HomeBuying Guide10 Best Wireless Earbuds for Working Out (2023)

10 Best Wireless Earbuds for Working Out (2023)

March 17, 2023

10 Best Wireless Earbuds for Working Out (2023)

  • view of runner running across crosswalk
    Photograph: Philippa Langley/Getty Images

    A Few Pointers

    Should I Get Wired or Wireless Headphones?

    Which buds are right for you? A surprising number of people still prefer corded headphones. When you're going on a long run, the last thing you want to do is stand on your front porch, shivering in your shorts, trying to figure out why the right earbud isn't connected. But for obvious reasons, wireless headphones are much more convenient when doing other strenuous physical activities.

    I recommend investing in a pair that has ear hooks, clips, or fins to hold them securely in place; you can also buy ear hooks a la carte online. A tight, secure seal ensures that you get that big bass sound to power you through the last mile. Everyone's ears are different, and your left might even be different from your right. Don't be afraid to try mismatching sizes of ear tips or fins for a better fit.

  • Photograph: Best Buy

    Best Overall

    Jabra Elite 7 Active

    One of the best qualities of Jabra is that their earbuds don't change very much from year to year. The Elite 7 Active came out in 2021, but every time I put them on, I still find them to be the buds to beat. They're still the smallest and most comfortable buds I've ever tested, with the tiniest case, and the rubber tip holds the buds securely in my tiny ears. They've stayed in place while running outside and under a beanie, plus they're comfortable enough for me to wear while doing chores around the house.

    The Sound+ app lets you customize the level of hear-through, meaning you can choose to let in more ambient noise if you're running outside or washing dishes, or less if you're in a gym. You can customize the hearing profile for listening to podcasts versus hip hop. They're IP57-rated, which means that they're dustproof and can be submerged in water up to one meter. They have 8 hours of battery life and up to 30 hours in the case. The mic also works well for calls.

    ★ Alternatives: The latest Jabra model is 2022's Elite 5 ($150), which are meant to be the midrange model. To that end, they cost a teeny bit less, the buds are just a tiny bit bigger, with a slightly worse waterproofing rating, and they don't have adjustable noise-canceling. However, like all Jabras, they're comfortable, tiny, and look and sound great. I do like the matte finish and buttons on these better than the rubbery finish of the Elite 7 Active. The Elite 4 Active ($120) are also cheaper, if a little bigger.

    $180 at Amazon
    $180 at Best Buy

  • Photograph: JLab

    Best Cheap Buds

    JLab Audio Go Air Sport

    Workout buds are getting cheaper and better all the time (I've recommended other pairs that I like below) but JLab's are really in a different class. The Go Air Sport are the sport version of the insanely affordable Go Air (8/10, WIRED Recommends), with a slight markup for over-ear hooks and case with a cover.

    You just can't find buds with quality this good for this price. They come in a sturdy case with a built-in USB charger. The build quality is solid, and touch controls are not too sensitive; I don't accidentally turn off my music or turn up the volume whenever I adjust my hair or my hat. They have a solid 30 hours of battery life when you recharge them in the case—I wore them for two weeks for a few hours each day while running and walking my dog, and I never had to recharge them. And the Bluetooth connection is stronger than in other affordable earbuds that I've tried; I don't have to be wary about walking around a corner, away from my phone. As a bonus, they also come in a wide array of playful colors.

    ★ Alternative: Even JLab's upgraded sport buds are still relatively affordable. The Epic Air Sport ($80) has active noise-canceling, wireless charging, more than twice the battery life, and—most importantly for me, with my weird tiny ears—they have JLab's magical Cloud Foam tips. Even earbuds with hooks tend to fall out and squiggle around, but Cloud Foam tips stay secure.

    $30 at JLab Audio

  • Photograph: Beats

    Best for Apple Lovers

    Beats Fit Pro

    Not only are the Beats Fit Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends) one of the best workout buds for Apple users, they're one of the best everyday buds, period. They have squishy ear tips and elegant fins (that may be a little big for smaller ears, unfortunately). They have the Apple H1 chip and pair seamlessly with Apple products, but they also have a great app for Android that includes one-touch pairing, customized controls, and a fit test.

    The noise-canceling works extremely well, and you can click on a physical button on the buds to pause and let ambient noise in. The sound signature is remarkably sculptured, according to WIRED associate editor Parker Hall, meaning you can enjoy music in all genres, movies mixed in Dolby Atmos, and get great-sounding Zoom calls. Most important, unlike many of our other picks, they come in a signature Beats-style eye-catching purple (they now also come in coral, pink, and blue). I also wholeheartedly recommend Beats' previous, and now cheaper, Powerbeats workout buds; they work reliably after years of heavy use.

    ★ Apple Alternative: If you must have Apple-branded buds, go for the AirPods Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends). They are IPX4-rated so they're sweat-resistant, and the sound quality, fit, and battery life have all improved over the years. I especially like that they now have a speaker, so you can ping them when you've lost them at your desk or under the couch. However, I still don't find the fit as secure as any of the Beats headphones.

    $200 at Apple
    $200 at Amazon

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