8 Best Workout Headphones & Earbuds: Beats, Bose, Apple (2026)
Wired provides a curated list of the best workout headphones and earbuds for 2026, evaluating models based on sound quality, durability, and comfort. The review highlights products from brands like Beats, Shokz, and Sony, noting their performance in various athletic environments.
Why it matters
Consumer technology reviews assist users in making informed purchasing decisions for specialized fitness equipment.
The WIRED Reviews team has tested hundreds of headphones and earbuds, and I’ve narrowed down the models that best balance sound quality, comfort, and durability. We put these picks through workouts like weightlifting and indoor swimming, as well as outdoor activities like trail runs, hikes, and cycling, to evaluate which headphones enhanced the experience and which ones got in the way. This roundup includes a mix of headphones and earbuds, wired and wireless, from the top pick, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 ($250), to the bone-conduction Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 ($180).
For more recommendations, check out our guides to the Best Wireless Earbuds, the Best Open Earbuds, and the Best Bone Conduction Headphones.
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Best Wireless Earbuds for Working Out
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