NEW Year is here, and if fitness is on your list, the best wireless headphones will keep you motivated and moving.
I’ve tested everything from budget buds to premium over-ears to find pairs that stay secure, deliver crisp, punchy sound, and won’t quit mid-workout.
Comfort matters as much as audio quality, so nothing here digs in after a few miles or a sweaty class.
Training for a marathon or getting back into a routine after the holidays, you need gear that supports your pace, not distracts from it.
Below are my tried-and-tested picks to power every workout.
How I tested
To find the best options out there for running, I put each pair of headphones through its paces (literally).
I tested them on jogs, dog walks, and commutes to see how they fit into everyday life and whether they could keep up.
Sound quality, comfort, and fit were top priorities. The right pair should feel secure, sound great, and stay comfortable no matter how long you’re on the move.
Battery life and durability were just as important; no one wants their music cutting out mid-run or their headphones falling apart after a few weeks.
I also focused on water resistance because a little sweat or rain shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
And since safety matters just as much as sound, I looked at situational awareness to ensure you can still hear what’s happening around you when it counts.
Best wireless headphones for running: at a glance
The best wireless headphones for running in 2026, reviewed
1. Powerbeats Pro 2
Powerbeats Pro 2,
£184 at Amazon
Pros: Superb sound profile, incredibly effective noise cancellation, comfy over-ear fit
Cons: None whatsoever
Rating: 10/10
While it’s never actually happened, I’ve always been quietly terrified that one of my earbuds would slip out and escape mid-run — I’d even go so far as to say that anxiety affects my performance.
That’s why I’m so smitten with the second-generation Powerbeats Pro.
Now owned by Apple, the brand has wisely differentiated this line from the main AirPods range, delivering a rich, bass-heavy audio profile — all with over-ear hooks that fasten them securely in place.
The fact that they now include ANC (Active Noise Cancellation), unlike their first-gen predecessors, is just the icing on the cake.
Perhaps it’s a bit sad, but my favourite feature is the physical push buttons.
Each side has a dedicated volume toggle and a main button you tap to start playback or hold to activate ANC.
When you’re mid-sprint, tactile buttons are so much more reliable than the finicky touch sensors you get on other models.
Like all premium earbuds, you’ll probably ask yourself: Are they worth that much? My answer to any runner is a simple yes.
2. Beats Fit Pro
Beats Fit Pro,
£130 at Amazon
Pros: Excellent sound quality, stylish and lightweight, solid water-resistant rating, decent battery life.
Cons: May not fit all ear shapes
Rating: 9.5/10
The popular on-ear Beats might not cut it for workouts, but the Beats Fit Pro are a different story, with a secure fit, sweatproof design, and top-tier sound.
The wingtip design keeps them firmly in place, and they didn’t budge, even on the less-than-ideal trails of the Essex countryside.
They’re super comfortable too, with the wing hugging your ear’s contours without feeling too tight, even after hours of wear.
That said, if you have smaller ears, you might find these a bit large.
While Beats include different ear tips for a better fit, the wingtip design won’t work for everyone.
For around £200 full price, I expected great sound, and they delivered with built-in Apple smarts that deliver spatial audio, making everything feel more immersive.
They give me the same experience I get with my AirPods, with active noise cancellation and my go-to transparency mode, but built for fitness.
Battery life is decent enough at 6 hours per charge (24 with the case), and a quick 5-minute top-up gives you an extra hour of playtime.
Overall, they tick all the boxes: secure fit, all-day comfort, and seriously impressive sound.
Type: In-ear buds, IP rating: IPX4 (Water and dust resistant), Noise-cancelling: Yes
3. Philips A6219 Go
Philips A6219 Go,
£94.39 at Amazon
Pros: Solar-powered, so it rarely needs charging, extremely lightweight, and built to be very durable.
Cons: No active noise cancellation.
Rating: 9/10
If you’re a runner who hates constantly recharging your gear, the Philips A6219 Go Solar headphones will be a dream.
With a built-in Powerfoyle solar panel on the headband, they soak up sunlight (or even indoor light) to keep the battery topped up.
I’ve had them for three weeks now, and I haven’t even come close to needing to charge them, so they’re always ready when you are.
Even if you do need to plug in, you’ll get a massive 80 hours of playback on a full charge, way more than most wireless headphones out there.
These are over-ear headphones, and honestly, they’re the lightest I’ve ever used. The earcans are super comfortable, making them great for long runs or all-day wear.
They’re designed for sports, with a lightweight, flexible frame and sweat-resistant build, so they stay comfy and secure even on intense runs.
Sound-wise, they’re crisp and well-balanced, and while they’re not noise-cancelling, they do a great job of blocking out external noise so you can stay focused.
If you want a pair of running headphones that essentially charge themselves, the A6219 Go is a no-brainer.
Type: Over-ear headphones, IP rating: IP55 (Water and dust resistant), Noise-cancelling: No
4. Sennheiser Momentum Sport
Sennheiser Momentum Sport,
£129.99 (was £279.99) at Sennheiser
Pros: Premium sound quality, adaptive active noise cancellation, and transparency mode; lightweight; solid water-resistance rating.
Cons: Battery life could be better for the price, expensive at full price.
Rating: 9/10
If you’re after premium sound in a sport-friendly package, the Sennheiser Momentum Sport are exactly that.
These felt built for intense workouts, with a lightweight, secure design that sat comfortably inside my ear.
The IP55 water resistance is a huge win, whether you’re sweating buckets or caught in a downpour, these can handle it.
The real standout, though, is the adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC).
It adjusts automatically to your surroundings, blocking distractions so you can focus on your pace.
There’s also a transparency mode for when you need to stay aware, which I’m always happy to have in a pair of running headphones.
At £279.99, full price, I expected top-notch sound, and it delivered: deep bass and rich sound that will add some punch to your playlist.
The battery life is pretty standard, with up to 6 hours on a full charge and an extra 24 hours from the case, but at this price, I’d hoped for a bit more.
Overall, if you’re after top-tier sound, solid noise cancellation, a secure fit for your runs, and a flexible budget, the Momentum Sport is definitely worth it.
Type: In-ear buds, IP rating: IP55 (Water and dust resistant), Noise-cancelling: Yes (Adaptive ANC)
5. Shokz Open Fit Air
Shokz Open Fit Air,
£94 at Shokz
Pros: Comfortable open-ear design, good situational awareness, crisp, clear audio.
Cons: Laggy touch controls, pricey for open-ear style.
Rating: 8.5/10
The flexible ear hooks on the OpenFit Air are a game-changer, especially compared to the OpenRun Pro 2’s headband design.
They’re lightweight and fit snugly, so you can wear them all day without discomfort and stay secure during your workout.
Shokz really sold me on the open-ear design — it’s perfect for runners who need to stay aware of their surroundings while on the road.
The sound quality is clear and balanced, though don’t expect thumping bass or total noise isolation in busy spots.
Battery life is solid, providing 7 hours of playback and an additional 17 hours from the charging case.
With an IP54 rating, they’re sweat- and rain-resistant, so you won’t have to worry if you get caught in a downpour or push yourself through a tough workout.
One small downside? The manual controls can be a little slow or unresponsive mid-run, but the comfort and awareness they provide make them a firm favourite of mine.
Read my full Shokz OpenFit Air review for more of my insights.
Type: Open-ear bone-conducting, IP rating: IP54 (Water and dust resistant), Noise-cancelling: No
6. JLab Go Air Pop+
JLab Go Air Pop+,
£24.99 at Amazon
Pros: Great sound quality with strong bass, high volume capability, effective noise cancellation even without music, secure fit
Cons: Occasional connectivity issues, not ideal for wet conditions.
Rating: 8.5/10
These JLab Go Air Pop+ True Wireless Earbuds deliver strong bass and volume for a lower-cost earbud; the price tag does not reflect their performance.
They’re easy to connect, stay firmly in place, and don’t slip out during rigorous activities such as running or general training (including high-intensity interval training).
The audio quality, including bass, is very good. The volume can rise significantly, and the bass is subtle rather than overbearing.
They’re also effective at noise cancellation, with or without music playing, which is great for general focus, making them a versatile pair of headphones.
My only concern with the earbuds is that, in the short time I had them, they disconnected once or twice, going silent in one earbud and crackling.
But, this was due to taking them out in the rain, so perhaps not a pair for wet-weather jogging!
Overall, it’s a perfect pair of earbuds.
Type: In-ear buds, IP rating: IPX4 (Water and dust resistant), Noise-cancelling: Yes
7. Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2,
£169 at Shokz
Pros: Great situational awareness, solid battery life, very durable.
Cons: Not the best in noisy environments, bass doesn’t hit as hard as regular headphones.
Rating: 8/10
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones take a different approach to most wireless headphones, prioritising safety and comfort over noise cancellation.
Designed for an active lifestyle, they’re tough enough to handle daily wear and tear, making them a solid choice for runners, cyclists, and commuters alike.
With open-ear bone-conduction tech, you get your tunes without sealing off your surroundings, which is a big plus for road safety.
The fit is secure and lightweight, though they may feel slightly loose during high-intensity workouts.
Audio-wise, they deliver crisp vocals and decent clarity, but you might be left wanting if you love deep, thumping bass.
In noisy environments, you may need to crank up the volume to compensate.
That said, battery life is a win, with up to 10 hours on a full charge, plus a quick five-minute boost gives you an extra hour of playback, perfect for those last-minute runs.
Take a look at my full Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review for a deeper dive.
Type: Open-ear bone-conducting, IP rating: IP55 (Water and dust resistant), Noise-cancelling: No
8. Baseus Eli Open Earbuds
Baseus Eli Open Earbuds,
£39.99 at Amazon
Pros: Open-ear design for awareness, lightweight and secure fit, sweatproof, and effective at reducing background noise.
Cons: Weak bass, struggles in noisier areas.
Rating: 7/10
If you’re into the idea of open-ear buds that keep you aware of your surroundings, the Baseus Eli Open Earbuds are a great choice.
Let’s be real, not everyone wants to spend a fortune on running headphones (myself included).
Much like Shokz, the Baseus has an open design that sits just outside your ears, so you can hear traffic, chatter, and everything else going on around you.
They’re super lightweight, with a rubber ear-hook design that keeps them secure, and they never feel bulky or uncomfortable.
Sound-wise, they’re decent, but the bass isn’t their strong suit. I definitely had to crank up the volume even indoors.
If you’re after deep, powerful sound, these might not hit the mark.
Instead of ANC, they use Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC), which does a surprisingly good job of reducing background noise.
It’s not total silence, but it’s better than nothing, especially at this price.
They deliver up to 10 hours of battery life, and I was pleased to see an IPX4 water resistance rating, so I wasn’t concerned about sweating in them.
Type: Open-ear, IP rating: IPX4 (Water and dust resistant), Noise-cancelling: No (reduces background noise with ENC)
9. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2,
£219 at Amazon
Pros: Great sound quality, strong noise cancellation, comfortable for long wear.
Cons: May not fit all ear shapes, not the most secure fit, and expensive for wireless earbuds.
Rating: 6/10
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a solid choice, especially for Android users, offering a snug, comfortable fit that you can wear for hours.
The sound quality is impressive too – rich, balanced, and with a bass punch that puts Google’s buds toe-to-toe with Apple’s AirPods.
You get different ear tip options to help you find a decent fit, but the small wing support didn’t provide enough stability for me.
While they’re comfortable, they’re not the most secure for intense runs, so you might find them slipping a little when you pick up the pace.
On the plus side, they’re lightweight and IPX4-rated, so they can handle sweat and light rain.
The haptic touch controls are easy to use, making it simple to adjust your music without breaking your stride.
Bear in mind that these buds are optimised for Android, so Apple users might want to look elsewhere.
Check out my full Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 review for more of my thoughts.
Type: In-ear buds, IP rating: IPX4 (Water and dust resistant), Noise-cancelling: Yes (for Android)
10. Beats Solo 4
Beats Solo 4,
£149 at Amazon
Pros: Long battery life, quick charging, stylish and lightweight, punchy bass.
Cons: No IP rating, expensive, unstable for vigorous workouts, and uncomfortable after extended wear.
Rating: 5/10
If you’re after wireless over-ear headphones that balance style and sound, the Beats Solo 4 tick those boxes, but they’re not built for sweaty runs.
Without an IP rating, they aren’t sweat- or rain-resistant, so they’re better suited for indoor sessions or dry-weather workouts.
That said, they offer 50 hours of battery life, easily outlasting even the longest training sessions.
If you’re low on charge, a 10-minute Fast Fuel charge provides 5 hours of playback, ideal for last-minute workouts.
These on-ear headphones are lightweight and feature plush ear cushions, providing decent comfort.
The fit is snug but not overly tight; however, they’re not the most stable for vigorous workouts and may cause discomfort with extended wear.
Sound-wise, they deliver punchy bass, great for high-energy playlists.
They lack active noise cancellation, which is reserved for the Beats Studio and Pro lineup, but they do a decent job of blocking out background noise.
If you’re after great sound and long battery life for casual training, the Solo 4 fits the bill, but it struggles in the fitness space.
Type: On-ear headphones, IP rating: None, Noise-cancelling: No
Which headphones are best for running?
It’s personal preference, but for running, wireless is the smart choice, so you’re not fighting cables with every stride.
If you train outdoors, bone conduction or open-ear buds keep you aware of traffic and cyclists while still delivering enough punch to keep you moving.
Those who prefer in-ear options should choose true wireless with secure hooks or wings that won’t shift during sprints or intervals.
Check the IP rating for sweat and rain protection, aim for at least IPX4, and make sure the battery comfortably covers your longest run with a quick-charge option for last-minute sessions.
Easy controls matter when you’re on the move, and a transparency mode is safer than heavy noise cancelling outside.
Where to buy wireless earbuds for running
When it comes to running headphones, the choices are endless, so finding the right pair can feel a bit overwhelming.
The good news? You won’t have to search far! The top picks in this list are easy to find at major retailers.
Here are our top picks:
What should I look for in running headphones?
A secure fit and comfort are key; nothing kills a good run like stopping to adjust your earbuds.
You’ll want to ensure they are durable and can go the distance, so look for at least an IPX4 rating to protect them from rain and sweat.
Battery life matters, so aim for at least 6 hours per charge to cover long runs and workouts.
Noise cancellation is great for focus, but transparency mode is safer if you need to hear traffic.
And, of course, great sound quality, because your running playlist deserves to shine too.
How much should I spend on running headphones?
You don’t have to break the bank; there are solid options out there under £50.
Mid-range (£50 – £150) gets you better sound, a secure fit, and solid waterproofing.
Premium (£150+) includes top-tier audio, longer battery life, and advanced features such as adaptive noise cancellation.
If you run casually, budget-friendly models work just fine, but for anyone training regularly, it’s worth investing in comfort and durability.
The best headphones are the ones that fit your needs, so go for quality, but don’t overspend if you don’t need all the bells and whistles.
