The best headphones for running

The Beats Fit Pro are going to be popular with a lot of Apple fans, but there are plenty of other reasons to consider these earbuds beyond brand loyalty. They're high-powered earbuds, built with Apple's impressive H1 chip.

These wireless earbuds offer a flexible and secure fit, with a custom acoustic platform that delivers powerful and balanced sound. Users also get two distinct listening modes: Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency Mode. The noise cancellation isn't the best, but this is difficult to get right with running earbuds.

They're also sweat and water resistant, and offer six hours of listening time — or up to 24 hours with the charging case. This means they're equipped to handle just about any workout.

Jabra has made its share of top-rated earbuds, but the Jabra Elite 4 Active make the list because they pack so much great tech into what are essentially budget earbuds. At least, budget by the usually pricey standards of fitness tech.

We love the on-ear volume control, controlled with a physical button on the bud, which prevents you from having to fumble around with your phone mid-run. Other features (at your literal fingertips) include Alexa and Spotify Tap Playback, which allows you access playlists and songs with a quick tap.

They’re pleasingly snug in the ears, allowing you to hammer the pavement without the fear of losing one along the way. Elsewhere, active noise cancellation is bolstered by HearThrough technology.

JBL does active noise cancellation very well, even on its mid-price offerings. With the JBL Reflect Flow Pro, the noise cancellation isn’t just active, but adaptive. It adjusts automatically to drown out distractions. Also, an ambient mode helps you to stay aware of your surroundings or chat to your workout buddy.

These aren’t as geared towards pristine, nuanced sounds in the way that audio-centric brands deliver. But JBL sound is always reliable, with the added durability and sport-specific features.

They’re both sweat proof and dust proof — safe for working out in all conditions — with patented powerfins to keep them secure. A max of 30 hours' battery life (thanks to the charging case) is more than enough for those long runs.

Flexibility is a big part of any runner's life, and the same should be applied to headphones. The out-of-box version may not always fit or be comfortable in the ear, so its important that you can actually wear them properly. That is where Sony WI-XB400 earbuds come into play.

In contrast to the other wired headsets in this roundup, these Sony earbuds have a stable neckband. This helps to hold them securely in place, ensuring they stay put on those long runs. 

And if you're prone to losing earbuds, the actual buds on these are magnetic. That means they clip together around your neck — like, well, a necklace — so you always know where they are.

You know you’re in good hands both fitness and audio-wise with a name like Sennheiser Sport. The German-built brand is well known for its top-of-the-line audio performance — it’s a top choice for true audiophiles. Especially reassuring with the true wireless technology.

As for fitness features, they’re made to fit snugly — so they won’t fall out during your workout — with a mammoth battery life (up to 27 hours with the charging case) for extra-long runs. They’re also sweat proof, and with easy touch controls for control while you work out.

The big downside is the high-end price tag, though you do get advanced audio features such as adatable acoustics for staying aware of surroundings. Be warned though: this noise cancelation is passive not active.

You might not be familiar with bone conducting technology, but listen up, because you should give it a chance. These Haylou headphones use vibrations to transmit sound through your cheekbone directly to your inner ear, meaning you can enjoy your favourite tunes or podcasts on your run whilst still hearing everything going on around you. This is particularly useful if safety is a priority when you're running roadside, or you care about ear canal health.

In-ear headphones deliver better sound, so these might not be best suited to real audiophiles. But if you're a casual listener who just wants to stay entertained when running, you should be absolutely fine. They also work great if you're a podcast listener on your runs.

They are sweat and waterproof for even the toughest workouts, while a 10-minute quick charge will even deliver up to two hours of battery life.

Even if you spend less, you don't need to compromise on quality. The JLab Go Air Sport are a superb option for anyone. They’re made with lo-fi features specifically designed for running and working out.

For instance, check out the over-the-ear ergonomic hooks. There’s no way these will slip out. They’re also sweatproof, so you can really put everything into your session. They also have an impressively long battery life — up to 32 hours with the charging case.

No, they don’t sound quite as good as more expensive options. But the sound certainly isn’t bad. And they do have adjustable EQ settings (signature, balanced, and bass boost). The only reason not to buy these is if you’re desperate for all the latest tech.