Best Headphones for Running and the Gym
By Raimundo Oliveira, founder & editor · Published · Updated · Products hand-picked and curated, updated daily
For outdoor runs, the SHOKZ OpenRun Mini ($129.95) uses bone conduction, so you still hear traffic. For the gym, Beats Studio Buds + work on iPhone and Android, and Google Pixel Buds Pro suit Android users.
Our picks at a glance
- Best for outdoor runs: SHOKZ OpenRun Mini Bone Conduction Headphones — Bone conduction keeps you aware of traffic. (USD 129.95, reference 2026-11-12)
- Best gym earbuds: Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds — ANC earbuds for iPhone and Android. (USD 149.95, reference 2026-11-12)
- Best for Android: Google Pixel Buds Pro Wireless Earbuds — Strong ANC for the price. (USD 179.77, reference 2026-11-12)
- Best battery life: JBL Tune 770NC Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones — Up to 70 hours with adaptive ANC. (USD 79.99, reference 2026-11-12)
SHOKZ OpenRun Mini Bone Conduction Headphones
Lightweight open-ear bone conduction sport headphones that keep you aware of your surroundings.
Beats Studio Buds + True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Pocketable Beats earbuds with ANC, Transparency mode, up to 36 hours of battery and Apple/Android support.
Google Pixel Buds Pro Wireless Earbuds
Google's premium earbuds with active noise cancellation and Silent Seal for immersive sound.
JBL Tune 770NC Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones
Wireless over-ear headphones with Adaptive Noise Cancelling, JBL Pure Bass and up to 70 hours of battery.
Where you train decides the type: open-ear for roads, earbuds for the gym, over-ear for long sessions at home.
How we chose
We compared the published specifications, reference prices and listed pros and cons of products in our catalog. We have not tested these products. Prices were checked on November 12, 2026, and can change at the retailer.
Outdoor running and cycling
Bone conduction leaves your ears open. Expect less bass than in-ear models and some sound leakage at high volume.
Gym earbuds
True wireless earbuds with ANC block gym noise. Beats Studio Buds + list up to 36 hours with the case.
Long training days
The JBL Tune 770NC lists up to 70 hours of battery, but over-ear headphones are bulkier.
Safety
Use open-ear headphones near traffic and keep the volume moderate.
Frequently asked questions
Are bone conduction headphones good for running?
Yes for roads: the SHOKZ OpenRun Mini leaves your ears open, with less bass than earbuds.
Which earbuds work with both iPhone and Android?
Beats Studio Buds + are listed for both platforms.
Should I use noise cancelling outdoors?
Not near traffic. Use open-ear headphones or transparency modes outdoors.
General shopping guidance. Verify exact specifications and retailer terms before buying. Our editorial policy