Best true wireless earbuds for working out
The best workout headphones are wireless — and ideally, true wireless — so there’s no cable that might get caught or restrict your movement. They’ll need to fit your ears snugly enough that they won’t fall out during a workout, but not so tightly that they’re uncomfortable to wear over an extended period. Sound quality is obviously an important factor as well, but you’ll also need to consider durability and sweat or water resistance. And if you’re opting for a pair with noise-canceling capabilities, you’ll want some sort of transparency mode that allows some sound in so you can hear the world around you for safety reasons.
The three models listed below fit a wide range of budgets as well as various design and feature sets, but all are tested and recommended by CNET editors. And if you want to see more choices, check out CNET’s full list of workout-friendly earbuds and headphones online.
BEST EVERYDAY EARBUDS FOR SPORTS USE:
BEATS FIT PRO
Hot on the heels of the third-generation AirPods, Apple has another new set of earbuds, this time from its subsidiary audio company, Beats. Technically, the new Beats Fit Pro ($200) aren’t AirPods, but they’re built on the same tech platform as the AirPods Pro. Unlike Beats’ earlier and less expensive Studio Buds, the Beats Fit Pro include Apple’s H1 chip and have most of the AirPods Pro’s features, including active noise canceling, spatial audio and Adaptive EQ. We’d venture to call them the sports AirPods you’ve always wanted. And for some people, they might just be better than the AirPods Pro.
Water-resistant: Yes (IPX4 rating: splash-proof )
SPORTS EARBUDS FOR ANDROID USERS:
GOOGLE PIXEL BUDS A-SERIES
Google’s Pixel Buds A-Series are kind of unusual, in that they’re relatively new but not exactly an upgrade. They look and sound very similar to 2020’s Pixel Buds 2, which debuted at $179 but are now selling for less. However, instead of getting new features — like active noise canceling — they’ve actually lost a few. Why? The “A” stands for affordability: They only cost $80. That new lower price is the real story here, making these a bona fide true-wireless value, particularly for Android users. And the integrated stabilizer arcs (aka sport fins) help keep the buds securely in your ears during sporting activities.
Water-resistant: Yes (IPX4 rating: splash-proof )
BUDGET PICK:
If you like the earhook design of the Beats Powerbeats Pro but don’t want to spend $150 or so on them, there are plenty of budget alternatives out there.
We like the Tranya T40, which typically
list for $50 but are often discounted to $40 or less.
They sound quite good for the money, fit comfortably and securely and have good battery life (up to 8 hours).
We also like that they have physical buttons for controlling playback and volume rather than touch controls.
Their charging case, which charges via USB-C, doesn’t feel terribly sturdy and is somewhat bulky, but these are a good value.
Water-resistant: Yes (IPX5 rating: can withstand heavy sprays of water)