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7+ Best Workout Headphones & Earbuds For Lifting in 2024

by Nader Qudimat
Updated December 21, 2023

Whether you're a seasoned weightlifter or just starting your fitness journey, the right pair of headphones can make all the difference in your workout.

Music not only motivates us but also helps us maintain rhythm and pace during our sessions.

But when it comes to lifting weights, not all headphones are created equal.

If you're on a budget, the 1More Comfobuds are a fantastic pick.

They deliver great sound quality and feature a microphone that rivals the likes of the AirPods.

For those who appreciate bass and clear highs, the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are hard to beat.

Now, let's dive into the specifics and explore the best headphones and earbuds for lifting weights.

Whether you're looking for superior sound, comfort, or durability, there's a perfect pair out there for you. Let's get started!

The Importance of Sound Quality in Workout Headphones

Sound quality is a crucial factor when choosing headphones for weightlifting.

A rich, balanced sound can make your workout playlist more enjoyable and motivating.

Bass can give your music a powerful punch, while noise cancellation can help you focus on your routine by blocking out gym noise.

Best Headphones / Earbuds For Lifting

Premium
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds,
$177.74

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 delivers superior sound quality and active noise cancellation in a sleek, comfortable design. Ideal for Apple users seeking a seamless workout experience.

Highlights:
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Seamless integration with Apple devices
Features:
  • Active Noise Cancellation
  • Adaptive EQ
  • Sweat and water-resistant
  • Wireless charging case
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02/18/2024 11:57 pm GMT

The Apple AirPods Pro 2 are a standout choice for those who prioritize both sound quality and convenience.

These earbuds offer a rich, balanced sound profile that can make any workout playlist come alive.

Whether you're pumping iron to the beat of heavy rock or finding your rhythm with some high-energy pop, the AirPods Pro 2 deliver a satisfying audio experience.

Their active noise cancellation feature is also top-notch, effectively minimizing ambient noise so you can focus on your workout.

In terms of design, the AirPods Pro 2 are sleek and compact, fitting comfortably in the ear.

They come with three sizes of soft, flexible silicone tips to ensure a secure fit.

This means they're less likely to fall out during your workout, a common issue with many other earbuds.

Moreover, they're sweat and water-resistant, making them a reliable companion for those intense, sweat-dripping sessions at the gym.

However, the AirPods Pro 2 come with a hefty price tag, which might be a deterrent for some.

But if you're willing to invest in a high-quality audio experience that seamlessly integrates with other Apple devices, these earbuds are worth considering.

Their battery life is decent, offering up to 4.5 hours of listening time with a single charge and more than 24 hours with the charging case.

Budget Pick
1MORE Comfobuds Pro

The 1More Comfobuds provide decent sound quality and a comfortable fit at an affordable price. A budget-friendly option for gym-goers.

Highlights:
  • Decent sound quality
  • Comfortable and secure fit
  • Affordable price
Features:
  • Environmental Noise Cancellation for calls
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Multiple ear tip sizes for a secure fit
  • Fast charging feature
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The 1More ComfoBuds live up to their name, offering a comfortable and secure fit ideal for active users.

These earbuds come with three sizes of ear tips, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your ears.

They're lightweight and compact, making them easy to wear during long workout sessions.

In terms of sound quality, the 1More ComfoBuds deliver a balanced and clear sound.

They might not offer the same bass depth as some of the other options on this list, but they still provide an enjoyable listening experience for most users.

They also feature an Environmental Noise Cancellation technology, which helps reduce background noise during calls.

The 1More ComfoBuds offer a decent battery life of up to 4 hours on a single charge, and up to 18 hours with the charging case.

They also support fast charging, providing 2 hours of playtime from a 15-minute charge.

However, they lack some of the advanced features found in more expensive models, such as active noise cancellation and customizable EQ settings.

Sporty
Jabra Elite 7 Active in-Ear Bluetooth Earbuds

 The Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds are designed with workouts in mind, offering a secure fit, waterproof design, and good sound quality.

Highlights:
  • Secure fit for workouts
  • Good sound quality with customizable EQ
  • Decent battery life
Features:
  • Secure fit with ShakeGrip coating
  • Waterproof and sweatproof
  • Customizable EQ
  • Fast charging feature
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The Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds are designed with active users in mind.

They offer a secure fit, thanks to their ShakeGrip coating, ensuring they stay in place during intense workouts.

They're also waterproof and sweatproof, making them a reliable choice for all types of workouts.

In terms of sound quality, the Jabra Elite 7 Active delivers a rich and detailed sound.

They also feature a customizable EQ, allowing you to adjust the sound to your liking.

Whether you prefer a bass-heavy sound for your workout tunes or a more balanced profile for casual listening, these earbuds have got you covered.

The Jabra Elite 7 Active offers up to 8 hours of battery life with active noise cancellation turned on, and up to 10 hours without.

The charging case provides an additional 20 hours, ensuring you have enough juice for several workouts.

They also support fast charging, providing up to an hour of playtime from a quick 5-minute charge.

Balanced
Sennheiser Sport True Wireless Earbuds

The Sennheiser Sport True Wireless earbuds offer excellent sound quality and a comfortable fit in a compact, lightweight design. Ideal for those who value sound quality and comfort.

Highlights:
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Comfortable and secure fit
  • Durable design
Features:
  • Balanced audio profile with deep bass
  • Transparent Hearing mode
  • Splash and sweat-resistant
  • Compact and lightweight design
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The Sennheiser Sport True Wireless earbuds offer excellent sound quality, with a balanced audio profile and deep, punchy bass.

They're designed to deliver a dynamic and immersive listening experience, making your workout playlist sound great.

They also feature a Transparent Hearing mode, which allows you to hear your surroundings without removing the earbuds.

In terms of design, the Sennheiser Sport True Wireless earbuds are compact and lightweight.

They come with four sizes of ear tips to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. They're also splash and sweat-resistant, making them a good choice for workouts.

However, their battery life is shorter than some of the other options on this list, offering up to 5 hours on a single charge, and up to 15 hours with the charging case.

They also lack active noise cancellation, which might be a deal-breaker for some users.

Clarity
Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II
$199.00

The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds 2 offer exceptional sound quality and impressive noise cancellation—a premium choice for those who value sound quality and comfort.

Highlights:
  • Exceptional sound quality
  • Impressive noise cancellation
  • Comfortable and secure fit
Features:
  • Acclaimed noise cancelling technology
  • Comfortable StayHear Max tips
  • Sweat and weather-resistant
  • Wireless charging case
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02/19/2024 01:02 am GMT

The Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds 2 are a premium option that offers top-tier sound quality and noise cancellation.

These earbuds are designed to deliver a spacious and balanced sound, making your music sound as good as it does in a live setting.

They also feature Bose's acclaimed noise cancelling technology, which effectively blocks out gym noise, allowing you to focus on your workout.

In terms of design, the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds 2 are sleek and modern.

They come with three sizes of StayHear Max tips that conform to the shape of your ear for a secure and comfortable fit.

They're also sweat and weather-resistant, making them a reliable choice for workouts.

However, the Bose Quiet Comfort Earbuds 2 are one of the more expensive options on this list.

But if you're willing to invest in a high-quality audio experience and advanced features, they're worth considering.

They offer up to 6 hours of battery life on a single charge, and the wireless charging case provides an additional two full charges.

Bass
JBL Tune 510BT: Wireless On-Ear Headphones with Purebass Sound
$39.95

The JBL Tune 510BT offers powerful sound and deep bass in a comfortable, over-ear design. A great choice for those who prefer headphones over earbuds.

Highlights:
  • Powerful sound and deep bass
  • Comfortable for long listening sessions
  • Impressive battery life
Features:
  • JBL Pure Bass sound
  • Lightweight and comfortable design
  • Up to 40 hours of battery life
  • Fast charging feature
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02/19/2024 12:12 am GMT

The JBL Tune 510BT is a solid choice for those on a budget.

Despite their affordable price, these headphones don't compromise on sound quality.

They deliver JBL's signature Pure Bass sound, which is powerful and punchy, making your workout tunes more engaging.

The overall sound profile is well-balanced, ensuring that you can enjoy a wide range of music genres.

These headphones are designed with comfort in mind.

They feature a lightweight design and soft, padded ear cups that fit comfortably over the ears.

This means you can wear them for extended workout sessions without feeling any discomfort.

The headband is also adjustable, allowing you to achieve the perfect fit.

The JBL Tune 510BT offers up to 40 hours of battery life, which is impressive for headphones in this price range.

This means you can get through multiple workouts before needing to recharge.

They also come with a fast charging feature, providing 2 hours of playtime from a quick 5-minute charge.

However, these headphones lack a water or sweat resistance rating, so they might not be the best choice for particularly intense or sweaty workouts.

Premium
Sony WF-1000XM4 Truly Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphone
$114.89

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds offer top-tier sound quality and effective noise cancellation in a sleek, modern design—a high-end choice for those who want the best.

Highlights:
  • Excellent sound quality
  • Effective noise cancellation
  • Good battery life with fast charging feature
Features:
  • Excellent sound quality with deep bass and clear highs
  • Effective active noise cancellation
  • Water-resistant
  • Wireless charging case
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02/19/2024 01:07 am GMT

The Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are a top-of-the-line option that offers excellent sound quality and effective noise cancellation.

They're designed to deliver a rich and detailed sound, with deep bass and clear highs.

The active noise cancellation feature is also impressive, effectively minimizing ambient noise so you can focus on your workout.

In terms of design, the Sony WF-1000XM4 earbuds are sleek and modern.

They come with three sizes of noise-isolation ear tips to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

They're also water-resistant, making them a reliable choice for workouts.

The Sony WF-1000XM4 offers up to 8 hours of battery life on a single charge and up to 24 hours with the charging case.

They also support fast charging, providing up to 60 minutes of playtime from a quick 10-minute charge.

However, they are one of the most expensive options on this list, making them a significant investment.

Great Pick
Beats Powerbeats Pro Wireless Earbuds
$29.98(-3%)

The Powerbeats Pro is a true wireless earphone designed with the fitness enthusiast in mind. It offers a secure fit, excellent sound quality, and impressive battery life, making it a reliable workout companion.

Highlights:
  • Secure fit with ear hook design
  • Balanced sound profile with clear mids and treble
  • Sweat and water-resistant with an IPX4 rating
Features:
  • Bluetooth 5.0 Class 1
  • Apple's H1 chip
  • Sweat resistance and actual noise isolation
  • Proximity detector to pause music when removed from ears
  • Accelerometers to detect when you speak
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02/18/2024 01:22 am GMT

The Powerbeats Pro by Apple is a true wireless earphone that stands out in the market, especially for fitness enthusiasts.

Designed with an ear hook, these earbuds ensure a secure fit, relieving pressure on your ear canal and staying in place even during intense workouts.

They are equipped with Apple's H1 chip, which offers significant flexibility and superior connectivity, especially for iPhone users.

The Powerbeats Pro is not just about the fit; it also delivers in terms of sound quality.

It provides a balanced sound profile with clear mids and treble and deep, but not overpowering, bass.

This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy their workout playlist to the fullest.

Moreover, these earbuds are designed with durability in mind.

They come with an IPX4 rating, making them resistant to sweat and water. This means you can push through those sweat-dripping workouts without damaging your earbuds.

One of the standout features of the Powerbeats Pro is its battery life.

It offers double the AirPods Pro 1st generation battery life, making it a reliable companion for long workout sessions.

Additionally, it comes with a charging case that provides additional charges for more than 24 hours of listening time.

Headphones vs Earbuds: Which is Better for the Gym?

When it comes to choosing between headphones and earbuds for the gym, there's no one-size-fits-all answer.

It largely depends on your personal preferences and workout routine.

Headphones, particularly over-ear models, often provide superior sound quality and noise isolation.

However, they can be bulky and may not stay in place during high-intensity workouts.

On the other hand, earbuds are lightweight and compact, making them a popular choice for workouts. They're less likely to get in your way while lifting weights.

However, they may not offer the same level of sound quality or noise isolation as headphones.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Headphones/Earbuds for Lifting

When choosing the perfect pair of headphones or earbuds for your workouts, there are several factors to consider. These factors can significantly impact your overall workout experience, so it's crucial to take the time to evaluate each one.

Importance of Sound Quality

Sound quality is one of the most critical factors when choosing headphones or earbuds. Good sound quality can enhance your workout experience, helping you stay motivated and focused. Whether listening to high-energy music to pump you up or a podcast to keep you entertained during your workout, you'll want your audio to be clear and balanced.

Evaluating Sound Quality

When evaluating sound quality, consider the balance of bass, mids, and treble. Bass can add a powerful punch to your music, which can be motivating during a workout. However, too much bass can drown out the mids and treble, resulting in a muddy sound. A good pair of headphones or earbuds should offer a balanced sound profile, with clear mids and treble and deep, but not overpowering, bass.

Comfort and Fit

How it fits is important as you'll learn below...

Importance of Comfort and Fit

Comfort and fit are particularly important for workout headphones or earbuds. If your headphones are uncomfortable or don't fit well, they can become a distraction during your workout. You don't want to constantly adjust your headphones or earbuds during your workout.

Evaluating Comfort and Fit

When evaluating comfort and fit, consider the design of the headphones or earbuds and the included ear tips. Over-ear headphones should have soft, comfortable padding, while earbuds should come with multiple ear tip sizes to ensure a secure fit. Also, consider the weight of the headphones or earbuds. Lightweight models can be more comfortable for long workouts.

Durability

It should be able to withstand your intense workouts...

Importance of Durability

Durability is another crucial factor to consider.

Your headphones or earbuds should withstand the rigors of a workout, including being dropped or exposed to sweat. Investing in a durable pair of headphones or earbuds can save you money in the long run, as they're less likely to need replacing.

Evaluating Durability

When evaluating durability, consider the build quality of the headphones or earbuds.

Look for models with robust construction and high-quality materials. Also, check for any durability features, such as sweat or water resistance.

Sweat and Water Resistance

Importance of Sweat and Water Resistance

Sweat and water resistance is particularly important for workout headphones or earbuds. During a workout, your headphones or earbuds are likely to be exposed to sweat. If they're not sweat or water-resistant, they could be damaged, affecting their performance and lifespan.

Evaluating Sweat and Water Resistance

When evaluating sweat and water resistance, look for an IP rating. This rating indicates the level of protection against dust and water. For workout headphones or earbuds, look for a minimum rating of IPX4, which indicates that the headphones or earbuds are resistant to splashes of water from any direction.

Noise Isolation

Importance of Noise Isolation

Noise isolation can help block out the noise of the gym, allowing you to focus on your workout. This can be particularly useful if you work out in a busy gym and want to block out distractions.

Evaluating Noise Isolation

When evaluating noise isolation, consider the design of the headphones or earbuds and any noise isolation features.

Over-ear headphones naturally provide better noise isolation due to their design, while earbuds may require a good seal in the ear for effective noise isolation.

Some models also offer active noise cancellation, which can further enhance noise isolation.

Battery Life

Importance of Battery Life

Finally, consider the battery life of the headphones or earbuds.

You don't want your headphones to run out of battery mid-workout. A good pair of workout headphones or earbuds should have enough battery life to last through at least one, if not multiple, workouts.

Evaluating Battery Life

When evaluating battery life, consider both the headphones or earbuds' battery life and the charging case's battery life, if applicable. Also, consider any quick charging features, which can provide a significant amount of playtime from a short charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the best headphones for lifting weights? The best headphones for lifting weights are those that offer a secure fit, excellent sound quality, and sweat resistance. Some top choices include the Sony WF-1000XM4, Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2, and Powerbeats Pro.

  • Are earbuds or headphones better for the gym? This largely depends on personal preference. Earbuds are generally more lightweight and less intrusive, making them a popular choice for workouts. However, some people prefer the over-ear design of headphones for better sound quality and noise isolation.

  • What should I look for in workout headphones? Key factors to consider include fit and comfort, sound quality, sweat resistance, battery life, and durability. It's also beneficial if they have features like built-in controls and a reliable Bluetooth connection.

  • Are the Powerbeats Pro good for workouts? Yes, the Powerbeats Pro is designed with workouts in mind. They offer a secure fit with their ear hook design, have an IPX4 rating for sweat and water resistance, and deliver excellent sound quality.

  • Can I wear AirPods Pro while lifting weights? Yes, the AirPods Pro are suitable for lifting weights. They offer a secure fit with their ear tips and are sweat and water-resistant. However, they may not be as secure as earbuds with an ear hook design like the Powerbeats Pro.

  • Are the Sony WF-1000XM4 good for the gym? The Sony WF-1000XM4 is a solid choice for the gym. They offer excellent sound quality with clear highs and deep bass, have a secure fit, and are sweat resistant.

  • How do I clean my workout headphones? It's important to clean your workout headphones regularly to remove sweat and bacteria. You can usually clean them with a soft, dry cloth. For earbuds, remove the ear tips and clean them separately. Always check the manufacturer's instructions first.

  • Are the Jabra Elite 7 Active good for workouts? Yes, the Jabra Elite 7 Active is designed for active users. They offer a secure fit, are fully waterproof, and deliver great sound quality.

  • Can I wear the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 for workouts? Yes, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 are suitable for workouts. They offer a secure fit, are sweat and weather-resistant, and deliver excellent sound quality with noise cancellation.

  • Are the 1More ComfoBuds good for lifting weights? Yes, the 1More ComfoBuds are a budget-friendly option for lifting weights. They offer a comfortable fit, good sound quality, and a microphone that rivals the likes of the AirPods.

Bottom Line

Choosing the right headphones or earbuds for lifting weights can significantly enhance your workout experience.

Whether it's the premium sound quality of the Sony WF-1000XM4, the secure fit of the Powerbeats Pro, or the budget-friendly 1More ComfoBuds, there's a perfect pair out there for every fitness enthusiast.

It's important to consider factors such as fit and comfort, sound quality, sweat resistance, and battery life when choosing.

You can focus on your workout with the right pair and let the music drive you towards your fitness goals.

by Nader Qudimat

Forged by iron and cold steel, I'm Nader, a mid-30s natural bodybuilder. Once a 100lb skinny guy, I've transformed into a 200lb muscular athlete with over 15 years of lifting experience. Today, I leverage my transformation and extensive experience to guide countless individuals on their fitness journeys.

Click here to check out my 12 year transformation: Natural 12 Year Transformation

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