10 Best Running Headphones 2025 in the United States

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are designed with runners and athletes in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit thanks to their ergonomic design and Ni-Ti alloy memory wire. The open-ear design keeps you aware of your surroundings, enhancing safety during outdoor activities. Sound quality is a highlight, with dual drivers delivering clear highs and deep bass, and customizable EQ modes available through the Shokz App to tailor your audio experience.

Battery life is impressive, providing up to 12 hours of playback, which is ample for extended workouts and runs. Additionally, these headphones are sweat and water-resistant, making them suitable for intense exercises and various weather conditions. Connectivity is solid, with Bluetooth 5.3 ensuring a stable wireless connection within a 33-foot range.

The controls are easy to use with buttons for volume and playback, and the built-in microphones with AI noise reduction ensure clear calls even in windy environments. However, they lack active noise cancellation, which might be a drawback in very noisy surroundings. The open-ear design might not be suitable for those who prefer complete immersion in their music. Despite these minor downsides, the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are an excellent choice for runners and fitness enthusiasts looking for a reliable, high-quality audio companion.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with runners and active users in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit thanks to reinforced earhooks and multiple ear tip sizes. This makes them reliable during intense workouts without worrying about them falling out. Sound quality is enhanced with Active Noise Cancelling and Adaptive EQ, providing clear highs, rich mids, and strong bass, plus a Transparency mode to stay aware of surroundings—useful for outdoor running.

The battery life is impressive, delivering up to 45 hours with the case and about 10 hours per single charge, which is helpful for long training sessions. Sweat and water resistance rated IPX4 mean they can handle rain or sweat, but they aren’t fully waterproof for swimming. Connectivity is strong, with Class 1 Bluetooth ensuring stable connections for both Apple and Android devices. The earbuds support useful features like hands-free voice commands, easy controls on the buds, and a heart rate monitor that tracks your pulse during exercise. The case is smaller and supports wireless charging, adding convenience.

These earbuds are a bit heavier than some competitors, which might affect comfort for those who prefer ultra-light gear. Also, the USB-C charging cable is not included, so you may need to have one ready. If you want premium running earbuds with great sound, durable build, and useful workout features, the Powerbeats Pro 2 represents a solid choice, but if you prioritize ultra-lightweight or waterproof headphones, there might be better options.

The SHOKZ New OpenFit 2 Open-Ear Headphones offer a unique experience with their open-ear design, making them ideal for runners who need to stay aware of their surroundings. Fit and comfort stand out with lightweight earhooks and a personalized fit, ensuring comfort during long runs. The IP55 rating provides good water and sweat resistance, making them suitable for various weather conditions and intense workouts.

Sound quality is enhanced with DualBoost composite drivers and OpenBass 2.0, delivering clear mids and highs along with rich bass. Despite the open-ear form factor, the DirectPitch 2.0 technology helps maintain a private listening experience. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 11 hours on a single charge and up to 48 hours with the charging case, which is beneficial for long training sessions. A quick 10-minute charge provides an extra 2 hours of playback, which is very convenient.

Though these headphones lack active noise cancellation, the dual noise-canceling microphones ensure clear phone calls. The multifunction buttons and the Shokz App allow easy control over various functions and customization. However, the absence of noise cancellation might be a drawback for those who prefer a more immersive listening experience. These headphones are best suited for runners and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize awareness of their environment and comfort over noise isolation.