Finding the right pair of workout headphones can elevate your exercise experience, whether you’re hitting the gym, running outdoors, or participating in intense training sessions. As technology evolves, so do the features and quality of workout headphones. This comprehensive guide presents the best workout headphones of 2024, catering to various preferences and budgets. From high-end models to budget-friendly options, we’ve tested and reviewed these headphones to help you make an informed choice.
Best Overall: Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
For those seeking unparalleled performance and versatility, the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 stands out as the best overall workout headphone.
- Price: $180 (Amazon)
- Features: The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 excels with its innovative smart case, which transforms into a wireless transmitter. This unique feature allows you to enjoy spatial audio without latency, perfect for watching TV or flying on a plane. The earbuds themselves are engineered with an exceptional fit, derived from extensive research on 64,000 ear scans, ensuring comfort and stability during vigorous activities. They offer up to eight hours of battery life on a single charge, and the IP68 rating guarantees they can withstand sweat and dust. The accompanying app lets you customize the ambient noise levels, so you can focus on your workout while staying aware of your surroundings.
- Why We Love It: The Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 offers a blend of comfort, durability, and advanced features, making them ideal for a wide range of activities. The smart case adds a layer of convenience that enhances their functionality, making them a top choice for versatile use.
Best Cheap Buds: JLab Audio Go Air Sport
For those who prioritize affordability without compromising on quality, the JLab Audio Go Air Sport is an exceptional option.
- Price: $30 (Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy)
- Features: The JLab Audio Go Air Sport earbuds are a testament to how budget-friendly options can still deliver impressive performance. They feature a secure over-ear hook design, ensuring they stay in place during your most intense workouts. The earbuds come with a robust case that includes a built-in USB charger, providing a substantial 30 hours of battery life. The touch controls are designed to be responsive yet not overly sensitive, preventing accidental adjustments. Additionally, the Bluetooth connection is strong and reliable, minimizing disruptions even when moving around.
- Why We Love It: These earbuds offer outstanding value for their price, combining durability, long battery life, and a secure fit. Their affordability makes them accessible for anyone looking to enhance their workout experience without breaking the bank.
Best Sunglasses with Audio: Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses
For those who want to combine style with functionality, the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses are a standout choice.
- Price: $299 (Ray-Ban, Meta)
- Features: The Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses integrate high-quality audio with the classic Ray-Ban style. These smart glasses allow you to listen to music and take calls without needing separate earbuds. The audio quality is superior, and the Meta app provides intuitive controls and additional features. While the AI translation capabilities are still being refined, the glasses offer seamless connectivity and ease of use. They are particularly useful for those who need to stay connected while also protecting their eyes from the sun.
- Why We Love It: These smart glasses offer a stylish and practical solution for those who prefer an all-in-one device for both audio and sun protection. The integration of high-quality audio with a fashionable design makes them a versatile choice for various scenarios.
Best On-Ears: Koss Porta Pro
For individuals who prefer on-ear headphones, the Koss Porta Pro provides a classic and reliable option.
- Price: $40 (Amazon)
- Features: The Koss Porta Pro headphones are known for their comfort and affordability. They feature a foldable design that makes them easy to transport, and they are customizable with various aftermarket accessories. Although they are wired, which may be less convenient for some, they offer consistent audio performance without the worry of battery life. The build quality is robust, and the headphones are designed to handle regular use.
- Why We Love It: The Porta Pro’s combination of comfort, affordability, and durability makes them an excellent choice for those who prefer on-ear headphones. Their classic design and reliable performance make them a favorite among many users.
Best for Apple Lovers: Beats Fit Pro
Apple enthusiasts will find the Beats Fit Pro to be a top choice for both everyday use and workouts.
- Price: $107 (Amazon), $200 (Apple, Best Buy)
- Features: The Beats Fit Pro is equipped with the Apple H1 chip, ensuring seamless pairing with Apple devices and access to advanced features. These earbuds offer effective noise-canceling and a comfortable fit with squishy ear tips and fins. They also come with a robust app that includes one-touch pairing, customized controls, and a fit test. The sound quality is well-balanced, making them suitable for various types of media, from music to Dolby Atmos movies.
- Why We Love It: The Beats Fit Pro delivers excellent sound quality and seamless integration with Apple devices. The effective noise-canceling and comfortable fit make them a top choice for both casual and intense workouts.
The Obligatory AirPods Pro: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
The AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) remain a popular choice for many due to their convenience and advanced features.
- Price: $200 (Apple)
- Features: The AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) come with several enhancements over their predecessors, including USB-C charging and improved audio quality. The adaptive audio features in iOS 17 automatically adjust to your environment, and the earbuds offer top-tier noise-canceling capabilities. They are sweat- and dust-resistant with an IP54 rating, making them suitable for workouts. However, their fit may not be as secure for vigorous activities.
- Why We Love It: While the AirPods Pro may not be the most secure for intense workouts, their convenience and superior sound quality make them a solid choice for those already within the Apple ecosystem. They offer a high level of functionality for everyday use and lighter exercise.
Conclusion
Choosing the right workout headphones depends on your specific needs, whether you prioritize sound quality, durability, or budget. Each of the headphones featured in this guide has been tested for performance and reliability, ensuring you can find a pair that enhances your workout experience. For additional options and detailed reviews, explore WIRED’s comprehensive guides on wire-free earbuds, budget headphones, and Bluetooth speakers.
For more information and to purchase these headphones, follow the provided links. Investing in a quality pair of workout headphones can make a significant difference in your exercise routine, helping you stay motivated and engaged.
