10 Best Running Headphones 2025 in the United States

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are designed with runners and athletes in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit thanks to their ergonomic design and Ni-Ti alloy memory wire. The open-ear design keeps you aware of your surroundings, enhancing safety during outdoor activities. Sound quality is a highlight, with dual drivers delivering clear highs and deep bass, and customizable EQ modes available through the Shokz App to tailor your audio experience.

Battery life is impressive, providing up to 12 hours of playback, which is ample for extended workouts and runs. Additionally, these headphones are sweat and water-resistant, making them suitable for intense exercises and various weather conditions. Connectivity is solid, with Bluetooth 5.3 ensuring a stable wireless connection within a 33-foot range.

The controls are easy to use with buttons for volume and playback, and the built-in microphones with AI noise reduction ensure clear calls even in windy environments. However, they lack active noise cancellation, which might be a drawback in very noisy surroundings. The open-ear design might not be suitable for those who prefer complete immersion in their music. Despite these minor downsides, the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are an excellent choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable, high-quality audio companion.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with runners and active users in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit thanks to reinforced earhooks and multiple ear tip sizes. This makes them reliable during intense workouts without worrying about them falling out. Sound quality is enhanced with Active Noise Cancelling and Adaptive EQ, providing clear highs, rich mids, and strong bass, plus a Transparency mode to stay aware of surroundings—useful for outdoor running.

The battery life is impressive, delivering up to 45 hours with the case and about 10 hours per single charge, which is helpful for long training sessions. Sweat and water resistance rated IPX4 mean they can handle rain or sweat, but they aren’t fully waterproof for swimming. Connectivity is strong, with Class 1 Bluetooth ensuring stable connections for both Apple and Android devices. The earbuds support useful features like hands-free voice commands, easy controls on the buds, and a heart rate monitor that tracks your pulse during exercise. The case is smaller and supports wireless charging, adding convenience.

These earbuds are a bit heavier than some competitors, which might affect comfort for those who prefer ultra-light gear. Also, the USB-C charging cable is not included, so you may need to have one ready. If you want premium running earbuds with great sound, durable build, and useful workout features, the Powerbeats Pro 2 represents a solid choice, but if you prioritize ultra-lightweight or waterproof headphones, there might be better options.

The Beats Studio Buds are a solid choice for running headphones, offering several strengths and a few notable weaknesses. One of the biggest strengths is their sound quality, thanks to a custom acoustic platform that delivers powerful and balanced audio. Additionally, the earbuds feature Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and a Transparency mode, allowing you to control how much outside noise you hear, which can be useful when running in different environments.

Comfort is another plus, as they come with three sizes of soft ear tips to ensure a stable and comfortable fit, which is crucial during physical activities. The IPX4 rating means the earbuds are sweat and water-resistant, making them suitable for runs in various weather conditions or intense workouts. Battery life is decent, offering up to 8 hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 24 hours with the included charging case. The Fast Fuel feature is handy, giving you an hour of playback with just a 5-minute charge.

Connectivity is reliable with Class 1 Bluetooth, providing an extended range and fewer dropouts, which is beneficial for maintaining connection during runs. The built-in microphone and controls are convenient for making calls and controlling your music without needing to pull out your phone. However, there are some drawbacks. The ANC, while useful, may not be as effective as that found in higher-end models. Additionally, some users might find the lack of customizable sound profiles a limitation. Finally, the earbuds may not fit all ear shapes perfectly, despite the different ear tip sizes. In summary, the Beats Studio Buds offer a good mix of sound quality, comfort, and practical features, making them a worthwhile option for runners, though they come with a few minor limitations.