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The right pair of headphones can make a workout feel shorter. A bad pair does the opposite, slipping out of your ears or giving up halfway through a session.
The ten picks below cover secure-fit earbuds, open-ear designs that keep you aware of your surroundings, a few smart extras, and a headset made for swimmers. Read on to find the one that matches the way you train.
JBL Endurance Peak 3: An Ear Hook That Bends to Fit
The JBL Endurance Peak 3 earbuds come with a bendable, ergonomic ear hook that keeps them in place. They stay put even after a seriously hard workout.
An IP68 waterproof rating adds more peace of mind. These earbuds are ready for wet adventures, including surfing.
Cleer Audio Roam Sport: Freebit Wings for a Steady Fit
The Cleer Audio Roam Sport earbuds use Freebit wings to hold firm while staying comfortable. They are made for your most intense sessions.
An IPX4 rating means they handle both sweat and water, so a heavy workout will not slow them down.
adidas Z.N.E 01: Minimal Looks and Clear Sound
The adidas Z.N.E 01 True Wireless earbuds pair a minimal design with clear, beautiful sound. Their easy fit keeps them in place while you train.
With an IPX4 rating, they shrug off splashes and sweat too.
Tribit MoveBuds H1: A Long List of Fitness Features
The Tribit MoveBuds H1 wireless earbuds come loaded with extras for active people. Their IPX8 rating covers water and sweat, which guards them against corrosion.
You also get extended battery life, a transparency mode and an ear-hanging design. The ear tips are antibacterial as well.
adidas A.N.E 01 ANC: Long Battery Life and Two Listening Modes
The adidas A.N.E 01 ANC wireless earbuds can play music for up to 26 hours without a break. They fit securely and offer both ANC and Awareness modes.
An IPX5 water-resistant rating covers you at the gym and on a rainy day alike.
HAKII MIX: An Open-Ear Headband for Your Playlist
At first glance, the HAKII MIX looks like an ordinary headband. Underneath, it hides some serious audio technology.
The open-ear design lets you hear the world around you while premium sound plays. These headphones are very comfortable and carry an IPX5 rating.
HAYLOU PurFree: Bone Conduction for Outdoor Runs and Rides
Outdoor workouts call for awareness, and the HAYLOU PurFree bone conduction headphones leave your ears unblocked. That makes them a good match for cycling or running.
They are waterproof, and a noise reduction feature helps calls and music come through clearly.
LG TONE Free Fit TF8Q: A Charging Case That Cleans the Eargels
Scrubbing sweaty earbuds gets old fast. The LG TONE Free Fit TF8Q Bluetooth UVnano+ earbuds solve that with a special charging case.
The case bathes the eargels in UV-C light, which removes 99.9% of bacteria. A full cycle takes just 10 minutes.
Wisearphones: Control Your Audio Without Hands or Voice
The Wisearphones smart earphones sound almost too futuristic to be real. Their controls respond to neural activity, such as activity in your face and eyes.
That lets you run your audio and head-mounted devices without touching anything or saying a word. You can also customize the controls for exercising, gaming or working.
Zygo Solo: Music for Swimmers, Even Underwater
Lap swimmers get their own pick in the Zygo Solo waterproof headset. Its bone-conduction technology works for swimmers who go completely underwater.
The headset connects to a wireless transmitter, and the transmitter pairs with your smartphone. You can hear your audio up to 50 feet from your phone and up to 2 feet underwater.
Olivia Vance
Believing that a great blog post should feel like an ongoing conversation rather than a lecture shapes everything I write. I lose track of time digging into the finer details of a topic just to ensure you leave the page with a fresh, reliable perspective.