The best sports headphones and ear buds: an expert guide

Running, gym and outdoor sports can all benefit from a soundtrack – which is where the right pair of headphones comes in. ‘The variety of different fitness headphones is enormous these days, from old-school wired sets to true wireless,’ says Get Sweat Go editor Tom Wheatley. 

So what do the best headphones for running, sport and gym have in common? According to tech journalist Chris Haslam, it boils down to four key factors. ‘They need to be light, comfortable, absolutely never fall out and be moisture resistant, because sweat kills headphones faster than anything else,’ says Chris.

Thinking about investing in wireless headphones for running or the gym? ‘The technology within true wireless headphones has come on in leaps and bounds,’ says Partner & Buyer Jade Baker. 'From fit and comfort and improved noise-cancelling technology to the addition of transparent modes (important for running or cycling near roads) – and better battery life – wireless headphones provide true freedom while working out.’

‘If you’re planning to invest in a pair of Bluetooth headphones for running or sports, a lightweight, secure fit should be top of your list,’ says Tom. ‘If your headphones are uncomfortable or fall out on a run, nothing else really matters.’

‘I’ve tested dozens of pairs of running headphones and fit is by far the most important feature,’ Chris agrees. ‘If you’re constantly having to adjust them, you’ll soon hate them, no matter how good they look or sound. Make sure your chosen pair comes with plenty of different earbuds and wingtip sizes to ensure the best fit possible. And look for designs with ear hooks to help them stay in place.’

‘For long-distance runners, battery life comes a close second to fit,’ says Tom. True wireless headphones can often go for more than five hours on a single charge – pick a pair that comes with a quick-charge carry case for top-ups on the go. 

You should also check the water-resistance rating (you’ll need your chosen pair to withstand sweat and probably rain) and noise isolation. ‘If you rely on pounding music to get you through a long run, choose a design with decent bass, but remember: ambient noise is important, especially if you’re running on roads and need to be aware of your surroundings,’ says Chris.

‘Many headphones now have partner apps that allow you to personalise sound quality and manage the level of outside sounds that you can hear,’ adds Tom.

While there is a degree of crossover between the best headphones for running and the best headphones for the gym, if you’re preparing to hit the weights room, your priorities might be slightly different. ‘For gym activities like weightlifting, sound quality and noise isolation are key,’ says Tom.

‘Fundamentally, gym headphones should be the same as running headphones – survive sweat, never fall out and feel great to wear,’ says Chris. ‘But you may want a pair with more noise isolation – I prefer true wireless in-ear designs that block out as much bad gym music as possible. If you’re doing weights or hitting the rowing machine or cross trainer you can try over-ear headphones – but watch out if you perspire a lot.’

Heading off road? Squash players, free runners and snowboarders all use headphones to soundtrack their training sessions and the last thing you need when you’re speeding down a mountain is to lose your tunes (and an expensive earbud). So which of our experts’ favourite headphones for sport should be on your shortlist?

Jabra headphones are highly rated by adventurous types for their fit and comfort, as are Bose and Bang & Olufsen. Then there are Apple AirPods with their snug, secure fit, reliable connection and weightless feel.