The most effective wi-fi exercise headphones for 2025

No matter what sort of train you’re into, for those who’re understanding, you’ll desire a pair of wi-fi exercise headphones. They assist you to be free and untethered throughout a critical weight-lifting session, a 5K run, an hour on the skate park and all over the place in between the place you’re transferring and sweating a ton. There are dozens of nice wireless headphones and wireless earbud choices on the market, however for train particularly, there are further elements to think about earlier than selecting one up like water resistance, battery life and total consolation.

At Engadget, we’ve examined a bunch of fitness-ready headphones and earbuds to provide you with our high picks, plus some recommendation to think about earlier than you choose up a pair. All of our high picks under will work out and in of the health club, so you possibly can put money into only one pair and make these your day by day driver. When you’re primarily a runner, try our checklist of best headphones for running.

Greatest exercise headphones for 2025

JLab

Connectivity: Wi-fi | Type: In-ear with hook | Assistant assist: None

If in case you have lower than $50 to spend, the $30 JLab Go Air Sport+ are an awesome choice. These are the most recent model of our earlier choose right here, the Go Air Sport. Once I examined these, I didn’t have excessive expectations going into testing these buds, however I used to be shortly impressed by their consolation and sound high quality. Numerous headphones designed for exercises have this hook that wraps across the high of your ear, and it does assist the Go Air Sport keep securely hooked up to your head.

The Sport+ maintains that design. The hooks are fairly versatile and have a soft-touch end, which provides to their consolation. Admittedly, this design will take some getting used to for those who’re new to it, however it’s a surefire solution to get a little bit further stability throughout excessive depth exercises.

Sound high quality is fairly good on these buds as nicely, though not practically as balanced as that of our high choose. I additionally admire which you could cycle by way of three completely different EQ modes — Signature, Balanced and Bass Increase — utilizing the buds’ onboard controls. There’s no app to fuss with, and that was a pleasant change of tempo after largely testing buds with some type of app connectivity.

You’ll be able to count on over 9 hours of playtime on the Go Air Sport+, plus one other 26 hours of battery life with its charging case. JLab additionally fastened a significant pain-point concerning the earlier variations right here: as an alternative of the previous, built-in USB-A cable for charging, it is now a extra fashionable USB-C cable. Nonetheless, the case is on the cumbersome aspect; you possibly can nonetheless throw it right into a backpack or purse simply, however it’s not as svelte as instances you’ll see on costlier buds.

Professionals

• Reasonably priced
• Spectacular sound high quality for the value
• IP55-rated design
• Good battery life

Cons

• Massive case
• Hook design gained’t be for everybody

$30 at Amazon

SHOKZ

Connectivity: Wi-fi | Type: Open-ear | Assistant assist: None

The Shokz OpenFit 2 are the most recent iteration of those open-ear headphones, with our earlier high choose right here being the unique OpenFit. Earbuds with open designs like this enable for extra situational consciousness, with the aim being to let noise in somewhat than block it out. In my expertise, the OpenFits do an awesome job of this with out skimping on sound high quality or consolation.

The buds themselves nearly float over your ear cavern and Shokz’s soft-finish “dolphin arc” hook is versatile sufficient to securely wrap across the high of your ear with out placing an excessive amount of strain on it. There’s a bud-like portion on the different finish of the hook that acts as counterbalance, leading to a dependable match that by no means faltered throughout all types of actions together with operating, power coaching and indoor biking. Granted, none of these workout routines contain shaking your head an excessive amount of; possibly don’t put on the OpenFit to take heed to head-banging demise metallic (for those who can’t management your self).

Sound high quality is stable contemplating the design, and the OpenFit will get fairly loud as nicely. These buds have Shokz’s Direct Pitch expertise, which makes use of reverse sound waves to optimize the space and angle to your ear canal. The corporate claims this helps cut back sound leakage. In my testing, I discovered that true to a sure extent. The OpenFit had the very best sound high quality and total quantity out of the entire open-ear units I attempted, however for those who crank the amount as much as the max (or shut), the individual subsequent to you’ll positively hear what you’re listening to. General, these are an awesome choice for anybody who doesn’t discover in-ear buds notably snug, or those that simply desire to have extra consciousness of their environment whereas understanding.

Professionals

• Comfy open-ear design
• Design permits for extra situational consciousness
• Good sound high quality and quantity

Cons

• No ANC
• Not as safe when in comparison with in-ear or hook-toting buds

$180 at Amazon

H2O Audio

Connectivity: Wi-fi | Type: Over-ear | Assistant assist: None

Some desire to put on over-ear headphones all day, each day, and if that sounds such as you, there’s an excellent probability you already use your daily-driver headphones on the health club. However for those who’re noticing elevated wear-and-tear on these cans as a consequence of sweat or prolonged durations of use, chances are you’ll wish to think about a pair of over-ear headphones particularly for understanding.

In that case, think about the H2O Audio Ript Ultra. Whereas these wi-fi headphones don’t have a selected IP score (they’re not designed for the pool, to be clear), they do declare to be “one hundred pc sweatproof” thanks partially to their detachable and washable earcups. They survived a few of my hardest runs and strength-training classes with out difficulty, and the earcups are fairly straightforward to take away while you wish to give them a wipe-down. There’s additionally a second pair of earcups included within the field so you possibly can swap them in when the originals ultimately surrender the ghost.

Sound high quality is respectable, however it must be higher on a pair of $250 headphones. The Ript Extremely has customized 45mm drivers and lively noise cancellation as much as 30 dB. Whereas the general sound high quality isn’t higher than our high choose, it’s greater than sufficient to get your blood pumping throughout a exercise. However extra importantly, you’ll possible get higher sound high quality on a pair of Bose or Beats headphones on the identical worth vary; you’re actually paying for the improved sturdiness with the Ript Extremely. In the end, if you would like a pair of headphones for the health club that may deal with sweat and (doubtlessly) last more than different cans in the identical worth vary, the Ript Extremely is an effective alternative.

Professionals

• Sweatproof
• Removeable, washable earcups
• Second pair of earcups included within the field
• Comfy match

Cons

• Costly
• Sound high quality might be higher

$250 at Amazon

Others wi-fi exercise headphones we examined

Apple AirPods Professional

The Apple AirPods Pro have an IP54 score, which protects them from temporary encounters with mud and splashes. Whereas that’s extra mud safety than many different earbuds we examined, it’s the identical degree of water resistance that almost all exercise-specific opponents have. We typically just like the AirPods Professional, however the Beats Match Professional supply lots of the identical options and conveniences (particularly good transparency mode and the H1 chip), with a design that’s extra acceptable for understanding.

Beats Powerbeats Professional

The Powerbeats Pro are an excellent different to the Beats Match Professional for those who’re a stickler for a hook design. Nevertheless, they price $50 greater than the Match Professional (though they usually hover round $180) and don’t supply any vital upgrades or further options other than their design. They’re additionally fairly previous at this level (launched in 2019) and it seems Beats is placing extra effort into upgrading and updating its newer fashions somewhat than this mannequin.

Anker Soundcore AeroFit Professional

The Soundcore AeroFit Pro is Anker’s model of the Shokz OpenFit, however I discovered it to be much less safe and never as snug because the latter. The precise earbuds on the AeroFit Professional are noticeably bulkier than these on the OpenFit, which induced them to shift and transfer way more after I was carrying them throughout train. They by no means fell off my ears fully, however I spent extra time adjusting them than I did having fun with them.

JBL Endurance Peak 3

Essentially the most noteworthy factor concerning the Endurance Peak 3 is that they’ve the identical IP68-rating that the (now discontinued) Jabra Elite 8 Lively do, however they solely price $100. However, whilst you get the identical safety right here, you’ll need to sacrifice in different areas. The Endurance Peak 3 didn’t blow me away when it got here to sound high quality or consolation (the hook is extra inflexible than these on my favourite buds of the same model) and their charging case is very large in comparison with most opponents.

What to search for in exercise headphones

Design

Earlier than diving in, it’s value mentioning that this information focuses on wireless earbuds. When you may put on over-ear or on-ear headphones throughout a exercise, many of the best headphones out there now should not have the identical degree of sturdiness. Water and dirt resistance, notably the previous, is vital for any audio gear you intend on sweating with or taking open air, and that’s extra prevalent within the wi-fi earbuds world.

Most earbuds have one in all three designs: in-ear, in-ear with hook or open-ear. The primary two are the preferred. In-ears are arguably the commonest, whereas these with hooks promise higher safety and match since they’ve an appendage that curls across the high of your ear. Open-ear designs don’t stick into your ear canal, however somewhat sit simply outdoors of it. This makes it simpler to listen to the world round you whereas additionally listening to audio, and might be extra snug for individuals who don’t just like the intrusiveness of in-ear buds.

Water resistance and dirt safety

Even when a pair of headphones for understanding aren’t marketed particularly as train headphones, a sturdy, water resistant design will, by default, make them appropriate for train. To keep away from repetition, right here’s a fast primer on sturdiness, or ingression safety (IP) scores. The primary digit you’ll see after the “IP” refers to safety from mud and different potential intrusions, measured on a scale from 1 to six. The second refers to water resistance and even waterproofing, in the very best instances. The scores for water resistance are ranked on a scale of 1 to 9; greater numbers imply extra safety, whereas the letter “X” means the machine just isn’t rated for cover in that regard.

All the earbuds we examined for this information have not less than an IPX4 score, which implies there’s no mud safety, however the buds can face up to splashes from any course and are sweat resistant, however most likely should not be submerged. For an in depth breakdown of all of the attainable permutations, try this information printed by a provider known as The Enclosure Firm.

Lively noise cancellation and transparency mode

Lively noise cancellation (ANC) is turning into customary on wi-fi earbuds, not less than these above a sure worth level. When you’re in search of a pair of buds that may be your exercise companion and serve you outdoors of the health club, too, noise cancelation is an effective function to have. It makes the buds extra versatile, permitting you to dam out the boring roar of your private home or workplace so you possibly can focus, or provide you with some solitude throughout a busy commute.

However an earbud’s potential to dam out the world goes hand-in-hand with its potential to open issues again up do you have to want it. Many ANC earbuds additionally assist some type of “transparency mode,” or numerous ranges of noise discount. That is vital for running headphones as a result of exercising open air, alongside busy streets, will be harmful. You most likely don’t wish to be completely oblivious to what’s occurring round you while you’re operating outdoors; adjusting noise cancelation ranges to extend your consciousness will assist with that. Stronger noise cancelation could be extra interesting to these doing extra indoor coaching in the event that they wish to block out the boring roar of a health club or the man exaggeratingly lifting weights subsequent to you.

Battery life

All the Bluetooth earbuds we examined have a battery lifetime of six to eight hours. Typically, that’s what you possibly can count on from this area, with a number of outliers that may stand up to fifteen hours of life on a cost. Even the low finish of the spectrum must be adequate for many athletes and health club junkies, however it’ll be helpful to maintain the buds’ charging case on you for those who assume you’ll get near utilizing up all their juice throughout a single session.

You’ll get a median of 20 to twenty-eight further hours of battery out of most charging instances and the entire earbuds we examined had holders that offered not less than an additional 15 hours. This can dictate how usually you truly need to cost the machine — as in bodily join the case with earbuds inside to a charging cable, or set it on a wireless charger to energy up.

How we take a look at exercise headphones

In testing wi-fi exercise headphones, I put on them throughout each little bit of train I do — be it an informal stroll across the block, a brisk morning run or a difficult weight-lifting session. I’m in search of consolation arguably most of all, since you ought to by no means be fussing along with your earbuds when you need to be specializing in understanding. In the identical vein, I’m cognizant of in the event that they get free throughout quick actions or slippery after I’m sweating. I additionally use the earbuds when not exercising to take calls and take heed to music all through the day. Many individuals will need only one pair of earbuds that they will use whereas exercising and simply doing on a regular basis issues, so I consider every pair on their potential to be snug and supply an excellent listening expertise in a number of completely different actions.

Whereas I’m additionally evaluating sound high quality, I’m admittedly not an audio knowledgeable. My colleague Billy Steele holds that title at Engadget, and also you’ll discover way more detailed details about audio high quality for a few of our high picks in his critiques and shopping for guides. With these headphones for understanding, nonetheless, I’ll make be aware of associated points in the event that they stood out (i.e. if a pair of earbuds had noticeably sturdy bass out of the field, weak highs, and many others). A lot of the wi-fi exercise headphones we examined work with companion apps which have adjustable EQ settings, so that you’ll be capable to tweak sound profiles to your liking usually.