10 Best Workout Headphones & Earphones In 2023

Hitting the gym, going for a swim, or like to run? Workout headphones can help you get motivated and power through your workouts.

Which over-ear headphones should you pick for your workout sessions? We’ve got a ton of workout headphones to recommend that’ll suit running, sports and general workout activities. They have water resistance in mind too, so you and your headphones will be protected no matter how much sweat you break.

Not into headphones? We’ve also popped workout earphones in for you, but we also have a list of the best noise-cancelling earbuds that fit snug and help you workout in peace. 

Best workout headphones and earphones

Bose Sport Earbuds — £154.95

Bose Sport Earbuds have StayHear Max tips for a secure fit, meaning no matter how heavy your workout is, you’ll have the ability to move around and not worry about your earphones falling out. What’s different about the Sport Earbuds, compared to the rest of their range, is their QuietComfort feature which supports ANC.

It has an IPX4 rating so you won’t have to worry about breaking a sweat. When noise cancelling is activated, it’ll last 5 hours instead of 6, and wireless charging unfortunately isn’t available. If this doesn’t bother you, the sound quality and additional features may be enough to sway you.

Bose Sport Earbuds specs

What’s in the box

• 2 x Bose Sport Earbuds (fitted with medium eartips, labelled size 2)
• 1 x Charging case
• 1 x Small and large eartips (labelled sizes 1 and 3)
• 1 x USB-C (A to C) charging cable
• 1 x Quick-start guide
• 1 x Warranty card.

Technical specifications

• Dimensions (earphones): 1.87 x 2.66 x 2.1cm
• Dimensions (charging case): 3 x 9.14 x 4.14cm
• Weight (earphones): 2 x 6.75g
• Weight (charging case without earphones): 61g 
• Battery life: 5 hours
• Charging time: 2 hours
• Material type: Plastic, gold plating, polymer coating
• Dust and waterproof rating: IPX4
• Bluetooth version: 5.1

Audio specifications

• Noise cancelling: ANC
• Driver diameter: 6mm
• Sensitivity: Unknown 
• Frequency: Unknown

Pros

• StayHear Max tips for comfortable listening
• QuietComfort adds noise-cancellation

Cons

• Doesn’t support wireless charging

Get £25 off when you spend £100 with our Bose student discount.

AirPods 3rd Generation — £169

What workout and running earphones list wouldn’t feature the AirPods? The AirPods 3rd Generation are super popular among Apple users and for good reason. 

While you’re working out you can experience Spatial Audio, it’ll make you feel like you’re part of a movie thanks to its surround sound feeling. You can also pause and play music with its force sensor using a slight tap on one side of your earbuds. Plus, if you’re running outside, you’ll be pleased to know the 3rd Gen AirPods are designed with a special acoustic mesh and an inset microphone in each earbud to minimise wind noise. Perfect for when you need to talk too.

AirPods 3rd Generation specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Set of AirPods
• 1 x MagSafe Charging Case
• 1 x Lightning to USB‑C Cable
• 1 x Documentation

Technical specifications

• Dimensions (earphones): 3.79 x 1.8 x 1.8cm
• Dimensions (charging case): 4.6 x 5.4 x 2.1cm
• Weight (earphones): 2 x 4.28g
• Weight (charging case without earphones): 37.91g
• Battery life: 6 hours
• Charging time: 1 hour
• Material type: Recycled aluminium
• Dust and waterproof rating: IPX4
• Bluetooth version: 5.0

Audio specifications

• Noise cancelling: No
• Driver diameter: 11 mm
• Sensitivity: 102dB
• Frequency: Unknown

Pros

• Wireless and MagSafe charging
• Good spatial audio

Cons

• No noise cancellation
• Expensive

Get up to 10% off orders on Apple with our Apple student discount.

Sony WF-SP800N — £99

One of the best all-around workout earphones out there, it’s perfect for those on a budget but doesn’t want to compromise on sound too much.

With an IP55 rating, splashes, sweat and dust won’t stop these water-resistant headphones or your workout. Plus, the charging case for the WF-SP800N lets you power up to 18 hours of playback time if you use its noise-cancelling feature, or a whopping 26 hours without noise-cancellation activated. It has had some criticism when turned up to higher volume levels and has been described as coarse. We’d recommend sticking to the mid-range if you can (this will prolong your battery life too).

Sony WF-SP800N specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Pair of Sony WF-SP800N earphones
• 1 x Charging case
• 1 x USB Type-C® Cable (USB-A to USB-C®)

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 18.7 x 4.8 x 12.4cm
• Weight (earphones): 2 x 9.8g
• Weight (charging case without earphones): 59g
• Battery life: 9 hours
• Charging time: 3 hours
• Material type: Plastic, silicone
• Dust and waterproof rating: IP55
• Bluetooth version: 5.0

Audio specifications

• Noise cancelling: ANC
• Driver diameter: 6mm
• Sensitivity: Unknown
• Frequency: 2.4000GHz-2.4835GHz

Pros

• Vibrant, buoyant sound
• Good noise-cancelling
• Comfortable fit

Cons

• Average battery life

Get this for less with our Amazon student deals.

Best running headphones

Amazfit PowerBuds — £132

Amazfit may not be a brand name that springs to mind, but after reading about these epic buds, you’ll want to consider them as your next set of running earphones.

They have powerful bass and fit firmly in your ears. It also has eight hours of battery life and a further 16 hours in its charging case. That’s tons of time to get your running and workouts in. ​​The PowerBuds can also be fitted with magnetic ear hooks, which are included in the box if you feel you require a more secure fit. Finally, its IP55 dust and water resistance means PowerBuds are sweatproof, so there are no worries when it comes to extending your run for longer.

Amazfit PowerBuds specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Pair of Amazfit PowerBuds
• 1 x Charging case
• 2 x Ear hooks
• 1 x USB Type-C charging cable
• 4 x Silicone earplugs (SS, S, M, L)
• 1 x User manual

Technical specifications

• Dimensions (earphones): 2 x 6g
• Dimensions (box, earbuds and hooks): 69g
• Weight (earphones): 2 x 6g
• Weight (charging case without earphones): 69g
• Battery life: 8 hours
• Charging time: 30 minutes
• Material type: Metal, PC, silicone
• Dust and waterproof rating: IP55
• Bluetooth version: 5.0

Audio specifications

• Noise-cancelling: ANC
• Driver diameter: 9 mm
• Sensitivity: -3dBV/Pa – 3.83dBV/Pa
• Frequency: 20-20k Hz

Pros

• Fast charging time
• Great bassy sound

Cons

• No option for over-ear loops

Check out our Amazon student deals.

Bose SoundSport Wireless — £109

Not truly wireless as they have a soft cable connecting the two buds, but they can be charged wirelessly. They come with in-ear hooks for a snug, reliable and comfortable fitt, meaning you’re less likely to lose them on a run. They’re sweat-resistant, thanks to its IPX4 rating too.

If NFC is a function you want in your running headphones then this is it. With one touch of a button, you can pair your mobile device with ease. Battery life is an average of 6 hours, which is plenty for a long run.

Bose SoundSport Wireless specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x SoundSport wireless headphones
• 3 x sizes of StayHear+ Sport tips
• 1 x USB charging cable
• 1 x Carrying case
• 1 x Quick setup guide
• 1 x Warranty card

Technical specifications

• Dimensions (earphones): 3 x 2.5 x 3cm
• Dimensions (charging case): 3 x 9.14 x 4.14cm
• Weight (earphones): 2 x 6.75g
• Weight (charging case without earphones): unknown
• Battery life: 6 hours
• Charging time: 2 hours
• Material type: Plastic, gold plating, polymer coating, silicone
• Dust and waterproof rating: IPX4
• Bluetooth version: 5.1

Audio specifications

• Noise-cancelling: No
• Driver diameter: 10mm
• Sensitivity: Unknown
• Frequency: 100 Hz – 10 kHz

Pros

• Contorl via app
• NFC pairing

Cons

• Remote box can drag earphones to one side
• App may not be useful to some people

Get £25 off when you spend £100 with our Bose student discount or shop this with an Amazon student deal.

Best running earphones that don’t fall out

Jabra Elite Active 75t — £90

The Jabra Elite Active 75t comes with the user in mind. It sports an angular build for optimum fit (great for those who struggle with fitting earbuds). It also means you don’t get any weird thudding sensations when you strike your foot to the ground while running (which is common with some earphones).

It’s been compared to the AirPods Pro due to its crisp and dynamic sound, but obviously, the Jabra will cost far less. What’s even better is its IP57 rating, meaning you could run in heavy rain (we’d recommend not…) and the 75t will remain fully functional.

Jabra Elite Active 75t specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Pair of Jabra Elite Active 75t earbuds
• 1 x Charging case
• 1 x USB-C cable (300mm)
• 3 x Sets of silicon eargels
• 1 x warranty and warning leaflets

Technical specifications

• Dimensions (earphones):
• Dimensions (charging case): 6.24 x 3.66 x 2.7cm
• Weight (earphones): 2 x 5.5g
• Weight (charging case without earphones): 35g 
• Battery life: 7.5 hours
• Charging time: 2 hours and 20 minutes
• Material type: PC / ABS plastic. Silicone, Mica paint, Au-plated metal
• Dust and waterproof rating: IP57
• Bluetooth version: 5.0

Audio specifications

• Noise-cancelling: ANC and PNC
• Driver diameter: 6mm
• Sensitivity: Unknown
• Frequency: 20Hz to 20kHz

Pros

• IP57 water-/sweat-/dust-proof design
• Decent battery life
• Auto pause and play

Cons

• No wireless charging
• Buttons are too sensitive

Check out our Amazon student deals.

Best sports over the ear headphones for working out

JBL Live 660NC Wireless — £149.99

They come with ANC which you can toggle on and off. Great for if you need noise-cancellation while running on a busy road or to block out the rest of the gym.

You can skip, pause and play thanks to the buttons on the headphones themselves, meaning you won’t need to wack your phone out mid-session. Need assistance? Touch and hold the JBL logo on the left ear cup for two seconds to activate Google Assitant or Amazon Alexa voice assistant. Or if you’ve paired it with an Apple device, you simply need to hold the middle button for two seconds to activate Siri. 

JBL Live 660NC specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x JBL Live 660NC headphones
• 1 x Type-C charging cable
• 1 x audio cable
• 1 x carrying pouch
• 1 x quick start guide
• 1 x warranty booklet

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 7.5 x 14.6 x 19cm
• Weight: 265g
• Batteries: lithium polymer
• Battery life: 40 hours
• Material type: plastic
• Apple and Android compatible? Yes
• Bluetooth version: 5.0
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 40mm
• Impedance: 32 Ohms
• Sensitivity: 97 dB
• Frequency response: 16-20000 Hz
• Maximum power input: 40 mW
• Noise-cancelling: Active

Pros:

• Well-balanced sound
• 25.9 hours of battery life
• Easy voice assist

Cons:

• Lack of audio openness or “surround sound” feeling

Get these headphones for less with student discounts from JBL.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 — £49.99

The Anker Souncore Life Q20 are one of the best budget-friendly overhead workout headphones for working up a sweat. While it’s relatively basic compared to others on this list if that’s what you’re after then these are the headphones for you. They’re comfortable, lightweight and suitable for your gym workouts.

They come with a whopping 32 hours of continuous playback time, meaning long workouts will never be an issue. We only really recommend these headphones for lifting or exercises that aren’t too vigorous, as the price point reflects its cheap build. Regardless, they’re an affordable choice equipped with ANC too.

Check out our guide to noise-cancelling headphones here for more options.

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x Life Q20 Bluetooth headphones
• 1 x Travel pouch 
• 1 x 3.5 mm AUX cable 
• 1 x Micro USB cable.

Technical specifications

• Dimensions: 18 x 7.8 x 19.5cm
• Weight: 262g
• Batteries: Lithium ion
• Battery life: 40 hours
• Material type: Memory foam, plastic
• Apple and Android compatible? 
• Bluetooth version:  5.0 
• Compatible with all Bluetooth devices? Yes

Audio specifications

• Driver diameter: 40mm
• Impedance: 16 Ohms
• Sensitivity: Approx 100 dB
• Frequency response: 16 Hz – 40 kHz
• Maximum power input: Unknown
• Noise-cancelling: Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation

Pros

• Very good battery life
• Lightweight
• ANC

Cons

• Too much bass for some people
• Not the most robust ANC

Get a 20% discount with our Soundcore student deal.

Best waterproof earbuds

Sony Walkman NW-WS413 — £109

Known as some of the best waterproof workout headphones, it comes equipped with its own MP3 player. They’re branded as waterproof and are ideal for swimmers and sweaty workouts

Why an MP3? Depending on where you’re swimming, the range can interfere with Bluetooth connectivity. The MP3 comes in two sizes: 4GB and 8GB. They come with four sets of earbuds too (one of which is for swimming specifically). What’s great is they double up as a pair of running headphones too, as you won’t need to connect your phone and can enjoy a peaceful run without your phone pinging.

What’s in the box

• 1 x  set of Sony Walkman NW-WS413 earbuds
• 1  x Set of swimming earbuds
• 1 x USB cradle
• 1 x USB cable
• 1 x Adjustment band
• 1 x Startup guide and instruction manual

Technical specifications

• Dimensions (earphones): Unknown
• Dimensions (charging case): 32g
• Weight (earphones): 32g
• Weight (charging case without earphones): Unknown
• Battery life: 12 hours
• Charging time: 1.5 hours
• Material type: Plastic, silicone
• Dust and waterproof rating: IP65/IP68
• Bluetooth version: 5.0

Audio specifications

• Noise cancelling: No
• Driver diameter: Unknown
• Sensitivity: Unknown
• Frequency: Unknown

Pros

• Fantastic battery life
• Waterproof

Cons

• Expensive
• Regularly swap earbuds

Get this for less with our Amazon student deals.

H2O Audio Sonar — £99

Another pair of bone conduction headphones! These are waterproof though, and clip to swimming goggles or glasses with ease. The buttons to operate them are large enough to feel underwater (we love how ergonomics are considered in different settings!). But unlike many waterproof headphones, the H2O Audio Sonar can also play music via Bluetooth. The range is limited underwater but it could be useful in a smaller swimming pool.

Got an Apple Watch? Check out H2O Audio’s Interval headphones, which hold your watch’s body at the back of your swimming cap so you can stream tunes from Apple Music, Spotify and more.

H2O Audio Sonar specs

What’s in the box

• 1 x H2O Sonar headphones
• 1 x USB charger cable
• 1 x Quick start guide

Technical specifications

• Dimensions (earphones): 3.5 x 2 x 2cm
• Dimensions (charging case): NA
• Weight (earphones): 90g
• Weight (charging case without earphones): NA
• Battery life: 7 hours
• Charging time: Unknown
• Material type: Unknown 
• Dust and waterproof rating: IPX8
• Bluetooth version: 5.0 

Audio specifications

• Noise-cancelling: Unknown
• Driver diameter: Unknown
• Sensitivity: Unknown
• Frequency: Unknown

Pros

• Waterproof
• Cheaper Sony alternative

Cons

• Lack of information
• Weak Bluetooth connectivity underwater

Get the H2O Sonar fast with our Amazon student deals.

We hope you’ve got a better idea of what workout headphones and earphones are on offer. There are tons to choose from, even waterproof ones if you enjoy swimming and other watersports.

What are the best headphones for running?

The best headphones for running depends on how you want to consume music while you run or workout. Earbuds? Headphones? Bone-conductor headsets? There are lots to choose from. But these are the best headphones for running in 2023.

1. H2O Audio Sonar
2. Anker Soundcore Life Q20
3. Beats Studio3 Wireless
4. JBL Live 660NC Wireless

What are the best in-ear headphones for the gym?

We highly recommend reading more about what ear tips come with each of our recommendations to ensure you get the best fit. However, overall, here are the best in-ear headphones for the gym:

1. Bose Sport Earbuds
2. Skullcandy Push Active
3. AirPods 3rd Generation
4. Bose SoundSport Wireless
5. Jabra Elite Active 75t

Are you after more great headphone or earbud options? Check out our ultimate headphones guide.

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