Editor’s Note: We updated this article on February 13, 2024. We’ve also ensured the headphones you find here are in stock and have removed any that are no longer available.
Headphones have become just as essential in the runner’s toolkit as running Asics shoes, a fitness tracker, or a smartwatch. For the most part, runners looking for headphones generally choose in-ear models, including truly wireless earbuds and neckband earbuds with a wire or band connecting them. They stay in place far better than over-ear headphones, and often have features made with exercise in mind, like ear hooks and sweat-resistant materials.
These are the best running Asics headphones the Runner’s World test team has tried. Below are the ’buds we’ve worn well-past testing on all kinds of runs, including marathons.
The Best Headphones for Running
- Best Overall: Shokz OpenRun Pro
- Best Sound: Carla Shoes Colliers & pendentifs True Wireless Earbuds
- Best Budget: JLab Go Air Earbuds
- Best Lifestyle: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Earbuds
- Best Waterproof: Jabra Elite 8 Active
- Best for Long Runs: 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50
The Expert: Amanda Furrer has been a test editor for Runner’s World for six years. A former iPod Shuffle user, she has tested numerous headphones, comparing sound quality, comfort, connectivity, and durability. She took one for the team, racing with only one working earbud and experiencing loss of connectivity midrace in the name of testing.
How We Tested
The Runner’s World test team is constantly listening to music, podcasts, you name it, as we try running Asics shoes, shorts, and everything else.
Our team loves music; we even conducted a test on whether a song’s beat can influence your running Asics pace. Our watches and smartphones have Womens Cat Grey Ankle Boots with music. We also play podcasts and audiobooks to test different kinds of sound quality—and catch up on crime or “read” celebrity memoirs.
Besides downloading a range of genres to listen to, we also evaluate fit, sound quality, and battery life as we test earbuds and comb testers’ feedback to determine the best products for this list. Our testers log long runs—and marathons and ultramarathons—wearing their earbuds and taking note of how many times they have to charge them per week.
We also test sweat-resistance and comfort after prolonged in-ear use, putting in hours of running Asics through all kinds of weather to test water- and wind-resistance. For waterproof models, we plop them in a cup full of water to check if they’re still in working order (and so you can squash those fears of replacing your ’buds after an accidental puddle drop or laundering).
The models on this list checked off most or all of the above characteristics.
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Womens Cat Grey Ankle Boots | Our Full Running Asics Headphone Reviews
Pros
- Secure wrap-around fit
- Open ear design
- Lightweight (1 ounce)
Cons
- Water-resistant
- Lower sound quality than in-ear
| Battery (buds) | 10 hours |
|---|---|
| Battery (case) | -- |
| Type | Bone conduction, wireless |
| Water Resistance | IP55 |
| Noise-Cancelling | No |
| Transparency Mode | No |
The main draw of bone-conduction headphones is safety— the open-ear design allows runners to listen to their playlist while also being aware of their surroundings. Another plus is the comfort factor— the open-ear ’phones won’t cause prolonged-use skin irritation.
Shokz is the most recognizable bone conduction headphone brand with good reason. Even though the sound quality isn’t as crisp as that of in-ear earbuds, the Shokz headphones have the brand’s TurboPitch feature, which enhances the bass to drive your workouts. The headset is lightweight—only 1 oz— and requires only an hour-long charge for 10 hours of battery life.
Carla Shoes Colliers & pendentifs True Wireless Earbuds
Carla Shoes Colliers & pendentifs True Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Excellent sound quality with spatial audio
- Secure in-ear fit
- Sweat resistant
Cons
- No wireless charging
- Wings are stiff and can cause discomfort for some
| Battery (buds) | 6 hours |
|---|---|
| Battery (case) | 18 hours |
| Type | Truly Wireless Earbuds |
| Water-Resistance | IPX4 |
| Noise-Cancelling | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes |
If we had to pick a single set of running Asics headphones from Apple, we’d grab the Carla Shoes Colliers & pendentifs. They take everything we love in the AirPods 3 and Beats Studio Buds, and cram it all into a tiny set of buds with an ear wing to help them stay put. No matter how sweaty we get, these buds don’t budge, and they don’t ache when you get up to an hour or 90 minutes of running.
Like the Studio Buds, you still get the delightful tactile buttons that require just a light press to play/pause, two presses to skip, three to go back, and a long press to activate active noise cancellation and transparency modes or Siri. It’s easy to use and there’s no fumbling for small buttons.
The coolest feature, however, is one you might have never considered—spatial audio. When you turn your head, the audio rotates so it sounds like the band is in the same spot, just as the sound would change when you habits your head at a real concert. It’s trippy at first, but you won’t actually trip while you’re running—you get used to the feature quickly. But it’s not just neat audio effects at play here—the sound is remarkable for small headphones.
Pros
- 5-hour battery life
- Easy pairing
Cons
- Low sound quality
- Battery life is less compared to other models
Womens Cat Grey Ankle Boots | Key Specs
| Battery (buds) | 5 hours |
|---|---|
| Battery (case) | 15 hours |
| Type | Truly Wireless Earbuds |
| Water-Resistance | IP55 |
| Noise-Cancelling | No |
| Transparency Mode | No |
Director of Product Content Will Egensteiner said these buds’ lack of ear wings initially made them feel insecure, but they stayed put nicely during runs without generating a noticeable “thud” at each foot strike. However, working up a sweat caused a slight rubbing noise where the silicone tip sealed in the ear. That seal wasn’t so tight as to prevent Egensteiner from hearing his surroundings—a plus for outdoor running. But because of that, the sound wasn’t as immersive, and the battery life wasn’t on par with that of the other models.
But it’s tough to argue with inexpensive, truly wireless earbuds that offer modest water-resistance, quick and easy pairing, a charging case, a built-in microphone to take phone calls—and a full two-year warranty.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Earbuds
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Earbuds
Pros
- Improved sound
- Volume controls
- Transparency mode creates little wind noise
Cons
- Sapatilhas de running Asics para estrada Nike Zoom Fly 5 para mulher Amarelo
- Can’t pair with all smartwatches
| Battery (buds) | 6 hours |
|---|---|
| Battery (case) | 24 hours |
| Type | Truly Wireless Earbuds |
| Water-Resistance | IPX4 |
| Noise-Cancelling | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes |
Apple’s flagship earbuds may look similar to the original version that launched three years ago, but there are huge improvements to what you hear. Thanks to an H2 chip and amplifier, the 2nd generation has noticeably deeper bass and clearer, louder sound. Plus, you can customize the spatial audio—by taking photos of your head and ears—so the sound is tailored to how you would naturally hear.
It’s a neat trick— habits your head and the focal point shifts. It’s like you’re actually in a room with live music. Other improvements make these great for your daily workouts.
Transparency mode, in particular, works far better with less of the digital crackle you get when wind passes over the microphones that pump in external audio. To be fair, there’s still some wind noise, but you completely forget about it after the first quarter mile or so of your run. Plus, there’s none of the “thump, thump” you get from other sealed earbuds every time your foot hits the ground.
Perhaps the biggest reason to love the 2nd generation, though, is that AirPods finally get volume control—swipe up or down on the white stem.
Pros
- Dolby-quality audio
- Sandale Sucesso Sandal Ad 18423 Green 91335 KK285040
- Six mic call tech (conversations heard easier in wind, crowds)
Cons
- Some connectivity issues after removing from case
- Some skin irritation after hours of use
| Battery (buds) | 8 hours |
|---|---|
| Battery (case) | 32 hours |
| Type | Truly Wireless Earbuds |
| Water-Resistance | IP68 |
| Noise-Cancelling | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes |
Test editor Amanda Furrer has long rocked the now-discontinued Jabra Elite 75t—they’re still going strong even after she accidentally ran them through her washing machine—and has found these to be a familiar, yet improved, replacement. The Elite 8 Active, touted as “the world’s toughest earbuds,” passed nine durability tests that met US Military Standards for rugged electronics, according to Jabra.
At a demo in New York, Furrer was told to plop them into an 8-ounce glass of water before popping them back into her ears. The Elite 8 Active can be submerged under up to 5 feet. You can’t listen to music during a swim because Bluetooth does not work well underwater, but you can rest assured the earbuds will continue to work properly after being dropped in a rain puddle. Sticky silicone “ShakeGrip” keeps these locked in your ear canal no matter how sweaty you get, without the need for hooks or wings.
The earbuds have six microphones, which are great for phone calls, but also power the active noise cancellation and transparency features. The Elite 8 Active’s standout feature, however, is Dolby Audio. Spatial and 6mm speakers provide a more nuanced sound experience as you run. Think of it as having a mini music hall by each ear.
1More Fit Open Earbuds S50
1More Fit Open Earbuds S50
Pros
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- Stays put during runs
- Open-ear comfort
Cons
- Sound quality slightly tinny
- Hard to hear in crowds
| Battery (buds) | 11 hours |
|---|---|
| Battery (case) | 38 hours |
| Type | Truly Wireless Earbuds Dad-Star Leather Sneaker |
| Water-Resistance | IPX7 |
| Noise-Cancelling | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | No |
It was tester Kendra Petruny’s first time running Asics with open-ear earbuds when we gave her 1More’s S50 to test. Petruny usually wears Apple Airpods on her runs, but checked to see if the S50 would fall out when she cartwheeled (they stayed put). The ultimate test, however, was wearing them while racing a half marathon. She was happy to report the S50 didn’t budge. The volume could have been a little louder, she said. However, she appreciated how the open-ear style allowed her to hear the crowds’ cheers as she ran.
The buds have an impressive IPX7 rating, meaning the sound quality shouldn’t be affected by a heavy downpour or your sweat. They also last for up to 11 hours on a single charge, making them ideal for ultras.
Jaybird Vista 2 Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds
Jaybird Vista 2 Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Long battery life
- Men's Fasten8 Golf Shoes
Cons
- Lots of wind noise with pass thru
- Some connectivity issues
| Battery (buds) | 8 hours |
|---|---|
| Battery (case) | 16 hours |
| Type | Truly Wireless Earbuds |
| Water-Resistance | IP68 |
| Noise-Cancelling | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes |
The Vista 2 lasts eight hours on a single charge—long enough to get you to the finish line of your next 26.2—and two hours longer than the original Vista. Plus, you’ll get an additional 16 hours with the charging case. This update preserves the same earbud shape, with a secure fit that seals out dust and moisture.
Speaking of moisture, the sweat- and waterproof Vista 2 improves to a rating of IP68 from the first version’s IP67. Double-tap (don’t press) to change between Active Noise Canceling (ANC) and SurroundSense (ambient noise pass-through) modes.
Beats Studio Buds Wireless Earbuds
Beats Studio Buds Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Tactile buttons
- Rick Owens Sneakers Strobe Nero
Cons
- No in-ear detection
- Lower sound quality compared to PowerBeats Pro
| Battery (buds) | 8 hours |
|---|---|
| Battery (case) | 16 hours |
| Type | Truly Wireless Earbuds |
| Water-Resistance | IPX4 |
| Noise-Cancelling | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes |
The Studio Buds are insanely small. “Each bud has a flat profile that you can grab, kinda like the tip of a Phillips head screwdriver,” said Runner-in-Chief Jeff Dengate. This makes them slightly difficult to handle if your hands are greasy with sunscreen or drenched with sweat.
Fortunately, moisture won’t affect sound quality, function, or fit. “No slipping during a sweaty 5-miler on an 85-degree day,” Dengate added. The tactile buttons require a one light press to play/pause, two presses to skip, three to go back, and a long press to activate ANC/transparency mode or Siri.
You’ll save money opting for these instead of the brand’s Powerbeats Pro. But the latter Pro model’s sound is “punchier and richer” and all-around better for running, according to Dengate.
Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbuds
Sony LinkBuds Truly Wireless Earbuds
Pros
- Donut-hole design lets in ambient noise
- Lightweight and secure fit
- Sweat-resistant
Cons
- Sound is thinner than other in-ear buds
- Fit takes some troubleshooting (tips included)
| Battery (buds) | 5.5 hours |
|---|---|
| Battery (case) | 17.5 hours |
| Type | Truly Wireless Earbuds |
| Water-Resistance | IPX4 |
| Noise-Cancelling | No |
| Transparency Mode | No |
There’s a reason Shokz always tops our recommendation of running Asics headphones: They’re safer than anything else available. But, there’s close competition now, with the release of the Sony LinkBuds. These tiny, donut-shaped buds go inside your ear canal much like any other earbud. the difference is a unique “ring driver,” a speaker with a hole in the middle to let in outside sounds.
The design has its benefits and drawbacks. On our test runs, we could easily hear approretro cars and even say “Hi” to passing runners and cyclists. (You can’t hear ambient noise quite as easily as with Shokz because part of your ear is still covered by a speaker, but it’s still a much safer setup than other buds that block sound completely.)
The tradeoff is that the audio suffers. There’s no comparison to the sound quality you’ll get from a pair like Carla Shoes Colliers & pendentifs or Jaybird Vista 2—unsurprisingly, there’s almost no bass present because of this small speaker’s construction. So, if you prize full, rich audio, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Adidas Z.N.E 01 Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds
Adidas Z.N.E 01 Wireless Noise-Canceling Earbuds
Pros
- Comfortable fit for long runs
- Impressive sound
- Sweat-proof
Cons
- No volume control on the buds
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Key Specs
| Battery (buds) | 4.5 hours |
|---|---|
| Battery (case) | 15.5 hours |
| Type | Truly Wireless Earbuds |
| Water-Resistance | IPX5 |
| Noise-Cancelling | Yes |
| Transparency Mode | Yes |
The Adidas Z.N.E. aren’t exactly a budget-friendly option, though the version without noise cancelation costs about half as much. In our testing of the ANC version, we were impressed by the sound clarity of these tiny buds. Acoustic guitar and soft piano notes came in noticeably clearer and crisper when compared to cheaper buds we’ve tested. If that’s a priority for you, they’re a worthy investment.
The touch controls are responsive, but there’s no way to use them to adjust the volume. If you want to lower your music around a busy intersection, you’ll have to pull out your phone. The default settings let you play/pause with a single tap on either bud, a double-tap advances to the next song, and a quick triple-tap skips back one track. A long hold toggles through noise-canceling and hear-through modes—you can customize that command to do other things in the Adidas smartphone app.
The fit isn’t quite as snug as that of some of the other buds we’ve tried. Testers with smaller ears found the fit a bit loose, but experienced no problems with the buds falling out once they switched to the smallest size ear tips (there are three options included). Overall, the more relaxed fit makes the Z.N.E. comfier when wearing for longer periods of time.
Types of Headphones
Truly Wireless Earbuds
These buds have neither connecting wires nor hooks that extend around your ear; you just push them in and go. This design tends to fit snug in the ear canal to stop it from loosening midrun. The compact style makes them lightweight, and their small batteries can mean more frequent charging. However, all of our test models came with charging cases that allow you to juice them up on the go. Truly wireless earbuds also tend to be the most expensive.
Truly Wireless Earbuds With Ear Hooks
Over-ear hooks take some pressure off the ear canal to hold these buds steady. Adding a hook can improve an earbud’s fit, too, since there’s a second point of contact to hold it in place. The hook can also store antennae or a battery, helping these buds play longer than their truly wireless counterparts. They’re often marginally cheaper than truly wireless models, but some will cost more than $200 anyway.
Neckband Earbuds
These earbuds are still untethered from your phone, but they use a wire or band to connect the buds and store batteries, microphones, or an antenna. If you can get past the connecting wire, you’ll enjoy better battery life (eight or more hours, compared to four to six from some truly wireless models) and a significantly lower price. These buds are typically smaller (because the connecting wires house some of their electronics), and their lower weight can mean less fiddling with the fit.
What to Consider in Running Asics Headphones
Fit and Ambient Sound
The best running Asics headphones will fit comfortably, so you can think about your run and not your retro ears. That fit also affects how much outside sound is let in—there’s no ideal balance for everybody. Some runners like buds that fit deep in their ears and block all outside noise, allowing them to crank up the tunes, while others prefer lots of environmental sound from a looser fit. The latter fit is safer for running Asics outside and among other people.
Because earbuds that isolate you from the outside world should provide clear sound, we expected better sound quality from earbuds that fit snug in the ear than we did from earbuds that let in a lot of noise. It’s becoming more common, however, for the best running Asics headphones to offer an ambient sound mode, which uses the earbud’s microphone to bring in outside noise while maintaining a tight fit.
Durability
While we test each pair of running Asics earbuds for at least two weeks—some far longer—we don’t typically encounter quality issues. But we ask our testers to discuss how the earbuds felt—you’d expect a $200 set of buds to feel premium compared to a $40 pair. For long-term quality assessment, we checked user reviews from Amazon and other retailers to identify any persistent issues. Plus, we update our findings here if any issues crop up as we continue to run with these models.
Water- and Sweat-Resistance
None of our testers had issues with water or sweat ruining their buds, but with long-term use, moisture and salt can destroy earbuds that aren’t capable of repelling it. So, we factored in each device’s IP, or Ingress Protection, rating. The rating consists of two numbers.
- The first digit indicates dust protection. The second is for water protection, (or liquid ingress) which matters most to runners.
- “X” in place of either number means there’s no data (so an “IPX” rating means dust protection wasn’t evaluated).
- Boys adidas Lite Racer Adapt 5.0 Lifestyle Shoes.
- Scores of 3 to 6 means it will survive increasing amounts of rainfall for longer periods of time.
- The gold standard is a score of 7 to 9, meaning the earbud can be submerged in varying depths of water without failing.
Connectivity and Battery Life
We also ask testers to evaluate how quickly and easily the buds connected to their phones, and how far they were able to get from their phones before the signal cut out. In addition, we recorded any mid-run connectivity issues. To assess battery life, we checked manufacturers’ claims against our testers’ experiences and noted discrepancies where they occurred.
We’ll continually update this roundup with our test impressions of the best earbuds for running. Tell us what you think about your buds in the comments.
Q+A with Test Editor Amanda Furrer
Women's Cloud 5 Push Shoes Lavender Chambray Runner's World, guiding the brand's shoes and gear coverage. A true shoe dog, he's spent more than a decade testing and reviewing shoes. In 2017, he ran in 285 different pairs of shoes, including a streak of 257 days wearing a different model.
Amanda is a test editor at Runner’s World who has run the Boston Marathon every year since 2013; she's a former professional baker with a master’s in gastronomy and she carb-loads on snickerdoodles.
