Whether you're chasing a personal best on the track, grinding through a sweaty spin session, or zoning out during a long swim, the right audio gear can be the difference between powering through and tapping out. But here’s the catch: most run-of-the-mill headphones and earphones simply aren’t built for movement. Sweat can short them out, poor fit can send them flying mid-burpee, and water resistance, if it exists at all, is often minimal. Some brands don’t even cover sweat damage under warranty, leaving you out of pocket and off your playlist.
With so many options - earphones, headphones, buds, hooks, clips, over-ears, open-ears, and more - it’s easy to feel overwhelmed before you’ve even hit play. This guide is here to cut through the noise. We’ve curated a list of the top headphones and earphones for athletes and their workouts. From budget-friendly beasts to waterproof wonders, from open-ear safety picks to immersive over-ear soundscapes, we’ve got your fitness soundtrack covered, no matter how you move.
So whether you're part of a run club, a rowing crew, or just getting your steps in between meetings, read on for audio gear that’s built to move with you.
Top Over-Ear: Skullcandy Crusher 540 Active Wireless Over-Ear Sports Headphones
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If you’re after over-ear headphones that can keep up with your toughest workouts and deliver booming bass, the Skullcandy Crusher 540 Active is a beast worth strapping on. Designed specifically for sports and fitness, these headphones combine Skullcandy’s signature Crusher Haptic Bass with a sweat and water-resistant build, making them ideal for everything from weightlifting to long cardio sessions. The breathable, easy-clean fabric earpads are a thoughtful touch for gym-goers who don’t want to deal with post-workout grime.
With up to 40 hours of battery life, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and an extra-secure fit, these headphones are built to go the distance, whether that’s a marathon training session or just a long day of back-to-back workouts. Available in Black and Grey, they also bring a sleek, understated style to your gym bag. While they don’t feature active noise cancellation, the immersive bass and snug fit do a solid job of keeping you in the zone.
Top On-Ear: Skullcandy Icon ANC Wireless On-Ear Noise Cancelling Sports Headphones
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For those who want the compact feel of on-ear headphones without sacrificing performance, the Skullcandy Icon ANC Wireless is a standout. Designed for active lifestyles, these headphones feature IPX4 sweat and water resistance, making them rugged enough for gym sessions, outdoor runs, or even a rainy-day commute. The adjustable Stay-Aware Mode is a smart addition, letting you tune into your surroundings when needed, ideal for urban workouts or shared spaces.
With up to 50 hours of battery life (even with ANC on), USB-C fast charging, and compatibility with the Skullcandy app for iPhone and Android, these headphones are built for convenience and endurance. The True Black finish also gives them a sleek, minimalist look.
Top for Running: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Premium Wireless Open-Ear Bone Conduction Sports Headphones
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If you’re a runner who values both safety and sound, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is a game-changer. These open-ear, bone conduction headphones let you hear your music and your surroundings, ideal for outdoor runs, busy streets, or trail jogs. With Bluetooth 5.3, IP55 water resistance, and up to 12 hours of battery life, they’re built to handle sweat, rain, and long-distance sessions without missing a beat. The new DualPitch Bone + Air Conduction Technology delivers noticeably improved audio clarity and bass compared to earlier models, all while keeping your ears open to the world around you.
Comfort is another standout feature. The secure, glasses-friendly fit ensures they stay in place no matter how intense your run gets, and the lightweight neckband design means you’ll barely notice them. Available in Black, Orange, and Silver, the OpenRun Pro 2 also gives you a bit of style flexibility to match your gear. While they don’t offer traditional noise cancellation, that’s by design; these are made for runners who want to stay alert and aware.
Top for Premium Sound: Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport True Wireless Premium Noise Cancelling In-Ear Headphones
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If your workouts demand high-performance audio as much as physical endurance, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM Sport True Wireless earbuds are built to deliver. These in-ear headphones combine adaptive active noise cancellation (ANC) with Sennheiser’s signature sport-tuned sound, powered by a new 10mm transducer that delivers deep bass and crisp clarity. Whether you're lifting in a noisy gym or running outdoors, the ANC adapts to your environment to keep you focused and immersed. With IP55-rated resistance to sweat, dust, and shock, they’re ready for intense sessions and unpredictable conditions.
What sets these apart is their integration with fitness tracking. The earbuds feature in-ear sensors that monitor heart rate and body temperature, syncing with platforms like Polar, Apple Health, and Strava. You can customise the fit with multiple ear tip and fin options, ensuring comfort and stability across a wide range of sports. Available in Black, Olive, and Graphite, they also bring sleek style to your gear lineup. These are premium earbuds with a premium price tag, but for serious athletes and audiophiles, they’re worth every cent.
Top for Swimming: Shokz OpenSwim Pro Open-Ear Bone Conduction Waterproof Headphones
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Swimming with music used to mean compromising on comfort or sound - but not anymore. The Shokz OpenSwim Pro brings bone conduction technology to the pool, allowing you to enjoy your playlist while keeping your ears open and unobstructed. With an IP68 waterproof rating, these headphones are fully submersible and built to withstand even the most intense swim sessions. They feature dual-mode playback - Bluetooth for dry workouts and a built-in 32GB MP3 player for underwater use - so you’re covered whether you're in the gym or the deep end.
Designed for multisport athletes, the OpenSwim Pro offers up to 9 hours of battery life, a secure neckband fit, and a triple-sealed design that ensures durability in wet environments. Available in Grey and Red, they’re as stylish as they are functional. While they don’t include noise cancellation (which isn’t practical underwater), the sound quality is impressive for bone conduction, especially in water. These are a must-have for swimmers who want to stay motivated without fussing with earbuds that slip or short out.
Top Budget Option: Edifier Comfo Run Open-Ear Wireless Air Conduction Sports Headphones
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If you're looking for a wallet-friendly way to stay motivated during workouts without compromising on comfort or safety, the Edifier Comfo Run Open-Ear Wireless headphones are a solid pick. These open-ear, air conduction headphones offer a comfortable, glasses-friendly fit and are designed to keep your ears free while still delivering premium sound with deep bass. Whether you're walking, jogging, or cycling, the open design helps you stay aware of your surroundings, ideal for public spaces and outdoor workouts.
Despite the budget price tag, they pack in features like IP55 sweat and water resistance, Bluetooth connectivity, and up to 17 hours of playtime with fast charging (just 15 minutes gives you 5 hours of use). You also get clear hands-free voice calls and access to the Edifier ConneX app for customisation. Available in Black, they’re a sleek, no-fuss option for casual athletes or anyone just getting started with fitness audio gear.
Top Open-Ear/Clip-On: Shokz OpenDots ONE Premium Open-Ear True Wireless Clip-On Sports Earbuds
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For athletes who want the freedom of open-ear listening with the convenience of true wireless, the Shokz OpenDots ONE delivers a sleek, clip-on solution that doesn’t compromise on sound. These earbuds feature Dolby Audio with powerful bass, offering a surprisingly rich listening experience for an open-ear design. The ultra-lightweight build and super-comfortable, secure fit make them ideal for high-movement workouts like running, cycling, or circuit training. With IP55 water and sweat resistance, they’re ready to handle tough sessions indoors or out.
Battery life is another strong point, up to 10 hours of playtime, and a total of 40 hours with the charging case. They also support Qi wireless charging, adding a layer of convenience for athletes on the go. Available in Black and Grey, the OpenDots ONE combines style, safety, and performance in a compact package. While they don’t offer noise cancellation, that’s intentional; these are designed to keep you aware of your surroundings while still delivering immersive sound.
Sound That Moves with You
From open-ear freedom to over-ear immersion, the world of sports and fitness headphones has never been more versatile, or more tailored to how you move. Whether you're chasing laps in the pool, pounding pavement on a morning run, or just looking for budget-friendly motivation to get through your next gym session, there's a pair of headphones or earphones out there that fits your rhythm, your routine, and your budget.
Each pick in this guide brings something unique to the table, whether it's bone conduction tech that keeps you aware, premium sound that fuels your focus, or waterproof durability that lets you dive in without hesitation. So go ahead, match your gear to your grind, and let your playlist push you further. Your next workout deserves great sound.
