This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
For running fanatics, few things are more important than a good pair of running shoes. But ranking just below those running shoes is a quality set of headphones. Especially when combined with a killer playlist to help push you through those last miles.
Let’s face it: Getting off the sofa to actually run can be challenging enough, never mind the 5K that follows. You need motivation, and cheap headphones just aren't up to the task. It's no surprise, of course. Good fitness requires good gear.
Good headphones won't just deliver tunes and keep the motivation up, they can actually improve your performance and PB. But if this is your first time buying running headphones, it can be hard to know exactly what you're looking for. Here's some helpful information to put you on the starting blocks.
What are the types of headphones for running?
There are plenty of different types of headphones out there: On-ear headphones, over-ear headphones, and in-ear earbuds. While there are on-ear and over-ear headphones designed for fitness and running, serious runners should consider (with the odd exceptions) in-ear earbuds. Not only are they best suited for running, but tech companies are gearing their fitness-specific tech towards earbuds. You'll also find an example of bone conducting headphones in this roundup, which use vibrations to transmit sound through your cheekbone directly to your inner ear.
What are the most important features for running headphones?
You can go running with any pair of earbuds, but there are some specific features that will actively help your run and get you on track to smash your PB:
Volume controls — If there’s one thing guaranteed to slow you down, it’s having to dig your phone out of your pocket to fiddle with the volume or other functions. Look out for headphones that have buttons/touch controls on the ear cups or buds.
Water resistance — Water resistant/proof earbuds will ensure you can go running in any weather and that you can sweat as profusely as you like. Look out for dustproof buds too.
Workout tracking — Some headphones will connect with popular fitness apps that help track performance and goals.
The most important features will generally let you forget all about your headphones. The focus should be on your run, not what's on your head.
Do running headphones have noise cancellation?
This is another key feature of modern headphones, including running-specific headphones. It's worth knowing about if you’ll double up and use them as everyday headphones too. Noise cancellation works exactly as it sounds — it blocks and dampens external sounds so you can shut yourself away from the outside world and fully immerse. It works by using tiny microphones within the ear cups/buds, which emit signals to block out incoming noise. This is called active noise cancellation (ANC).
This can be useful for runners who want to stay fully in the zone and burst through their workout distraction-free. However, it might not be advisable to shut yourself off fully if running through a location you don’t know well, or you’re running alongside traffic. Look out for ANC that has transparency or ambient modes, which allows some external noise in, keeping you partially in tune with the outside world.
What are the best headphones for running?
Whether you're training for a marathon or just looking to take a jog around the block, there is a set of headphones for you. From those that are sweat-proof and have fitness tracking capabilities, to headphones with wires, earbud-style pairs, and everything in between, there is something out there that will suit you perfectly.
These are the best headphones for running in 2025.
