Working out with music can be a game changer. The right playlist can boost your energy, keep you motivated, and make your workout fly by. But headphones with wires dangling everywhere can ruin the experience. That‘s where wireless earbuds come in.
With no cables to worry about, wireless earbuds let you move freely and focus on your workout. But not all wireless earbuds are created equal when it comes to intense exercise. You need a pair that offers great sound, secure fit, sweat resistance, long battery life and other workout-friendly features.
To help you find the best wireless earbuds for working out, I‘ve reviewed the top options available in 2023 based on comfort, sound quality, battery life, special features and value. Here are my top picks:
Top Wireless Earbuds for Working Out
Jabra Elite Active 75t
The Jabra Elite Active 75t are still one of the best all-around wireless earbuds for working out in 2023. With an IP57 rating making them dustproof and waterproof up to 1 meter for 30 minutes, they can easily handle sweat. The tight but comfortable fit ensures the buds stay put during intense exercise. And features like HearThrough mode let you pipe in ambient sound when needed.
Key features:
- IP57 waterproof and sweatproof rating
- Secure fit with grip coating
- Active noise canceling
- Up to 24 hours battery with ANC on
JLab Go Air Pop
If you want an affordable yet capable pair of workout earbuds, the JLab Go Air Pop is a great choice. Despite the low price, these earbuds deliver surprisingly good sound. The over-ear hooks keep them securely in place. And with 32 hours of total playtime, you can go days between charges.
Key features:
- Budget-friendly price
- IPX4 sweat resistance rating
- 32 hours total battery life
- EQ sound profiles to customize
Powerbeats Pro
Designed for high intensity exercise, the Powerbeats Pro have an ear hook design that keeps them locked in. Sweat and water resistance means humidity won‘t slow you down. And with up to 24 hours of battery life, they can keep going as long as you can.
Key features:
- Ear hook design for secure fit
- IPX4 rating against sweat and water
- Up to 24 hours battery life
- Dynamic sound with emphasis on bass
Aftershokz Aeropex
The Aftershokz Aeropex are wireless bone conduction headphones, so there‘s nothing inserted in your ears. This open design lets in ambient noise for safety outdoors. Sweatproof and extremely lightweight, they‘re great for running and sports. The tradeoff is sound quality isn‘t as dynamic.
Key features:
- Bone conduction design leaves ears open
- IP67 dustproof and waterproof rating
- 8 hours battery life per charge
- Situational awareness for outdoor exercise
Bose Sport Earbuds
With excellent sound powered by Bose active EQ, the Bose Sport Earbuds sound fantastic whether you’re pumping iron or out on a run. The proprietary StayHear Max tips keep them secure and comfortable. While not the longest battery life, just 15 minutes in the case provides 2 hours of playtime.
Key features:
- Signature Bose sound with rich bass
- Proprietary ear tips for secure fit
- IPX4 rating against sweat and water
- 15 minutes charging = 2 hours playtime
No matter your budget or needs, there’s an excellent pair of wireless earbuds that can keep you powered through any workout. Read on for more details on each of these top options.
Reviews of the Best Wireless Earbuds for Working Out
Jabra Elite Active 75t
The Jabra Elite Active 75t have been on the market since 2020, but they remain one of the best all-around wireless earbuds for working out. With excellent comfort, durability, sound quality and special features, these buds check all the boxes.
Sound Quality
With 6mm speakers and a frequency range of 20Hz – 20kHz, the Jabra Elite Active 75t deliver dynamic, well-balanced sound with powerful bass. The integrated ear tips form a tight seal for excellent noise isolation. And you can toggle on the active noise cancelation for an even more immersive listening experience.
Comfort & Fit
The Jabra Elite Active 75t offer a very secure and comfortable fit for workouts thanks to the ergonomic shape and silicone ear tips. A special grip coating further ensures the buds stay firmly in place. At just 0.19 ounces each, they are so lightweight you may forget you have them in.
Durability & Water Resistance
With an IP57 rating, the Jabra Elite Active 75t are dustproof, waterproof and sweatproof. They can be submerged in up to 3 feet of water for 30 minutes. So rain and intense sweat during your toughest workouts are no concern.
Battery Life
You get up to 5.5 hours of listening per charge. The charging case provides an additional 2 charges for a total of 24.5 hours. Just 15 minutes in the case provides 1 hour of playtime. The fast charging and long battery life means you‘ll rarely be without your workout soundtrack.
Key Features
- IP57 waterproof and sweatproof rating
- Secure fit with special grip coating
- Active noise canceling
- Up to 24.5 hours battery with ANC on
- HearThrough mode pipes in ambient sound
Bottom Line: With excellent sound, comfort, battery life and rugged durability, the Jabra Elite Active 75t remain one of the best overall choices for workout earbuds.
JLab Go Air Pop
If you want wireless earbuds on a budget, the JLab Go Air Pop proves you don‘t have to sacrifice performance or features. These surprisingly capable earbuds cost a fraction of many premium options.
Sound Quality
The JLab Go Air Pop produce highly impressive sound for the price. Dual drivers in each earbud and three EQ modes let you customize the sound profile. Bass boost mode delivers that deep thumping beat perfect for workouts.
Comfort & Fit
The over-ear hooks on the Go Air Pop keep the earbuds firmly in place during intense exercise. Four sets of eartips allow you to find just the right fit for your ears. At just 0.2 ounces each, you barely notice them.
Durability & Water Resistance
With an IPX4 rating, the Go Air Pop provides sweat resistance to handle tough workouts. Just don‘t submerge them in water.
Battery Life
You get up to 8 hours per charge with an additional 24 hours from the charging case. That‘s a total of 32 hours listening time before you‘ll need to recharge.
Key Features
- Budget-friendly price
- IPX4 rating for sweat resistance
- Over-ear hooks for secure fit
- 32 hours total battery life
- EQ sound profiles to customize
Bottom Line: If you want wireless earbuds on a tight budget, the JLab Go Air Pop deliver surprisingly great sound and features without breaking the bank.
Powerbeats Pro
Optimized for fitness and endurance training, the Powerbeats Pro have an ear hook design that keeps them locked in place during intense workouts. Sweat and water resistance allow you to push through any grueling workout.
Sound Quality
With a powerful driver in each earbud, the Powerbeats Pro deliver dynamic sound with rich bass. The ear hook design and eartips provide a tight seal for excellent noise isolation so you stay focused.
Comfort & Fit
The flexible ear hook design ensures a secure fit that stays put during the most rigorous exercise. Multiple eartip options help you find the perfect fit for full comfort. The light 0.7 ounce weight means they are barely noticeable.
Durability & Water Resistance
An IPX4 rating makes the Powerbeats Pro sweat and water resistant. Use them worry-free in the rain or through intense training sessions. Just don‘t submerge them.
Battery Life
With up to 9 hours per charge, and an additional 15 hours from the case, you get up to 24 hours of total listening time. Just 5 minutes of charging provides 1.5 hours of play when you need a quick re-boost.
Key Features
- Ear hook design for secure fit
- IPX4 rating against sweat and water
- Up to 24 hours total battery life
- Pump up bass-driven sound
- Volume & track controls on each earbud
Bottom Line: With marathon battery life, sweat-proof design and dynamic sound, the Powerbeats Pro are ideal for intense training, HIIT workouts, running and beyond.
Aftershokz Aeropex
Unlike traditional earbuds, the Aftershokz Aeropex are wireless bone conduction headphones. Instead of sitting in your ear canal, they deliver sound through vibrations to your cheekbones. This leaves your ears open to hear ambient noise for safety.
Sound Quality
With an open ear design, sound quality is not as dynamic as some sealed earbuds. But the Aeropex provide clear audio and punchy bass for workout music. Just don‘t expect an immersive listening experience.
Comfort & Fit
Weighing just 1.2 ounces, you barely notice the Aeropex during exercise. The flexible ear hooks ensure a customized secure fit. Since nothing plugs your ears, they are great for those who can‘t tolerate in-ear buds.
Durability & Water Resistance
With an IP67 rating, the Aeropex are dustproof, sweatproof and can be immersed in 3 feet of water. Rain and sweat pose no problems for these rugged bone conducting headphones.
Battery Life
You get up to 8 hours of continuous playtime on a charge. The case provides an extra 16 hours for 24 hours total. A quick 5-minute charge gives you 1.5 hours if you forget to recharge.
Key Features
- Bone conduction design leaves ears open
- IP67 rating – dustproof and waterproof
- 8 hours battery life per charge
- Situational awareness for outdoor exercise
Bottom Line: If you want headphones that let in ambient sound for safety outdoors, or can‘t tolerate buds in your ears, the Aftershokz Aeropex are an excellent open-ear option. Just don‘t expect the most powerful sound.
Bose Sport Earbuds
With excellent sound powered by Bose active EQ, the Bose Sport Earbuds allow you to immerse in high quality music on the go. Proprietary ear tips keep them secure and comfortable even through sweaty, grueling workouts.
Sound Quality
With Bose active EQ continually optimizing sound, you get powerful, dynamic audio that keeps you pumped up. Punchy bass brings workout music to life. Noise isolation from the tight seal allows you to zone in.
Comfort & Fit
Bose designed their unique StayHear Max eartips for an extra secure yet comfortable fit. The tips twist into place to lock in, while still feeling soft. At 0.32 ounces, the lightweight buds almost disappear during exercise.
Durability & Water Resistance
With an IPX4 rating, the Bose Sport Earbuds can easily handle sweat and water exposure from tough workouts or running in the rain. Just don‘t submerge them.
Battery Life
At 5 hours per charge, battery life is not the longest. However, just 15 minutes in the charging case provides 2 hours of playtime for quick bursts when needed. The case holds two extra full charges.
Key Features
- Proprietary StayHear Max eartips for secure fit
- Punchy, bass-driven sound with Bose EQ
- IPX4 rating against sweat and water
- 15 minutes charging = 2 hours playtime
Bottom Line: For world class sound in sport earbuds, the Bose Sport Earbuds let you jam out without compromise during any workout thanks to incredible quality powered by active EQ.
How to Choose the Best Wireless Earbuds for Working Out
Picking the right wireless earbuds for your workouts comes down to considering a few key factors:
Secure Fit
Earbuds that are loose and fall out will quickly ruin your workout experience. Look for earbuds designed to stay put during intense activity. Secure-fitting ear tips, ear hooks, and fins all help keep earbuds in place. Trying on different styles can help determine the best fit.
Sweat & Water Resistance
You want earbuds that can survive and function despite sweat, rain, splashes or even submersion in water. Check the IP rating which will tell you how resistant they are. IPX4 provides protection from splashes while IPX7 is waterproof. Sweat-proof earbuds ensure humidity won‘t ruin your headphones or sound.
Battery Life
Headphones dying mid-workout is a real buzzkill. Check battery life ratings to make sure your earbuds can go the distance through long workouts and training. Quick charge features are also useful for fast recharging when you forget.
Sound Quality
Sound is subjective, but you want earbuds that deliver clear audio and strong bass to help push you through intense exercise. Noise isolation also helps you zone in without distraction. More budget-friendly earbuds often compromise on sound in favor of other features.
Special Features
Bonus features like active noise canceling, awareness modes, wireless charging, and built-in assistants provide added functionality. Assess what features would improve your workout experience and aid your training.
5 Tips for Working Out with Wireless Earbuds
Once you’ve chosen the right wireless earbuds for your workouts, keep these tips in mind:
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Use eartips that form a tight seal for better sound and noise isolation. Foam tips provide the best seal for many.
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Clean earbuds regularly to prevent buildup of earwax and grime which can impact sound quality.
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Turn down volume before inserting to avoid damage to your ears. 60% max volume is recommended.
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Bring backup ear tips in case the ones you‘re using get lost or damaged during your workout.
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Store earbuds properly in a case or pouch. Tossing them loose into your gym bag can cause damage over time.
Take Your Workouts to the Next Level with Wireless Earbuds
Music can provide that vital boost of motivation to push your workouts to the next level. But wires getting in the way and earbuds falling out can ruin the experience fast. With the right set of wireless earbuds designed for exercise, you can enjoy your workout playlists freely and focus on pushing your limits.
Hopefully these wireless earbud reviews and tips help you find your perfect workout listening companion. Just don‘t forget to hydrate and refuel when the music is pumping you up to go harder and longer!