I've tested dozens of workout earbuds, and these are the best in 2026

One thing we discovered during testing is how much driver placement matters with open-ear earbuds. Nothing positions the drivers close to your ear canals, which helps improve bass strength compared to what you might expect from this type of design. Of course, there’s only so much you can do without a proper seal. You’ll still hear passing cars, conversations, and everything else happening around you. That’s the whole point for outdoor exercise, but it also means your music has to compete with background noise.

Additionally, the Nothing X app gives you plenty of control over the sound. We found that adjusting the EQ helped improve bass strength, and the full parametric EQ offers more flexibility than you’ll find on many competing earbuds.

We also liked the pinch controls. They’re easy to operate, and you can customize their functions in the Nothing X app. You get Bluetooth multipoint for connecting two devices at once, along with Google Fast Pair support. One minor annoyance we noticed was a slight rattling noise from the earbuds when carrying the charging case in a pocket. It’s not a huge deal, but it’s worth knowing about.

So, who should buy these? If you spend a lot of time running or cycling outdoors, the Nothing Ear (Open) are an easy recommendation. We found them secure, comfortable, and convenient to use, and their open-ear design lets you stay aware of your surroundings. Just keep in mind that if most of your workouts happen in a noisy gym, you’ll probably be happier with traditional earbuds that offer ANC.

So, how does all this fitness tracking actually work? The MOMENTUM Sport use an optical sensor that shines light into your ear to detect changes in blood flow and calculate your heart rate. There’s also a separate sensor for body temperature. You can check both measurements in the Sennheiser Smart Control app or connect to services like Polar Flow for more detailed workout tracking. Just remember to use the included transparent ear tips, since switching to third-party foam tips can interfere with the readings.

Now, about that fit. We appreciate the selection of ear tips and stabilizing wings, but there’s no getting around the size of these earbuds. We started feeling uncomfortable pressure on our outer ears after about an hour, so we’d be cautious if you have smaller ears. On the plus side, the semi-open design helps reduce the noise of your footsteps while running, and the dedicated Anti Wind mode comes in handy outdoors.

As for sound quality, we found that the default tuning has a lot of bass, which can sometimes overpower other elements in a mix. Thankfully, Sennheiser includes a five-band EQ, and a few adjustments made a noticeable difference to the clarity. Our lab testing gave these earbuds an overall MDAQS score of 4.2 out of 5. Active noise canceling also reduces ambient noise by roughly 75%, though the microphones struggle with wind noise during calls.

Battery life came in at 6 hours and 40 minutes in our standardized test, and Sennheiser claims up to 24 hours with the charging case. You also get wireless charging and Bluetooth multipoint, which are nice additions at this price.

Ultimately, the MOMENTUM Sport aren’t for everyone. They’re bulky, relatively expensive, and you can find more comfortable workout earbuds for less. But if you want to monitor your heart rate and body temperature without strapping another device to your wrist, they offer a pretty convenient all-in-one solution.

One of the biggest improvements over the original OpenRun Pro is Shokz’s new DualPitch technology, which combines bone conduction with a separate air conduction driver. We noticed stronger bass and treble compared to the previous generation, along with less intense vibrations against our cheekbones. That last part is especially welcome during longer runs. Of course, don’t expect the same bass depth you’d get from traditional earbuds. There’s only so much these headphones can do without sealing your ears.

We also appreciate that Shokz finally ditched its proprietary charging connector in favor of USB-C. Battery life is rated for up to 12 hours, and a quick five-minute charge can provide another 2.5 hours of playback. The Shokz app offers five EQ presets and a customizable five-band EQ, plus Bluetooth multipoint for connecting to two devices at once. Not bad for headphones primarily designed to keep things simple.

Now, there are a few annoyances worth mentioning. We found the volume buttons difficult to tell apart by touch, especially when wearing gloves. Hats can also interfere with the fit, and cycling helmets sometimes push the headphones out of position. We noticed this more on road bikes, where you’re leaning forward. And while the microphones work reasonably well in quiet environments, they struggle with wind.

There’s also the question of durability. The IP55 rating offers protection against dust and water sprays, but the cheaper Shokz OpenRun actually have a higher IP67 rating. So if water resistance matters more to you than sound quality, the less expensive model might be the smarter buy.

At $179.95, the OpenRun Pro 2 aren’t exactly cheap. But if you spend a lot of time running outdoors and want to enjoy music or podcasts without blocking your ears, they’re an easy recommendation. Just keep in mind that for weightlifting, noisy gyms, or workouts involving a helmet, traditional earbuds might be a better fit.

The main reason to consider the Powerbeats Fit is their wingtip design. Unlike traditional earbuds that rely entirely on their ear tips for stability, these have a flexible piece that rests inside the outer ear. It’s a handy alternative if you find ear hooks uncomfortable or don’t want something wrapping around your ears. Just remember that a secure fit depends on your ear shape, and that single wingtip size is a pretty frustrating limitation for workout-focused earbuds.

You also get some useful everyday features. ANC helps reduce background noise at the gym, while transparency mode lets you hear what’s happening around you without removing the earbuds. That’s convenient when someone wants to talk between sets, although we’d still recommend an open-ear design if hearing traffic is your top priority when running outdoors.

Another nice thing about Beats is that you don’t need an iPhone to use these earbuds. Apple users get convenient ecosystem features, while Android users can access supported settings through the Beats app. That makes them a little more flexible than some workout earbuds designed primarily around one phone brand.

Battery life is one area where we have no major complaints. Our standardized test delivered 7 hours and 10 minutes of playback with ANC enabled, so you shouldn’t have to worry about charging them after every workout. The IPX4 rating is also suitable for sweaty training sessions, although it doesn’t offer dust protection or make the earbuds safe for swimming.

So, should you buy them? That really comes down to fit. The Powerbeats Fit aren’t a standout value compared to the rest of this list, and their limited wingtip sizing makes them difficult to recommend universally. But if you want compact workout earbuds with some extra stability, and you’d rather avoid the full hooks of the Powerbeats Pro 2, they’re worth considering.

One of the biggest changes this time around is the fit. Apple redesigned the ear tips and now includes five sizes, giving you more options than previous generations. We found the new design comfortable for everyday listening, but it’s not quite as secure as dedicated workout earbuds with ear hooks or stabilizing wings. Depending on your ears and the type of exercise you’re doing, you might still find yourself adjusting them between sets.

The built-in heart-rate sensor is another nice addition. It uses light to measure changes in blood flow inside your ear, allowing you to track your heart rate during compatible workouts without wearing an Apple Watch. We appreciate having the option, although anyone who already owns a fitness tracker might not find it particularly useful.

Now, let’s talk about noise canceling. Our ANC score of 9.0 out of 10 puts the AirPods Pro 3 among the stronger performers we’ve tested, making them particularly appealing for noisy gyms and public transport. You also get Apple’s transparency mode when you want to hear what’s happening around you. Just remember that transparency mode isn’t a substitute for paying attention to traffic when exercising outdoors.

As you’d expect, the AirPods Pro 3 work best with Apple devices. Features like automatic switching, Find My integration, and personalized settings make them convenient if you already use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Android users can still connect over Bluetooth, but they’ll miss out on much of what makes these earbuds appealing in the first place.

Ultimately, the AirPods Pro 3 make a lot of sense if you want one pair of earbuds for pretty much everything. Their ANC, battery life, and fitness features are impressive, and the IP57 rating adds some welcome durability. But if your main priority is keeping your earbuds firmly in place through intense training, we’d still recommend something with ear hooks.

One thing we like about the Galaxy Buds4 Pro is their compact design. The charging case fits easily into a pocket, supports wireless charging, and has a transparent lid so you can quickly check whether your earbuds are inside. We aren’t quite as enthusiastic about the pinch controls, though. We found the small control area a little awkward to use, especially when trying to adjust things on the move.

Now, let’s talk sound quality. Our testing gave the Galaxy Buds4 Pro an overall MDAQS score of 4.8 out of 5, although the default tuning has a strong bass response and can sound a little dark. Thankfully, Samsung gives you EQ presets and customizable settings to make adjustments. We found the Clear preset a good starting point if you want to reduce some of that bass strength.

The software is where Samsung really makes its case. Pair these earbuds with a compatible Galaxy phone to unlock features like Samsung’s higher-quality Bluetooth audio, advanced calling, and convenient switching between supported Galaxy devices. You also get Auracast support. Unfortunately, there’s no conventional Bluetooth multipoint, so switching between devices outside Samsung’s ecosystem isn’t quite as convenient.

Battery life is decent, although nothing particularly special at this price. We measured 6 hours and 1 minute of playback in our standardized test. The case provides several additional charges, so you should have enough battery for a few days of workouts without reaching for a charging cable.

At their $249 launch price, the Galaxy Buds4 Pro face plenty of competition. And if you spend your workouts sprinting, jumping, or doing anything particularly intense, we’d still lean toward earbuds with ear hooks for extra security. But for Samsung phone owners who want one pair of earbuds for the gym, commuting, and everyday listening, the Galaxy Buds4 Pro are an easy recommendation.

The ear hooks are the main reason we’d choose the Go Sport+ over similarly priced everyday earbuds. They wrap around your ears to provide some extra stability, which is especially useful when you’re moving around. Of course, everyone’s ears are different, and a secure fit isn’t guaranteed. But it’s nice to see JLab prioritize a workout-friendly design instead of simply slapping a sporty name on a regular pair of earbuds.

You also get an IP55 rating, meaning the earbuds can handle dust, sweat, and water sprays. That’s more than enough protection for most workouts, although you shouldn’t take them swimming. Another handy feature is the charging case’s built-in USB-C cable. It’s one less thing to remember when you’re packing your gym bag.

As for sound quality, the JLab app includes three EQ presets and a customizable EQ so that you can adjust the bass strength and treble strength to your liking. That’s a welcome addition at this price. Just keep your expectations reasonable: these are budget workout earbuds, not a replacement for premium models with advanced ANC.

JLab rates the battery life at up to 9 hours per charge and up to 35 hours with the case. A quick 10-minute charge can also provide another hour of playback, which could come in handy if you forgot to charge them before heading out. Google Fast Pair makes connecting to compatible Android devices easier, and you can use either earbud independently.

Ultimately, the Go Sport+ are for people who want something inexpensive, practical, and workout-friendly. You miss out on ANC and some premium conveniences, but you still get ear hooks, sweat resistance, customizable controls, and plenty of battery life on paper. If your main goal is to get through your workouts without spending a fortune, they’re worth considering.

The AeroClip 2 build on the original model with a redesigned fit and some useful upgrades. Anker says it developed the flexible bridge using data from more than 2,000 ear scans to distribute pressure more comfortably. Of course, ear shapes vary, and you’ll still want to make sure the clips stay secure during your particular workouts. Unlike the Nothing Ear (Open), there’s nothing wrapping around the back of your ears.

On the audio side, you get 12mm drivers, LDAC support on compatible Android devices, and customizable EQ through the Soundcore app. There’s also HearID, which helps personalize the tuning. Just remember that open-ear earbuds have some limitations when it comes to bass depth, especially in noisy environments.

One of the more interesting upgrades is call quality. Anker has added a dedicated chip that works with four microphones and two sensors to help separate your voice from background noise. That could come in handy if you regularly take calls while walking or heading home from the gym. The AeroClip 2 also replace the original model’s touch controls with physical buttons, although our clip-on earbuds roundup notes that volume adjustments can feel a little slow.

Anker rates battery life at up to 8 hours per charge and up to 32 hours with the case. You also get Bluetooth multipoint, wireless charging, and a quick-charge feature that provides up to four hours of playback from a 10-minute charge. That’s a useful combination if you’re planning to use these beyond your workouts.

At $169.99, the AeroClip 2 aren’t exactly a budget option. You’re paying for the compact design, open-ear convenience, and extra features rather than maximum noise isolation or bass depth. But if you want something that leaves your ears open without relying on a wraparound headband, they’re a compelling alternative to traditional workout earbuds.

One thing we discovered while testing the Beats 360 is that your choice of cushions makes a noticeable difference. The Performance Knit cushions are our pick for workouts, while the optional UltraPlush cushions create a tighter seal that helps with noise isolation. Unfortunately, that tighter fit also increases pressure around your ears, which isn’t ideal for longer listening sessions. We appreciate that Beats lets you swap between the two, although extra cushion kits cost $49.99.

We also like the redesigned physical controls. Beats moved the playback and volume buttons to the back of the ear cups, so you’re no longer pushing the headphones against your head every time you want to skip a song. The power button is a little harder to find by touch, but otherwise, it’s a welcome improvement.

Our lab testing gave the Beats 360 an ANC score of 8.7 out of 10, although performance depends heavily on getting a proper seal. As for sound quality, we found that enabling ANC adds a lot of bass strength, which can reduce the clarity of quieter instruments. Switching ANC off activates Adaptive EQ and reduces that emphasis, but there’s no customizable EQ to fine-tune things yourself. That’s a disappointing omission for headphones costing $349.99.

Battery life is another strong point. Beats rates the 360 for up to 32 hours of playback with ANC enabled, and we had no trouble getting through long listening sessions. During a nearly six-hour flight, for example, we used just 14% of the battery. A five-minute charge also provides up to an hour of playback.

The Beats 360 work well with both iPhones and Android devices, but there’s one other limitation worth knowing about: you can’t listen over a cable. The USB-C port is strictly for charging, and there’s no 3.5mm headphone jack. If wired listening matters to you, the cheaper Beats Studio Pro are worth considering instead.

At $349.99, these aren’t an impulse purchase. But if you want over-ear headphones that can handle a gym session, your commute, and pretty much everything in between, the Beats 360 make a lot of sense. Just remember that for running, jumping, or anything involving a lot of movement, we’d still recommend dedicated workout earbuds.