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If you’ve spent any time working out, you know that the right music can take your workout to the next level. But for many of us, finding the perfect pair of headphones that match both our performance needs and budget can be a challenge. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly options, mid-tier gems, or premium luxury headphones, this guide will help you find the best workout headphones suited for your needs.
Here, I’ll break down the best workout headphones I’ve tested over the past two years, categorizing them by price and ranking them based on sound quality, comfort, noise cancellation, and overall performance. By the end, you’ll be ready to make an informed choice and power up your workout with the perfect pair of headphones.
Budget-Friendly Headphones (Up to $150)
1. Wired Headphones: Outdated but Reliable (Sort of)
Let’s start with the basics. Wired headphones were once the go-to for gym enthusiasts. They were reliable, affordable, and didn’t need constant charging. However, times have changed. With the rapid rise of wireless Bluetooth technology, wired headphones are quickly becoming obsolete, especially for workouts.
The original wired headphones you might still have in your drawer come with several drawbacks: tangled cords, poor noise cancellation, and subpar sound quality. While they might have worked well a decade ago, they simply don’t hold up in today’s market. If you’re still using them, it might be time to upgrade.
Verdict: Skip these. There are far better wireless alternatives in the budget-friendly range.
2. Wireless Earbuds: The New Standard for Budget-Friendly Workouts
If you’re looking for wireless options within a reasonable budget, here are a few that have made the cut.
Apple AirPods Gen 1
When Apple introduced the AirPods Gen 1, it revolutionized the wireless earbud industry. These became a favorite among iPhone users due to their portability, decent sound quality, and the convenience of the charging case. However, while they were cutting-edge in their time, they now fall short compared to newer models.
Pros:
- Compact and portable design.
- Decent battery life with a rechargeable case.
Cons:
- The long stem design looks outdated.
- Lacks modern features like noise cancellation or in-ear detection.
Beat Studio Buds
A major step up from the AirPods Gen 1 are the Beat Studio Buds. They offer better sound quality, compact design, and noise cancellation—making them ideal for gym-goers looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- Compact design with reasonable noise cancellation.
- Balanced sound quality for the price.
Cons:
- No physical volume control on the earbuds.
- Lacks the H1 chip, which means no seamless connection between Apple devices.
Jabra Elite 75t & Elite 7 Active
The Jabra Elite 75t quickly became one of my favorite budget-friendly earbuds. With active noise cancellation, customizable EQ settings, and a comfortable fit, they outperform expectations for the price. Even though Jabra is phasing out this model for the Elite 7 Active, the 75t remains a solid choice.
Pros:
- Active noise cancellation and great sound quality.
- App support to tweak sound settings.
- Works with both Android and Apple devices.
Cons:
- Elite 75t is being phased out, making way for the slightly improved Elite 7 Active.
Verdict: If you’re on a budget, the Beat Studio Buds and Jabra Elite 7 Active offer the best balance between performance and price.
Mid-Tier Headphones (Best Overall for Most Users)
When it comes to mid-tier headphones, you start to see significant improvements in noise cancellation, sound quality, and comfort. This category offers excellent options for both Android and Apple users. Let’s break them down.
Best Workout Headphones for Android Users
Google Pixel Buds Pro
The Google Pixel Buds Pro were designed to compete directly with Apple’s AirPods Pro. They feature decent sound quality, long battery life, and customizable controls. However, I found their noise cancellation to be somewhat lackluster, especially in noisy environments. While the swipe volume control is a nice touch, the overall fit felt a bit uncomfortable due to their larger size.
Pros:
- 11-hour battery life with a total of 31 hours using the case.
- Swipe volume control directly on the earbuds.
Cons:
- Weak noise cancellation in loud environments.
- Bulky design and uncomfortable fit for extended use.
Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2
The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2 outperform the Pixel Buds Pro in almost every category, from noise cancellation to sound quality and comfort. The form factor feels snug in the ear, and the noise cancellation does a great job of blocking out gym noise. One drawback is that non-Samsung users will need to download the Galaxy Wear app to unlock the full set of features, but it’s worth the hassle.
Pros:
- Great sound quality and noise cancellation.
- Comfortable fit for long wear.
- Customizable features via the Galaxy Wear app.
Cons:
- Requires an app for non-Samsung users to access all features.
Verdict: For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2 is the clear winner. They provide an excellent workout experience, with superior sound and noise cancellation.
Best Workout Headphones for Apple Users
Apple AirPods Pro Gen 2
The AirPods Pro Gen 2 elevate the AirPods experience with improved sound quality, superior noise cancellation, and spatial audio. Apple also introduced new features like swipe volume control and wireless charging, making them even more versatile. These are easily one of the best choices for Apple users who want high-quality sound and performance.
Pros:
- Improved noise cancellation and sound quality thanks to the H2 chip.
- Spatial audio and wireless charging.
- Comfortable fit with swipe volume controls.
Cons:
- Higher price point.
Beats Fit Pro
The Beats Fit Pro offer a punchy bass and secure fit, thanks to the wingtip design. They’re perfect for high-intensity workouts where other earbuds might slip out. However, durability can be an issue as the wingtips tend to wear out over time.
Pros:
- Excellent sound quality with a focus on bass.
- Secure fit with wingtip design.
- Spatial audio similar to AirPods Pro.
Cons:
- Wingtips can wear out or tear.
- No volume control on the earbuds.
Verdict: Apple users can’t go wrong with either the AirPods Pro Gen 2 or Beats Fit Pro. The AirPods Pro Gen 2 edges out slightly due to better noise cancellation and overall features, but the Beats Fit Pro offers a secure fit for intense workouts.
Premium Headphones (For Big Spenders)
If you’re willing to splurge, premium headphones provide the best sound quality, noise cancellation, and overall user experience. However, not all are ideal for workouts, especially over-the-ear models. Let’s dive into the top contenders.
Bose QuietComfort 2
The Bose QuietComfort 2 earbuds offer best-in-class noise cancellation and impressive sound quality. With a comfortable fit and customizable settings via the Bose app, they’re a great option for both everyday use and workouts—if you can overlook the larger-than-average case size and occasional pairing issues.
Pros:
- Industry-leading noise cancellation.
- Customizable settings via the Bose app.
- Easy-to-use touch controls for volume.
Cons:
- Large case size.
- Difficult pairing with multiple devices.
Apple AirPods Max
The AirPods Max are the most luxurious over-the-ear headphones on the market, offering incredible sound quality, noise cancellation, and spatial audio. However, I personally wouldn’t recommend these for working out. The price point, combined with the bulkiness, makes them impractical for sweaty gym sessions.
Pros:
- Immersive sound with exceptional spatial audio.
- Ultra-comfortable ear cushions.
- Flawless noise cancellation.
Cons:
- Expensive.
- Bulky and impractical for workouts.
Verdict: If you want the best noise cancellation and sound quality for your workouts, stick with the Bose QuietComfort 2. The AirPods Max are best reserved for at-home or office use.
Final Rankings and Conclusion
To wrap things up, here’s how I’d rank these headphones, from worst to best:
- D Tier: Apple AirPods Gen 1 — outdated and easily outperformed by modern alternatives.
- C/B Tier: Google Pixel Buds Pro, Beats Fit Pro (due to wingtips breaking).
- A Tier: Jabra Elite 75t, Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2, Beats Studio Buds — solid choices offering good balance of price and performance.
- S Tier: Bose QuietComfort 2, AirPods Pro Gen 2 — top-tier performance in noise cancellation, sound, and comfort.
Ultimately, your choice of headphones will depend on your budget and preferred features. If you’re looking for the best overall performance, I’d recommend the Bose QuietComfort 2 or AirPods Pro Gen 2. For Android users, the Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro 2 is your best bet. Remember, the right pair of headphones can make all the difference in enhancing your workout experience.
