The Best Workout Earbuds of 2026
The best workout earbuds stay put when you sweat, jump and sprint, sound good enough to keep you moving, and survive a rainy run. We picked the best options for the gym, running and cycling, from a $32 budget pair to earbuds with built-in heart rate tracking.
Our picks are based on 2026 reviews from leading audio testers and on what matters most during exercise: a secure fit, sweat resistance and battery life. Prices in the product boxes update automatically, so you always see the current deal.
- Our top picks for 2026
- Side-by-side comparison
- How to choose workout earbuds
- Workout earbuds FAQ
- Best overall Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. Ear hooks keep them locked in, and they add heart rate tracking and noise cancelling.
- Best for iPhone AirPods Pro 3. They track heart rate and have an IP57 dust and water rating, the toughest on this list.
- Best for running outdoors Shokz OpenRun Pro 2. The open-ear design lets you hear traffic and other people while you run.
- Best budget pick JLab GO Sport+, a secure ear-hook fit for about $32.
Best workout earbuds right now
These are the earbuds we would buy for the gym, running and other workouts in 2026. We chose a pick for every budget and every kind of workout.
Our top workout earbud picks
Workout earbuds compared
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Best overall
Powerbeats Pro 2
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Best for iPhone
AirPods Pro 3
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Best for running
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
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Best budget
JLab GO Sport+
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| Price | $249.00 | $199.00 | – | $31.99 |
| Fit style | Ear hooks | In-ear tips | Open-ear band | Ear hooks |
| Heart rate tracking | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Hear your surroundings | Transparency mode | Transparency mode | Always (open-ear) | Limited |
| Best for | Gym and HIIT | iPhone owners | Road running | Tight budgets |
| See price | See price | See price | See price |
How to choose workout earbuds
Earbuds that fall out are useless in the gym.
The IP rating tells you how well earbuds handle sweat and rain.
Open-ear designs let you hear your surroundings, while in-ear buds block noise.
Long runs and full days need more battery.
Some earbuds now track your heart rate.
Workout earbuds FAQ
What are the best earbuds for working out?
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are our top pick. Their ear hooks keep them secure during any workout, and they add heart rate tracking and noise cancelling.
What are the best earbuds for the gym?
For the gym, choose earbuds with a secure fit and noise cancelling, like the Powerbeats Pro 2 or AirPods Pro 3. On a budget, the JLab GO Sport+ costs about $32.
What are the best earbuds for running?
For running outdoors, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are the safest choice because the open-ear design lets you hear traffic. For treadmill runs, the Powerbeats Pro 2 stay in place well.
Are AirPods good for working out?
Yes. The AirPods Pro 3 have an IP57 rating against sweat, dust and water, and they track heart rate with the Fitness app. Some people find the fit less secure than earbuds with ear hooks.
AirPods Pro 3 or Powerbeats Pro 2 for workouts?
Both track heart rate. Choose the Powerbeats Pro 2 for the most secure fit during intense workouts, or the AirPods Pro 3 for a smaller design and better water resistance.
What are the best cheap workout earbuds?
The JLab GO Sport+ are our budget pick at about $32. They have ear hooks for a secure fit and are built for sweaty workouts.
The bottom line
For most people, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are the best workout earbuds in 2026. iPhone owners who want a smaller design should get the AirPods Pro 3, runners who need to hear traffic should choose the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, and the JLab GO Sport+ is the best pick under $35. Shopping for more audio deals? See our Black Friday headphone deals.
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