Headphones for working out: 9 essential picks to amp up your next training session

If you think nothing of working out before heading to the office, you deserve serious respect for your superhuman dedication to fitness. But for us mere mortals who sometimes need that extra push to hit the gym, blasting our favorite tunes can provide the added motivation we need.

When scouting for any headphones, your first priority should be sound quality. Look for headphones with balanced bass, mid-range, and highs for clear sound and vocals. Cheaper options might overdo the bass and high frequencies, sacrificing vocal clarity and sounding harsh.

Workout headphones need to tick a few more fitness-specific boxes. Here are a few key factors to consider:

Fit: This is crucial so your headphones don’t fall out mid-session. Look for earbuds with different-sized tips and ear fins/hooks for a secure fit. Some even have liquid silicone coatings for extra grip.

Go wireless: Why are we only recommending wireless or true wireless models for exercise? Because you don’t want to worry about tangled cords in the middle of your set.

Weight matters: Skip on-ear or over-ear headphones – they are relatively heavy and can get uncomfortable when you’re moving around. Plus, their earcups trap heat and can start to disintegrate quickly when constantly exposed to heavy perspiration.

Battery life: Look for a set that lasts at least five to six hours on a single charge with Bluetooth, ANC (active noise cancelling) and other features activated. That should cover your workout and commute.

Water resistance: Check the IP (ingress protection) rating for dust and water protection. The first number refers to its ability to keep out dust, the second number refers to how well it keeps out water. If there’s an “X” in the rating (like IPX8), it hasn’t been tested for dust ingress, only water.

We’ve rounded up some workout headphones and earbuds that could help you amp up your fitness game.

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