Working out with music can help boost motivation and intensity. But dealing with annoying wires getting in the way ruins the experience. That‘s why having a solid pair of wireless earbuds is crucial.
In this expert guide, we’ll review the top wireless earbuds for exercise and provide tips for choosing the best pair for your fitness needs.
Key Factors for Workout Earbuds
When selecting wireless earbuds to use for exercise, there are a few important considerations:
Fit and Comfort: You’ll want earbuds that fit securely and comfortably for intense training. Look for models with multiple eartip size options and stability features. Over-ear hooks can also keep earbuds in place.
Sweat and Water Resistance: With all that sweating, you’ll need earbuds with strong waterproofing, rated IPX4 or higher. This ensures they can withstand moisture without damage during tough workouts.
Battery Life: Long battery performance is crucial so your earbuds don‘t die mid-workout. Look for at least 5 hours of battery per charge. Fast charging features are also useful for quick top ups.
Audio Quality and Controls: Strong sound motivating audio and easy access controls are vital for maximizing your exercise performance without distraction.
Keeping these key factors in mind, let’s look at the top wireless earbuds recommended for exercise in 2024.
1. Jabra Elite Active 75t – Best Overall
- IP57 rated with sweatproof/waterproof construction
- Secure comfortable fit with grip coating
- Active noise canceling to block ambient noise
- 24 hour total battery life per charge
- On-ear controls and voice assistant access
With incredible durability, great audio and a secure ergonomic fit, the Jabra Elite Active 75t earbuds are designed specifically with exercise in mind.
The sweatproof and waterproof IP57 rating allows them to withstand even your sweatiest, toughest workouts. Jabra’s proprietary grip coating also keeps the buds firmly and comfortably in place.
You get crisp, customized sound with the Jabra Sound+ App. Punchy bass keeps you energized through every rep along with the motivational vibes of your workout playlist.
Active noise canceling blocks distracting background noise to keep you focused. Just toggle noise canceling on or off directly on the buds. Speak clearly on calls even mid-workout with 4 built-in microphones.
On-ear button controls handle music and calls. You also get one-touch access to Siri, Alexa or Google Assistant for hands-free voice commands like changing songs or getting training insights.
With 7.5 hours battery per charge and up to 24 hours with the case, you‘ll have endless energy just like your earbuds. And the fast charging USB-C case provides 60 minutes of play from just 15 minutes of charging.
For the ultimate combination of audio power, rugged durability and motivational features, the Jabra Elite Active 75t earbuds have your workout needs covered.
2. 1MORE ColorBuds 2 – Best Value
- IPX5 rated sweat/water resistance
- Excellent value priced under $100
- Smooth, balanced sound signature
- Up to 24 hours total battery life
- Lightweight and secure fit
Delivering fantastic performance at an affordable price point, the 1MORE ColorBuds 2 make a top choice for budget-conscious fitness enthusiasts.
The ColorBuds 2 boast an IPX5 rating making them fully sweatproof and water resistant without damaging your investment as you push to beat new PRs.
You’ll enjoy rich balanced audio whether cranking energizing beats or taking a cooldown stretch. Customizable EQ settings in the 1MORE app let you set the sound profile to match your activity.
Talk freely with two microphones enhancing voice pickup on calls between sets. Control your music and volume right from the responsive touch controls on each earbud.
At just 4.5 grams per bud, the ColorBuds 2 are ultra lightweight with an ergonomic in-ear fit that stays secure and comfy even as you pick up the intensity.
With up to 24 hours total playtime (6 hours buds + 18 hours from case), you can keep your music pumping for days of nonstop exercise motivation.
For impressive function meeting incredible value, the 1MORE ColorBuds 2 training companion helps take your active lifestyle to the next level.
3. Jabra Elite 7 Active – Best Noise Canceling
- Advanced active noise canceling technology
- Upgraded sweatproof and waterproof design
- ShakeGrip and pressure relief ensure secure comfortable fit
- 30 hours total battery life
- Bone conduction microphones for clear calls on the move
Seeking serious noise reduction alongside crisp audio for your training sessions? Enter the Jabra Elite 7 Active.
Making a leap forward from their popular Active 75t series, Jabra implemented powerful hybrid Active Noise Canceling letting you zone into your workout without ambient chatter or gym speaker distractions seeping in.
The upgraded IP57 dustproof and waterproof rating gives sweaty athletes confidence to push their limits rain or shine knowing moisture won’t ruin these rugged buds.
ShakeGrip tech and oval silicon EarGels keep the Elite 7 Active firmly and pleasantly nestled in your ear even as you pick up speed. Plus pressure relief vents lessen ear strain during longer workouts.
Access clear, punchy customizable sound managed directly from your phone with the easy-to-use Jabra Sound+ app. When you need to chat with your training partner or take calls between sets, bone conduction mics transmit natural voice tones even in loud environments.
With up to 8 hours play per charge and fast charging support, you’ll have enough untethered playtime to crush any size workout. The wireless charging case packs up to 30 hours additional audio when you‘re on the move.
For active fitness buffs who demand acoustic isolation from external noise paired with dynamic immersive sound, the Jabra Elite 7 Active is a top performing option worth investing in.
4. adidas RPT-02 Sol – Most Durable
- Ultra durable IPX5 waterproof rating
- Flexible secure ear hook design
- Equalizer settings via smartphone app
- Up to 40 hours total battery life
- On-ear touch controls
Engineered for athletic endurance, the adidas RPT-02 Sol wireless buds were built to outlast even your most grueling workouts.
The flexible ear hook design modeled off adidas sportswear keeps the Sol earbuds firmly in place as you sprint, lift, stretch and grind. An IPX5 rating makes them fully sweatproof and waterproof through intense multi-hour training in any climate.
Pumping basslines drive you onward while sound isolating buds block distracting external noise. Customize your sound profile to match the mood of your activity via the user-friendly adidas Headphones app.
Respond to calls and control your motivational mix with responsive touch inputs right on each earbud. No need to slow your pace toggling music settings on your smartphone.
Boasting up to 10 hours playtime per charge and 30 extra hours from the pocket-sized charger case, you’ll have power to push through days of unbroken personal bests.
While lesser earbuds may wilt or work loose under extreme athletic strain, the rugged adidas RPT-02 Sol provides workout-tailored durability and dynamic sound made to amp your active lifestyle.
5. AfterShokz Aeropex – Best Bone Conduction
- Open ear bone conduction technology
- Lightweight design stays put
- 8 hour battery life + 16 extra hours
- IP55 water/dust resistance
- Situational awareness benefits
Prefer to keep your ears free while still rocking tunes on the move? Check out the innovative AfterShokz Aeropex.
Using bone conduction tech, the Aeropex delivers sound by gently vibrating against your cheek instead of plugging your ear canal like traditional buds. Enjoy great quality audio without compromising situational awareness.
Weighing just 26 grams, the featherlight Aeropex form an secure wrap-around fit suited for running, cycling, hiking and more. An IP55 rating makes them dustproof and able to withstand heavy perspiration if your training heats up.
Bluetooth connectivity makes wireless pairing with your phone a cinch. Convenient multipurpose buttons allow you to control volume, songs and calls without breaking pace.
When the battery eventually drains after 8 hours, the premium carrying case provides 16 additional hours so you can keep training for days strong. The quick charge function also gives you 1.5 hours playtime from just 15 minutes charging.
For athletes and outdoor adventurers wanting open earbud convenience without sacrificing sound quality or stability, AfterShokz Aeropex checks all the boxes.
Choosing the Right Earbuds for Your Workouts
Now that we’ve covered some top wireless earbuds for exercise, how do you narrow down the best choice for your individual fitness routine?
Here are a few tips for selecting earbuds to optimize different training scenarios:
Weight Lifting: Over-ear hooks provide the most secure fit for strength sessions. Waterproof buds like the adidas RPT-02 Sol can handle messy dripping sweat in the weight room.
Running: Feather light earbuds with sweat proofing like the Jabra Elite 7 Active are tailor-made for pavement pounding. Bone conduction picks like the AfterShokz Aeropex allow hearing traffic and staying alert on runs.
Home Workouts: For at home training like streaming yoga, dance or HIIT programs, you don‘t need hardcore water protection. Opt for comfort-focused buds like the 1MORE ColorBuds packing great audio at an affordable price.
Group Classes: To stand out noise in crowded studios, active noise canceling models like the Jabra Elite 7 Active help you zero in on the instructor‘s cues and stay focused.
All-Purpose Fitness Companion: If you split time between the trails, home training and gym sessions, go with versatile all-condition earbuds like the Jabra Elite Active 75t or adidas RPT-02 Sol. Both handle moisture extremely well.
Think about when, how and where you train. Finding earbuds tuned for your specific routines ensures you get the right features without paying for unnecessary extras.
Health Tips for Safe Earbud Use During Workouts
Here are some tips for health protecting your ears and staying vigilant if wearing earbuds during exercise:
- Limit volume to 60% max to avoid damaging your hearing over time
- Equalize pressure if you notice discomfort by gently massaging the outer ear
- Try different size eartips for the most comfortable secure fit
- Stay alert to surroundings for safety, especially outdoors
- Avoid overstuffing sweaty earbuds in pockets; let them dry
- Clean buds regularly with isopropyl alcohol to prevent germ buildup
- Don’t use earbuds if you have an ear infection or medical condition
Being mindful protects your ear health so you can keep jamming worry-free through countless future workouts.
FAQs: Wireless Earbuds for Fitness
Q: Will earbuds fall out when running or doing high intensity interval training?
A: Look for earbuds with stability features like eartips with an ergonomic slant, oval shape or triple flange design to wedge nicely into the ear. Twist lock or over-ear hooks also help buds stay planted through explosive sprints or intense CrossFit style training. Properly fitted silicone or foam tips that fully seal without discomfort work best.
Q: Can I swim or shower with wireless earbuds?
A: Shower friendly waterproof earbuds rated IPX7 and above can withstand water submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. But constant soaking in chlorinated or salt water can still damage internals over time. For regular swimmers, waterproof MP3 player style headphones are better suited for regular aquatic use over longer periods.
Q: How do I get the best sound from workout earbuds?
A: Securely fit the eartips in your ear canals to create an immersive acoustic seal. Engage any EQ presets via an app to accentuate bass, mids or treble tailored to your content. Ensure volume levels aren’t set too high. Keep the microphone ports clear from blockage by hair or hats for best playback and call quality.
Q: What maintenance do wireless earbuds need?
A: Regularly clean eartips with an alcohol wipe or solution to prevent germ buildup after sweaty sessions. An antimicrobial carrying case also reduces bacteria growth. Check the charge case connection pins are clear of debris buildup so buds magnetically snap into place effortlessly. Update firmware whenever available to enhance functionality.
Q: Can sweat damage wireless earbuds?
A: Excessive sweat ingress can potentially damage driver components without sufficient water protection. Opt for earbuds rated at minimum IPX4 that withstand splashing from any direction. Higher ratings like IP67 or IPX8 guarantee waterproofing safe for extreme conditions or aquatic activities.
Final Word
Adding wireless earbuds to your exercise toolkit makes workouts infinitely more enjoyable while helping drive peak performance. Use our tips to zone in on buds with ideal features, sound and battery life to meet your fitness goals.
Just don’t forget health comes first. Protect your ears, stay alert and keep smashing through those fitness milestones!
