hour mark with ANC on), it’s still a lot of longevity for a pair of headphones that only costs $99.
I’m happy to report that after testing the CMF Headphone Pro for hours, those battery life estimates seem like the real deal. As I’m writing this, I’ve been listening to the CMF Headphone Pro for two hours straight at 75 percent volume with ANC on, and they haven’t budged from the 30% battery mark. I was listening on the train for about 45 minutes before that, and they were on 30% battery then, too. If battery life is a priority for you, these headphones will give you your money’s worth and more.
As long as we’re talking about ANC, it’s also worth noting that CMF does a solid job in that department. These aren’t the most advanced ANC headphones I’ve ever used (Bose’s QuietComfort Ultra take that award), but they hold their own, and if you’re upgrading from an older pair of budget or midrange earbuds, you’ll probably feel the improvement. I still get some noise bleed on the train and when I’m walking down the streets of New York, but the passive and active noise cancelling definitely add up to a decent listening experience.
Like other Nothing and CMF products, there are also some app-enabled software features to take advantage of, including new spatial modes. One of them, Concert Mode, is meant to simulate a more live sound, but I can’t really notice a huge difference when I turn it on. That’s more than I can say for its companion mode, Cinema Mode, which actively makes the sound of movies and TV shows worse. I’m not really sure what CMF was going for here, but when I activate Cinema Mode, which I did while watching Jujutsu Kaisen on my phone, it sounds like I’m watching the show inside a person-sized tin can.
Having just used a spatial audio feature in Bose’s new QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones that feels like it genuinely augments immersion, CMF’s stab at the same effect feels extra off the mark. If you were thinking about watching things with Cinema Mode activated, I would recommend… not. The headphones are perfectly serviceable for listening to movies, TV, podcasts, and YouTube without trying and failing to compound the effects with software.
Am I pro-Headphone Pro?
To many audiophiles, a $99 pair of headphones might sound like a deal that’s too good to be true. But CMF has put forth a very compelling package for that price. The battery and sound aren’t mind-blowing, but they’re both better than I’d normally expect to receive for a third of the price of their ritzy cousin, Nothing’s Headphone 1.
CMF’s Headphone Pro also take some risks here, and some of them pay off. I love the modular earcups, and while the buttons aren’t super practical all the time (I probably won’t be using the energy slider often), they’re still nice to have. If you’re expecting an AirPods Max or Sony WH-1000XM6-level experience for under $100, you may be in for a rude awakening. But if you’re okay with sacrificing some sound quality and ANC, and if you don’t mind touching cheap plastic on a regular basis, the Headphone Pro aren’t a bad pick at all.
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