Best Running Earphones in 2022

How We Chose Our Selection of Running Earphones

Quality - All of the earphones that make our list are high-quality products that have proven themselves in the testing ground of the real world. They stand up to the constant punishment that comes with pounding the pavement, they don’t quit when the sweat gets heavy or the rain starts to fall and any and all additional features work as advertised in all conditions. If a pair of earphones fails any of the above categories they don’t make our list.

Reviews - As always we keep our ear to the ground when it comes to what others are saying about a particular set of earphones. But we’re not Rotten Tomatoes. We don’t pass judgment based solely on what other people say. We like to make up our own minds. So when it comes to external reviews we’ll read them and take note but at the end of the day the product has to impress us or it doesn’t make our list.

Brand - There are some fields where the number of decent manufacturers can be counted on one hand. For whatever reason, the earphone industry is not one of those fields. It seems virtually every significant tech player has waded into the earphone business. As such you’re going to see lots of brand names on this list of best running earphones because there are so many big name brands jockeying for a piece of the earphone market pie.

Price - There isn’t a set of sports earphones out there that’s going to break anyone’s bank. That said, some are certainly more expensive than others. While price isn’t necessarily a determining factor for us we do keep our eyes open for significant values when we can find them and we’ll reward them with a place on our list.

Features To Look For In-Running Earphones

Comfortable fit - Saying something is comfortable is almost entirely subjective. Or at the very least, entirely particular to each person. Since everyone’s ears are different it’s virtually impossible to proclaim one set of earphones to be the most comfortable or the best fitting. This is one area where reviews are virtually useless because you really need to try different ones on yourself and see how they feel to you. As such, when we say a particular set of earphones are comfortable or that they fit well we’re speaking of our own experience with the product and you should keep that in mind.

Sound quality - Sound quality, while still subject to individual interpretation, yields a bit more convincingly to objective assessment. After all, if a pair of headphones emits a loud hiss just about everyone is going to hear that. Likewise, if the bass is shallow and tinny most people will pick up on that. When you try on a pair of headphones (and you should always try them on before buying if possible) cue up one of your favorite songs. One that you know like the back of your hand, and see if the headphones reproduce all those luscious details you love so much. You may find they don’t. Or you may find the sound quality is so good that it opens your mind to other aspects of the production you had been missing.

Battery life - It wasn’t that long ago that batteries for running earphones would die out after an hour or two. Today, however, advances in battery technology have produced lithium-ion batteries that charge super-fast and provide many hours of listening pleasure. If the earphones you have your eye on only provide an hour or two hours per charge you might want to cast your sights elsewhere.

Waterproofing - Waterproofing is important not only because most of us are going to get caught in the rain from time to time, but also because many of us sweat so much while running it might as well be raining. All of the best earphones for running are sweatproof and waterproof. Or at the very least water resistant. Keep in mind that even though they’re waterproof you’ll still need to clean them occasionally. Especially if you sweat a lot.

Design - The other end of the subjective spectrum from comfort is design. The reason we have so many different types of everything is that people just can’t seem to agree on what’s beautiful, what’s stylish or what’s fashionable. When it comes to running earphones though design should not be a determining factor. Since this is something you’re going to need to wear on your head and that you expect to deliver on its technological promises comfort and performance should be more important considerations than design. Not that the way your sports earphones look isn’t important, it’s just not as important as how they feel and sound.

Types of Running Earphones:

On-ear earphones - On-ear earphones for running hook over the top of the ears. The extent of this hook depends on the design of the earphone. While they typically cover much of the opening of the ear they don’t actually cover the entire ear itself the way over ear earphones do. This lack of blanket coverage allows a certain amount of environmental sound to still be audible, which is important if you run on the road or on crowded sidewalks. This type of earphone also won’t overheat your ears the way full coverage headphones can and do. This type of earphone is also light and easy to stow in your pocket or just hang around your neck if you want a break from the music while you run.

Over-ear earphones - Over-ear earphones for running are just that; earphones that sit over the ear and cover it entirely. In the not too distant past, this type of earphone was considered inappropriate and impractical to wear during outdoor activities like running. But the lightweight, noise canceling headphones from Beats has upset the applecart of conventional thinking and we’re seeing more and more runners sporting over-ear headphones. It may be fashionable and the sound may be great but we’d still advise caution when wearing this type of earphone while running. Unless of course, you’re on a treadmill or a genuine running track.

Running Earphones FAQ

Q: What are running headphones?

A: Running headphones are simply audio headphones that have been adapted to the needs of runners and the conditions they encounter while running. But these days they’re more than just lightweight, waterproof versions of standard headphones. They’ve come to include all types of wireless digital technology. Some intended to expand your listening possibilities while running and some to enhance the quality of your workout by keeping you apprised of your heart rate, temperature and more.

Q: Are all running earphones waterproof?

A: Most are. And certainly, all of the best running headphones are waterproof. Which means they’re also sweatproof which is just as important. The only running earphones you’re likely to find that aren’t waterproof are those you’ll get at the big box store. Stick to the items on our list and your headphones won’t fail you when the rain starts falling or the sweat starts pouring.

Q: How do I clean my earphones?

A: When the time comes for some earphone spring cleaning these are the steps most often taken.

• Check with the owner’s manual - Always make sure there are not any specific instructions from the manufacturer before you clean your earphones. If there aren’t then proceed as follows:
• Clean the outside - Use a clean soft cloth. Dip it in clean water and wring it out thoroughly, then wipe down all the exterior components including the headband.
• Remove any pads and tips - Dirt and dust often hide in the ear cups. So remove the pads and tips and make sure you clean this area thoroughly with your damp cloth. If you encounter any stubborn dirt use a soft bristle toothbrush to loosen it up then wipe it away with the damp cloth.
• Dry them out - Once you’re sure you’ve thoroughly cleaned the earphones leave them to air dry. If you’re not sure how long to leave them to check them after 10 minutes and see if they’re completely dry. If it appears that they are, let them sit for a few more minutes anyway just to be sure.

Q: What devices are compatible with my earphones?

A: Most of the best headphones will pair easily with any Bluetooth enabled device. This connectivity will provide access to an almost unlimited number of apps, streaming music of every kind, voice-activated assistants like Siri, Alexa and Google Now, performance monitors, Internet radio and much more. Many earphones, even running earphones, can be paired to different home entertainment systems such as Android or Apple TV, Playstation, Xbox One and more with little fuss, so you can watch your favorite movies or programs late at night without waking anyone up.

Q: How often should I replace silicone tips?

A: Exactly how often you should replace the silicone tips on your earphones will depend entirely on how often you wear them and under what conditions. If, for instance, you wear them once a week for a light jog in the park it may be several years before you need to replace them. If, on the other hand, you run like you’re possessed every day you’ll likely need to replace them every couple of months. Maybe even more often, depending on how often and how well you clean them (if you clean them at all).

Q: What types of music should I listen to while running?

A: If you want to use the music to propel yourself along the track or the sidewalk or the road or the path you’ll want to listen to something with a driving beat. That typically means something that hits 120 to 140 beats per minute (BPM). 120 or so BPM just happens to dovetail nicely with the average heart rate of a person engaged in moderately strenuous activity so your music and your heart will be in sync.

Q: Which sSports eEarphones are better for running, on-ear earphones or over ear earphones?

A: While it comes down once again to personal taste you want to keep in mind that if you wear noise canceling over-ear headphones for running you’re putting yourself at a disadvantage on the street or on busy sidewalks. While music can be an invaluable accompaniment to running canceling out all environmental noise may mean you don’t hear that car that’s bearing down on you or that bicyclist who tries to warn you as you drift into his or her travel lane. Many of the best running earphones will allow enough environmental noise through that safety is not compromised.