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Best Wireless Headphones for Working Out

Combining music with lifting in the gym is a longstanding practice. When wireless headphones came along, it was a perfect match. No more long cords with the potential to fray, no more spending time untangling your headphones before your workout session. What’s more, they’re safer to use near machines such as treadmills or exercise bikes as there are no wires to catch anywhere. Given all of this, wireless headphones are becoming the preferred choice for training at the gym or at home. Usually those who make the switch from wired headphones to wireless never look back. Check out our top 5 recommended wireless headphones for working out, including over-ear, on-ear and in-ear options. Find out more about what to look for when shopping for a new pair of sport headphones below.

badge-editor's-choice-gold-with-blue-ribbon-fitrated

SOUL Electronics X-TRA Performance

Rating: 91%

Our Top Five Best Recommended Wireless Headphones for Working Out

Model

Rating

Wireless

Bluetooth

Sweatproof

Pricing

Reviews

Best Over-Ear SOUL Electronics X-TRA Performance Headphones
SOUL Electronics X-TRA Performance
91%
Yes
Yes
Yes
Best On-Ear Beats Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Beats Solo3
87%
Yes
Yes
No
Best In-Ear Senso Bluetooth Headphones
SENSO Bluetooth Headphones
84%
Yes
Yes
Yes
Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones
Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series I)
84%
Yes
Yes
No
Mpow Bluetooth Headphones
Mpow 059
79%
Yes
Yes
No

What Makes a Pair of Wireless Headphones Good For Exercising?

When you work out, you’ll likely be sweating, leaning, and stretching among other things. When shopping for headphones to exercise with, firstly think about the kind of workouts you usually do. If you prefer HIIT workouts or sweat-dripping spin classes, you need a pair of headphones that can hold up to the strenuous activity and sweat that comes with these sorts of routines. Sweat will be a major factor in determining which pair is preferable to others because moisture and delicate electronics just don’t mix. If you’re in the middle of a grueling workout and sweat is pouring down your head and ears, you want to know that your headphones can repel this moisture buildup so they aren’t damaged. If you prefer low-intensity exercise or want a pair to accompany short bursts of strength training, a model that prioritizes sound quality and comfort over sweatproof materials and durability may be a better option.

 

Also consider the quality of the materials and technical components used and how durable they will be. Look for a pair that is of high enough quality that they will last longer than just a couple of months. This way, you’re likely to get a pair that offers stellar sound and enough noise canceling capability to keep you tuned in during your routines. Keeping these key features in mind—namely, what type of workouts you will be using them for and the quality of the product itself—you’ll find the right pair of headphones for your unique workout needs.

1. SOUL Electronics X-TRA Performance

It’s hard to find a pair of wireless headphones which can handle heavy workouts. Soul Electronics has designed a range of models specifically for exercise. These X-TRA Performance wireless over-ear headphones will stay on your ears even during your most grueling routines. They’re a lightweight but durable model: you won’t need to worry about them feeling heavy and bulky, but they can still handle any workout you throw at them. The top of the headband features a mesh design for added breathability. You can fold them up too, so they’re ideal for on the go. The ear pads are made from breathable sports material which is moisture wicking and sweatproof. What’s more, you can remove and wash them to make them as good as new: a stellar addition we haven’t seen on many models. There are also dual-mode LED lights for when you’re running in the dark (still and flashing modes). Overall, these headphones are packed with features tailored specifically to working out, all for an affordable price.

Pros

Affordable
Washable Ear Pads
Lightweight & Breathable

Cons

Not Noise Canceling

2. Beats Solo3

Find on-ear headphones more comfortable? Beats Solo3 wireless on-ear headphones are an ideal premium option for low-intensity workouts. Most on-ear headphones don’t deliver the same level of noise cancelation as full over-ear models: this isn’t the case here. Expect maximum clarity and balance whatever the volume. Unlike some over-ear headphones, the Beats Solo3 are a very comfortable fit. The adjustable fit along with the comfort-cushioned ear cups allow them to suit most users. You can fold them up too. Although they are not designed to be sweat or water resistant (or sweat and water proof), they are comfortable for low-intensity workouts or short bursts of strength training. Just don’t take these along to a HIIT training session or spin class. They can’t hold up to sweat-dripping routines: you have to keep these dry. Bluetooth connectivity is seamless, and there’s up to 40 hours of battery life. If you’re in a rush to get to the gym but haven’t charged, the Fast Fuel feature allows you to charge your Beats for just 5 minutes and you’ll get 3 hours of playback. Take calls, swap tracks, or activate Siri with the help of the on-ear controls.

Pros

Battery Life
Comfortable
High Quality and Durable

Cons

Not Sweatproof

3. SENSO Bluetooth Headphones

SENSO’s Bluetooth headphones with built-in microphone are one of the most popular wireless headphones on the market, and for good reason. Their innovative design are made to fit around your ear and remain secure during even your toughest workouts. The CVC 6.0 noise suppression technology allows for crisp sound quality. The HD Sound is not completely sound-canceling, but it’s close enough. As they are sweatproof, they’re a perfect match for heavy workouts. They aren’t completely immune to wear and water damage, so it’s best to wipe them down after each workout. You won’t have to spend time readjusting them mid-workout or making sure your sweat isn’t accumulating on the bands. Their battery life is stellar, delivering close to eight hours of music with less than two hours of charge time. Overall, at around $25, they are a solid and affordable choice for the gym or at-home workouts.

Pros

High-Quality Sound
Affordable
Sweatproof

Cons

Durability

4. Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series I)

The Bose QuietComfort 35 (Series I) premium wireless headphones won’t disappoint. They come in a single unisex size which will suit most trainees. Finding a comfortable fit is a common issue for headphone shoppers but you don’t need to worry about that here. The earcups on the QC35 are memory foam so they adjust comfortably to your ears the longer and more often you wear them. The noise cancelation is stellar on this model, and the top-spec components allow for crisp, clear sound. The Bluetooth and NFC pairing is aided by voice prompts so you can be sure you’re connected to the right device without reaching for your device. Battery life is impressive too. These headphones pack in a whopping 20 hours of battery life per charge, and up to 40 hours in wired mode for after gym hours. The noise-rejecting dual microphone system allows you to make clear calls wherever you are. One drawback to note is that they are not that sweat resistant, so they’ll be best for low-intensity workouts. Be sure to wipe these headphones down during and after your workout to avoid moisture buildup.

Pros

Noise Canceling
Comfortable
High-Quality and Durable

Cons

Not Sweatproof

5. Mpow 059

The Mpow 059 headphones are an affordable pair of over-ear Bluetooth headphones you can take to the gym for low-intensity workouts. Sound quality is good, with the around-ear cushion providing a snug fit. Although the Mpow 059 headphones don’t cancel out all noise completely, the sound is still immersive and impressive for the budget price. Some customers have noted that there is some sound leakage, with people close by being able to hear the sound when at louder volumes. They are comfortable enough for longer sessions, fitting tight to the ears with soft memory-protein ear cushions and a padded headband. You can fold them up when you’re on the go too. They can be used wirelessly or in wired mode if you want to plug in when working or studying on your PC. You’ll get up to 20 hours of battery life in a single charge, and one 10-minute charge gives you up to 2 hours of playtime if this is all you have time for before the gym. Although not technically sweatproof, they’re a solid option for low-intensity workouts or short bursts of strength training: just don’t try your sweat-dripping routines with these. Some customers say the headphones work fine during these types of routines, but it’s not recommended. Overall, they are a good pair of Bluetooth over-ear headphones for the price.

Pros

Affordable
Foldable
Snug Fit

Cons

Not Noise Canceling
Not Sweatproof
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