Best headphones for working out in 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is the best budget pick for working out, combining solid ANC, a secure fit, and impressive battery life at a very competitive price.
The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are the runner-up for iPhone users who want seamless ecosystem integration and top-tier noise cancellation, while the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro are the best choice for Android users looking for rich sound and a comfortable workout companion.
A great pair of workout headphones can make the difference between a slog and a streak. Whether you‘re pounding pavement, grinding through a HIIT session, or zoning out on the elliptical, you need earbuds that stay put, resist sweat, and deliver enough audio punch to keep you moving. The market is crowded with options, but the real standouts combine a secure fit, decent noise cancellation or awareness mode, and reliable battery life, all without breaking the bank. How do you choose? Start with your device ecosystem: iPhone users get the tightest integration with AirPods, while Android fans will appreciate Samsung’s seamless pairing. Fit is king, look for ear tips and wing tips that lock in place. And decide how much outside sound you want: full noise cancellation for the gym, or ambient mode for outdoor runs. Below, we’ve rounded up three top contenders that cover the most common workout scenarios.
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC
The budget-friendly workhorse
4.6out of 5The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC punches well above its price tag with adaptive noise cancellation, a customizable fit, and marathon battery life. It‘s not the sleekest option, but for the cost it’s a steal for gym-goers who want ANC without the premium markup.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation)
The seamless iPhone companion
4.7out of 5The AirPods Pro 2 remain the gold standard for iPhone users who want effortless pairing, excellent ANC, and a surprisingly secure fit for workouts. The sound profile is balanced and the transparency mode is class-leading, but the price is steep and battery life lags behind competitors.
Price range: $$$
Check price on Amazon →Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro
The Android-optimized all-rounder
4.5out of 5Samsung’s Galaxy Buds2 Pro deliver rich, detailed sound and a comfortable, low-profile fit that stays put during most workouts. The ANC is effective, and the IPX7 rating offers better water resistance than most rivals. Android users will love the seamless pairing and Samsung-specific features, though battery life is average and the touch controls require a learning curve.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC | 4.6 / 5 | $ | Budget-conscious athletes who want nearly flagship-level ANC and long playtime without spe | Check price → |
| Runner-up | Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation) | 4.7 / 5 | $$$ | Apple loyalists who want a polished, ecosystem-friendly earbud with top-notch ANC and ambi | Check price → |
| Best value | Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Android users, especially Samsung owners, who want a well-rounded workout earbud with exce | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC: The budget-friendly workhorse
Best overallThe Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC punches well above its price tag with adaptive noise cancellation, a customizable fit, and marathon battery life. It‘s not the sleekest option, but for the cost it’s a steal for gym-goers who want ANC without the premium markup.
Pros
- Secure fit with multiple ear tip and wing tip sizes
- Excellent battery life with fast charging
- Adaptive ANC that adjusts to your environment
- IPX4 water resistance handles sweat and light rain
Cons
- Case is slightly larger than competitors
- Touch controls can be finicky during intense movement
- Microphone quality is merely average for calls
Who it’s for
Budget-conscious athletes who want nearly flagship-level ANC and long playtime without spending a lot.Who should skip it
You prioritize a tiny charging case or need top-tier voice call clarity for work calls between sets.2. Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation): The seamless iPhone companion
Runner-upThe AirPods Pro 2 remain the gold standard for iPhone users who want effortless pairing, excellent ANC, and a surprisingly secure fit for workouts. The sound profile is balanced and the transparency mode is class-leading, but the price is steep and battery life lags behind competitors.
Pros
- Industry-leading transparency mode for outdoor runs
- Flawless integration with Apple devices and Find My
- Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- IPX4 sweat resistance and a well-designed force sensor
Cons
- Battery life is shorter than many rivals (around 6 hours per charge)
- No customizable ear tips beyond the included sizes
- Pricey compared to equally capable options
Who it’s for
Apple loyalists who want a polished, ecosystem-friendly earbud with top-notch ANC and ambient sound for varied workouts.Who should skip it
You’re on Android (many features are lost) or you need all-day battery for marathon training sessions.3. Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro: The Android-optimized all-rounder
Best valueSamsung’s Galaxy Buds2 Pro deliver rich, detailed sound and a comfortable, low-profile fit that stays put during most workouts. The ANC is effective, and the IPX7 rating offers better water resistance than most rivals. Android users will love the seamless pairing and Samsung-specific features, though battery life is average and the touch controls require a learning curve.
Pros
- IPX7 water resistance (can handle heavy sweat and splashes)
- Detailed, well-tuned sound with strong bass
- Compact and comfortable fit with multiple ear tip options
- Seamless integration with Samsung phones and tablets
Cons
- Battery life is about average (around 5 hours with ANC)
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive during exercise
- ANC is good but not quite class-leading
Who it’s for
Android users, especially Samsung owners, who want a well-rounded workout earbud with excellent water resistance and sound quality.Who should skip it
You’re an iPhone user (Samsung’s app is limited on iOS) or you need the absolute longest battery life for back-to-back sessions.Best for specific needs
Best for value seekers
If you want strong ANC, a secure fit, and long battery life without spending a lot, the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC is the clear winner. It gives you nearly all the features of premium earbuds at a fraction of the cost, making it a favorite for budget-minded gym-goers. Our pick: Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC.
Best for iPhone users
Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 are the obvious choice if you live in the Apple ecosystem. The one-tap pairing, spatial audio, and superb transparency mode make them incredibly convenient for both workouts and daily use. Just be prepared for a higher price and shorter battery life. Our pick: Apple AirPods Pro (2nd generation).
Best for water resistance
For swimmers, heavy sweaters, or anyone who exercises outdoors in wet conditions, the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro stand out with an IPX7 rating. They can survive full immersion in water, so you never have to worry about sweat or rain damaging them. Sound quality and fit are excellent bonuses. Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro.
Our verdict
Ultimately, the best workout headphones depend on your priorities and device ecosystem. The Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 NC delivers the most value for budget-conscious athletes. iPhone users will find the AirPods Pro 2 hard to beat for convenience and polish. And Android fans who need rock-solid water resistance should grab the Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro. Whichever you choose, make sure the fit feels secure, no amount of sound quality can save a workout interrupted by a falling earbud.
Frequently asked questions
What headphone features matter most for exercise?
Secure fit (ear wings or hooks), sweat resistance (IPX4 minimum), and stable wireless connection. Sound quality matters less than fit, an earbud that falls out mid-run is useless however it sounds.
Are over-ear headphones good for working out?
For low-intensity workouts (cycling, elliptical, light lifting), yes. For running or high-intensity exercise, over-ear headphones shift with head movement and get sweaty. In-ear earbuds with secure tips dominate for active use.
Should I use ANC while running outdoors?
No, running with active noise cancellation outdoors is a safety risk. You need to hear traffic and other people. Use Transparency mode instead (AirPods Pro, Sony, Bose). it passes environmental sound through the earbuds so you stay aware.
How much sweat resistance do I need?
IPX4 handles sweat and light rain, covering most gym workouts and outdoor runs in dry conditions. IPX5 or IPX7 adds protection for heavy sweaters and outdoor use in rain. No standard earbuds are waterproof enough for swimming.
Do bone conduction headphones belong in workout lists?
For running specifically, yes, bone conduction headphones sit outside the ear canal, leaving ears open for full environmental awareness. Sound quality is lower than standard earbuds, but the open-ear safety benefit is meaningful for road running.