Running is a rigorous activity, and not every pair of earbuds can withstand your exercise routines without falling out. The best earbuds for running are designed for runners who need their gear to stay in place, even while sprinting. Earbuds specifically designed for running usually have some sort of ear hook or sport fin for added security. Comfort, durability and sound quality are key factors. So too is some sort of transparency mode or an open design that allows you to hear ambient sound (and traffic) for safety reasons. Most noise-canceling earbuds now have a transparency mode that lets sound in, so look for that feature if you’ll be using them on a run.
The majority of the headphones for running on this best list are true wireless, but there are also a few other types, including around-the-ear wireless bone-conduction headphones that are popular with runners and bikers because their open design allows you to hear the outside world. Whether you’re looking for the best earbuds for running or the best running headphones, there’s something on this list that should work for you.
For this most recent update to the list, I’ve added a few new models of running headphones, including the Apple AirPods Pro 2, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 and the Oraimo Open Ear Headphones, an alternative to bone-conduction models.
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