Top-Performing Earphones and Wireless Buds in 2025: On-Road and Gym Trials Assessed

Top-Performing Earphones and Wireless Buds in 2025: On-Road and Gym Trials Assessed

Struggling to find the perfect pair of ear buds for your runs? No worries, we've got your back.

Here are the top 5 running headphones we've tested, guaranteed to make your workout more enjoyable:

1. Sony WF-C710N - Best OverallThese bad boys offer exceptional sound quality, a secure fit, and a robust design that can withstand even the toughest runs. Plus, they've got long battery life and smart features like auto-pause and wear detection.

2. Bose QC Ultra Earbuds - Best ANCIf you want to block out distractions, look no further. These ear buds from Bose have top-notch noise cancelling technology and a comfy fit. They're a bit pricier, but if you're serious about your runs, it's worth the splurge.

3. Sony WF-C510 - Best BudgetDon't want to break the bank? These Sony ear buds are a budget friendly option that still deliver great sound and a comfortable fit. They're perfect for casual runners or those on a tight budget.

4. Beats Fit Pro - Best DesignLove the luxury feel? The Beats Fit Pro are for you. With their sleek design, intuitive features, and high-quality sound, they're the perfect accessory for any run.

5. Sony LinkBuds Fit - Best Mid-RangeWant something in between budget and luxury? Check out the Sony LinkBuds Fit. They offer a comfortable fit, solid sound quality, and a range of useful features at a mid-range price.

Want more info on how we tested these ear buds and other relevant tips? Click here to learn more.

[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’s tested dozens of products, including a ton of headphones, during my time at our website. When I'm not working, I love running - be it a quick 5k or a longer, more challenging trail run. These ear buds have been put through their paces, so I can confidently recommend the ones listed above.

Choosing a pair of running ear buds is a deeply personal decision, as what works best for you will depend on factors like fit, sound quality, and durability. But rest assured, the ear buds listed above are top-notch and will make even the most grueling run more enjoyable.

The Best Running Headphones Overall

1. Sony WF-C710N

Specs:- Brand: Sony- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3- Codecs: SBC, AAC- Battery Life: 8.5 hours with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) + 24 hours with charging case- Fit: Secure, customizable- Water Resistance: IPX4

Why we love it: As the perfect balance of sound quality, battery life, and comfort, the Sony WF-C710N are the best running ear buds on the market. They offer clear and responsive touch controls, good Active Noise Cancellation, and a robust sound profile that keeps you motivated across the miles.

Read our full Sony WF-C710N review

2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds

Specs:- Brand: Bose- Connectivity: Bluetooth- Codecs: SBC, AAC- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours- Fit: Secure, comfortable- Water Resistance: IPX4

Why we love it: For those who want premium sound quality and great noise cancelling on their runs, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds are the way to go. They offer an exceptional fit, excellent sound, and versatile noise cancelling options.

Read our full Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds review

3. Sony WF-C510

Specs:- Brand: Sony- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1- Codecs: SBC- Battery Life: 10 hours + 20 hours with charging case- Fit: Secure, lightweight- Water Resistance: IPX4

Why we love it: These budget-friendly ear buds from Sony offer a secure fit, good sound quality, and a range of useful features at an affordable price. They're perfect for those who want a solid pair of running ear buds without the premium price tag.

Read our full Sony WF-C510 review

4. Beats Fit Pro

Specs:- Brand: Beats by Dre- Connectivity: Bluetooth- Codecs: SBC, AAC- Battery Life: Up to 6 hours with ANC + 24 hours with charging case- Fit: Secure, comfortable- Water Resistance: IPX4

Why we love it: With their innovative design, customizable fit, and powerful sound, the Beats Fit Pro are a great choice for runners who want a premium pair of ear buds. They're comfortable, secure, and offer a range of useful features.

Read our full Beats Fit Pro review

5. Sony LinkBuds Fit

Specs:- Brand: Sony- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2- Codecs: SBC, AAC, LDAC- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours with ANC + 24 hours with charging case- Fit: Secure, comfortable- Water Resistance: IPX4

Why we love it: The Sony LinkBuds Fit offer a comfortable fit, solid sound quality, and a range of useful features like USX (user experience extension) and multipoint connection. They're a great mid-range option for runners who want a balance of comfort, sound quality, and features.

Read our full Sony LinkBuds Fit review

Also consider...

• Sony WF-C700N: If you want a similar performance and spec to the newer C710N buds but want to save some cash, the older, multi-Award-winning C700N may be the right choice for you.
• Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: Open earbuds are the new design du jour, 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: If you're an Apple fan, 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-C510: If you want similar performance and specification to the newer C710N buds but want to save some cash, the older, multi-Award-winning C510 may be the right choice for you.
• 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 II, 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

1. Wired or Wireless: 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.
2. Fit Mechanism: Choose the mechanism by which the ear buds 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.
3. Cost: There's a nice spread of prices on this list, from inexpensive, sub-$100 models to some relatively premium designs. 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 adrenalized by the headphones we're testing.

The our website 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 our website approved product.

You can read more about how we test and review products on our website here.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Which type of headphones is best for running?

For a secure and comfortable fit during running, it's best to choose ear buds with ear wings or hooks, such as the Sony WF-C710N, Beats Fit Pro, or Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II.

Which headphones are best for runners who sweat a lot?

Choose ear buds with good water resistance, such as the Sony WF-C710N (IPX4), Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II (IPX4), or the Beats Fit Pro (also IPX4).

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 Fit to the main list and the Apple AirPods 4 with ANC to our also consider section.
• January 2025: Added the Sony WF-C510 are our best budget running buds and moved the Earfun Air to the also consider section.
• October 2024: Updated Bose QC Ultra Earbuds copy following the introduction of Bluetooth Multipoint to that particular model.
• August 2024: Added Sony LinkBuds Open to our also consider section and referred to potentially upcoming models.
• 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: our website 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?**

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Footnotes:

[1]: Cambridge Audio

[5]: In water, the Bluetooth signal is affected, and the headphones rely on their 32GB onboard music storage when submerged.

1. For more detailed reviews on the running headphones mentioned, consider visiting our news section for in-depth analysis.
2. If you're interested in high-fidelity audio systems, check out our lifestyle section for the latest deals on hi-fi speakers and DACs.
3. Sports enthusiasts might also find our sports section interesting, offering news and updates on sports trends and events.
4. Looking for a new pair of headphones for activities other than running? Our website features a wide range of headphones, from budget to premium, catering to various needs.
5. Found the perfect pair of ear buds for your runs? Don't forget to share your experiences with others by writing a review on our website.
6. Stay up-to-date with the latest product deals by following our website's deal pages, updated regularly with the best offers on a variety of products, including headphones.

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