10 Best Running Headphones 2025 in the United States

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 are open-ear, bone conduction headphones designed with runners and active users in mind. Their standout feature is the open-ear design combined with bone conduction technology, which lets you enjoy clear, immersive sound while staying fully aware of your surroundings—a big safety plus for outdoor running. They deliver a rich audio experience by blending bone conduction with air conduction drivers, offering deep bass and crisp highs, which is uncommon for open-ear headphones.

Comfort and fit are well addressed through a lightweight (just 30 grams) design with flexible titanium alloy memory wire and ergonomic ear hooks that hold the headphones securely in place without causing pressure or discomfort. This makes them stable during vigorous movement and resistant to slips or shifts. For sweat and water resistance, these headphones are sweatproof and water-resistant, suitable for sweaty workouts and light rain, though they are not fully waterproof for swimming or heavy downpours. Battery life is solid, offering up to 12 hours on a single charge with a quick one-hour recharge, enough for most daily runs or workouts.

Connectivity relies on Bluetooth 5.3, providing a stable wireless connection within about 33 feet. The controls use physical buttons, which can take some getting used to but work reliably even when running. They also support customization through the Shokz app, allowing users to switch between EQ modes to enhance sound depending on their environment. Call quality is enhanced with dual wind-resistant microphones and AI noise reduction, making it clearer even when running outdoors. Because of the open-ear design, the sound might leak a bit and won’t provide the noise isolation that traditional earbuds offer. These headphones suit runners who prioritize safety and comfort while wanting decent sound quality and reliable performance. If you want earbuds that block outside noise or have a fully waterproof design, these might not be the best fit, but for most runners, they strike a thoughtful balance between awareness, comfort, and audio.

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are a strong choice for those seeking high-quality sound and features suited for a variety of listening situations, including workouts. Their over-ear design provides a comfortable fit, which is essential for longer sessions. The sound quality stands out with Beats' custom acoustic platform delivering immersive audio, and the ability to switch between active noise cancellation and transparency mode allows you to adjust to your environment, which is particularly useful if you're running outdoors.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 40 hours of playback, and the fast charging feature is a great plus for users on the go. The headphones are also designed to work seamlessly with both Apple and Android devices, making them versatile for different users.

While they excel in many areas, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The over-ear design, while generally comfortable, might be too bulky for some users, especially during high-intensity workouts. Additionally, while they provide a good level of sweat and water resistance, they're not fully waterproof, which may be a concern for those running in heavy rain or very humid conditions.

One more thing to think about is the price point; they tend to be on the higher end compared to other running headphones, which may not be ideal for everyone, especially those looking for a budget option. The Beats Studio Pro headphones are well-suited for fitness enthusiasts who value sound quality and comfort but may not be the best fit for everyone based on their size and price.

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds are designed with runners and active users in mind, offering a secure and comfortable fit thanks to reinforced earhooks and multiple ear tip sizes. This makes them reliable during intense workouts without worrying about them falling out. Sound quality is enhanced with Active Noise Cancelling and Adaptive EQ, providing clear highs, rich mids, and strong bass, plus a Transparency mode to stay aware of surroundings—useful for outdoor running.

The battery life is impressive, delivering up to 45 hours with the case and about 10 hours per single charge, which is helpful for long training sessions. Sweat and water resistance rated IPX4 mean they can handle rain or sweat, but they aren’t fully waterproof for swimming. Connectivity is strong, with Class 1 Bluetooth ensuring stable connections for both Apple and Android devices. The earbuds support useful features like hands-free voice commands, easy controls on the buds, and a heart rate monitor that tracks your pulse during exercise. The case is smaller and supports wireless charging, adding convenience.

These earbuds are a bit heavier than some competitors, which might affect comfort for those who prefer ultra-light gear. Also, the USB-C charging cable is not included, so you may need to have one ready. If you want premium running earbuds with great sound, durable build, and useful workout features, the Powerbeats Pro 2 represents a solid choice, but if you prioritize ultra-lightweight or waterproof headphones, there might be better options.