Best Wireless Earbuds for Working Out in 2026
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We evaluated six leading models based on fit security, water resistance, battery life, and biometric tracking capabilities to identify the top choices for athletes. This ranking is specifically for runners and gym users who require durable, secure-fitting audio that withstands sweat and intense movement.
How we ranked these
At a glance
| # | Product | Score | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 | 9.2 | $199.95 | Runners and gym users wanting conventional sealed earbuds with secure fit and biometric tracking |
| 2 | JBL Endurance Peak 4 | 8.9 | — | Durability-focused users needing high water/dust resistance and long battery life |
| 3 | Sennheiser Momentum Sport | 8.7 | $149.95 | Athletes requiring biometric data (heart rate and body temperature) during workouts |
| 4 | SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 | 8.5 | $179.95 | Users prioritizing safety through open-ear awareness and bone conduction audio |
| 5 | Nothing Ear (Open) | 8.2 | $89.00 | Running and outdoor activities where maintaining situational awareness is prioritized |
| 6 | Sony WF-C710N | 7.8 | $88.00 | Users prioritizing noise canceling at a mid-range price point |
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
$199.95 9.2- Includes heart-rate monitor for biometric tracking
- Features over-ear hooks for secure fit during exercise
- Powered by Apple H2 chip for tighter Apple ecosystem integration
- Offers active noise canceling (ANC) for focused workouts
- IPX4 water resistance is lower than IP68 rivals
- Sealed design reduces traffic awareness for outdoor runs
- Sound is broadly balanced with slight bass emphasis, limiting customization
Best for: Runners and gym users wanting conventional sealed earbuds with secure fit and biometric tracking
JBL Endurance Peak 4
8.9- IP68 dust and water resistance, the strongest in the conventional in-ear category
- Delivers nearly 10 hours of battery life per charge
- Includes ear hooks for stability during high-impact movement
- Supports graphic EQ via the JBL app for audio tuning
- ANC is substantially weaker than the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
- Default tuning is bass-heavy and can sound muddy
- Lacks a heart-rate sensor for biometric data
Best for: Durability-focused users needing high water/dust resistance and long battery life
Sennheiser Momentum Sport
$149.95 8.7- Features both a heart-rate sensor and body temperature sensor
- Includes a secure fit design for workout stability
- Supports a companion app for detailed audio and data management
- High MSRP of $325.95, though observed prices drop to $149.95
- Specific IP rating is not stated in the provided excerpt
Best for: Athletes requiring biometric data (heart rate and body temperature) during workouts
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2
$179.95 8.5- Uses bone conduction audio to leave ears open for safety
- Supports Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connection
- Features a lightweight and comfortable design for long sessions
- Some listeners dislike the vibrating-transducer sensation
- IP67 rating is lower than IP68 standards
- Limited low bass compared to sealed drivers
Best for: Users prioritizing safety through open-ear awareness and bone conduction audio
Nothing Ear (Open)
$89.00 8.2- Open-ear design provides natural awareness for outdoor activities
- Offers excellent EQ options for audio customization
- Supports multipoint Bluetooth for connecting to multiple devices
- Open-ear design provides less noise isolation than sealed buds
- IP54 rating is lower protection than IP68
Best for: Running and outdoor activities where maintaining situational awareness is prioritized
Sony WF-C710N
$88.00 7.8- Includes active noise canceling (ANC) for noise reduction
- Features a unique design that ensures a comfortable fit
- Source text does not specify IP rating for this model
- Source text does not specify battery life details for this model
Best for: Users prioritizing noise canceling at a mid-range price point
How to choose
Choose IP68 models like the JBL Endurance Peak 4 if you sweat heavily or train in rain; IPX4 models like the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are suitable for indoor gym use only.
Select the Sennheiser Momentum Sport or Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 if you require heart-rate data; avoid models without sensors if you rely on a separate smartwatch.
Opt for open-ear designs like the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 or Nothing Ear (Open) for outdoor running to maintain traffic awareness, or sealed buds for gym isolation.
Prioritize the JBL Endurance Peak 4 for nearly 10 hours per charge if you have long training blocks; verify case charging capabilities for extended sessions.
Our verdict
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 is the top pick for most athletes due to its secure fit and heart-rate monitoring, while the JBL Endurance Peak 4 is the superior choice for durability-focused users requiring IP68 protection.
Frequently asked questions
Which earbuds have the best water resistance for working out?
The JBL Endurance Peak 4 offers IP68 dust and water resistance, which is the strongest rating in the conventional in-ear category.
Do workout earbuds track heart rate?
Yes, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 and Sennheiser Momentum Sport include heart-rate sensors, with the Sennheiser also tracking body temperature.
Are open-ear earbuds safe for running?
Yes, models like the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 use bone conduction to leave ears open, prioritizing safety through situational awareness over noise isolation.
What is the best budget option for workout earbuds?
The Nothing Ear (Open) is observed at $89.00 and the Sony WF-C710N at $88.00, both offering mid-range features like ANC or open-ear awareness.
