Overview
- Jump To Details
![AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)]()
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Best Transparency Mode - Jump To Details
![JBL Endurance Peak 3]()
JBL Endurance Peak 3
Best for Ear Hook Design - Jump To Details
![Tribit FlyBuds 3]()
Tribit FlyBuds 3
Lowest Price - Jump To Details
![Anker Soundcore Sport X10]()
Anker Soundcore Sport X10
Best for Affordable Noise Cancellation - Jump To Details
![Jabra Elite 8 Active]()
Jabra Elite 8 Active
Most Secure Fit - Jump To Details
![Jabra Elite 10]()
Jabra Elite 10
Most Durable High-End Earphones - Jump To Details
![JBL Reflect Aero]()
JBL Reflect Aero
Best for Alexa and Google Assistant Users
It's easy to see the allure of completely cable-free earphones for runners—it's one less thing in the way, and especially on runs in hot weather, the absence of a neckband can be a blessing. But not all true wireless earbuds are ideal for running. Luckily, we've tested hundreds of pairs of earphones, and we've narrowed them down here to the top true wireless models for running and other forms of exercise.
Read on for our top picks, followed by buying tips to keep in mind before you buy.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
![AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)]()
AirPods Pro (2nd Generation)
Best Transparency ModeWhy We Picked It
The IP54 rating of Apple’s second-generation AirPods Pro isn't particularly strong, but it's at least good enough for a sweaty workout and notably extends to the charging case. However, the reason these earphones make this list is their game-changing adaptive audio mode. Whereas most transparency modes might inadvertently amplify sudden noises, this one keeps everything below an 85dB threshold. Thus, sirens, jackhammers, and loud trucks barreling past you will be audible enough to keep you safe, but not loud enough to damage your hearing.
Who It’s For
The AirPods Pro are first and foremost for iOS users—their seamless integration with iPhones and iPads is hard to beat. These probably aren’t the best choice if you need something exceptionally durable, but the water-resistance rating here is still sufficient and the transparency mode is the best of any model thus far.
Pros
- Rich, well-balanced audio performance
- Excellent active noise cancellation
- Conversation Aware feature adjusts your music volume when you speak
- Charging case has a built-in speaker, USB-C port
- Seamless integration with Apple devices
Cons
- No hi-res codec support
- EQ presets aren't adjustable
Learn MoreAirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Review![JBL Endurance Peak 3]()
JBL Endurance Peak 3
Best for Ear Hook DesignWhy We Picked It
The JBL Endurance Peak 3 are fully waterproof and dustproof, with one of the highest IP ratings on this list (IP68). These are less expensive than the JBL Reflect Aero, giving up modest noise cancellation for a much lower price. They sound good as well, with powerful bass and an adjustable in-app EQ.
Who It’s For
These are the earphones to get if you don't want to shell out for active noise cancellation but still want a solid build quality and strong audio performance. The customizable EQ is a big bonus, too.
Pros
- Powerful, bass-forward sound signature
- Fully waterproof, dust-tight design
- Highly adjustable and effective in-app EQ
- Strong battery life
Cons
- Massive, hard-to-open charging case
- Annoying auto-off function
Learn MoreJBL Endurance Peak 3 Review![Tribit FlyBuds 3]()
Tribit FlyBuds 3
Lowest PriceWhy We Picked It
The Tribit FlyBuds 3 far outperform their $35 price. Their decent sound, completely waterproof build, and secure fit completely make up for their less-than-inspiring design.
Who It’s For
These earphones should appeal to anyone who appreciates a good value. Additionally, their (somewhat bulky) case offers extensive battery life and the ability to charge other devices on the go; both qualities are helpful for people who aren't often near an outlet.
Pros
- Bass-forward, powerful audio performance
- Excellent battery life for true wireless earphones—can charge external devices, too
- Affordable
- IPX7-rated waterproof
- Excellent fit stability, with multiple eartip options
Cons
- Ho-hum design
- Wildly sculpted sound signature
- No app, so no EQ to tame the audio
Learn MoreTribit FlyBuds 3![Anker Soundcore Sport X10]()
Anker Soundcore Sport X10
Best for Affordable Noise CancellationWhy We Picked It
The IPX7-rated Anker Soundcore Sport X10 earphones are an excellent value because they deliver decent active noise cancellation and a bass-forward audio experience at a midrange price. They also fit quite securely thanks to their integrated ear hooks. Better yet, they pair with a companion app that offers adjustable EQ and the ability to customize controls.
Who It’s For
If you want quality noise cancellation from earphones with an ear hook-style design, go with this Anker pair. Just keep in mind that they might create a bit of discomfort if you wear glasses with thick frames.
Pros
- Powerful, sculpted, and bass-forward audio
- Impressive ANC for the price
- App features adjustable EQ and customizable controls
- Waterproof build
Cons
- Ear hook design makes docking process annoying
- On-ear control array could be more intuitive
Learn MoreAnker Soundcore Sport X10![Jabra Elite 8 Active]()
Jabra Elite 8 Active
Most Secure FitWhy We Picked It
Jabra's Elite 8 Active earphones feature a grippy exterior surface that helps them stay in your ears no matter how intensely you exercise and their IP68 rating means they are fully sealed from dust and water ingress. They also sound quite good and effectively cancel out distracting noise. A quality app with customizable EQ rounds out the experience.
Who It’s For
If you want exceptionally durable earphones that don't compromise on sound quality or noise cancellation, the Elite 8 Active earphones should be your first choice. You don't even need to be particularly careful with the charging case, since it sports an impressive IP54 rating.
Pros
- Powerful, bass-forward audio
- Quality noise cancellation
- Fully waterproof, dustproof build
- Water-resistant case
- Intuitive app includes adjustable EQ
Cons
- Sculpted sound signature won't appeal to purists
Learn MoreJabra Elite 8 Active Review![Jabra Elite 10]()
Jabra Elite 10
Most Durable High-End EarphonesWhy We Picked It
Jabra's Elite 10 earbuds have an excellent IP57 rating and compete with top options from Apple, Bose, and Sony on noise cancellation. Moreover, they deliver robust, balanced audio. Additionally, Jabra's companion app gives you lots of control over the sound signature and even includes some Dolby-based spatial sound modes. Wireless charging support for the case is a nice bonus as well.
Who It's For
They carry a premium price, but the Jabra Elite 10 earphones are your best high-end options for exercise thanks to their durability, enjoyable sound, and quality noise cancellation. If you work out in extreme conditions, however, the IP68-rated Elite Active 8 earbuds have a slight advantage.
Pros
- Powerful bass and bright highs
- Competitive noise cancellation
- Support for Dolby Atmos with head tracking, adjustable EQ
- High-quality build
- Case supports wireless charging
Cons
- Easy to accidentally activate on-ear buttons
- Slight masking hiss in noise cancellation mode
Learn MoreJabra Elite 10 Review![JBL Reflect Aero]()
JBL Reflect Aero
Best for Alexa and Google Assistant UsersWhy We Picked It
The JBL Reflect Aero earphones are possibly the best value of all the waterproof models we've tested, especially if you can find them at their frequent sale price of $100. The chunky earbuds are nowhere near as sleek as Apple’s stem-style AirPods Pro, but they offer a superior fit.
Who It’s For
If you want a highly durable design for a reasonable price, these are one of your top options. Aside from their IP68 rating, they also offer hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant support, decent noise cancellation for the price, and an adjustable in-app EQ.
Pros
- Powerful audio performance with deep lows and bright highs
- Multi-band in-app EQ
- Supports hands-free Alexa and Google Assistant
- Fully waterproof and dustproof design
Cons
- Average noise cancellation
- Sculpted, bass-forward sound signature won't appeal to everyone
Learn MoreJBL Reflect Aero
Buying Guide: The Best True Wireless Earbuds for Running
Which True Wireless Earbuds Are Waterproof?
If you're going to wear true wireless earphones for running or some other exercise, some level of water resistance is vital. You can check how protected your earbuds are against the elements by looking at their IP rating, the standard that describes how well a device handles dust and water.
The last number in an IP rating indicates a device's water resistance; earphones with an IPX7 or IPX8 rating are safe even if you submerge them completely in water, for example. For handling sweat, a rating of at least IPX5 is generally sufficient. Earphones with an IPX4 rating can handle moisture, but you shouldn't rinse them off under a faucet.
The first number in an IP rating refers to dust resistance, but sometimes manufacturers don't officially certify products against dust. If a product has an IP rating that starts with IPX and then a number (e.g., IPX6), the device is technically rated only against water.
Most runners—except you ultra-marathoners doing desert runs—don't need to worry too much about dust protection ratings, but water and sweat resistance are crucial. Beware of manufacturers that claim a product is "waterproof" even it if actually has a low IP rating and can't withstand any substantial water pressure.
Which True Wireless Earbuds Have the Best Battery Life?
Battery life is somewhat of a weakness for the true wireless category. The best pairs can carry on for perhaps up to 10 hours on a full charge, though the worst last only a few hours. This is why charging cases (with docking areas and an internal battery that offers several more full charges) are a critical part of the equation.
That said, I don't see many runners carrying a charging case and docking earpieces for extra battery life on their long runs. But this is also because—again, ultra-marathoners, this excludes you—most of these battery life ratings are fine for runs. If you run a full marathon, your true wireless in-ears can likely last most of, if not the entire race. If you run a half marathon, you almost certainly don't need to worry about running out of juice. Of course, the battery life depends heavily on volume levels, so one way to get a longer result is by listening at lower levels.
Which True Wireless Earphones Fit the Best?
Let's move on to something nearly all true wireless headphones are good at—staying in place. Earpieces must both be lightweight and notably larger than those for wired earphones. This larger contour typically rests against various areas of the ear for stability. Eartips that seal off the canal are also crucial for keeping the earpieces in place as well as ensuring solid ear-to-ear audio balance and bass depth. That's why models like Apple's AirPods don't make this list: They lack a secure in-ear fit.
Many sports-focused models include additional fit accessories like earfins or even bands that wrap around the earpiece to increase its width slightly. Nearly all the materials involved are some form of rubber or silicone, which aids the secure fit.
