[ad_1]
It’s easy to see the appeal of completely cable-free earphones for runners—it’s one less thing in the way of your workout. But not all true wireless earbuds are ideal for running, so we’re here to help you narrow down your choices. PCMag has been reviewing exercise-focused earphones for well over a decade now, so you can trust that our recommendations are among the best you can get. The Editors’ Choice-winning Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are our current favorites thanks to their unbeatable transparency mode that keeps you aware of your environment and decent level of durability. One of our other picks might fit your budget or needs better, however, so make sure to read our in-depth reviews of each. And don’t forget to scroll down past the list for everything you need to know about running earphones while you shop.
Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. See how we test.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best Transparency Mode
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) With MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C)
Pros & Cons
Rich, well-balanced audio performance
Excellent active noise cancellation
Conversation Aware feature adjusts your music volume when you speak
Charging case has a built-in speaker, USB-C port
Seamless integration with Apple devices
No hi-res codec support
EQ presets aren’t adjustable
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Why We Picked It
The IP54 rating of Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro isn’t particularly strong, but it’s at least good enough for a sweaty workout and notably extends to the charging case. However, the reason these earphones make this list is their game-changing adaptive audio mode. Whereas most transparency modes might inadvertently amplify sudden noises, this one keeps everything below an 85dB threshold. Thus, sirens, jackhammers, and loud trucks barreling past you will be audible enough to keep you safe, but not loud enough to damage your hearing.
Who It’s For
The AirPods Pro are first and foremost for iOS users—their seamless integration with iPhones and iPads is hard to beat. These probably aren’t the best choice if you need something exceptionally durable, but the water-resistance rating here is still sufficient and the transparency mode is the best of any model thus far.
Learn More
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) With MagSafe Charging Case (USB‑C) Review
Most Secure Fit
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
Pros & Cons
Deep bass and detailed highs
Excellent noise cancellation against lows
App includes adjustable EQ and controls
Fully dustproof and waterproof
Water-resistant charging case can stream audio
Noise cancellation is sometimes inconsistent
App buries some features
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Why We Picked It
Jabra’s Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earphones feature a grippy exterior surface that helps them stay in your ears no matter how intensely you exercise, and their IP68 rating means they are fully sealed from dust and water ingress. They also sound quite good and effectively cancel out distracting noise. A quality app with a customizable EQ and an advanced charging case that can stream audio from practically any device via USB-C round out the experience.
Who It’s For
If you want exceptionally durable earphones that don’t compromise on sound quality or noise cancellation, the Elite 8 Active Gen 2 earphones should be your first choice. You don’t even need to be particularly careful with the charging case since it sports an impressive IP54 rating.
Learn More
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 Review
Best for Ear Hook Design
JBL Endurance Peak 3
Pros & Cons
Powerful, bass-forward sound signature
Fully waterproof, dust-tight design
Highly adjustable and effective in-app EQ
Strong battery life
Massive, hard-to-open charging case
Annoying auto-off function
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Why We Picked It
The JBL Endurance Peak 3 are fully waterproof and dustproof, with one of the highest IP ratings on this list (IP68). These are less expensive than the JBL Reflect Aero, giving up modest noise cancellation for a much lower price. They sound good as well, with powerful bass and an adjustable in-app EQ.
Who It’s For
These are the earphones to get if you don’t want to shell out for active noise cancellation but still want a solid build quality and strong audio performance. The customizable EQ is a big bonus, too.
Learn More
JBL Endurance Peak 3 Review
Lowest Price
Tribit FlyBuds 3
Pros & Cons
Bass-forward, powerful audio performance
Excellent battery life for true wireless earphones—can charge external devices, too
Affordable
IPX7-rated waterproof
Excellent fit stability, with multiple eartip options
Ho-hum design
Wildly sculpted sound signature
No app, so no EQ to tame the audio
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Why We Picked It
The Tribit FlyBuds 3 far outperform their $35 price. Their decent sound, completely waterproof build, and secure fit completely make up for their less-than-inspiring design.
Who It’s For
These earphones should appeal to anyone who appreciates a good value. Additionally, their (somewhat bulky) case offers extensive battery life and the ability to charge other devices on the go; both qualities are helpful for people who aren’t often near an outlet.
Learn More
Tribit FlyBuds 3 Review
Best for Affordable Noise Cancellation
Anker Soundcore Sport X10
Pros & Cons
Powerful, sculpted, and bass-forward audio
Impressive ANC for the price
App features adjustable EQ and customizable controls
Waterproof build
Ear hook design makes docking process annoying
On-ear control array could be more intuitive
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Why We Picked It
The IPX7-rated Anker Soundcore Sport X10 earphones are an excellent value because they deliver decent active noise cancellation and a bass-forward audio experience at a midrange price. They also fit quite securely thanks to their integrated ear hooks. Better yet, they pair with a companion app that offers adjustable EQ and the ability to customize controls.
Who It’s For
If you want quality noise cancellation from earphones with an ear hook-style design, go with this Anker pair. Just keep in mind that they might create a bit of discomfort if you wear glasses with thick frames.
Learn More
Anker Soundcore Sport X10 Review
Best for Noise Cancellation
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2
Pros & Cons
Full-bodied bass and bright highs
Excellent noise cancellation, especially against deep lows
Dust-resistant and waterproof
Case can charge wirelessly and stream audio to the earbuds
Expensive
App hides some features
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Why We Picked It
Jabra’s Elite 10 Gen 2 earbuds have an excellent IP57 rating and compete with top options from Apple, Bose, and Sony on noise cancellation. They deliver robust, balanced audio, and Jabra’s companion app gives you lots of control over the sound signature and even includes some Dolby-based spatial sound modes. Wireless charging support for the case is a nice bonus, as is its ability to stream audio from nearly any source via a USB-C connection.
Who It’s For
They carry a premium price, but the Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 earphones are your best high-end option for exercise thanks to their durability, enjoyable sound, and effective noise cancellation (especially against the lows).
Learn More
Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 Review
Best for Alexa and Google Assistant Users
JBL Reflect Aero
Pros & Cons
Powerful audio performance with deep lows and bright highs
Multi-band in-app EQ
Supports hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant
Fully waterproof and dustproof design
Average noise cancellation
Sculpted, bass-forward sound signature won’t appeal to everyone
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Why We Picked It
The JBL Reflect Aero earphones are possibly the best value of all the waterproof models we’ve tested, especially if you can find them at their frequent sale price of $100. The chunky earbuds are nowhere near as sleek as Apple’s stem-style AirPods Pro, but they offer a superior fit.
Who It’s For
If you want a highly durable design for a reasonable price, these are one of your top options. Aside from their IP68 rating, they also offer hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant support, decent noise cancellation for the price, and an adjustable in-app EQ.
Learn More
JBL Reflect Aero Review
Best for Heart Rate Tracking
Sennheiser Momentum Sport
Pros & Cons
Biometric sensors measure your heart rate and body temperature
Powerful audio
Excellent fit security
Versatile controls
Customizable EQ
Expensive
Noise cancellation isn’t quite on par for the price
Specs & Configurations
Type
In-Canal
Connection Type
Bluetooth
Active Noise Cancellation
Why We Picked It
The Sennheiser Momentum Sport earphones are unique in that they can accurately measure your heart rate and body temperature all by themselves. Otherwise, they produce balanced, potent audio and use semi-perforated eartips that reduce the impact of noises during exercise, such as heavy breathing. Finally, both the earbuds (IP55) and wirelessly charging case (IP54) are decently durable.
Who It’s For
If you want to track health metrics while you exercise but don’t want to wear a fitness tracker, these Sennheiser earphones can record vital data. They also sound quite good and offer above-average noise cancellation.
Learn More
Sennheiser Momentum Sport Review
Buying Guide: The Best True Wireless Earbuds for Running
Which True Wireless Earbuds Are Waterproof?If you’re going to wear true wireless earphones for running or other types of exercise, some level of water resistance is vital. You can check how protected your earbuds are against the elements by looking at their IP rating, the standard that describes how well a device handles dust and water. The last number in an IP rating indicates a device’s water resistance; earphones with an IPX7 or IPX8 rating are safe even if you submerge them completely in water, for example. For handling sweat, a rating of at least IPX5 is generally sufficient. Earphones with an IPX4 rating can handle moisture, but you shouldn’t rinse them off under a faucet. The first number in an IP rating refers to dust resistance, but sometimes manufacturers don’t officially certify products against dust. If a product has an IP rating that starts with IPX and then a number (e.g., IPX6), the device is technically rated only against water. Most runners—except for, perhaps, ultra-marathoners doing desert runs—don’t need to worry too much about dust protection ratings, but water and sweat resistance are crucial. Beware of manufacturers that claim a product is “waterproof” even if it has a low IP rating and can’t withstand substantial water pressure.
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 (Credit: Tim Gideon)
Which True Wireless Earbuds Have the Best Battery Life?Battery life is somewhat of a weakness for the true wireless category. The best pairs can carry on for perhaps up to 10 hours on a full charge, though the worst last only a few hours. This is why charging cases with internal batteries are a critical part of the equation.That said, I don’t see many runners carrying a charging case and docking earpieces for extra battery life on their long runs. But this is also because—again, ultra-marathoners, this excludes you—most of these battery life ratings are sufficient for runs. If you run a full marathon, your true wireless in-ears can likely last most of, if not the entire race. If you run a half marathon, you almost certainly don’t need to worry about running out of juice. Of course, the battery life depends heavily on volume levels, so one way to get a longer result is by listening at lower levels.
Recommended by Our Editors
Which True Wireless Earphones Fit the Best?Let’s move on to something nearly all true wireless headphones are good at—staying in place. Earpieces must both be lightweight and notably larger than those for wired earphones. This larger contour typically rests against various areas of the ear for stability. Eartips that seal off the canal are also crucial for keeping the earpieces in place as well as ensuring solid ear-to-ear audio balance and bass depth. That’s why models like Apple’s AirPods don’t make this list: They lack a secure in-ear fit.Many sports-focused models include additional fit accessories like earfins or even bands that wrap around the earpiece to increase its width slightly. Nearly all the materials involved are some form of rubber or silicone, which aids the secure fit.
[ad_2]
