Grab an editor-approved pair from just £35...
Whether it's a hardcore HIIT home workout from your living room, a pacey morning 5km run or a peaceful Vinyasa yoga flow before bed, exercise headphones are kind of a must-have for anyone getting a sweat on regularly. Not only do they block out the outside noise so you can focus on your movements, but they allow you to play whatever it is you need to get motivated. For us, a bit of Bruce Springsteen always does the trick.
Here at Marie Claire, we are a big fan of in-ear and wireless headphone models. Why, we hear you ask? Well, first things first, it’s quite hard to burpee with a tangled headphone wire wrapped around your shins. Secondly, we've found other types fall out half the time (don’t worry, all of the pairs in this roundup have advanced in-ear grip), and lastly, knotted headphone wires really just aren’t a vibe.
With exercise headphone options from as little as £35, there's a buy for every budget. We've rounded up some of the best models, detailing their snazziest features and quirks to know about, so you don't have to do the legwork. Oh, and don't forget to shop our round ups of the best workout leggings, best sports bras and best running trainers to take your sweat sesh to the next level. Happy shopping...
What to look for in an exercise headphone?
There are lots of things to consider when shopping for a pair of exercise headphones. We always look for a pair with good in-ear grip and sweat resistance, so they won't slip out mid-mountain climber. Battery life and charging time are also important factors to consider, as there is nothing worse than your headphones dying just as you start your session. Lastly, make sure you choose a pair that fits your personal style, as it's always important to feel your best so you can give your workout your all.
Where to buy exercise headphones?
These days, there are lots of places to purchase high quality headphones, especially online. From Amazon, John Lewis, Very and more, you won't have to worry about where you are shopping. Plus, these websites are always offering amazing deals, with some of our favourite pairs currently on sale...
The best exercise headphones to buy now:
Best wireless exercise headphones: Sony WF-XB700 Truly Wireless Bluetooth Headphones Battery life: 18 hours Perfect for exercise and day-to-day life, these are proper wireless and Bluetooth in-ear buds. They’re IPX4 rated, which basically means they’re properly water-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about working up a sweat while wearing them. That’s what they’re designed for. Plus, they’ve got extra bass for blasting your favourite bangers mid-sesh.
Best Bose exercise headphones: Bose Sport Earbuds Battery life: 5 hours Bose headphones are pretty well respected in the fitness world and for good reason. Most are on the pricier end of the spectrum but last for the long run and don’t break after a few uses. The Bose Sport Earbuds are no different: think a customisable fit with three sizes of StayHear Max tips that won’t hurt your ears or fall out, weather and sweat resistant earbuds and simple touch controls. Neat.
Best Beats exercise headphones: Powerbeats Pro Totally Wireless Earphones Battery life: 9 hours These Beats buds are unanimously hailed as some of the best exercise headphones in the business. Why? Well, they’re wireless, Bluetooth, sound isolating and kitted out with snug anchoring hooks, to boot. Promising an elevated sound experience and fit, they’re on the pricier side, again, but when you roadtest them, you can feel why. They’re all but impossible to budge once you’ve slotted them into your ears. You need only charge them for a few minutes for a full few hours of battery life, too.
Best Apple exercise headphones: Apple AirPods Pro with MagSafe Charging Case Battery life: 24 hours (with case) You can't go wrong with a pair of Airpods. The Airpods Pro have a customisable fit to deliver all-day comfort, active noise cancellation and are sweat and water resistant for safe training. What more could you need?
Best exercise headphones under £50: Sony WI-XB400 Extra Bass Wireless In-Ear Headphones Battery life: 15 hours Enjoy a whopping 15 hours battery life and hands-free calls for just £35, thanks to the Sony Wi-XB400. These are a great entry level headphone, if you aren't ready to spend that little bit extra just yet.
Best hi-tech exercise headphones: Beoplay EQ Earphones Battery life: 20 hours (with case) Ok, so these headphones are seriously hi-tech. Not only do they feature active noise cancellation, a snug, in-ear fit and a seamless Bluetooth connection, but you can also download the Bang & Olufsen app where you can select from five listening modes, including a workout option. Pretty cool.
Best exercise headphones under £100: Jabra Elite 3 True Wireless Bluetooth In-Ear Headphones Battery life: 28 hours (with case) Now these are the Gucci bag of exercise headphones. The Jabra Elite earbuds boast IP55 water-resistance, active noise cancellation, Bluetooth connectivity and an impressive 28 hours of battery life. Plus, fun fact: 10 minutes of rapid charge in their charging case provides up to 1 hour of battery life. Not bad.
Best over-ear exercise headphones: Beats Studio3 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones Battery life: 22 hours More of a gym girl than a runner? Then opt for the Beats Studio3 - they're the perfect wireless companion for gym sessions and strength training. Plus, great travel headphones for if you're hopping on a plane anytime soon.
Best luxury exercise headphones: Beoplay HX Headphones Battery life: Up to 40 hours If you are looking for a little bit of luxury, we love the Beoplay HX headphones by Bang & Olufsen. Although these aren't the best fit for a sweaty HIIT workout, if you like running on a treadmill or heading on a long walk, these are ideal. With memory foam cushions, an ergonomic pressure-relieving headband and a lightweight frame, they are an ultra-comfortable fit, and come with active noise cancellation and a personalised listening experience via the Bang & Olufsen app.
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