The 4 Best Headphones for Running of 2023

The Bose Sport Open Earbuds have been discontinued, so we are replacing that pick with the Shokz OpenRun. The new writeup is coming soon.

There is a little ritual I do before every run. After the required prelude of lacing sneakers, applying Body Glide, and patting pockets to confirm the custody of keys, I put in my earbuds, close my eyes, take a deep breath, and press play. In that moment, I shrug off the worries and responsibilities of the day. For the time being, there is only me, the music, and the movement. The act of propelling your body forward through space can have significant benefits to your physical and mental health, but the hardest part is taking that first step.

Some runners like to block out noise completely. Others prefer to hear their surroundings. We have recommendations for both.

We looked for wireless running headphones that fit all our panelists comfortably and securely despite their diverse ear shapes.

These headphones should be easy to use and have the buttons you need so you can put away your phone during your run.

To endure sweat, headphones need a rating of IPX4 or higher. The more punishing the environment, the higher the rating.

If a good playlist is the motivation you need to get going, earbuds are an essential piece of running equipment.

Our conversations with runners—from casual beginners to marathoners—have revealed that different runners value different headphone features. So instead of giving you a single top pick for all runners, we’re recommending a variety of earbuds to suit assorted needs. We have a noise-isolating pair for treadmill runners, a couple of unsealed designs that let you hear your surroundings when running outdoors, and an inexpensive set for occasional runners or folks on a budget.

Our recommendations in this guide come from the research and testing we’ve conducted for our general guide to the best workout headphones, for which we’ve tested more than 250 sets of headphones and considered many more. Whereas that guide looks more broadly at sweat-resistant headphones and earbuds for a variety of workout activities, this guide focuses on some of the unique concerns that runners have.

The JBL Reflect Aero TWS is our favorite pair of earbuds for the gym. We love its secure fit, simple controls, waterproof design, and ability to block noise.

This pair reduces gym and street noise, sounds great, and has easy-to-use controls. The hear-through mode is good for conversations but isn't ideal when you need to hear your surroundings for safety.

Who it's for: Runners who want to block out external noises, whether it's the sound of a treadmill or the general din of big-city life.

Why it's great: The JBL Reflect Aero TWS true wireless earbuds have an exceptionally high level of protection against water and sweat (with an IP68 rating), and these small, light earbuds should stay securely in place when you run, thanks to the stabilizing wings. The sealed design and active noise cancellation will reduce the sounds of traffic or workout equipment—but should you need to hear your surroundings for safety, a natural-sounding hear-through mode is a tap away, or you can choose to use only one earbud at a time.

The eight hours of battery life is good for true wireless earbuds, and the pocket-sized case offers up an additional 16 hours of juice. The large, touch-based controls are easy to learn and use—and less prone to misfires than other touch-based controls we’ve tried. Google and Alexa users will appreciate the hands-free, voice-activated-assistant compatibility. The six-microphone array helps to reduce wind noise and ensures that your voice is clear for phone calls and video chats. This pair can also connect wirelessly to two devices at once.

Out of the box, the Reflect Aero TWS earbuds sound good, with some added oomph in the bass and added energy in the frequency range where consonants sit. Many people will enjoy the sound as is, but we liked it better after doing a little EQ tinkering in the app. If anything goes wrong, JBL covers this pair with a one-year warranty.

You can read more about the Reflect Aero TWS in our guide to workout headphones.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The stabilizing wings may bother people with sensitive ears or small ear canals. Though the winged design is ideal for running because of its grip, it can get fatiguing to wear for hours on end. While the touch-based controls are easy to use, you can only assign two sets of controls: playback controls, ANC/hear-through controls, or volume controls (not all three at the same time). Alexa and Google fans may not mind this, since their preferred digital assistant is always listening for its wake word—so no tap is necessary. Apple users can access Siri, but it involves a tap-and-hold on the touch control. (If you want hands-free "Hey Siri" control, consider the Beats Fit Pro instead.) We also wish the case supported wireless charging.

Outdoor runners will appreciate how this pair fits securely and allows you to hear your surroundings for safety. However, the sound lacks low-end presence, so music lovers may be disappointed when the bassline fails to kick in.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $80.

Who it's for: Outdoor runners who want to hear their surroundings and generally prefer listening to podcasts or audiobooks when they run.

Why it's great: The Cleer Goal earbuds are designed to let you hear noises in the world around you, which is key for runners who are concerned about outdoor safety. The ear tips are funnel-shaped and rest inside your ear, but they don't close off your ear canal completely—so you’re better able to hear and locate the sounds of cars, animals, and people. This design is also beneficial if you are annoyed by the footstep-amplifying occlusion effect that traditional sealed eartips create; with this pair, you’ll feel less like Godzilla stomping through your jog (though, admittedly, pretending to destroy a city while getting in your cardio is kinda fun).

The Goal design's stabilizing wings keep the earbuds in place rather well, which we love for smaller or harder-to-fit ears. Although this pair doesn't produce deep bass notes, it does offer crisp detail in the human vocal range, so it's great for listening to podcasts and audiobooks or hearing the verbal cues of navigation software. The large, easy-to-access touch-based controls on the side of the earbuds handle volume, track skip, calls, and voice-assistant activation. With an Ingress Protection rating of IPX4, the Cleer Goal set can endure sweat or a light rain, and Cleer backs it with a one-year warranty.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Unfortunately, most touch-based controls are finicky, and those on the Goal earbuds are no exception. You’ll need to practice the pace of the tap-and-hold sequences before you can perform them consistently. The sound isn't bass-heavy enough for an unsealed design, so bass notes are significantly lower in volume compared with the rest of the mix; this aspect of the sound quality is a bummer that will likely leave music fans disappointed. Additionally, the battery life of six hours per charge is middling, and though the charging case offers 14 additional hours of battery life, the case is too large to fit in a shorts pocket. However, most running belts should accommodate it.

If you need to hear the world around you but also want music, this pair delivers good sound without obstructing your ears. But not everyone is a fan of their unusual fit.

May be out of stock

*At the time of publishing, the price was $199.

Who it's for: Outdoor runners who prefer to hear their surroundings and who like to listen to music when they run.

Why it's great: The Bose Sport Open Earbuds are the best earbuds we’ve found for runners who want to hear their surroundings for safety but also want to enjoy good-sounding music when they run. The earbuds rest on top of your outer ears, so nothing blocks your ear canals; as a result, like the Cleer Goal earbuds, these don't cause the occlusion effect. If you are lucky enough to find a comfortable fit with the Sport Open Earbuds, the experience is uncanny in a good way: Although it sounds as if you’re hearing music coming from nearby speakers, nobody around you can hear the music—it's an odd sensation, like you’re living in a TV show with your own theme song playing. And the Sport Open Earbuds sound remarkably good. You can hear actual bass notes, so there's more balance across the lows, mids, and highs for better music performance than you get from the Cleer Goal set. And there is none of the buzzy vibration that comes with bone-conduction headphones.

The tap-based controls are intuitive to use while you’re running, though you may need to update the firmware via the Bose app to add volume-adjustment capabilities. If you do need to take a call while you’re out and about, the microphones’ call quality is fantastic.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although the Sport Open Earbuds stayed in place for our testers when they were running, folks with smaller outer ears may feel as though the earbuds will fall off at any moment, which can be distracting. Conversely, people with a thicker ear helix (the upper part of the outer ear) may find that the stabilizing hooks pinch too tightly. This set's Ingress Protection rating of IPX4 means these earbuds are protected against sweat and light rain, but the rating isn't as high as we’d like for headphones that rest on top of the ears and cost around $200. The set has a battery life of eight hours per charge, so you likely won't need to stop running to recharge your earbuds—but if you do, this pair doesn't have a charging case and instead requires a proprietary charging dock, which is a bummer when you’re on the go.

Affordable without sacrificing what's most important, this pair offers good water resistance, has hooks that hold the earbuds in place, and delivers solid audio quality. But it doesn't let you hear your surroundings.

*At the time of publishing, the price was $25.

Who it's for: New runners or anyone who doesn't want to spend a lot on wireless earbuds.

Why it's great: If you don't want to spend a ton of cash on running earbuds because you’re new to the hobby or you jog only once in a while, the JLab Go Air Sport set is a great option that's both durable and affordable. This true wireless pair is sweat-resistant, with an IP55 Ingress Protection rating. The hook-over-the-ear design keeps the earbuds in place, even for tricky-to-fit ears or folks with a super-bouncy stride. Eight hours of listening time per charge is ample for most long runs, and the case holds an additional three full charges. You get a full suite of touch-based controls that are reasonably simple to use while you’re in motion—with a little practice. While the sound quality can't match that of our more expensive picks, it is still enjoyable—and pretty stellar for $30.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: This sealed pair doesn't let in any outside sounds and has no awareness or hear-through mode, so it isn't a good match for runners who want to hear their surroundings to be safe. As with any isolating earbuds, the sealed tips of the Go Air Sport earbuds will amplify footfalls and breathing sounds. Like the JBL Reflect Aero TWS set, this pair allows you to use either earbud independently if you prefer to keep one ear open. The large case likely won't fit in a pocket, but it should fit in a running belt. The microphone quality is somewhat muffled—people should be able to understand you, but they may ask you to speak up on occasion if you’re naturally soft-spoken. This pair is our budget pick in our main guide to the best workout headphones, so just pop over to that guide to get more details.

In addition to having tested more than 1,500 pairs of headphones for Wirecutter, I’ve contributed articles to Fast Company, Forbes, the Los Angeles Times, and Time, and I’ve done segments on Good Morning America, the BBC World Service, and NBC Nightly News. In fact, I’ve likely tested more headphones than anybody in America.

I’m also an avid runner in my free time. I’ve done everything from a 5K to a marathon, and I go for a quick 5-miler once a week even in the blazing Los Angeles summer, so I run with our picks on a regular basis.

For this guide, we tested the earbuds with the help of both runners and experienced audio reviewers who have a variety of ear and head shapes.

We interviewed dozens of runners—from casual joggers to hardcore marathon runners—and the important lesson we learned is that there is no single headphone or earbud design that will please every runner.

For example, some runners we interviewed preferred to block out external noise completely, while others said that the ability to hear their surroundings was necessary. Some wanted the option to listen with one earbud. Some loved earbuds that used stabilizing hooks and wings to hold them in place more securely, while others preferred the earbud design to be as minimal as possible. Where and how a person runs greatly affects the design and features they look for, so we did not limit our criteria to a specific type of earbud (sealed or unsealed, earhooks or not, and so on). In fact, just about the only thing all the runners agreed on was that cords were annoying—so we stuck to wireless designs.

We interviewed dozens of runners—from casual joggers to hardcore marathon runners—and the important lesson we learned is that there is no single headphone or earbud design that will please every runner.

However, there are some important considerations that apply to all good running headphones:

We considered the above criteria when testing workout headphones in general, and we flagged any models that we concluded were especially good options for runners.

We put all our running headphones through the same gauntlet of fit, sound, water resistance, Bluetooth connectivity, and training tests that we use for all workout headphones. You can read more about our lengthy testing process in that guide.

No matter how much testing we do, we can't possibly account for every variety of ear shape and size (though we definitely try our best). You may have to try a few pairs of running headphones before you commit to one, so look for retailers that allow you to return or exchange, and save the packaging until you’ve had a chance to test your new earbuds out. Shake your head around, jump a few times, and give your running headphones the same sort of trial run that you would do with a new pair of sneakers. Ill-fitting headphones are like a pebble in your shoe: tolerable for a while, but distractingly painful over time. Size up your headphones with the same care you would take for any other piece of sporting equipment—miles down the road, you’ll be glad you did.

Bluetooth can't travel through water, which is what makes up most of your body. So no matter how great the signal strength may be on your headphones or your device, if you put them on opposite sides of enough water, the signal will drop. Indoors, Bluetooth radio waves bounce off walls and objects to get around your body. That doesn't work outside quite as well, especially in wide open spaces such as fields. So we highly recommend using an armband over a waistband, or at least positioning your waistband on the same side as the Bluetooth transmitter in your earbuds. Both are better options for stowing your music device than your shorts pockets, which are down lower and increase the possibility of bodily interference.

Not only is an armband better for your phone (pockets can get sweaty), but it also gives those Bluetooth waves a clear path to travel. If you find that you get a lot of signal drops, before giving up on a favorite pair of earbuds, try wearing an armband or switching your armband or waist pack to the other side of your body. If the headphones’ transmitter is on the opposite side of your body from where you wear your device, all that body water may cause interference. An armband or waist pack is an inexpensive investment that ensures fewer connection issues and also protects your phone from sweat damage.

If you’re set on strapping your iPhone to your arm, we’ve determined that the Tune Belt Sport Armband is the best armband for most runners.

Wirecutter takes security and privacy issues seriously and investigates, as much as possible, how the companies whose products we recommend deal with customer data. Since a growing number of wireless headphones require the use of an app for setup and (sometimes) daily operation, we reached out to the companies that produce our picks and asked them to provide information that we think is of primary concern for any potential buyer. Here are the results.

JBL: JBL was unable to respond to this question in time for publication, but we will update this as soon as we receive the company's reply.

Cleer: Not applicable, as the Goal is not compatible with the Cleer+ app.

Bose: We reached out to Bose multiple times but have yet to receive a response. In the meantime, below is some information from Bose's privacy policy.

Technical data, such as mobile device ID (including operating system and version), IP address, internet service provider, browser type, and domain name. Usage data, such as whether and when you update the app and your connected Bose products, date and time of use, time spent in different portions of the app, content accessed or downloaded (including stations played, playlists, artists, albums, songs, or podcasts), and a list of systems and software applications. Diagnostic data, such as battery life, Wi-Fi quality and connection, and error logs. Environmental data, such as noise level and audio frequencies.

JLab: Not applicable. The Go Air Sport doesn't use an app.

JBL: Bluetooth, push notifications, digital assistant access, background app refresh, cellular data.

Bose: Bluetooth, location, access to music apps such as Deezer and Spotify, and digital assistants.

JBL: No, the app doesn't require you to sign in to use it.

Bose: Yes (to use the app).

JBL: Yes. You lose the ability to customize the controls, adjust the EQ, assign your preferred digital assistant, adjust the hear-through mode, and update firmware.

Bose: Yes. You lose access to the ability to add new features, to customize controls, to use non-device-native digital assistants (such as Google on an iPhone), and to update firmware.

JBL: JBL was unable to respond to this question in time for publication, but we will update this as soon as we receive the company's reply.

Bose: Bose may use your precise geolocation information to provide customized services, content, promotional offers, and other information that may be of interest to you.

JBL: JBL was unable to respond to this question in time for publication, but we will update this as soon as we receive the company's reply.

Bose: Yes. You can opt out of the collection of diagnostic and usage data by visiting the Privacy Policy & Settings menu in the Bose Connect app. You can also disable the location features on your device to prevent Bose and its service providers from collecting and using GPS location information. If you wish to opt out of cross-device tracking for purposes of interest-based advertising, you may do so through your Android or Apple device-based settings.

As we mentioned above, the recommendations in this guide are based on the research and testing we do for our general workout headphones guide, so check out that guide for a more in-depth list of headphones we’ve tested. But here are some popular earbuds we’ve tested specifically for running that did not earn a spot on our list.

Adidas FWD-02 Sport: Adidas gets a few things very right with this pair of true wireless earbuds. The earbud shape is one of the most comfortable we’ve ever tried, and the inclusion of five pairs of wings and four pairs of tips ensures a secure fit on a wide variety of ear shapes. The charge case is small and lightweight, and should fit easily into the key pocket of running shorts. However, the FWD-02 Sport also gets a lot wrong. The open mesh fabric lid on the case seems to be designed to allow airflow, but it won't protect your earbuds from dust. (You shouldn't put your earbuds away when they’re wet from sweat.) We also worry how well that fabric would hold up over time. The controls lack the ability to adjust volume or call up your phone's digital assistant, and they do not work consistently—we often paused tracks when we meant to skip them. And the sound is a boomy mess with harsh, sizzling highs that aren't fixable using the app-based EQ adjustments.

Adidas Z.N.E. 01 ANC: Though this pair sounds quite good, the ANC isn't very effective, the tap controls are prone to miscommunication, and the stem/sound tube lengths don't allow for the earbud to seat deeply in the ear canal, so many folks may find it impossible to get a secure fit.

Apple AirPods: These earbuds aren't rated as sweat resistant—and because Apple's warranty doesn't apply to water or sweat damage, if the AirPods short out, you’re out of luck.

Apple AirPods Pro (1st gen) and AirPods Pro (2nd gen): Although the IPX4 rating of the AirPods Pro means they’re protected from some mild sweat damage, these earbuds aren't our first choice for runners. The vented design on the 1st-gen model allows in external noise, and the noise cancellation on both models can't reduce the sound of weights clanking or the lyrics of the pop music piped onto the gym floor. The AirPods Pro earbuds stay in place during moderate movement, but people who do very high-impact workouts (such as burpee tuck jumps) may find that the earbuds can slip out of place. Additionally, the controls are fiddly and can be tricky to activate while you’re on the move.

Aukey EP-T32: This pair is our former budget pick that's been discontinued. We heard from readers who were discouraged by Aukey's inability to fulfill its promised warranty, using excuses or ignoring what appears to us to be valid warranty claims. We reached out to Aukey for comment and got no response. It's for this reason that we don't foresee ourselves recommending any headphones from this brand in the future, and we recommend you steer clear as well.

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 Sport: We like the fit, the durable IP57 dust- and water-resistance rating, and the easy-to-use controls on this pair. In our tests, the sound quality was somewhat over-boosted in the bass and highs, so cymbal and snare hits could become fatiguing for sensitive listeners, and the bass could seem louder than usual. The hear-through feature produced results that sounded sibilant and distractingly unnatural, so it wasn't something we’d leave on for situational awareness; for brief conversations, though, it's fine. Your voice may sound a bit tinny to callers, and the mic picks up sounds around you, so you probably won't want to take calls on the gym floor or in a crowded outdoor space (not that you’d ever do that anyway). Overall the flaws aren't massive, but for $350 we expect better performance. Additionally, if you lose a Beoplay E8 Sport earbud, the stakes are higher, as a replacement will set you back $125 per earbud.

Beats Powerbeats Pro: The Powerbeats Pro earbuds claim to be sweat- and water-resistant, so they could go from work to the gym, as well as handle a little rain. However, this pair isn't IP-certified, so we’d still say that anyone who sweats profusely or runs in the rain frequently should stick with one of our picks. The Powerbeats Pro comes with a one-year warranty, but Beats isn't specific about sweat-damage coverage, so we’d exercise caution.

Cleer Arc: The Arc is essentially a pair of small speakers that rest on top of your ear. We’d hoped they would be a more affordable alternative to the Bose Sport Open. In some ways, they are. Like the Sport Open, the Arc pair allows unencumbered situational awareness. Although this pair lacks the Bose's oomph in the bass region, everything in the mids and up sounds fantastic. We also appreciate the full suite of tap-based controls. But the hinged earbud design squeezes the upper ear, which can become uncomfortable after 20 minutes or so. And the microphones sound distant and muffled over phone calls. If you aren't put off by the feel of the earbuds and you need to hear your surroundings, these might be right for you.

Cleer Roam Sport: Although the stabilizing wings on this pair are pliable and comfortable, the shape of the earbuds is such that several testers (who use medium and large tips) were unable to get the earbuds deep enough into their ears to achieve a seal, which negatively impacted both the active noise cancellation and the sound quality. Even when used with third-party tips that fit our ears properly, the Roam Sport's noise cancellation wasn't exceptional. If the earbuds happen to fit you, the hear-through mode is surprisingly natural, and the sound quality is decent.

Google Pixel Buds Pro: The main reason to get the Pixel Buds Pro is a desire to stay in the Google device ecosystem. Though the earbuds are IPX4 water-resistant and the case is IPX2-rated, the design of this pair may not be secure enough, especially for ears on either end of the size spectrum. Although the outer part of the earbud looks small, the part that actually sits inside your ear is on the girthier side, so even medium ears may feel a sense of fullness when wearing them. That said, if you aren't doing high-impact or workouts or don't have issues with earbuds staying put in general, the Buds Pro is a good, if somewhat pricey, pair of earbuds. The battery life of seven hours (with ANC on) is decent, and the ANC is useful, if not the absolute best we’ve tested. Overall, the Pixel Buds Pro is a solid pair of earbuds, but nothing about them is superlative enough to make them a pick.

Jabra Elite 7 Active and Elite 7 Pro: These earbuds have a more standard earbud design without wings or hooks. They are incredibly comfortable on a broad range of ear shapes, but runners may find that these don't feel as secure. They have an IP57 water-resistance rating and an eight-hour battery life, with an additional 30 hours in the charging case. The sound quality is great with a little EQ adjustment, and the microphones are clear for phone calls, especially if you have a deeper-pitched voice. We noticed that high-pitched voices can sound harsh, which may be due to the microphone sensitivity or the background noise reduction software. The noise cancellation is okay but less than we’d hoped from earbuds at this price. As with many Bluetooth headphones, dual-device connectivity can cause some hiccups, especially when you’re using these earbuds for app-based video meetings like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. But as far as sweat-resistant true wireless earbuds go, both pairs are worthy of consideration if you don't like the feeling of stabilizing wings or hooks.

Jabra Elite 4 Active: We love the fit, high water/dust resistance, and controls, but the device connectivity is fussy, the microphone sounds muffled on calls, and the active noise cancellation is middling. If call quality and noise cancellation aren't a priority for you, these are a good buy for around $80. But for the original $120, we want a more seamless experience.

Jaybird Vista 2: The Vista 2 is an updated version of the Vista, which was a former pick. The design retains what we like about the Vista (namely, the fit, size, and single-bud capabilities) and adds a number of helpful features—including a full suite of controls, active noise cancellation, a "surround sense" transparency mode, wind-noise-reducing microphones, and an impressive Ingress Protection (for moisture and dust) rating of IP68 for the earbuds in combination with an IP54-rated charging case. (It's unusual to have a case that is water resistant, let alone IP-rated.)

When they work properly, the Vista 2 earbuds are wonderful. Everything we love about the Vista still applies. In addition, the microphones are fantastic over phone calls, the sound quality is among the best in the workout category, and while the noise cancellation can't compete with the best in our active-noise-cancellation guide, it is sufficiently effective as to be useful for commuters. Had our testing progressed uneventfully, the Vista 2 undoubtedly would have become a pick in this guide.

However, we had two separate sets fail during our testing process. The first pair had one earbud that wouldn't take a charge right out of the box, and the second pair had a microphone short out, which led to a loud hissing in one ear during phone calls and while using the hear-through feature. Though we recognize that technology production lines can experience occasional hiccups, two back-to-back failures gives us significant pause. As a result, we tested a third pair and kept an eye on reviews. Although our latest pair worked great, other people continue to experience issues at a frequency that makes us reluctant to recommend these.

JBL Endurance Peak 3: If you prefer earbuds that hook over the ear, this pair offers great performance and a few nice bonus features. We like the adjustable side-tone for phone calls, the nimble EQ in the app that enabled us to adjust the sound to our liking, and the IP68 dust and water resistance. However, the charging case is quite large (similar in size to a bar of soap), and the Peak 3's touch controls require you to choose between volume, hear-through mode activation, and track controls––you can't have all three. The Peak 3 would be worthy of a nod, but the similarly designed Tribit MoveBuds H1 costs less, has a longer battery life, and includes a full suite of controls. However, if you want something very similar to the JBL Reflect Aero TWS in a hook-over-the-ear form, the Peak 3 is an option. You can read more on how they compare in our workout headphones guide.

JBL Reflect Mini NC: The Reflect Mini NC has a lot of excellent features, including a diminutive earbud and case size, IPX7 sweat resistance, decent noise isolation, a hear-through awareness mode, and EQ adjustability. Folks with the smallest and largest ear sizes who struggle to keep true wireless earbuds in place may benefit from the Reflect Mini NC's stabilizing wings. Those who prefer a digital assistant other than the one assigned to their phone will like this pair's compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Out of the box, the sound quality of the Reflect Mini NC in our tests was bass-forward in a fun way, especially for workouts. However, there are some minor downsides that kept this pair off our list. First, the tap controls are limited and occasionally temperamental—even thick hair that isn't pulled back may interfere with the accuracy of the tap response. Second, while you can adjust the EQ via the JBL app, the presets are on the extreme side, and the EQ slider tool could be intimidating to non-audiophiles. Worth noting, too: Although this pair isolates well, the active noise reduction is minimal at best.

LifeBeam Vi Sense and Vi React: The Vi sets are part fitness tracker, part subscription-based virtual running coach, part headphones. Both earbud designs had issues in our tests. The collar design slipped around on some of our testers’ necks, and the stems on the earbuds bent at an angle that made the remote bump into our testers’ faces when they were in full-gallop mode.

Monster DNA Fit: The eyeglass-sized case is large and unwieldy. When we tried to download the app, the Monster site said it was unavailable. The noise cancellation was barely effective. When music played, the bass was so formless and blurry, it was difficult to tell when individual notes actually hit. But we did appreciate the inclusion of 22 pairs of ear tips.

Mu6 Ring: This pair is designed to be an alternative to bone-conduction technology for folks who don't like headphones or earbuds that cover their ears. It's a good idea, but it's poorly executed. The fit is uncomfortably tight even on small heads, so the design won't work on people with low ponytails, thick and curly hair, or larger hat sizes. Additionally, in our tests the sound lacked any bass response, with only overtones present.

Nothing Ear (Stick): Like the AirPods, the Ear (Stick) rests in (without sealing) your ear, has a stem hanging down, and uses squeeze-based controls. Unlike the AirPods, the Ear (Stick) has full controls (including volume), IP54 dust and water resistance, and an app that allows you to adjust the EQ––but it lacks Apple niceties like always-listening Siri, "Find My" tracking, and spatial audio capabilities. As with all unsealed earbuds, the Ear (Stick) lacks bass response out of the box. This can be somewhat addressed by using the app-based EQ to set the bass to maximum, but bass lovers may still feel that music with electronic basslines lacks oomph. Because the earbuds can handle some sweat and the design allows you to hear your surroundings, these are a possible option for runners, but the fit isn't incredibly secure. If you have a bouncy stride, you may be at risk of losing one. The charging case is cylindrical, about the length of a lighter but thicker. It looks cool, but whether it's easier to carry than other designs is a matter of opinion.

Philips Go TAA7607: If you like bone-conduction headphones and want a little extra visibility when training at dusk, this pair is pricey, but good for what it is. Their performance is similar to that of the less-expensive Shokz Open Run Pro (which you can read about below), with the addition of a red LED strip across the cable in the back that can glow solid or flash so you’re easier to spot. But unless you really like bone conduction, we’d say to stick with our picks, which have better sound, are smaller, and cost less.

Shokz Aeropex: This pair of bone-conduction headphones is nearly identical to the newer Shokz OpenRun Pro, but it lacks the OpenRun's quick-charging capabilities. It's still light and comfy and has easy-to-use controls. The problem is that sending sound waves through your skull to your inner ear isn't the best way to get quality sound, and most people are likely to find the tinny, muffled audio inadequate for their needs. Plus, bass-heavy songs may buzz in a tickling way that touch-sensitive folks could find distracting.

Shokz OpenRun Pro: Bone-conduction headphones are an option for a very specific subset of folks who can't handle having headphones on or in their ears. If you like them, this pair is the most lightweight we’ve tested. It's essentially identical to the older Aeropex, but adds quick-charge capabilities. The buttons are easy enough to use by feel. Vocals sound quite clear, so people who listen exclusively to podcasts or verbal coaching might find this set useful. However, music sounds tinny, and bass notes cause the earbuds to vibrate on your skull once you turn the volume up over 50%. The loop of plastic that connects the speakers behind your head is lightweight, but it's semi-rigid and can bump hoods, scarves, and backpacks, especially if you look around while jogging. If you haven't been a fan of bone conduction in the past, this pair won't change your mind.

Skullcandy Grind Fuel: This set has a bunch of innovative features, such as the company's earbud-based voice-assistant system, which doesn't require an internet connection to function (though you do need to leave the Skullcandy app open on your phone while using the earbuds). It also offers voice-activated Spotify and (most nifty of all) the ability to use the earbud button as a remote to take a picture with your phone's camera. We were able to get the Grind Fuel to sound pretty good using its combination of hearing-test-based EQ and manual adjustments. Unfortunately, the voice-activation system can be fussy in windy conditions, so people who dream of verbally changing tracks while biking or whizzing down a ski slope may be disappointed. Also, in our tests the microphone sounded a little compressed and quiet over calls and was prone to wind noise. And although the fit is comfortable, these earbuds are not as stable in the ear as our top picks are. Still, for people who want the hands-free digital-assistant experience usually reserved for those who own a pair of Galaxy Buds, AirPods, or Google Buds, the Grind Fuel set represents a more-affordable Wi-Fi–free alternative that could be especially valuable to those with dexterity and mobility challenges.

Skullcandy Push Active: This pair features the same voice-assistant system as the Grind Fuel, but we were less enthusiastic about the fit. The buds are large, and the hook doesn't arch over the ear as on most earbuds—instead it seems to sit like a backward C. Our test panelists with smaller ears found the fit odd but passible. However, anyone who has larger ears or ears that stick out may find that these headphones simply don't fit.

Skullcandy Sesh Evo: The Sesh Evo earbuds have a fun, bass-forward sound, a comfortable fit, water resistance (with an IP55 rating), easy-to-use controls, Tile integration, and USB-C charging. Though the battery life, at five hours per charge, is an improvement on the three hours for the original Sesh, it's still a middle-of-the-road length of time for true wireless earbuds. Fortunately, you do get 19 hours from the included charging case, which is small enough to fit in a pocket.

Soundcore by Anker Sport X10: The noise cancellation, ambient awareness, and fit are quite nice on this pair. However, you will likely want to do some serious tinkering in the app to adjust the sound, which is super bass-forward with sizzly high frequencies out of the box. We also don't know why there isn't an option to call up your digital assistant. Overall these had a lot of potential but are missing a few key elements.

Lauren Dragan

Lauren Dragan is a senior staff writer and has tested over 1,000 headphones for Wirecutter. She has a BA from Ithaca College in music performance and audio production. She's been featured in Good Morning America, NBC Nightly News, The New York Times, and more. Additionally, she's a voice actor whose work includes projects for Disney and Mattel.

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