10 Best Running Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The HAOYUYAN BX17 wireless earbuds are designed with runners and fitness enthusiasts in mind, offering several features that cater well to active use. The fit is enhanced by flexible ear hooks and multiple silicone tip sizes, which help keep the earbuds secure and comfortable during movement. Thanks to the IPX7 waterproof rating, they can handle sweat, rain, and even brief submersion, making them reliable in various weather conditions and intense workouts.

Sound quality is strong for this price point, with 14.3mm drivers delivering deep bass and clear mids and highs. The earbuds also provide passive noise isolation and environmental noise cancellation to help keep you focused. Battery life is impressive, with up to 15 hours of playtime per charge and a total of 80 hours using the charging case, plus an easy-to-read LED display showing battery levels. Connectivity is stable via Bluetooth 5.3, with quick auto-pairing and compatibility across most devices. Physical buttons are a practical touch, letting you control music and calls easily, even with sweaty or gloved hands.

The earbuds are a bit heavier than some ultra-light models, which might affect comfort for those who prefer barely-there gear. The Bluetooth range is around 10 meters, which is standard but might limit distance in some scenarios. These earbuds deliver excellent value for runners wanting durable, comfortable, and long-lasting wireless headphones without breaking the bank.

The Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds offer a blend of comfort, advanced features, and solid performance for runners. The redesigned shape and shorter stem contribute to a more comfortable and secure fit, which is essential for running. Additionally, the earbuds are rated IP54 for dust, sweat, and water resistance, making them suitable for sweaty workouts and outdoor runs in various weather conditions.

The inclusion of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) helps block out unwanted background noise, providing an immersive listening experience. However, the battery life with ANC enabled is up to 4 hours, which might be insufficient for extended runs without recharging. Without ANC, the earbuds offer up to 30 hours of total listening time using the charging case, which is more suitable for longer durations.

The earbuds' sound quality is enhanced by the H2 chip, offering features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ that dynamically adjust the audio based on your ear shape and listening environment. The Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology ensures stable connectivity, which is crucial during physical activities. Furthermore, quick-press controls and voice commands with Siri allow for easy operation without needing to constantly handle your device. One potential drawback is the necessity to purchase the USB-C charge cable separately. The Apple AirPods 4 are a strong contender for running earbuds, combining comfort, sound quality, and water resistance, with a minor setback in battery life when ANC is used continuously.

The SHOKZ New OpenFit 2+ earbuds use an open-ear design, making them a good choice if you want to stay aware of your surroundings during runs or workouts. They’re very lightweight (only 9.4g) and have soft silicone ear hooks, which help keep them comfortable and secure even when you're moving or sweating. With an IP55 rating, they resist water and sweat well, so they can handle rain or intense exercise without issues.

When it comes to sound, these earbuds stand out by using Dolby Audio and Shokz’s DualBoost technology, which delivers clear highs and decent bass for an open-ear style. However, because they don’t fully cover or seal the ear, the bass won’t be as strong as in traditional in-ear earbuds. The battery life is impressive — 11 hours of continuous use on a single charge and up to 48 hours when combined with the wireless charging case. Quick charging is also handy, giving 2 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge.

Connectivity is solid with Bluetooth 5.4, a decent range, and the ability to connect to two devices at once, which is convenient for switching between phone and laptop. Call quality benefits from multiple microphones that reduce background noise. These earbuds do not offer noise cancellation, so ambient sounds will always be audible, which is a safety plus for outdoor runners but might be distracting in noisy environments. They are well-suited for runners who prioritize comfort, situational awareness, and long battery life, but might not satisfy those looking for deep bass or full noise isolation.