The Best Earbuds for Running
For running, a secure fit, sweat resistance and (outdoors) awareness of traffic matter more than audiophile sound. Here’s how four popular options compare.
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How this page was made: this is a research-based guide built from manufacturer spec pages, official prices and published lab measurements from the outlets we name and link. We have not tested these products ourselves, and we don't invent scores. Our methodology.
We compared these earbuds on what matters for running: how they stay in (ear hooks, tips or an open-ear band), official water and sweat resistance ratings, battery life, and whether they let you hear traffic. Specs and prices come from each manufacturer (checked October 2026); we credit published reviews where we reference performance. We haven’t run with these ourselves.
Safety note: if you run on roads, consider an open-ear design or use transparency mode, and follow local rules on headphone use.
Quick picks
Comparison table
| Model | Price (maker) | Fit | Water/sweat rating | Battery (buds / with case) | Heart rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 | $249.99 | Ear hooks | IPX4 (earbuds) | Up to 10 h / 45 h (36 h with ANC, case total) | Yes |
| Apple AirPods Pro 3 | $249 | In-ear tips | IP57 (earbuds) | Up to 8 h with ANC / 24 h | Yes (iOS 26) |
| Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 | $179.95 | Open-ear wraparound band | IP55 | Up to 12 h (no case) | No |
| Soundcore Sport X20 | $79.99 | Rotating ear hooks | IP68 | Up to 12 h / 48 h (7 h / 28 h with ANC) | No |
The picks in detail
1. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
Best for: gym, treadmill and track workoutsPowerbeats Pro 2 use flexible ear hooks for a secure fit, add active noise cancelling and transparency mode, and include built-in heart-rate sensors. Beats rates them at up to 10 hours per charge (45 with the case) with ANC off, and lists IPX4 sweat and water resistance for the earbuds. The Verge’s review called them “the workout buds to beat,” while noting the case is still bulky. Fit is personal: TechGearLab found the hooks uncomfortable over long sessions.
Price (Oct 2026): $249.99 at Beats/Apple. Source
Pros
- Ear hooks resist bouncing loose
- ANC plus transparency mode
- Heart-rate sensors
- Works with iPhone and Android
Cons
- Bulky case
- IPX4 is the lowest rating here
- Hooks aren’t comfortable for everyone
2. Apple AirPods Pro 3
Best for: iPhone users who want one pair for running and everything elseAirPods Pro 3 carry an IP57 dust, sweat and water resistance rating, active noise cancelling, and heart-rate sensing during workouts. Apple’s support documentation notes heart-rate features require iOS 26. Apple rates them at up to 8 hours with ANC (24 with the case). TechGearLab measured an average of 31.3 dB of noise reduction, strong for earbuds. Without hooks, fit depends on the ear tips; try the included sizes.
Price (Oct 2026): $249 at Apple. Source
Pros
- IP57 rating
- Strong noise cancelling in TechGearLab’s tests
- Heart-rate sensing with Apple Fitness
- Compact case
Cons
- No ear hooks
- Best features need an iPhone on iOS 26
- Shorter case battery than the Beats
3. Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
Best for: outdoor and road runners who need to hear their surroundingsThe Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 sit outside your ear canal on a wraparound band, so you can hear traffic and other runners. Shokz rates them at up to 12 hours and IP55. Open-ear designs trade away bass and isolation, and won’t block noise in a loud gym; SoundGuys’ review covers the sound and fit trade-offs in detail.
Price (Oct 2026): $179.95 at Shokz. Source
Pros
- Keeps ears open for situational awareness
- Secure wraparound band
- No ear tips in your ears
Cons
- Less bass and no isolation
- Sound leaks at high volume
- No charging case
4. Soundcore Sport X20
Best for: runners on a budgetAnker’s Soundcore Sport X20 combines rotating ear hooks with an IP68 rating, the highest here, and ANC. Soundcore rates it at up to 12 hours per charge (48 with the case), dropping to 7/28 hours with ANC on.
Price (Oct 2026): $79.99 at soundcore.com. Source
Pros
- Lowest price
- IP68 rating
- Adjustable ear hooks
Cons
- Battery falls sharply with ANC on
- Fewer independent reviews than the others
What the water-resistance ratings mean
IP ratings are an industry standard. The second digit covers water: 4 means splash resistance, 5 resistance to water jets, 7 temporary immersion and 8 immersion beyond that under manufacturer-specified conditions. A first digit of 5 or 6 adds dust protection; an “X” means it wasn’t tested for dust. None of these four is designed for swimming. For more general listening, see our best noise cancelling headphones under $200.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best earbuds for running?
Are AirPods Pro 3 good for running?
Can I swim with these?
Sources
Pricing and plan details were checked on the official pages below as of Oct 2026. Vendors change prices, credits and plan names often, and some show regional pricing at checkout, so confirm on the vendor's site before you buy.
- Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 product page
- The Verge: Powerbeats Pro 2 review
- Apple: Introducing AirPods Pro 3 (Newsroom)
- Apple Support: heart rate sensing with AirPods
- TechGearLab: Best Noise Cancelling Headphones (lab measurements)
- Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 product page
- SoundGuys: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review
- Soundcore Sport X20 product page
- Runner’s World: Best wireless headphones for running
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