The best wireless workout headphones for 2026

Whether you’re lifting, running or squeezing in a quick session between errands, the last thing you want is a cable getting in the way or earbuds that won’t stay put. The best wireless headphones make it easier to focus on your workout, but not every pair is built to handle sweat, motion and long sessions. Fitness-focused headphones put different demands on design and performance.

Secure fit, water resistance and dependable battery life matter just as much as sound quality, especially if you plan to use them outside the gym as well. Some are tuned for awareness during outdoor runs, while others aim to block distractions during intense training.

We’ve tested a wide range of wireless headphones and wireless earbuds that are suited for exercise, narrowing the list down to options that hold up during workouts and still work well for everyday listening. Below, you’ll find our top picks, along with guidance to help you choose the right pair for how you train.

Best workout headphones for 2026 Others wireless workout headphones we tested Apple AirPods Pro 3 When it comes to running and working out, the edge that the AirPods Pro 3 have over the Pro 2, or even the top picks on our list, is built-in heart rate monitoring. That means you could go out with just your Pro 3 earbuds and your iPhone and still get heart rate information for your entire training session.

But otherwise, the Pro 3 buds are just as capable as the Pro 2 when it comes to exercise. Some may prefer the soft-touch finish on our top picks to the AirPods' slick texture. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 The Powerbeats Pro 2 are a good alternative to the Beats Fit Pro if you’re a stickler for a hook design.

However, they cost $50 more than the Powerbeats Fit, and the main added advantage here is built-in heart rate sensors. Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro The Soundcore AeroFit Pro is Anker’s version of the Shokz OpenFit, but I found the fit to be less secure and not as comfortable.

The actual earbuds on the AeroFit Pro are noticeably bulkier than those on the OpenFit and that caused them to shift and move much more during exercise. They never fell off of my ears completely, but I spent more time adjusting them than I did enjoying them.

JBL Endurance Peak 3 The most noteworthy thing about the Endurance Peak 3 is that they have the same IP68 rating as the Jabra Elite 8 Active, except they only cost $100. But, while you get the same protection here, you’ll have to sacrifice in other areas.

The Endurance Peak 3 didn’t blow me away when it came to sound quality or comfort (its hook is more rigid than those on my favorite similarly designed buds) and their charging case is massive compared to most competitors. What to look for in workout headphones Design Before diving in, it’s worth mentioning that this guide focuses on wireless earbuds .

While you could wear over-ear or on-ear headphones during a workout, most of the best headphones available now do not have the same level of durability. Water and dust resistance, particularly the former, is important for any audio gear you plan on sweating with or taking outdoors, and that’s more prevalent in the wireless earbuds world. Most earbuds have one of three designs: in-ear, in-ear with hook or open-ear.