9 best earbuds for exercise, running & the gym in 2024
Bringing impressive noise-cancellation and a “pocketable” charging case, these buds come highly recommended by reviewers.
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Whether you’re smashing your own personal best or powering through another gruelling gym session, having a pair of earbuds that keeps up with your pace can really elevate your exercise experience.
But with an overwhelming range of options at your fingertips, choosing the best earbuds for your fitness journey can be a daunting task.
In addition to great audio, the best earbuds for exercise should be able to handle movement and sweat, while keeping you motivated for longer with a great battery life.
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On top of that, earbuds tend to be something of a personal choice – the pair your best friend swears by may not have the right features for you.
So, to help you find the perfect fit, we’ve rounded up nine top options below for all needs and budgets. Each model is well-rated by reviewers who used them for sports, and has been broken down into pros and cons so you can decide what your really need from your earbuds and what you can live without.
NOTE TO READER: Some of our top picks, like the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro shoppers on Google Reviews say bring “top notch” noise-cancellation and a “pocketable” charging case, are on sale now for a limited time.
Please note: prices are correct and products are in stock at time of publishing.
OUR TOP PICKS
OUR TOP PICK OF EARBUDS FOR EXERCISE
Beats Fit Pro, $258.29 (down from $299.95) at Amazon Australia
Beats Fit Pro
What You Need To Know
Our top pick of earbuds for exercise is the Beats Fit Pro. In a nutshell, the buds provide many of the best features of the AirPods Pros – including active noise cancellation, a transparency mode, voice assistance and the Apple H1 chip for seamless pairing with Apple devices – in a more sport-centric model.
The buds have a wing tip design and multiple ear tip size options to help them stay put, along with an IPX4-rating to protect against water splashes and sweat. While they are marketed more towards Apple users, there is also an app for Android users, which includes a Fit Test, one-touch pairing and customisable controls.
The sound signature is solid, though it is a little lower than the AirPods Pros and brings a more bass-heavy listening experience. Noise-cancellation also works extremely well, and there’s even spatial audio, which adjusts the sound as you turn your head for a more immersive experience.
Our only major gripe with the pair is the bulky charging case, which can be a pain to stick in your pocket (especially if you’re wearing women’s shorts).
One TikTok reviewer, @raymondstrazdas, said the Beats Fit Pro are “just as seamless and magical as AirPods”, continuing: “I’ve used the AirPods Pro almost every day since they launched, they’re my go-to buds, but the Fit Pros are unique.
“They’re much more comfortable to wear, actually stay put in your ears, offer slightly better sound quality and battery life and are a little more discreet.”
Five-star reviewers on Google Reviews meanwhile said they “absolutely love the quality” of the Beats Fit Pro buds and claim they’ve taken their audio experience “to a whole new level”.
BEST EARBUDS FOR RUNNING (FOR SAFETY)
Shokz OpenRun Pro, $269 at Amazon Australia
Shokz OpenRun Pro
What You Need To Know
If you’re worried about having your ears jammed up as you’re walking late at night or running near busy roads, Shokz OpenRun Pros offer a unique solution. Rather than delivering audio straight into your ear canals, the earbuds use bone conduction technology to send vibrations through the cheekbones.
While it sounds a bit weird, the technology allows you to hear what’s going on around you at the same time as your music. For this reason, we also think the OpenRun Pros are the safest earbuds for running currently available.
The earbuds have a comfortable fit and come with a lightweight band that sits around the back of the neck to help hold them in place. While they don’t match the audio quality of true wireless earbuds, they do still sound surprisingly clear and crisp.
Of course, the open-ear sound does mean that people close to you can hear what you’re listening to, so they may not be the best choice to take to the gym. For running, hiking, biking, or any other kind of outdoor activity though, they’re a top pick.
BEST EARBUDS FOR RUNNING (THAT WON’T FALL OUT)
Beats Powerbeats Pro, $299.70 (down from $379.95) at Amazon Australia
Beats Powerbeats Pro
What You Need To Know
If stability is your biggest concern, the Beats Powerbeats Pro come with over-ear hooks and multiple ear tip sizes, giving the buds a more secure fit than many of their competitors. They also have an IPX4 sweat-proof rating and a battery life of up to nine hours, making them an ideal choice for long distance runners.
Add in Apple’s H1 headphone chip, and you’ll also get a smooth Bluetooth experience and fast connection when switching between Apple devices. While you won’t get the same quick pairing with Android devices, the Powerbeats Pro are more compatible with Android than most other Apple headphones (bar the Beats Fit Pro). That said, you will still get a more seamless Android experience from other buds on this list.
Sound is well-balanced, though there aren’t any customisation options to finetune it further. There’s also no wireless charging and the noise isolation is just okay, but the buds remain a solid sporting choice with enjoyable sound.
BEST EARBUDS FOR THE GYM (THAT WILL BLOCK OUT NOISE)
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, $365.46 (down from $429.95) at Myer
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking to block out other people while at the gym, Bose’s QuietComfort II Buds are an excellent choice. While they aren’t technically a sports earbud, they offer the best noise-cancelling experience we’ve come across from a pair of in-ears, and come with an IPX4-rating that protects against splashes and sweat.
We also like that they have an ‘Aware’ mode that takes the edge off of loud noises without silencing them completely, so you can stay conscious of your surroundings while exercising outdoors.
The QuietComfort II’s are also smaller than their predecessor, come with a winged design and have three ear tips sizes to help them stay in your ears as you’re moving around.
The battery life could be a little better, but these are definitely one to shortlist if you have the cash to spare.
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, $184 (down from $349) at Amazon Australia
Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro
What You Need To Know
The Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro are a practical choice for Galaxy phone users, whether you’re working out and listening at home. While they do keep the fairly average battery life of their predecessor, the noise isolation is even better than before, managing to outperform rivals like the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen).
There’s also a bunch of nifty features like 3D sound with head tracking, Easy Pairing and the ability to stream hi-res audio from a range of music services – although the last two are limited to Samsung phones.
The design is more compact than the original Galaxy Buds too, making them a better fit for most people, and there’s an IPX7-rating that will keep them safe from rain, sweat and an accidental drop in the pool.
One five-star reviewer on Google reviews said: “For the price, the ambient noise settings and the Active noise cancelling are top notch.
When I want to immerse myself in my music or audio books I can switch the ANC on and shut the noise out, then when I need to keep an ear out for deliveries or avoid getting hit when walking to the shops the ambient noise can be turned on to allow me to hear the rest of the world.
The charging case is also pocketable and will fit easily into any jeans pocket or bag.”
BEST EARBUDS FOR EXERCISE (THAT ARE SWEAT-RESISTANT)
Jabra Elite 8 Active, $329 at The Good Guys
Jabra Elite 8 Active
What You Need To Know
Jabra’s Elite 8 Active buds may not be hugely different from the Elite 7 Actives, but their upgrade to an IP68-rating is a notable one. According to Jabra, you can drop the buds, take them through clouds of dust, and even fully submerge them in up to 1.5 metres of water, and they’ll still come out the other side unscathed.
Because of this, they aren’t just great for sweat and rain – they’re great for just about any outdoor activity. Their durability makes them easy to clean after a particularly strenuous gym session too – just stick them under a tap and give them a quick wash. The charging case also has an IP54-rating that grants it some resistance against dust and water splashes, though we wouldn’t recommend dropping it in a puddle.
Other features include better active noise-cancellation and wind-reduction technology, along with a slightly improved battery life. A more compact design also makes the Elite 8 Actives a better fit for most people than the 7s, although those with smaller ears may find that they stick out far enough to be an annoyance.
BEST NECKBAND EARBUDS FOR RUNNING & THE GYM
Beats Flex Wireless, $99 at Amazon Australia
Beats Flex Wireless
What You Need To Know
If you’ve lost an earbud or two in your time, these neckband earbuds from Beats could save you from forking out on yet another replacement pair. The earbuds are attached to a band that sits behind your neck, which not only prevents them from tangling or getting in your way as you run, but allows you to take them out of your ears and wear them when they aren’t in use.
Sound is decent for the price and the battery lasts for up to twelve hours, which is longer than any other model on this list (if you’re not counting the charging cases). However, noise cancellation is missing and so is an IP rating for sweat and water resistance.
Like other Beats models, the buds work best with Apple devices, and come with Apple’s W1 chip so you can seamlessly connect them to your iPhone. Priced at under $100, they’re also the cheapest option on this list, so they’re a great pick for those shopping on a budget.
BEST BUDGET EARBUDS FOR EXERCISE (THAT WON’T COST A FORTUNE)
soundcore by Anker Sport X10, $129 at MyDeal
soundcore by Anker Sport X10
What You Need To Know
If you’re after a pair of sport-friendly buds that don’t cost the earth, the soundcore by Anker Sport X10s are a nice pick. For $129.99 you get a bunch of features typically found on more expensive earbuds, like active noise cancellation, wind reduction technology and an IPX7 waterproof rating.
We also like the flexible ear hooks, which make the buds more compact in the charging case and help them to sit better on your ears. The battery life is great for the price too, with up to eight hours of play from the buds alone.
The noise-cancellation doesn’t stand up to pricier models on this list, and features like touch-sensitive controls are notably missing. However, the Sport X10s remain a seriously decent model for those with a price limit.
BEST EARBUDS FOR WALKING & TALKING AT THE SAME TIME
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) with USB-C, $370 (down from $399) at Amazon Australia
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) with USB-C
What You Need To Know
While AirPods aren’t technically made for sport, we know you’re going to go ahead and use them for it anyway. So, we will concede that the AirPods Pro (2nd Gen) are a nice choice if you’re not going to be pumping iron or moving around too vigorously.
They don’t have the most stable fit compared to other earbuds on this list, but they’ll stay put while walking, and are comfortable to wear for a few hours at a time. Thanks to the Apple H2 chip, the second generation also has a few notable upgrades from its predecessor, including double the noise cancellation, richer bass, a transparency mode, a longer battery life and customisable spatial audio. The second generation also finally sees the buds updated to USB-C charging instead of lightning, which is a huge win in our books.
When it comes to chatting to friends on-the-go, the microphone is a bit better at cancelling out background noise than the first-generation, though it may still struggle to capture your voice if you’re walking in busy areas. For casual users though, it should be just fine.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Best exercise earbuds brands to shop in Australia
Some of the most popular and reputable brands for sports earbuds include:
- Bose: Best known for its excellent noise-cancellation and comfortable fits, Bose provides a couple of great earbud options that can be used for sports.
- Jabra: Jabra offers a range of sport-oriented earbuds, such as the Elite Active series, with good durability and features.
- Beats:Popular for its aesthetic designs, Beats delivers earbuds with bass-heavy sound and a secure fit, such as the Powerbeats Pro and Fit Pro buds.
- Sony: Sony offers a range of buds known for their great sound and noise-cancellation technology, like the Sony WF-1000XM5s.
- JBL:JBL has plenty of sports-centric earbuds on offer, with options like the Live Pro 2 TWS and Endurance Peak 3 TWS.
- Sennheiser: Known for its high-quality products, Sennheiser produces durable sports models like the Sennheiser Sport True Wireless.
- Samsung: Samsung offers a variety of wireless earbuds, including the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro, which are suitable for exercise and provide great sound.
What are the different types of earbuds for exercise?
There are several types of earbuds designed for exercise, the most common of which are:
True Wireless Earbuds: True wireless earbuds are completely cord-free, and are made to fit snugly in the ear canal. Typically lightweight and compact, they’re accompanied by a charging case for on-the-go power boosts. Keep in mind, though, that their small, wireless design can limit battery life. With a variety of shapes and sizes on offer too, it’s important to select buds that properly fit your ears to prevent discomfort and the constant battle of them slipping out.
Over-Ear Earbuds: Over-ear earbuds have hooks or loops that go over your ears to keep them in place as you exercise and take some of the pressure off the ear canal. Many often come with additional ear tips or fins too, making them even more secure in your ears.
Neckband Earbuds: As the same suggests, neckband earbuds have short cables that connect to a band that sits around the back of your neck. The design stops the cables from getting tangled up, while ensuring that you don’t lose an earbud while out and about.
Bone Conduction Earbuds: The most unique type of earbuds for exercise are bone conduction earbuds which, transmit sound vibrations through the bones instead of the ear canal. As weird as it sounds, these models are a good option for those who want to listen to music while still being able to hear their surroundings at the same time.
What is the difference between water-resistant and sweat-resistant earbuds?
“Waterproof, “water-resistant” and “sweat-resistant” are all used to describe the various levels of protection that earbuds or other electronic devices have against moisture.
“Waterproof” usually refers to earbuds that can be submerged in water to a certain depth for a certain length of time; “water-resistant” to earbuds that can handle light splashes and rain, but cannot be submerged in water; and “sweat-resistant” to earbuds that have been built to withstand the corrosive effects of sweat.
Ingress Protection, or “IP” ratings are typically the best indicator of protection type. For instance, an IPX4-rating should mean the earbuds have a resistance to splashes and sweat, while ratings of IPX7 and above usually mean the buds are waterproof to some degree.
However, we still recommend checking the manufacturer’s specifications before buying a new pair of earbuds, just to be sure.
How do I keep earbuds clean after workouts?
Your earbuds deserve some post-workout TLC, both for hygiene reasons and to keep them operating at peak performance. Here’s how to clean them properly:
- Once you’ve finished your workout, turn your buds off and disconnect them from your device.
- Grab a clean, dry cloth and wipe the sound outlets and vents. For a deeper clean, get a slightly damp cloth with a bit of soap and wipe down the plastic exterior.
- Follow up with a soft cloth for drying. Make sure your buds are completely dry before sticking them in a charging case or back in your ears (trust us on this one).
- If your earbuds have removable tips or ear pads, you can also take them off and clean them separately. Most should be okay with a bit of soap and water, but it’s best to check the manufacturer’s recommendations before testing this theory.
- If you can’t get that last bit of gunk out of the crevices, a dedicated earbuds cleaner kit is about to become your new best friend. This kit by Hagibis is our top pick, as it comes with a metal pen tip for carefully removing stubborn wax and dust, a high-density brush for cleaning the sound outlet, and a flocking sponge to clean dirt out of hard-to-reach areas of your charging case.
Any earbuds or headphones that are used regularly should be wiped down every week or so. However, earbuds used for exercise should be cleaned more frequently – around every one to two uses – especially if you sweat a lot.
Are earbuds or headphones better for running?
This really comes down to personal preference, as you can use either type for running.
Wireless headphones tend to offer a more immersive audio experience that’s perfect for those who need motivation to stay ‘in the zone.’ However, headphones also tend to be bulkier and less secure when you’re moving around, which is why many runners opt for the more secure fit provided by earbuds.
The other major upside to earbuds is they play well with sunglasses, which can’t be said for over-ear headphones.
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