10 Best Running Earbuds 2025 in the United States

The Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds offer a blend of comfort, advanced features, and solid performance for runners. The redesigned shape and shorter stem contribute to a more comfortable and secure fit, which is essential for running. Additionally, the earbuds are rated IP54 for dust, sweat, and water resistance, making them suitable for sweaty workouts and outdoor runs in various weather conditions.

The inclusion of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) helps block out unwanted background noise, providing an immersive listening experience. However, the battery life with ANC enabled is up to 4 hours, which might be insufficient for extended runs without recharging. Without ANC, the earbuds offer up to 30 hours of total listening time using the charging case, which is more suitable for longer durations.

The earbuds' sound quality is enhanced by the H2 chip, offering features like Personalized Spatial Audio and Adaptive EQ that dynamically adjust the audio based on your ear shape and listening environment. The Bluetooth 5.3 wireless technology ensures stable connectivity, which is crucial during physical activities. Furthermore, quick-press controls and voice commands with Siri allow for easy operation without needing to constantly handle your device. One potential drawback is the necessity to purchase the USB-C charge cable separately. The Apple AirPods 4 are a strong contender for running earbuds, combining comfort, sound quality, and water resistance, with a minor setback in battery life when ANC is used continuously.

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 earbuds offer a unique open-ear bone conduction design, making them a great choice for runners who want to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying music. Their lightweight, ergonomic frame with memory wire ensures a secure and comfortable fit that resists slipping during workouts. Sound quality stands out with a combination of bone conduction and air conduction technology, delivering clear highs and surprisingly deep bass for an open-ear model. The app’s EQ customization is a nice touch, allowing you to boost audio in noisy environments or enjoy pure bone conduction sound. With 12 hours of battery life, these earbuds can easily last through long runs or multiple workouts without needing a recharge. They also charge quickly in about an hour. Sweat and water resistance make them durable for intense exercise sessions, though they are not fully waterproof for heavy rain or swimming.

Connectivity is solid with Bluetooth 5.3, providing a stable wireless connection up to 33 feet and compatibility with most devices like phones, watches, and PCs. Calls are enhanced by dual wind-resistant mics and AI noise reduction, helping maintain clear conversations even outdoors. On the downside, the open-ear style means less noise isolation, so if you prefer complete sound blocking, these might not fit your needs. Also, bass depth, while improved for bone conduction, won't match traditional in-ear earbuds. The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 is well-suited for runners and fitness enthusiasts who prioritize safety and comfort, along with good sound quality and reliable battery life.

The SHOKZ New OpenFit 2+ earbuds use an open-ear design, making them a good choice if you want to stay aware of your surroundings during runs or workouts. They’re very lightweight (only 9.4g) and have soft silicone ear hooks, which help keep them comfortable and secure even when you're moving or sweating. With an IP55 rating, they resist water and sweat well, so they can handle rain or intense exercise without issues.

When it comes to sound, these earbuds stand out by using Dolby Audio and Shokz’s DualBoost technology, which delivers clear highs and decent bass for an open-ear style. However, because they don’t fully cover or seal the ear, the bass won’t be as strong as in traditional in-ear earbuds. The battery life is impressive — 11 hours of continuous use on a single charge and up to 48 hours when combined with the wireless charging case. Quick charging is also handy, giving 2 hours of playback with just a 10-minute charge.

Connectivity is solid with Bluetooth 5.4, a decent range, and the ability to connect to two devices at once, which is convenient for switching between phone and laptop. Call quality benefits from multiple microphones that reduce background noise. These earbuds do not offer noise cancellation, so ambient sounds will always be audible, which is a safety plus for outdoor runners but might be distracting in noisy environments. They are well-suited for runners who prioritize comfort, situational awareness, and long battery life, but might not satisfy those looking for deep bass or full noise isolation.