It's not easy finding the perfect pair of running headphones. Whether you run once a day or once a year, a good pair will make the experience far more enjoyable, but finding ones that fit (and then stay in place), are comfy for long periods, can withstand the elements and sound great? That's tough, and we haven't even started on considerations such as battery life or the fun world of ear wings, hooks and clamps.
While it's tempting to think of running headphones as a niche category, the criteria for picking a proper pair are often the most strenuous. Running buds go through the ringer and are made useless if they don't satisfy most, or all, of the above criteria.
A pair that can't get wet isn't an option for more hardy adventurers, while sub-par sound makes your workouts a slog rather than a pleasure.
To sort the sporting all-stars from the couch potatoes, we've compiled the best running headphones we've reviewed when hitting the track. Some of them are designed to be track all-stars, whereas others are more audio-focused buds which are still comfortable accompanying you on that easy weekend 10K.
Read more about our testing process here, or carry on scrolling to see the best running headphones that we've tested.
The quick list
For proper sonic accompaniment when you’re pounding the pavements, the C710N are exceptional all-rounders.
For doubling up as running companions and premium buds with great ANC, you can't go better than the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds.
A comfortable pair of budget buds that are great for the track as well as the office.
Intuitive, feature-packed and comfortable to wear, these buds are perhaps Beats’ best.
The mid-range Sony LinkBuds Fit combine effortless comfort with a robust sound profile that should keep you motivated across the miles
June 24th: No new entries, but we've made sure our copy is fresh, accurate and up-to-date.
I'm a senior staff writer who has listened to and reviewed dozens of products during my time at What Hi-Fi?, including a lot of headphones. Outside of work, though, I love running, be it a quick 5K around our office's surrounding business park or a more lengthy leg-burner scrambling across muddy hillsides and soggy verges. As much as I can attest to the quality of every single earbud found below, choosing a pair of running headphones is a deeply personal choice. Sound matters immensely, of course, but issues of fit, durability and comfort are vital to dictating which will be right for you.
The best running headphones overall
As a pair of earbuds that you could wear on your commute, enjoy in the office and then take to the gym once the working day is done, Sony’s excellent WF-C710N are very tough to beat. For the money you'll pay and the performance you get, we just can't imagine anyone toppling the superb buds any time soon.
Outstripping their Award-winning predecessors, the WF-C710N slot neatly between the budget WF-C510 and premium WF-1000XM5, offering a happy medium whereby you'll still get decent-level noise cancelling and great sound without paying XM5 money.
The WF-C710N buds are chunkier than their predecessors, but they're very comfortable and easy to get to grips with, making them perfect for runners and gymgoers who aren't too bothered by the inclusion of over-ear hooks or in-ear supports. If you can get a decent fit, there's no reason why they shouldn't be your running partners for mile after sweet mile.
The Sony buds offer clear and responsive touch controls, Bluetooth 5.3 and SBC and AAC codec support. You also have features like auto pause and wear detection, which pause music when you remove an earbud and kick it back into life when you put it back. That's handy when you're always on the move and want playback to stop and start without you constantly reaching for your phone.
For those longer runs, battery life is a very solid eight and a half hours with Bluetooth and active noise cancelling both engaged. Add the charging case to the equation, and you’re looking at a total of around 30 hours.
Sonically, the Sony are adept at keeping you motivated as you move. They sound more dynamic and detailed and full-bodied than their predecessors, yet maintain that amazing sense of musicality that keeps you tapping away with every track you play through them.
Add everything together and you’re looking at one of the most easily recommendable pairs of wireless earbuds we’ve tested so far this year. For weightlifters and workers alike, they're all the earbud you could ever need.
Read our full Sony WF-C710N review
The best running headphones for noise cancelling
It's true, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds aren't just some of the best true wireless earbuds of any form and price, they're also absolutely excellent for getting a sweat on.
Why? Much of the credit goes to the Ultra Earbuds' small, unobtrusive and semi-rigid flap of material at the top of each earpiece. Acting as a sort of pseudo-wing tip, that little flap nestles perfectly under your ear's ridged furrow (officially known as the antihelix), offering a secure fit that many more basic rivals struggle to attain. We've tested the Bose out on the streets and can confirm that they do an exceptional job in providing comfort and security for mile after mile.
That's just one of the Boses' aces. The US brand are pros at noise cancelling, something that continues with the Ultra Earbuds. ANC is excellent and comprehensive, and you adjust the amount of noise blockage you receive via the smooth Bose app, as well as cycle through modes on the fly via the buds' on-ear touch controls.
As for sound, it's balanced, punchy and wonderfully musical, and as we said in our review, "there is a good sense of openness and spaciousness to the whole presentation." Immersive Audio is a tad hit-and-miss and will hit your battery life hard, but considering the buds' entertaining, musical sound, you probably won't be too bothered anyway.
It's a shame there's no support for high-quality wireless audio codecs such as LDAC or aptX HD, but a recent software update means that the QC Ultra Earbuds will grant the use of Bluetooth multipoint for juggling simultaneous connections.
For work, life, on the treadmill or hitting the pavement, there aren't many better buds.
Be aware that there's a new pair of flagship Bose buds out now. We'll be testing the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) once we get our hands on a pair, with the new buds teasing improved noise cancelling and clearer voice calls alongside tweaked sonic performance. If their fit and performance are as good as before, they may be strong candidates for inclusion on this list.
Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review
The best budget running headphones
Sony's successors to the Award-winning WF-C500 budget buds are another home run in our book. An exercise in squeezing out the most value possible from a set of cheap and cheerful in-ears, the C510 are our pick for anyone, runner or otherwise, who wants super sound on a budget.
While they’re not built specifically for running, the C510 offer a secure, grippy fit, meaning that your precious buds never feel as though they're about to tumble loose after the third mile. They're comfy, lightweight and solidly made, and while they don't exactly look and feel premium, the C510 have enough of that robust Sony build quality to give you peace of mind as you run.
The buds' Ambient Sound feature is handy, too, letting you choose how much external noise comes through so that you can stay safe when you need to be aware of your surroundings or add a bit more isolation when it's just you and the trail. It's not anywhere near as comprehensive as proper, adjustable ANC, but it does the job ok.
They also have more useful features than the outgoing pair, such as Multipoint Bluetooth and Ambient Sound Control. You can control playback and volume using the built-in buttons on each bud so the user experience is as simple and intuitive as you could want when pounding the pavement.
Yes, the WF-C510 look and feel somewhat cheap (they are cheap, after all), but the sound quality here feels anything but. The WF-C510 are a step up from the C500, firing out all the musicality and detail that we loved from the WF-C500 but with a newfound sense of richness and body that helps reinforce their abilities throughout the frequency range. That really helps when you're giving a workout the beans.
It's worth noting that you can now pick up the older WF-C500 with some impressive savings if you shop around online, and while we like the newer model more for running and general use, the C500 are still a decent pair of affordable buds at a great price.
Read our full Sony WF-C510 review
The best running headphones for design
Some of us in the What Hi-Fi? office, mentioning no names, really love the innovative and attractive Beats Fit Pro. Say it quietly, they might be the best headphones that Beats make right now, and while that bar isn't set too high, these clever little buds are the real deal.
Stylish, workout-friendly and packed with features, especially if you're an iPhone user, the Beats Fit Pro are a great workout companion for anyone seeking to spend a little more than you'd find with the cheaper JBL Reflect Flow Pro.
We love the innovative wingtip design which provides a more secure fit when you're throwing yourself around, and for the most part, they're lightweight and exceedingly comfortable to wear for long, arduous periods. You can get them wet – but not submerged – thanks to the IPX4 rating, while the 27-hour battery life is impressive for a pair with active noise cancellation.
Sonically, they're delightfully lively and enjoyable, which is exactly what you want from a pair of sports headphones, and there's enough detail in the mix whether you’re listening to Wet Leg, Nick Cave or Daft Punk. The spirit and passion of music really pulse through the Beats, with a sound that invigorates you with energy, punch and surprising musical insight.
Easy to use, comfortable to wear and immensely fun to listen to, this is probably the best Beats has to offer. That said, the announcement of the over-ear hook-sporting Powerbeats Pro 2 has runners and headphone aficionados alike rubbing their hands in anticipation. With improved drivers, updated ANC and a bulging bag of features, could they one day overtake Fit Pro?
Read our full Beats Fit Pro review
Best mid-price running headphones
If you're thinking about grabbing a pair of the ever-cheapening Beats Fit Pro, allow us to suggest another option. The LinkBuds Fit are Sony's sporty alternatives in this field, offering similar similar in-ear tips as found on the Fit Pro which nestle under the ear’s inner ridge for security and stability when running.
Sony has filled its squidgy protrusions with nothing but air, making them softer and more pliable than the moulded plastic points offered by their Beats rivals.
The Fit aren’t all about fitness, though. The buds’ small size, well–made eartips, pliable air supporters and meagre 4.9g weight combine to create a fit that slots gently into your ear rather than jamming into it like a puzzle piece in the wrong slot, and when you consider how small the buds and their case are, we can see the appeal that the LinkBuds Fit would have amongst on-the-go users looking for a pair of wireless buds to chuck in a bag or jam into a trouser pocket.
The theory that the LinkBuds Fit are just as well suited to general use as athletic endeavours is supported by just how many features Sony has crammed into the compact buds. 21 hours of total playtime is impressive, as is the buds' decent noise-cancelling performance, but that's just the tip of the iceberg.
Customisable via the Sound Connect app, Sony has thrown head tracking and 360 Reality Audio into the mix, as well as Bluetooth Multipoint and sonic auto-switching between the earbuds and a compatible LinkBuds Speaker. That's a lot of tricks for a mid-price pair of running headphones.
A host of features isn't just there to mask poor sound quality, either. The LinkBuds Fit offer an assertive presentational style, hitting you hard with a robust, hearty sound that strains at the leash with enthusiasm.
They're bold, meaty and muscular buds, making heavy rock and hip-hop tunes sound bracing and energising as you sweat through the miles. There's detail and subtlety to be found, sure, but the LinkBuds unquestionably go big on, well, going big. No bad thing for a pair of sporty headphones.
Read our full Sony LinkBuds Fit review
If you're a keen runner, you really should consider a pair of wireless earbuds that sport (no pun intended) an in-ear wing tip or an over-ear hook. Found on the Beats Fit Pro, Sony LinkBuds Fit and even the more premium Bose QC Ultra Earbuds, it can either come in the shape of a small ridge, a flap or a full-blown wing that nestles just underneath the ridged furrow of your external ear (also known as the antihelix), anchoring it in place no matter how much you move. Some users don't like it for comfort reasons, but most will find that an in-ear wing offers unparalleled security for running and working out.
Also consider
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: Open earbuds are the new design du jour (also see the Huawei FreeClip and the Sony Linkbuds), with Bose the latest player to have a go at the unconventional configuration. The US brand has done a solid job, too, and while that on-ear clip form won't be for everyone, they're a superb option for runners who need to stay aware of the outside world.
Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation: The AirPods 4 with ANC cram in an absolute raft of iOS-focused features at a decent mid-range price, making them a no-brainer for Apple fans. Their open design, meanwhile, makes them extremely comfortable for runners who don't want intrusive tips, wings or hooks.
Sony WF-C700N: If you want similar performance and specification to the newer C710N buds but want to save some cash, the older, multi-Award-winning C700N will see you right.
Sony LinkBuds Open: Not to be confused with the LinkBuds Fit on the main list, the LinkBuds Open offer the same supporting fins as the Fit, but distinguish themselves via their doughnut-shaped, open configuration. They're pretty good earbuds, too, and if comfort is more of a priority than sound, they make a decent amount of sense.
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II: Like the newer QC Ultra Earbuds, the soon-to-be outgoing QC II are great companions for your workouts, offering a light and comfortable fit that benefits hugely from the stability bands provided. They're also enjoying major discounts due to their recent ousting, so deals are never far away.
How to choose the best running headphones for you
There are a few things to consider when picking your new running partner. First, do you want wired or wireless headphones? All of our models below are wireless, because of the added convenience and freedom they provide, especially when you want to avoid snagging your arms on a pesky dangling cable.
Second, choose the mechanism by which the earbuds are secured in place. You can risk it and go for a "standard" model, such as the Sony WF-C700N, which simply lodges in your ear as any classic earbud would, or seek out rivals that offer ridges, wingtips or over-ear hooks to provide security at all times.
They're not included on this list, but the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds (not to be confused with the also-conducive Bose Ultra Open Earbuds) are a good example of a great-fitting pair of earbuds that aren't explicitly designed for sports.
And then, of course, you'll need to consider the cost. There's a nice spread of prices on this list, from inexpensive, sub-£100 / $100 models to some relatively premium designs, so maybe think about how much you'll actually use the things in the first place. If you're a seasoned marathoner, definitely think about spending a decent amount of cash. If not, maybe start a little lower and see if you catch the running bug.
How we test running headphones
Testing running headphones is a bit different to testing your standard models, for obvious reasons. While we do have state-of-the-art testing facilities in London and Reading where our team does almost all of their testing, some products have to be given a run out (pun intended) in the real world. That means digging out our best running shoes and seeing how they perform when it comes to their primary function.
That said, just because we're testing a sporty product, it doesn't mean all of our protocols, standards and processes go out of the window. All of the products we test are compared with similarly-priced rivals in the same category, and all of the verdicts we arrive at are agreed upon by the team.
This gives us consistency without falling into the traps of bias or personal preference. We still run through the full gamut of different test tracks, often using our list of the best songs for running and workouts to assess whether we feel adrenalised by the headphones we're testing.
The What Hi-Fi? team has more than 100 years of experience reviewing, testing and writing about consumer electronics, as well as quite a few miles under their collective belts.
From all of our reviews, we pick the best products to feature in our Best Buys, and we hardly ever feature a product that we haven't reviewed first. That's why if you take the plunge and buy one of the products recommended above, or on any other page, you know you're getting a What Hi-Fi? approved product.
You can read more about how we test and review products on What Hi-Fi? here.
FAQ
Which type of headphones is best for running?
If you pressed us for a definitive answer, we'd say wireless earbuds are ideal for most people most of the time, but they're not the only choice you have.
Over-ear headphones are generally too big and bulky to be truly conducive to physical activities, and their fit often won't be as secure as well-nestled in-ear buds. Wired earbuds can still be a decent option, though, especially those which sport a neckband for greater security (you can also get wireless neckband options, such as the Beats Flex).
Most wired headphones are aimed more at the "audiophile" side of the market these days, though they do have the benefit of never running out of battery while you're out on a 10-miler. Just bear in mind how you're going to manage where that trailing cable goes, as wires can always get in the way if you're not careful.
Wireless earbuds remain our go-to choice, though, but make sure you're picking ones (as seen above) that are at least somewhat designed for running or working out.
They'll fit better, usually have better durability and build quality, plus they may boast a sound profile that's more conducive to physical exertion, i.e. fun, peppy and full of life.
Read more about how we test headphones here.
Which headphones are best for runners who sweat a lot?
There are two things to consider here: one is form and the other is IP rating. If you're prone to getting a bit sticky during a workout (there's no shame in it), over-ear headphones aren't the way to go.
They'll heat up your ears and head, harbour bacteria and make things a pain. Plus, over-ear headphones are not, in our experience, as good for running or working out as in-ears - they're just too big and bulky.
If you do sweat a lot, your earbuds' IP rating will be a factor. Check out our IP ratings explainer for a proper deep dive, but know now that an IPX4 certification should be enough to stop sweat and water splashes from damaging your buds, although there's no harm in aiming for higher numbers, such as the IP57 rating boasted by the Jabras above.
Recent updates
- June 2025: No new entries, but ensured our copy is accurate and up-to-date.
- April 2025: Replaced the Sony WF-C700N with the newer, five-star WF-C710N as our best choice overall.
- March 2025: Added the Sony LinkBuds Open to our also consider section and referred to potentially upcoming models.
- January 2025: Added the Sony LinkBuds Fit to the main list and the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC to our also consider section.
- October 2024: Added Sony WF-C510 are our best budget running buds and moved the Earfun Air to the also consider section.
- August 2024: Updated Bose QC Ultra Earbuds copy following the introduction of Bluetooth Multipoint to that particular model.
- July 2024: Removed outgoing JBL Reflect Flow Pro and replaced them with the Bose QC Ultra Earbuds. Added an Also Consider section to give even more consumer choice.
- March 2024: Updated copy to reflect the announcement of Sennheiser Momentum Sport running earbuds and Earfun Air 2.
- February 2024: Added FAQ section to help with buying decisions and frequently asked questions.
- November 2023: What Hi-Fi? Award winners labelled after the 2023 Awards Best Buys and Product of the Year announcements.
MORE:
7 crucial things to consider before buying running headphones
19 of the best songs for running and workouts
IP ratings explained: how waterproof are your headphones?
