One of the most popular questions we see on the various trail running forums is “What are the best earphones for running”. Now, wanting to be at one with nature and hear what is going on around us, we choose not to run with earphones however, there are many people that we run with who prefer running with earphones in. They just find that it distracts them and helps them to get into a rhythm. At the end of the day, it is about personal choice. 

Safety first 

Before we get into the question of which earphones are best for running, we just want to highlight the safety risk here. If you are running with earphones, you may not always hear what is going on around you – cars approaching, horses coming up behind, tractors coming along the trail. Running with earphones when electric cars are already very quiet has to be a consideration if running on the roads. Be sure to choose a pair of earphones that enable you to stay aware of your surroundings or turn them off when in built-up traffic areas. 

The Best Earphones for Running 

Let’s take a look at the highest rated earphones for running

Shokz OpenRun Pro 

The Shokz OpenRun Pro are actually recommended by England Athletics and are an official partner of both EA and parkrun.

These bone conduction headphones are a great option for runners who want to stay aware of their surroundings. They produce sound by vibrating the bones in your cheekbones, so you can hear your music and your surroundings at the same time. They are also sweatproof and water resistant, making them ideal for running in all weather conditions.

shokz earphones for running

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Beats Fit Pro

These wireless earbuds offer a secure fit and excellent sound quality. They also have active noise cancellation, which can be helpful for blocking out traffic noise while you run. Please note, this is not a great safety feature if you need to stay aware of your surroundings. 

beats pro running earphones

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Jabra Elite 7 Active

These earbuds are sweatproof and water resistant, and they come with a variety of ear tips to ensure a secure fit. They also have a transparency mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings without having to take them out.

JABRA 7 RUNNING EARPHONES

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Sony WF-1000XM4

These earbuds offer superior noise cancellation and sound quality. They are also sweatproof and water-resistant, making them a good choice for running in wet weather.

EARPHONES FOR RUNNING

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Anker Soundcore Life P3

These affordable earbuds offer a good balance of features and performance. They are sweatproof and water resistant, and they have a comfortable, secure fit.

ANKER RUNNING EARPHONES

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Apple AirPods Pro

The original AirPods have a more open fit, which may not be ideal for running as they can be more easily dislodged. The AirPods Pro have a snugger, in-ear fit with silicone ear tips, which can help them stay in place better. They are sweat and water-resistant but they are not waterproof.

APPLE AIRPODS PRO 2

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What’s right for you?

Ultimately, the best earphones for running for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as sound quality, noise cancellation, fit, and price when making your decision.

Things to consider when choosing earphones for running:

  • Fit: The earphones should fit snugly in your ears so that they don’t fall out when you’re running.
  • Sweatproof and water resistant: The earphones should be able to withstand sweat and rain.
  • Battery life: The earphones should have enough battery life to last for your runs.
  • Price: Earphones can range in price quite significantly. Choose earphones that fit your budget and weigh up how much time you will actually use them for. 

What are your favourite earphones for running? We’d love to hear from you. 

Please note this article contains affiliate links which means that we may get paid a small commission if you make a purchase from the links on this page. We do not recommend anything we haven’t either tested or had reliable reviews from other runners on.