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Best headphones for running or hitting the gym in the UK

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5 years ago

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Whether your most important factor is fit, apps, or sweatproofing, we’ve gathered the best options for workout headphones.

By Team Commerce

The only thing more important to runners than their trainers is a quality pair of headphones and a killer playlist. Running without music is like some form of medieval torture: it sucks. And cheap, crappy headphones just aren’t going to cut it.

When shopping for a quality pair of headphones to wear while running, you’ll want to look at a few key factors: Are they sweatproof/waterproof? Will they stay in your ears? Are the volume controls easily accessible? If you answer no to any of these questions, then you know the headphones aren’t going to work.

Out top choice for running headphones are the Bose SoundSport wireless headphones, which pair easily with your phone via Bluetooth, have comfy ear tips to keep them in place while you run, and are compatible with multiple running apps.

When it comes to wired headphones, we’re partial to the Bose SoundSports as well. Bose has been in the game for a long time, and their well-made headphones are worth the money — plus they have great audio. There’s a reason they’re at the top of our list. If you’re not looking to spend a lot of money though, our budget-friendly pick are the JBL Endurance RUN headphones, which will only set you back around £20.

Of course, there are plenty more headphones available for runners, whether you’re training for a marathon or just looking to take a jog around the block. From those that are sweatproof and have fitness tracking capabilities, to headphones with wires, earbud-style pairs, and everything in between, these are some of the best headphones available on Amazon right now.

Best wireless earbuds

Maybe you don’t want to deal with a long wire when running or want features that can track your progress while you hit the pavement. Wireless earbuds may be the best choice for you. There are plenty of options available that use a link cable for the earphones only or are completely wireless and have features like fitness tracking or voice controls. Whatever you’re looking for, these earbuds are all excellent for runners.


Built-in mic • Bose Connect app functions • Bluetooth or NFC connectivity

If you’re into great sound quality and tracking your workouts, these could be the headphones for you

1. Bose SoundSport Wireless

While sound quality and flexibility are always good features, a great pair of headphones will do more than that.

Any runner knows that tracking your runs is essential. Data or it didn’t happen, right? While sound quality and flexibility are always good features, a great pair of headphones will do more than that. 
Available in aqua, aqua blue, citron yellow, and black, the Bose SoundSport Wireless are excellent earbuds for runners. They have the features you’d expect at that price point, including Bose Connect app functions, Bluetooth or NFC connectivity, and a built-in mic. 
On top of that, you can also pair up these headphones with workout apps like Endomondo or MapMyRun to further keep track of your runs.


Cord can wrap around either front or back • Features ambient noise reduction • Has companion app • Works with voice assistants

Not the cheapest, but not the priciest either

If you’re looking for some solid wireless earbuds that pair well with voice assistants, these might be the ones you want

2. Jabra Elite 45e

The Elite 45e headphones are an example of quality at an affordable price.

Jabra has been making a name for itself in the headphones world, offering more affordable options that can compete with some of the bigger companies like Sony and Bose. Thankfully, affordable doesn’t mean low quality, especially with wireless earbuds. 
The Elite 45e headphones are an example of that quality at an affordable price. These headphones have a cord that wraps around the front or back of the neck to create a secure fit, which is especially helpful when running. They have ambient noise reduction to keep distracting sounds at a minimum so you can focus on your music rather than what’s going on around you. This is especially helpful for treadmill runners who are forced to contend with annoying chit chat at the gym. 
The companion Jabra+ app allows you to adjust the audio to fit your needs, plus these headphones are compatible with Alexa, Siri, and Google Assistant. The battery should last you up to eight hours on a single charge, which is plenty of time for knocking out that Saturday morning 10k.


Truly wireless • App tracks them if they get lost • Can be recharged while being used

If you’re looking for truly wireless earbuds with great sound and loss prevention features, these might be the ones

3. Bose SoundSport Free Wireless

These truly wireless ear buds can charge while you’re using them, and the app can help you locate them in the event that they fall out

If you get super sweaty when you run — no matter what the distance is — then these truly wireless headphones are a great option. The Bose SoundSport Free are some of the best earbuds available. 
These will provide more freedom of movement since there’s absolutely no cable, while secure ear tips will keep the buds in place. And if you’re concerned that these earbuds will be easier to lose since there is no connective cable, fear not. The Bose Connect app can track lost earbuds with the “Find My Buds” feature. 
If you start running low on battery, put them in the charge case for a quick recharge mid run, without ever having to break stride.  

Best wired earbuds

Wired headphones are the more classic choice, and perhaps the most versatile since you can pack them with you while you travel and use them just as easily while running through a new city as you can on a plane, plugged into the in-flight entertainment. Wired earphones lean into simplicity rather than offering a crazy amount of features. So if you’re looking for an option without all the bells and whistles, wired earbuds could be the way to go. Plus, since most of these are priced more moderately, you won’t feel bad when you inevitably lose them.


Very affordable • Magnets keep the headphones from tangling

Sound quality may not be as high as higher-end models • No app

A magnet helps you keep these very affordable and highly-rated wired headphones from tangling

4. JBL Endurance Run

These are the kind of headphones you buy in multiples so you don’t have to fret once you’ve inevitably lost a pair.

As reliable as wired headphones can be, dealing with the wire can still be annoying. We hate it when the wires flop around during a run or get tangled in our gym bag. But if you find the right set, that could be avoided without having to go wireless. 
If that’s what you’re looking for, JBL has the headset you’re looking for in the Endurance Run. The key difference is that the earbuds are magnetic, so you can keep them connected while in transport. 
Priced at less than £20, these are a no nonsense pair of headphones that have great sound and a very modest price. These are the kind of headphones you buy in multiples so you don’t have to fret once you’ve inevitably lost a pair.  


Earhook feature keeps headphones secure • Sweatproof • Very affordable

If you’re looking to really save money, these are a great super cheap option

5. ROVKING Sport

These super-cheap headphones have an earhook design that keeps them on your ears, and are also sweatproof.

If you’re are looking for pure simplicity, the ROVKING Sport headphones are the ones to get. 
These are simple headphones that deliver good sound quality for the price, but won’t blow the doors off by any means. The appeal of these earbuds is, aside from price, the secure design. This style of headphones includes earhooks that can hold the earbuds in place, which is probably the most important thing for runners. 
These are also sweatproof, which means they’ll keep working even when they get drenched. 


Affordable • Offers a variety of fit options • Waterproof

If you struggle to find a good fit, and need something waterproof, these headphones could solve those problems

6. Sony Sports

These Sony earbuds offer multiple sets of covers and hooks to hold the earbuds securely in place.

Flexibility is a big part of any runner’s life, and the same should be applied to headphones. 
The out-of-box version may not always fit or be comfortable in the ear, so its important there’s a means to wear them properly. That is where the Sony Sport comes into play. Compared to the other wired headsets here, the Sony earbuds offer multiple sets of covers and hooks to hold the earbuds securely in place so you can find a set that both fits comfortably and will stay in during a long run. 
These are all waterproof as well, so you know they will be able to handle the elements. Keeping your feet dry while you run is another story. 


Highly-rated sound quality • Affordable for Bose headphones • Easy access to volume controls

If you want Bose sound but don’t want to spend loads, these could be the ones for you

7. Bose SoundSport Wired

Bose SoundSport are a great set of headphones to buy when the clarity of audio really matters to you.

The Bose SoundSport are a great set of headphones to buy when the clarity of audio really matters to you. 
This wired pair includes quick access to volume controls, making it easy to adjust your music while you run. 
Bose is arguably the biggest company today in the realm of headphones with offerings at every scale. The audio quality of the SoundSport headphones is thanks, in part, to the Triport technology: built in vents that help give a boost to the bass, thus offering a much fuller sound.  

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