Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The best workout headphones depend on how you want them to stay put and how much of your surroundings you want to hear. For outdoor runners who prefer an open-ear band, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is a strong starting point; for in-ear sound with an earhook, consider the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. The picks below cover different fits and priorities rather than treating one design as right for every workout.
Best running and workout headphones at a glance
| Model | Fit and listening style | Useful details | Best suited to | Trade-off to consider |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 | Open-ear wraparound band; bone and air conduction | Shokz claims up to 12 hours of playback and lists IP55; TechRadar reports a 30 g weight and names it its overall running pick. | Outdoor runners who want a band-style fit and access to ambient sound | It does not isolate noise; playback time is a manufacturer claim, and TechRadar describes the price as expensive. |
| Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 | In-ear earbuds with earhooks | Shokz’s UK workout guide lists up to 10 hours per bud, up to 45 hours with the case, IPX4, ANC, transparency mode and heart-rate sensing. | People who want an earhook fit plus in-ear features | The buds occupy the ear canal; IPX4 is not a swimming claim. |
| JBL Endurance Race 2 | In-ear earbuds with wing lock | Shokz’s UK workout guide lists 12 hours and IP68. | High-intensity training where a wing-lock fit and a higher stated water-resistance rating are priorities | Check JBL’s water-use instructions; a rating alone does not establish swimming suitability. |
| JLab Go Air Sport | In-ear earbuds with earhooks | TechRadar lists 8+ hours and identifies it as a value running pick. | Budget-minded runners who want earhooks | TechRadar notes there is no ANC and reports weaker microphone performance. |
| JBL Endurance Peak 3 | In-ear earbuds with earhooks | TechRadar lists 10 hours from the buds, 50 hours with the case, transparency mode and IP68. | Runners who prioritize an earhook fit | TechRadar says the fit may be uncomfortable over long sessions; check the manufacturer’s water-use guidance. |
Specifications and review judgments in this comparison come from the linked Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 product page, TechRadar’s 2026 running-headphone guide and Shokz UK’s workout-headphone guide. The battery figures are not independent, standardized head-to-head measurements.
Choose a fit for the workout you actually do
Open-ear band: awareness and a stable wraparound fit
The OpenRun Pro 2 sits around the head rather than sealing the ear canal. Shokz describes its format as open-ear and uses bone and air conduction; it claims up to 12 hours of playback and lists standard and mini band sizes. TechRadar names it its overall running pick. This style suits people who dislike earbuds in their ears or want more access to ambient sound while running. It does not block surrounding noise, which also means it is a poor match if your priority is isolation in a loud gym.
Earhooks: added hold without relying only on the ear canal
Powerbeats Pro 2, JLab Go Air Sport and JBL Endurance Peak 3 all use earhooks, but they are not interchangeable. Powerbeats Pro 2 pairs the hook with in-ear listening, ANC and transparency mode; the JLab is TechRadar’s value pick and has no ANC; the JBL offers transparency mode, though TechRadar cautions that its fit may become uncomfortable on longer sessions. Try the actual model if possible: ear shape and comfort differ, and a hook cannot guarantee a secure or comfortable fit for everyone.
#1 Best Overall
- Unparalleled Audio and Premium sound - Dual drivers combine the clear highs of Bone Conduction Tech with the deep bass of Air Conduction Tech for 12 hours of powerful, 3D audio.Perfect for musical motivation during workouts and runs.
- Open-Ear Awareness - SHOKZ's signature open-ear design helps you power through your workouts while keeping you safely aware of your surroundings. Leak-free listening ensures your audio remains for your ears only
- Secure Stable, Lightweight Fit - The weight-optimized design of this unibody frame integrates a Ni-Ti alloy memory wire and ergonomic ear hooks. The result is a secure, comfortable fit that defies slips and shift even during gym sessions or cycling.
- Dedicated EQ Modes - Customize your audio experience with our dedicated EQ modes on the Shokz App. Enjoy pure bone conduction sound with the newly launched Classic Mode, or boost your audio in noisy environments with Volume Boost Mode.
- Crystal-Clear Calls - Strategically positioned dual wind-resistant microphones and an AI noise reduction algorithm filter out 96.5% of background noise, including wind at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.
Wing-lock earbuds: a compact in-ear alternative
JBL Endurance Race 2 uses a wing lock rather than a wraparound band or earhook. It may appeal if you want an in-ear design with a stabilizing feature, but the cited guide’s listed 12-hour runtime and IP68 rating should be checked against JBL’s current product information and usage limits.
Open-ear, ANC and transparency: what changes outdoors and in the gym?
Open-ear headphones leave the ear canal open, whereas in-ear earbuds can isolate more sound; ANC actively reduces some outside noise, and transparency modes use microphones to pass some environmental sound through. These modes involve different compromises: isolation and ANC can help focus during indoor training, while open-ear or transparency listening offers more ambient access. Neither an open design nor a transparency mode guarantees safety outdoors. Keep volume controlled, stay attentive to traffic and other people, and do not treat headphones as a substitute for awareness.
Rank #2
- Ultra-Comfort with Open-Ear Design: Experience matchless comfort even for all-day wear with these non-intrusive, open-ear Bluetooth earbuds.
- Enhanced Situational Awareness: V20i open-ear wireless earbuds let you stay connected to the world while enjoying pristine playback. Ideal for both urban life and outdoor ventures.
- Four Adjustable Positions for a Secure, Comfy Fit: Easily rotate to find the sweet spot for your ears with these bluetooth earbuds, boosting stability and comfort. Listen and move freely with V20i open-ear earbuds throughout the day.
- Powerful Sound with 16mm Drivers: Immerse in rich, resonant bass fueled by V20i's advanced 16mm drivers—featured in these wireless earbuds—with titanium-coated domes and soundcore's proprietary BassUp technology.
- Clear Calls with 4 Mics and AI Enhancement: Equipped with four mics and an AI algorithm, V20i open-ear Bluetooth earbuds ensure crisp and clear calls wherever you are.
For additional context on workout fit and listening modes, see Tom’s Guide’s 2025 workout-headphone guide.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Match water resistance and battery claims to your routine
The cited sources list different IP codes: IP55 for OpenRun Pro 2, IPX4 for Powerbeats Pro 2, and IP68 for JBL Endurance Race 2 and JBL Endurance Peak 3. These codes are not interchangeable labels for “waterproof.” Confirm the exact manufacturer instructions for sweat, rain, rinsing or other exposure; do not infer that a device is suitable for swimming from a rating alone.
Rank #3
- Adaptive Noise Cancelling with Smart Ambient: Enjoy the soundtrack of your life. Four noise-sensing mics minimize distractions and maximize audio quality, while Smart Ambient keeps you fully aware of your surroundings and helps you talk with the people around you without taking out your headphones. Use the JBL Headphones app to set your custom levels.
- IP68 water and dust proof: Sweat, rain, salt water, and sand? Sounds like a great time. JBL Endurance Peak 4 earbuds carry an IP68 waterproof and dustproof rating, so they can withstand it all. Not to mention high temperatures, high humidity, or long-distance drops.
- Secure fit with TwistLock design: You might even forget you're wearing them. JBL OvalTubes with TwistLock stay in your ears all day without discomfort. The liquid silicone ear hook with memory wire is comfortable and adaptable to different sizes.
- JBL Pure Bass with Spatial Sound: Enjoy rich, clear JBL Pure Bass sound from our 10mm dynamic driver, delivering powerful stereo sound with deep bass for an immersive audio experience. Customize your sound to the way you are with Personi-fi 3.0. Take a quick earing test and adapt your audio to your personal features.
- 6 mics for perfect calls: Three mics per ear effectively capture your voice while suppressing noise from other sources. Meanwhile, the beamforming algorithm minimizes unwanted ambient noise, making your authentic voice more intelligible. The windproof design significantly reduces distortion from air friction and gives you a crystal-clear call experience—even in the middle of an outdoor run on a breezy day.
Runtime numbers also describe different things and should not be compared as if they came from a single standardized test. Shokz claims up to 12 hours for OpenRun Pro 2. Shokz’s guide lists Powerbeats Pro 2 at up to 10 hours per bud and up to 45 hours total with its case; TechRadar lists JBL Endurance Peak 3 at 10 hours from the buds and 50 with the case. Check whether the stated figure covers one charge or includes the case, then compare it with the length of your sessions and your charging habits.
Quick Recap
How to decide before buying
- Choose your listening style: pick open-ear for an unsealed ear canal and ambient access, or in-ear if you want a more isolating fit and features such as ANC.
- Match the retention design to your movement: assess a wraparound band, earhook or wing-lock tip during the kind of running, lifting or sport you do. Comfort over a short try-on does not always predict comfort during a long session.
- Check the model’s actual water guidance: compare its IP code, but follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the exposure you expect rather than assuming a rating permits swimming.
- Check the battery figure’s scope: distinguish playback per earbud charge from total case-supported time, and leave margin for your routine.
- Confirm current regional details: model availability, price, included accessories and support terms can change. Verify them with the manufacturer or retailer for your country before purchase.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
