10 Best Running Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with runners and active users in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit thanks to their reinforced, flexible earhooks and multiple ear tip sizes. This helps them stay in place during intense workouts, which is a key strength. They feature advanced Active Noise Cancelling to block out distractions, plus Transparency mode when you need to stay aware of your surroundings, making them versatile for outdoor use. The sound quality is impressive, with personalized spatial audio and adaptive EQ that adjusts the music to your ear, delivering clear highs, rich mids, and powerful bass.

Battery life is excellent, providing up to 10 hours of continuous play per charge and a total of 45 hours with the charging case, which also supports wireless charging—a convenient feature. The earbuds are sweat and water resistant with an IPX4 rating, meaning they can handle rain and sweat but may not be suitable for heavy water exposure like swimming. Connectivity is solid, featuring Class 1 Bluetooth for stable connections and compatibility with both Apple and Android devices, with easy pairing and useful app controls. The built-in heart rate monitor is a helpful addition for fitness tracking, though it might not replace dedicated fitness devices.

One downside is that the charging cable is not included, which could be inconvenient if you don’t already have a USB-C cable. Also, while the earbuds are lighter than their predecessor, some users might still find them a bit bulky compared to minimalist running earbuds. Taking all features into account, these earbuds provide a robust mix of comfort, sound quality, and fitness capabilities, making them an excellent choice for runners seeking advanced technology and long battery life.

The Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) are a strong option for runners seeking earbuds that balance comfort, sound quality, and durability. They feature an in-ear design with a lightweight build, which generally provides a secure and comfortable fit during activity, though fit can vary by ear shape since there are no multiple ear tip sizes. Sound quality is enhanced with Personalized Spatial Audio and adaptive EQ, delivering immersive and clear sound that adapts to your unique ears — a nice bonus for music lovers who want a richer experience on the go.

Battery life is solid, offering up to 6 hours of continuous listening per charge and up to 30 hours with the charging case, which means you can easily get through several runs or workouts without worrying about charging frequently. The AirPods are rated IPX4 for sweat and water resistance, making them suitable for running in rain or heavy sweat, but they aren’t fully waterproof, so submerging in water or very intense exposure should be avoided.

Connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0 and the Apple H1 chip ensures a quick, reliable pairing and seamless switching between Apple devices, which is especially convenient if you use multiple Apple products. The built-in controls and always-on “Hey Siri” voice assistant add hands-free convenience during exercise. These earbuds work best within the Apple ecosystem, so Android users might miss some features. The lack of customizable ear tips means some users might find fit and noise isolation less than perfect for their ears. In summary, the AirPods (3rd Gen) are well-suited for Apple users looking for comfortable, sweat-resistant earbuds with excellent sound and strong battery life for running and active lifestyles.

The Beats Powerbeats Fit earbuds are designed with workout enthusiasts in mind, especially those who run or exercise intensely. Their universal secure-fit wingtips offer excellent stability, making it less likely for the earbuds to fall out during movement, and the four ear tip sizes help customize comfort for long wear. Sound quality is robust and balanced, with a custom acoustic platform delivering rich audio and powerful bass typical of Beats products. Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) helps block distractions, while Transparency mode lets you stay aware of your surroundings, a useful feature for outdoor runners.

Battery life stands out, offering up to 7 hours on a single charge with a total of 30 hours when using the compact charging case. The Fast Fuel feature is handy, providing an hour of playback from just five minutes of charging, which is great for quick energy boosts before workouts. The earbuds and case both have an IPX4 rating, meaning they are sweat and splash resistant, suitable for rain or heavy sweating but not for full water submersion.

Connectivity is seamless, powered by the Apple H1 chip for smooth integration with iOS devices, including features like Automatic Switching and hands-free Siri. Android users also benefit from the Beats app for easy pairing and customization. Controls are versatile, supporting touch, button, voice commands, and app adjustments. Call quality is enhanced by dual microphones and noise reduction technology, making conversations clear even in noisy environments. The Powerbeats Fit earbuds are a strong choice for runners and active users looking for solid fit, reliable sound, and long battery life with smart features. They perform best for those prioritizing stability and sound quality during workouts, while users seeking higher waterproofing might want to explore other options.