Best running headphones

Soundtrack your workout with the best running headphones, whatever your budget may be.

Best running headphones: Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds
(Image credit: Bose)

A great pair of running headphones can make all the difference to your run, whether that be a light jog around the block or a marathon. Of course, as well as providing instant playback of your favorite playlist as you exercise, our selection of headphones come with a range of features to enhance the listening experience.

All are wireless, simple to use, and sure to put a spring in your step. Whether you’re after immersive sound, sweat-proof properties or bone-conduction technology, our neat pick of products can cater to your needs. Our favorite? We’ve chosen the Mpow Flame Bluetooth Headphones, a sleek and affordable product that doesn’t falter on quality, offering immersive playback, a secure fit, and easy operation – not to mention noise-canceling technology. Explore our varied pick of headphones below.

Top pick

Mpow Flame Bluetooth Headphones

(Image credit: Mpow)

Mpow Flame Bluetooth Headphones

An affordable choice that performs well

Inexpensive and stylish with great audio and plenty of perks, these headphones are our top pick.

Pros:

  • Noise-canceling technology
  • IPX 7 waterproof
  • 7–9 hours’ playback
  • Secure fit
  • Volume and mic control
  • Very affordable

Cons:

  • No charging case

Wireless headphones that won’t break the bank? Look no further. Equipped with noise-canceling technology, these MPow Flame wireless headphones give great, bass-heavy sound for a playback time of 7–9 hours. Lightweight, with an adjustable neckband, the headphones use Bluetooth 5.0 for a steady and stable connection. Simply connect with your device and go. You won’t need to worry about the weather or perspiration; the headphones are well protected with an IPX 7 waterproof shell and interior nano-coating.

Small

HolyHigh Wireless Headphones

(Image credit: HolyHigh)

HolyHigh Wireless Headphones

A sleek design and a charging case that packs a punch

Ultra-lightweight and perfect for runners between places, these headphones have a classy design and a very special charging case.

Pros:

  • Ultra-lightweight
  • Case provides 30 hours’ additional playback time
  • Completely wireless
  • Easy-pairing technology
  • IPX 7 waterproof 
  • Hands-free functions

Cons:

  • Only 5 hours’ playback from headphones

User-friendly, lightweight (just 0.18 ounces), and understatedly cool, the HolyHigh Wireless Headphones are a must-have for the nomadic runner. Created from IPX 7 waterproof material, they have been trialed and tested continuously to achieve a perfect fit, enabling a seamless running experience without discomfort or falling earbuds. Did we mention they’re completely wireless? Fitted with hassle-free controls on the headsets, they allow for instant pairing with your device and smooth hands-free functions. And as if not enough, they come equipped with a compact charging case, giving you an extra 30 hours’ additional playback time. 

High-quality

Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds

(Image credit: Bose)

Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds

Slightly pricier, these are ones for the audiophiles

For uncompromising sound, these headphones are a go-to choice. They are a little dearer, but that’s accounted for in quality.

Pros:

  • Sweat- and weather-resistant
  • Excellent sound
  • Noise-canceling technology
  • Comfortable fit
  • Volume and mic control

Cons:

  • Not entirely waterproof
  • Only 6 hours’ playback

If you’re a sound-obsessive, these are our suggestion for you. Pairing smoothly with your device via Bluetooth and NFC technology, the Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds make for a stellar listening experience. Not only do they sound great, but they also have a secure in-ear fit that can handle intense, sweaty workouts without compromising on comfort. To seal it off, the device comes with an easy-to-use mic and volume control, ideal for turning it up a notch and using Siri voice controls.

Durable

AfterShokz Titanium Open Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones

(Image credit: AfterShokz)

AfterShokz Titanium Open Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones

Hi-tech headphones that don’t shut off the world

Some runners prefer to stay in touch with their surroundings as they exercise, and these do just that, using pioneering bone-conduction technology.

Pros:

  • Durable
  • Balance music and ambient noise
  • High-quality sound
  • Comfortable fit
  • Sweat-proof 
  • 6+ hours’ playback
  • Noise-canceling mics
  • Lightweight
  • Flexible

Cons:

  • Slightly more expensive

A stalwart choice for athletes the world over, these AfterShokz Titanium Headphones use the signature bone-conduction technology, supplying audio to your ears via your cheekbones. Besides blowing our minds, this technology means that you are tuned into your music and your surrounding sounds are not totally cut off, the end result being a smooth blend of high-quality music and spatial awareness. Complete with a wrap-around headband, they’re lightweight, durable, sweatproof, and – for those who can’t stand earbuds – an ideal way to tackle that extra mile.

Practical

Vislla Wireless Earbud Sport Headphones

(Image credit: Vislla)

Vislla Wireless Earbud Sport Headphones

Completely wireless, these headphones are understated but teeming with functions

Not only are these headphones simple and easy to use, but they also provide the utmost comfort and stellar sound. 

Pros:

  • Completely wireless
  • Easy-pairing technology
  • Noise-canceling technology
  • Up to 8 hours’ playback
  • High-quality sound
  • Sweat-proof
  • Charging case included
  • Hands-free functions

Cons:

  • Only sweat- and rain-resistant, not fully waterproof

For those who like their headphones pared-back, these are just the ticket. Completely wireless, these Vislla Wireless Earbud Sport Headphones slot seamlessly into the ears and are secured in place with a flexible ear hook. As well as their comfort, they also shine when it comes to sound. The snug fit isolates the ears from outside noise, and the sound is crisp and bassy. As you run, you can control playback and, if need be, answer calls using the physical buttons on the headphones. Oh, and they come with a sleek portable charging case, ideal for those always on the move.

Comfortable

Levin Bluetooth Headphones

(Image credit: Levin)

Levin Bluetooth Headphones

Comfort is king when it comes to Levin

If you can’t stand in-ear headphones, or simply can’t find an earbud that fits, these headphones could just be your savior.  

Pros:

  • Completely wireless
  • Sweatproof
  • Lightweight
  • Foldable
  • Hands-free functions
  • Foam-padded speakers
  • Playback control

Cons:

  • Larger design

Earbuds are not for everybody, particularly those with smaller or more sensitive ears. That’s where these Levin Bluetooth Headphones come in. Soft on the ears and completely non-intrusive, these headphones provide clear sound and don’t drown out your surroundings. Besides comfort, they’re easily portable and can be coiled for compact and convenient carrying. One thing’s for sure: these won’t be falling out of your ears during a midweek jog or a cross-country run. The headband, ear hooks, and ergonomic design can weather the most dynamic of activities.

Our verdict

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Given its classy design, snug fit, and its array of functions, our top pick is the Mpow Flame Bluetooth Headphones. That said, there isn’t only one winner. For those who travel light but won’t skimp on quality, we suggest HolyHigh Wireless Headphones; for audiophiles happy to part with a little more, we say Bose SoundSport Wireless Earbuds; and for chicer runners, it has to be TaoTronics SoundElite 17 Bluetooth Headphones.

But what about the seasoned runners? In this case, look to AfterShokz Titanium Open Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones – you won’t be disappointed. And if hassle or discomfort are your pet peeves, we have two contenders in mind. For practicality, Vislla Wireless Earbud Sport Headphones should do the trick; for comfort, try the Levin Bluetooth Headphones.

Joseph Bobowicz
Freelance Contributor

Working across digital and print publications, Joseph Bobowicz is a London-born writer obsessed with books, culture, and all things new. When he's not writing about fashion for i-D and the Independent, he's out sourcing the best homewares to incorporate into any humble abode, fixer-upper, or first-time buy alike.