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10 Best Running Earbuds 2026 in the United States

#1

Winner

10.0 score

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 - Wireless Noise Cancelling Workout Earbuds with Secure- Fit Earhooks, Up to 45-Hour Battery with Charging Case, Sweat & Water Resistant, Heart Rate Monitoring - Hyper Purple

The Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed specifically for active users, especially runners and fitness enthusiasts. Their secure-fit earhooks, made with flexible nickel titanium alloy, ensure the earbuds stay in place even during intense workouts, while five ear tip sizes help customize comfort for different ear shapes. This makes them very reliable for running and other high-movement activities. Sound quality is enhanced by the Apple H2 chip, offering Adaptive EQ and personalized spatial audio, delivering clear highs, rich mid-tones, and solid bass for an immersive listening experience. The addition of Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) helps block out distractions, but you can also switch to Transparency mode to stay aware of your surroundings, which is important for outdoor runners. Battery life is impressive, with up to 45 hours including the charging case and 10 hours of continuous playback per charge, plus a quick 5-minute charge providing 1.5 hours of use. This means you won’t need to worry about charging frequently during long training sessions or daily use.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,381
Fit and Comfort
Sound Quality
Battery Life

Most important from
3831 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The secure-fit earhooks deliver unmatched stability, staying firmly in place even during sprints and intense workouts.
Sound Quality
Active Noise Cancelling is a game-changer, effectively blocking out loud gym noise to help focus on your own playlist.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, offering up to 10 hours per charge with ANC on, easily lasting a full week of workouts.
Connectivity
Compatibility with Apple devices is flawless, with instant pairing and excellent call quality maintained.
#2
10.0 score

Bose New QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) - Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds with Mic, Immersive Audio, USB-C Charging, Up to 6 Hours Battery, IPX4 Rating, Black

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Earbuds (2nd Gen) are a strong choice if you're looking for running earbuds with excellent sound and noise cancellation. Their CustomTune technology tailors the audio to your ears, delivering clear, immersive sound with deep bass, which makes music and calls feel more personal. Fit and comfort are well-addressed with nine different eartip and stability band options, helping to keep the earbuds snug and secure during movement. This is important for runners who want earbuds that stay in place without discomfort.

Rating
10.0
Fit and Comfort
Sound Quality
Battery Life

Most important from
1543 reviews

Fit and Comfort
The fit is impressively comfortable, to the point where you barely notice wearing them, a rare feat for earbuds with such powerful noise cancellation.
Sound Quality
These earbuds deliver the best sound quality among top competitors, with deep bass, wide soundstage, and excellent detail that makes music feel immersive and personal.
Battery Life
Battery life is solid for running sessions, and the wireless charging case ensures you won’t run out of power on the go.
Water and Sweat Resistance
Water resistance is suitable for sweat and light rain, supporting outdoor use without worry.
Connectivity
Connectivity is reliable and seamless, with Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint support allowing easy switching between devices.
#3
9.1 score

SHOKZ New OpenFit 2+ Open-Ear Headphones, Dolby Audio Enabled, Comfortable Earbuds with Soft Ear Hooks, 48H Playtime, IP55 Water-Resistant, USB-C Fast Charging, Wireless Charging, Carrying Bag, Grey

The SHOKZ New OpenFit 2+ earbuds use an open-ear design, making them a good choice if you want to stay aware of your surroundings during runs or workouts. They’re very lightweight (only 9.4g) and have soft silicone ear hooks, which help keep them comfortable and secure even when you're moving or sweating. With an IP55 rating, they resist water and sweat well, so they can handle rain or intense exercise without issues.

Rating
9.1
Fit and Comfort
Sound Quality
Battery Life

Most important from
3511 reviews

Fit and Comfort
Wearing them is effortless—so comfortable and secure that you can forget they’re on all day, even while wearing glasses or hats.
Sound Quality
The bass response delivers genuine punch rarely heard in open-ear designs, making these earbuds feel like a personal Bluetooth speaker with real depth.
Battery Life
An impressive 11-hour battery life per charge keeps the music going through long workouts without needing frequent recharging.
Connectivity
Multipoint connectivity is a game changer, allowing seamless switching between devices like phone and TV without hassle.

Top 10 Best Running Earbuds 2026 in the United States

Bose QuietComfort Earbuds - True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Active Noise Cancellation and Mic, USB-C Charging, IPX4 Rating, Up to 8.5 Hours of Playtime, Black

Fit and Comfort: Multiple sizes of eartips and bands
Water and Sweat Resistance: IPX4
Battery Life: 8.5 hours
Sound Quality: Deep bass, noise cancellation
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, multipoint
Controls and Usability: Customizable touch controls, Bose app
Noise Isolation and Ambient Sound: Active Noise Cancellation
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Buying Guide for the Best Running Earbuds

Choosing the right running earbuds can significantly enhance your workout experience. The right pair will stay secure, provide excellent sound quality, and be comfortable for long periods. When selecting running earbuds, consider factors such as fit, sound quality, battery life, water resistance, and connectivity. Understanding these key specifications will help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and preferences.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort are crucial for running earbuds because they need to stay securely in place during your workout. Earbuds typically come with different sizes of ear tips and wings to ensure a snug fit. Some models are designed to hook over the ear for added security. If you have smaller or larger ears, look for models that offer a variety of sizes. The right fit will prevent the earbuds from falling out and ensure they are comfortable to wear for extended periods.
Sound QualitySound quality is important for an enjoyable listening experience. Running earbuds should provide clear and balanced sound with good bass response to keep you motivated. Some earbuds offer noise isolation or active noise cancellation to block out external noise, which can be beneficial if you run in noisy environments. However, if you run outdoors, you might prefer earbuds that allow some ambient sound for safety reasons. Choose sound quality based on your preference for music and the environment in which you run.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long you can use your earbuds before needing to recharge them. For running earbuds, a battery life of at least 5-8 hours is generally sufficient for most workouts. Some models come with a charging case that provides additional charges, extending the total battery life. If you run long distances or use your earbuds throughout the day, look for models with longer battery life or quick charging features.
Water and Sweat ResistanceWater and sweat resistance are essential for running earbuds, as they will be exposed to sweat and possibly rain. Look for earbuds with an IPX rating, which indicates their level of water resistance. An IPX4 rating means the earbuds are sweat-resistant, while an IPX7 rating means they can be submerged in water up to a certain depth. Choose the level of water resistance based on your running conditions and how much you sweat.
ConnectivityConnectivity refers to how the earbuds connect to your device. Most running earbuds use Bluetooth for wireless connectivity, which provides freedom of movement without tangled wires. Look for Bluetooth 5.0 or higher for a more stable connection and better range. Some models also offer features like multipoint pairing, which allows you to connect to multiple devices simultaneously. Ensure the earbuds are compatible with your device and provide a reliable connection during your runs.

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