Best Workout Earbuds

Summary. Get the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2. The ear-hook fit is unmatched for staying secure through any workout, and the Gen 2 finally adds ANC to make it a complete sport earbud. If you run outdoors and need situational awareness, switch to the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 — bone conduction at its best. Budget-conscious? The JLab Epic Sport 3 ANC delivers hook-over-ear security and IP66 protection for under $60.

Best Overall$200-$250

Beats Powerbeats Pro 2

The ear-hook design locks in place through any workout, with ANC, solid water resistance, and clear sound. Wirecutter named it their top workout earbud pick, and Reddit agrees it's one of the most secure options available.

If staying-put is your non-negotiable, nothing beats the Powerbeats Pro 2. The ear-hook design has decades of trust behind it, and the Gen 2 finally adds ANC to make it a complete package.

Pros
  • Incredibly secure hook-over-ear fit — stays put during any intensity workout
  • Active noise cancellation blocks gym noise effectively
  • Strong water and sweat resistance rating
  • Good battery life for long training sessions
Cons
  • Bulky charging case — too large for most gym-short pockets
  • Heavier and bulkier than standard true wireless earbuds
  • Premium price point compared to wing-tip alternatives

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 pair offers everything we want in a set of workout earbuds: good battery life, clear sound, water/sweat resistance, and an incredibly secure fit.

Wirecutter
Buy on Amazon $200-$250
Best for Secure Fit$150-$200

Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2

Built from the ground up for intense exercise, with one of the most secure in-ear fits on the market and rugged sweat resistance. Multiple Reddit communities specifically call it out as the go-to for high-motion workouts.

Buy on Amazon $150-$200
Best Open-Ear$150-$180

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

Bone conduction keeps your ears open and aware while delivering the best sound Shokz has ever produced. Recommended across Reddit for running and high-risk outdoor workouts where situational awareness is non-negotiable.

Buy on Amazon $150-$180
Best for Apple Users$229-$249

Apple AirPods Pro 3

The AirPods Pro 3 adds heart rate tracking and workout logging without a watch, plus top-tier ANC and transparency mode. PCMag ranks it #1 for running, and Reddit runners praise the comfort for long sessions.

Buy on Amazon $229-$249
Best Budget$40-$60

JLab Epic Sport 3 ANC

Hook-over-ear design with IP66 dust and water resistance and adjustable ANC at a price that undercuts every other pick on this list. Wirecutter recommends it specifically as the budget workout pick with real sport credentials.

Buy on Amazon $40-$60