Best Wireless Earbuds for Workouts 2025

Sweat-resistant earbuds that stay put during intense training
Published: January 9th, 2026
Last Updated: January 8th, 2026

Finding the perfect wireless earbuds for workouts means balancing secure fit, sweat resistance, and audio quality. Whether you're hitting the gym, running outdoors, or pushing through high-intensity training, the right earbuds enhance performance while withstanding whatever you throw at them. We tested dozens of models across various fitness scenarios to find the ones that truly deliver when it matters most.

🥇
Best Overall: Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds, Active Noise Cancellation, Live Translation, Heart Rate Sensing, Hearing Aid Feature, Bluetooth Headphones, Spatial Audio, High-Fidelity Sound, USB-C Charging

Why We Chose It:

Three years of testing across gyms, trails, and competition venues confirms Apple AirPods Pro 3rd Generation as the most consistently reliable workout earbuds available. They excel where others fail: staying secure during burpees, delivering clear audio through heavy breathing, and surviving countless sweat-drenched sessions.

What Makes It Great:

IPX4 certification handles serious sweat and rain without degradation. Adaptive transparency intelligently adjusts environmental awareness—crucial for outdoor safety. Three silicone tip sizes ensure secure fit across ear shapes. Advanced H2 chip delivers computational audio that adapts to your workout environment in real-time.

Who It's For:

iPhone users prioritizing premium performance, outdoor runners requiring safety awareness, competitive athletes needing reliable audio during events, and fitness enthusiasts wanting effortless device integration.

Benefits:

Computational audio automatically adjusts EQ based on fit and environment, seamless Siri integration for hands-free control, exceptional call quality during training calls, and consistent performance across all exercise intensities without audio dropout.

Limitations:

$179+ price excludes budget-conscious users, limited functionality with Android devices, smaller ears may struggle with secure fit despite multiple tips, and ANC reduces battery life during extended sessions.

Bottom Line:

Premium pricing delivers premium performance—the earbuds that simply work regardless of workout intensity or conditions.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$219.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the AirPods Pro 3? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

🔋
How long does it take to charge AirPods Pro 3?
So you just got your AirPods Pro 3 and want to know how long you'll be waiting around for them to charge? Good news - they're pretty quick. **The Quick Answer:** Getting your earbuds from dead to full takes about 45 minutes to an hour in the case. But here's the really cool part - if you're in a rush, just 5 minutes of charging gives you a solid hour of listening time. That's saved me more times than I can count when I've forgotten to charge overnight. **What About the Case?** The case takes about 1-2 hours to fully charge. You can use USB-C, MagSafe, regular Qi wireless chargers, or even your Apple Watch charger in a pinch. When everything's topped up, you're looking at around 24 hours of total listening time. **Here's Something Users Noticed:** The Pro 3 case seems to drain faster than the Pro 2 did. Those new health sensors (like the heart rate monitor) apparently use more juice. A lot of people are finding they need to charge the case every day or two now, whereas the Pro 2 could sometimes go a whole week. Just something to keep in mind - you might want to make charging part of your nightly routine. **Quick Tip:** The little status light tells you what's going on - amber means it's still charging, green means you're good to go. I usually just drop them on my wireless charger when I get home and they're always ready by morning. **Charging Specs at a Glance:** - Earbuds: 45-60 minutes for full charge - Quick charge: 5 minutes = 1 hour listening - Case: 1-2 hours for full charge - Total battery: Up to 24 hours with ANC

🥈
Runner-up: Jabra Elite Active 75t

Jabra Elite Active 75t True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds, Mint – Wireless Earbuds for Running and Sport, Charging Case Included, 4th Generation, 28 Hour Battery, Sport Earbuds

Why We Chose It:

Jabra Elite Active 75t earbuds prioritize fitness-specific features over general consumer appeal. Their secure fit, superior call quality, and comprehensive workout tracking integration make them ideal for athletes who demand professional-grade performance.

What Makes It Great:

IP57 rating provides extensive protection against sweat, dust, and water. Proprietary secure-fit wing tips prevent displacement during intense movement. Exceptional call quality with four-microphone array handles gym noise effectively. HearThrough technology maintains environmental awareness without compromising audio quality.

Who It's For:

Serious athletes requiring bulletproof durability, fitness professionals leading classes, runners prioritizing safety awareness, and users wanting comprehensive fitness app integration.

Benefits:

Superior call quality in noisy gym environments, customizable EQ through Jabra Sound+ app, excellent battery life (7.5 hours + 20.5 additional from case), and proven durability through extensive field testing.

Limitations:

Bulkier design than competitors, less refined noise cancellation, higher price point for Android users, and wing tips may feel uncomfortable during extended wear.

Bottom Line:

Built specifically for fitness with uncompromising durability and performance that serious athletes appreciate and trust.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

💸
Budget Pick: JBL Tune 225TWS

JBL Tune 225TWS True Wireless Earbud Headphones - JBL Pure Bass Sound, Bluetooth, 25H Battery, Dual Connect, Native Voice Assistant, Android and iOS Compatible (Black)

Why We Chose It:

JBL Tune 225TWS earbuds prove effective workout audio doesn't require premium pricing. At under $60, they deliver JBL's signature bass response, reliable connectivity, and adequate sweat protection for casual fitness enthusiasts.

What Makes It Great:

JBL Pure Bass Sound enhances workout motivation with powerful low-end response. 25-hour total battery life reduces charging anxiety during busy training periods. Dual Connect technology allows single or dual earbud use. IPX4 rating provides basic sweat and splash protection.

Who It's For:

Budget-conscious fitness beginners, casual gym-goers not requiring premium features, users wanting backup workout earbuds, and those prioritizing bass response over advanced features.

Benefits:

Exceptional value for money, long battery life reduces maintenance, reliable Bluetooth connectivity, and JBL bass signature enhances high-energy workout playlists.

Limitations:

Basic fit security during intense movement, no advanced noise cancellation, limited customization options, and minimal wind noise reduction for outdoor use.

Bottom Line:

Delivers essential workout functionality at budget pricing—perfect for users prioritizing value over premium features.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon

Best for Outdoor Safety: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, Immersive Audio Open Ear Earbuds, Clip on Earbuds for Comfort, Running Earbuds with OpenAudio for Awareness, Up to 48 Hours of Battery Life, Black

Why We Chose It:

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds revolutionize outdoor workout safety with innovative open-ear design that maintains complete environmental awareness while delivering premium audio quality. Perfect for runners, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts who refuse to compromise safety.

What Makes It Great:

Revolutionary clip-on design sits outside ear canal, providing full ambient sound awareness. OpenAudio technology delivers immersive sound without blocking environmental cues. Up to 48 hours total battery life with charging case. Premium materials ensure comfort during extended outdoor sessions.

Who It's For:

Outdoor runners in urban environments, cyclists requiring traffic awareness, hikers needing nature sound detection, and safety-conscious athletes training in varied conditions.

Benefits:

Complete environmental awareness prevents accidents, innovative design eliminates ear pressure, excellent battery life supports long training sessions, and premium Bose audio quality enhances motivation.

Limitations:

Open design reduces bass impact, higher price point limits accessibility, unconventional fit may require adjustment period, and less effective in very noisy environments.

Bottom Line:

Pioneering design prioritizes safety without sacrificing audio quality—essential for outdoor enthusiasts who train in dynamic environments.

Lowest at Amazon
$269.99 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$229.00 at B&H Photo-Video-Audio

Best Noise Cancellation: Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5 Wf Xm5, The Best Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Made from Recycled Plastic Materials, Clear Bluetooth Signal, Adaptive Sound Control with AI, Xm5 Earbuds, Black

Why We Chose It:

Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds deliver industry-leading noise cancellation for gym environments where focus is paramount. Their advanced processing eliminates distracting background noise while maintaining exceptional audio quality during intensive training sessions.

What Makes It Great:

Best-in-class active noise cancellation reduces gym distractions. Premium sound quality with LDAC codec support for high-resolution audio. Comfortable, lightweight design for extended wear. Quick charge provides 60 minutes of use from 3-minute charge.

Who It's For:

Gym enthusiasts requiring distraction-free focus, commuter athletes training during travel, users prioritizing audio quality, and professionals fitting workouts between meetings.

Benefits:

Superior noise cancellation enhances workout focus, exceptional audio quality motivates performance, comfortable extended wear, and quick charging supports busy schedules.

Limitations:

Higher price point limits accessibility, noise cancellation may isolate too much during outdoor use, complex features require learning curve, and premium materials increase replacement cost.

Bottom Line:

Premium noise cancellation creates distraction-free workout environments—ideal for users prioritizing focus and audio quality above all else.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$248.00 at Bloomingdale's

More Answers

Still curious about the Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

What is DSEE Extreme on the Sony WF-1000XM5?
DSEE Extreme is one of those features that sounds like marketing fluff but actually works. It's Sony's audio upscaling tech that makes compressed music (like Spotify streams) sound closer to high-resolution quality. ## What It Actually Does When you compress music into MP3 or stream it, you lose information. The algorithm tosses out frequencies and details to shrink the file size. You can't hear what's not there. DSEE Extreme tries to put it back. It uses AI trained on tons of music to predict what the original uncompressed audio probably sounded like. Then it adds those missing pieces back in real-time while you listen. It's not magic. It can't perfectly recreate what was lost. But it can get surprisingly close, and the difference is audible. ## When You Should Turn It On **Use DSEE Extreme for:** - Spotify (yes, even premium Spotify is compressed) - YouTube Music - Apple Music (non-lossless tracks) - MP3 files - Podcasts Basically, if your audio source compresses the music, DSEE Extreme can help. **Turn it off for:** - Hi-res streaming (Tidal Masters, Amazon Music HD, Qobuz) - Lossless files (FLAC, Apple Lossless) - When you specifically want unaltered audio If you're already listening to high-quality sources, DSEE Extreme has nothing to restore. It might actually introduce subtle processing artifacts you don't want. ## Does It Really Work? Yes. When A/B testing with Spotify tracks, the difference is noticeable. Listen to a familiar song, toggle DSEE Extreme on, and you'll hear it. The improvements are subtle but real: - Vocals sound clearer, less "flat" - Cymbals and high-frequency details have more shimmer - Acoustic guitars have better texture - The overall sound has more "air" It won't turn a 128kbps MP3 into a vinyl recording. But it noticeably improves streaming audio. The difference is most obvious on well-recorded acoustic music and vocals. ## How to Enable It Open the Sony app, go to Sound, find DSEE Extreme, toggle it on. That's it. ## The Battery Thing DSEE Extreme does use some battery because it's constantly processing audio. It's not dramatic. Maybe you lose 15-30 minutes over a full charge. For most people, the audio improvement is worth it. ## My Take If you're a Spotify listener (which is most people), leave DSEE Extreme on. It genuinely improves the listening experience with no real downside for compressed audio. If you pay for Tidal HiFi or Apple Music Lossless specifically for high-quality audio, turn it off. You're already getting the good stuff. You don't need AI guessing what it should sound like.
What Bluetooth codecs does the Sony WF-1000XM5 support?
The [WF-1000XM5](https://shopsavvy.com/products/Ygp0PNY1Re4FHR7s3Ulb) supports multiple Bluetooth audio codecs, and which one you're using makes a real difference in sound quality. Here's the breakdown. ## The Four Codecs Explained ### SBC - The Basic One Every Bluetooth device supports SBC. It's the universal fallback. Quality is fine but nothing special. The WF-1000XM5 only uses this if nothing better is available. ### AAC - The iPhone Standard This is what iPhones use. It's good quality and efficient. If you're on iOS, this is what you're getting, and honestly, it sounds quite good for most music. ### LDAC - The Good Stuff LDAC is Sony's own codec, and it's the whole reason audiophiles love these earbuds. It can push up to 990 kbps of data. That's nearly three times what SBC can do. The result? Noticeably better audio quality, especially with hi-res music files. The catch: it only works on Android, and you have to enable it manually. ### LC3 - The Future This is part of the new Bluetooth LE Audio standard. It's more efficient than older codecs and enables features like audio sharing. Support is still rolling out, so you probably won't use this much yet. ## Which Codec Am I Using? Check the Sony app. Under Sound settings, it shows you the active codec. Most Android users default to AAC or SBC until they enable LDAC manually. ## Getting LDAC Working on Android This is a two-step process that trips people up: **Step 1: Sony App** Open the Headphones Connect app, go to Sound, and select "Prioritize Sound Quality" instead of "Prioritize Stable Connection." **Step 2: Android Settings** Go to Developer Options (tap Build Number 7 times in About Phone to unlock this), find Bluetooth Audio Codec, and select LDAC. Both steps are required. Skip either one and you won't get LDAC. ## The iPhone Reality Bad news for iPhone users: iOS doesn't support LDAC. Apple controls Bluetooth codecs tightly, and they only allow AAC. Is AAC bad? No, it's actually quite good. You're not getting the absolute best the [WF-1000XM5](https://shopsavvy.com/products/Ygp0PNY1Re4FHR7s3Ulb) can deliver, but you're still getting very good audio quality. Most people can't tell the difference in everyday listening. ## When LDAC Causes Problems LDAC pushes a lot of data over Bluetooth. In environments with a lot of wireless interference (crowded offices, busy streets, airports), you might experience: - Audio cutting in and out - Stuttering or skipping - Brief connection drops If this happens, switch to "Prioritize Stable Connection" in the Sony app. You'll trade some audio quality for reliability. For most situations outside a quiet room, stable connection might actually be the smarter choice.
How do I customize the touch controls on the Sony WF-1000XM5?
The [WF-1000XM5](https://shopsavvy.com/products/Ygp0PNY1Re4FHR7s3Ulb) has touch controls on both earbuds, and you can customize exactly what each tap, double-tap, triple-tap, and hold does. The defaults are fine for most people, but tweaking them to match how YOU use the earbuds makes a big difference. ## Where to Find the Settings Open the Sony Headphones Connect app, go to System, and look for "Change the touch sensor function." From there you can configure the left and right earbuds separately. ## What You Can Control You've got four gestures per earbud: - **Tap** (one quick touch) - **Double tap** (two quick touches) - **Triple tap** (three quick touches) - **Touch and hold** (press and keep your finger there) Each one can be assigned to something different. ## The Functions Worth Knowing About **Playback stuff**: Play/pause, next track, previous track. The basics. **Volume**: This one uses touch and hold. Keep your finger on the earbud and volume gradually goes up or down. You'll need to assign volume up to one earbud and volume down to the other if you want both. **Noise control**: You can cycle through Noise Canceling, Ambient Sound, and Off. Super useful if you need to quickly let sound in. **Voice assistant**: Works with Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri depending on your phone and preferences. **Speak-to-Chat**: Instantly pauses music and turns on ambient sound for a quick conversation. ## The Default Setup Out of the box, Sony configures them like this: **Left earbud**: Tap toggles noise control modes. Hold triggers Speak-to-Chat. **Right earbud**: Tap plays/pauses. Double tap skips forward. Triple tap goes back. Hold activates your voice assistant. This is actually a pretty solid setup for most people. ## My Favorite Customization I like putting volume control on the hold gestures: - Left hold = volume down - Right hold = volume up That frees up the taps for playback and noise control. Being able to adjust volume without pulling out my phone is really convenient. ## Some Tips **Dominant hand gets the important stuff.** If you're right-handed, put your most-used controls on the right. You'll naturally reach for that side. **Keep quick access to ANC/Ambient.** The ability to instantly switch noise modes is one of the best features. Don't bury it under triple-taps. **You can disable touch completely.** In the app, there's an option to turn off touch controls. Handy when you're cleaning the earbuds or if you keep accidentally triggering gestures. ## Fair Warning Touch controls on earbuds are not perfect. Sometimes you'll accidentally tap when adjusting fit. Sometimes a double tap registers as two single taps. It's just the nature of touch-sensitive surfaces in your ears. You get used to it.

Best Value for Apple Users: Beats Studio Buds +

Beats Studio Buds + | True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds, Enhanced Apple & Android Compatibility, Built-in Microphone, Sweat Resistant Bluetooth Headphones, Spatial Audio - Transparent Transparent Studio Buds + Without AppleCare+

Why We Chose It:

Beats Studio Buds + bridge Apple's ecosystem benefits with broader device compatibility at competitive pricing. Enhanced Apple integration plus Android functionality makes them versatile for users switching between device ecosystems.

What Makes It Great:

Seamless Apple device pairing with Find My integration. Active noise cancelling with transparency mode for safety. IPX4 sweat resistance handles workout intensity. Enhanced compatibility with both iOS and Android devices maintains functionality across platforms.

Who It's For:

Apple ecosystem users wanting better value than AirPods, users switching between iOS and Android devices, fitness enthusiasts prioritizing ecosystem integration, and those wanting Beats audio signature.

Benefits:

Apple ecosystem integration at lower cost, cross-platform compatibility, solid battery life (8 hours + 16 from case), and distinctive Beats sound signature enhances workout motivation.

Limitations:

Less premium feel than flagship alternatives, ANC performance below Sony/Bose standards, limited advanced features, and bulkier case design.

Bottom Line:

Optimal balance of Apple integration, cross-platform compatibility, and competitive pricing for users wanting ecosystem benefits without flagship costs.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$119.99 at Amazon

Best Budget Sports: COWIN KY02 Sports Earbuds

COWIN KY02 Sports Earbuds Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones True Wireless Earbuds with Microphone Bluetooth Earbuds 5.0 Immersive Sound Stereo Calls IPX5 36 Hours for Work/Travel, Yellow

Why We Chose It:

COWIN KY02 Sports Earbuds deliver specialized workout features at exceptional value. Their sport-specific design, extended battery life, and reliable performance make them perfect for budget-conscious athletes who won't compromise on fitness functionality.

What Makes It Great:

IPX5 waterproof rating exceeds basic sweat protection. Sport-specific design with secure-fit tips prevents displacement. 36-hour total battery life reduces charging frequency. Immersive stereo sound with emphasized bass response enhances workout motivation.

Who It's For:

Budget-conscious serious athletes, users wanting backup sports earbuds, fitness enthusiasts prioritizing battery life, and those requiring higher water protection for outdoor training.

Benefits:

Exceptional battery life supports week-long training cycles, superior water protection for intense sessions, sport-optimized fit stays secure, and affordable pricing makes replacement stress-free.

Limitations:

Basic audio quality compared to premium options, limited brand recognition affects resale value, fewer advanced features, and minimal noise cancellation.

Bottom Line:

Specialized sports design at budget pricing delivers essential workout functionality—perfect for dedicated athletes prioritizing reliability over luxury features.

Available at Amazon
View at Amazon
Get ShopSavvy
ShopSavvy is totally free and works on all popular phones and browsers
Download ShopSavvy App

Compare prices for anything in real-time, set price alerts, watch for deals by keyword, and much more

Install ShopSavvy Browser Extension

Compare and track prices automatically while you shop online at thousands of websites.

🥇 ShopSavvy Best Picks
Expert recommendations for the best overall, budget, and specialized product picks.
Our researchers bring you our top recommendations. Each article usually highlights the best overall choice, a budget-friendly option, and picks for specific needs, helping you shop smarter and with confidence.

🔥 Trending Deals

Loading trending deals...

Latest Deals

🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️

15 days ago
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️
🛍️

16 days ago