Although earbuds are more common when it comes to sports, some people like to wear the best over-ear headphones for the gym because they manage to be more comfortable for light and medium training.
However, one would still find it difficult to pick an adequate device as most over-ear headphones cannot remain securely in place while a person is training or running, and they also tend to increase the level of sweat.
Furthermore, if a person uses these gadgets for training too frequently, they might discover some issues with them that the manufacturer does not cover by the warranty.
Thus, if you still decide to use them to work out or run, ensure your device is in good condition by constantly observing its work and letting it air in between training sessions.
At the same time, despite these issues, there are still several Bluetooth options that are suitable for working out or running.
That rounds up our list of the best over-ear headphones for workouts and the gym.
If you need more options for fitness audio, you may want to take a look at our top picks for the best wireless earbuds for running and working out or the best headphones for running.
5 Best Earbuds and Headphones for Workout
The Beats Studio Pro Wireless is our top pick for over-ear workout headphones based on our testing.
Beats are a long-time favorite in the gym, thanks in no small part to their eye-catching design.
They’re expensive for workout headphones, but if you want premium features like active noise canceling or care a lot about style, they’re worth considering.
Their ANC is decent, blocking out the ambient chatter of folks working out around you as well as high-pitched noises like a running A/C unit.
Its physical controls are clickier and push back against you when you tap, move, or squeeze them to change songs or volume, but the layout is prone to accidentally skipping tracks or changing volume when trying to pull them off your head.
Although Beats has already introduced a cheaper alternative, Beats Fit Pro contains Apple’s H1 chip and replicates most AirPods Pro features, such as active noise cancellation, spatial audio, and Adaptive EQ.
Thus, they can be regarded as sports-oriented AirPods many have been waiting for, and, for some users, they can even surpass the AirPods Pro.
In addition to changing connectivity from Lightning to USB-C in its new iPhone 15 models, Apple has shifted the AirPods Pro (2nd generation) across too.
Otherwise, the new AirPods Pro 2 with MagSafe (USB-C) are virtually identical to last year’s Lightning-based model; they deliver the same excellent sound quality and noise cancellation along with equally strong voice-calling prowess.
Now for the small improvements: enhanced dust be gone + a fresh ‘n’ flavourful design in acoustic architecture that allows Lossless Audio.
It’s unclear if this new acoustic design will subtly change the way the buds sound when used with existing devices like an iPhone.
A more affordable alternative to the above-ear headphones for workouts and the gym would be the Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless.
Despite being much cheaper than the best option, these headphones might not be as durable.
On the other hand, if you prefer that your headphones are more affordable to replace in case of breakage, they are definitely worth checking.
They provide decent stability for light to moderate workouts without being too tight.
As for the ear pads, they are deep and adequately comfortable, although they have a faux leather lining that contributes to generating a lot of heat.
Yet, the battery life lasts for approximately 44 hours, which means that there is no need to worry about recharging them after each workout.
While the headphones do not feature an active noise-canceling function and are ineffective at blocking ambient noises such as traffic or loud gym sounds around you, they are more budget-friendly for users who prefer being aware of your surroundings when running outdoors.
If you need an inexpensive and straightforward option for the gym, you should go with the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless. They provide the best value in the budget category and are ideal for running and working out.
Even though they may not be as stable on your head as the Skullcandy Hesh Evo Wireless and are less suitable for dance workouts, the Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Wireless are all-around comfortable headphones that should stay in place during moderate movement such as jogging or working out on machines.
They have one of the most excessively bass-heavy sound profiles available and can help keep you energized during your workouts.
However, those searching for more customization will be disappointed by the lack of balanced sound they offer.
These headphones have a long 32-hour continuous battery life and simple controls for adjusting volume or skipping tracks.
They also feature the ANC feature, although they are not great at canceling the noise from workout machines or traffic. Yet, they reduce mid-range noise such as background conversations.
However, they feel somewhat cheaply made and might break if they fall off during some exercises.
Does your workout playlist favor the pumping beats of EDM or hip-hop? You’re going to be looking for headphones delivering big bass.
In comparison to our top pick, the Beats Studio Pro Wireless, sound from these Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless headphones is much more bass-heavy.
The same might be said of audio leakage; Listeners may hear a bit more.
The company’s companion app (iOS or Android) enables you to fine-tune their default bass-rich sound with an onboard graphic EQ and some preset as well.
The headphones are great for working out, they’re really comfortable and they don’t move around too much when making minimal movements.
In addition, the durable design means they can take a knock or two when you drop them on the gym floor by mistake.
You will be able to switch between wearing these over-ears and hearing your surroundings with the app when you put on your over-ears.
On the other hand, you can switch them on with ANC to have a completely silent environment, as shown by the app blocking background sound effectively, regardless of the bandwidth of it, from low, rumbling bus engines to high-pitched PC fans.
They do not have to be charged between workouts either, as their battery lasts approximately 38 hours on one charge.
Final Words
These are our picks for the best wireless over-ear headphones for working out you can buy, catering to the majority of people in the market.
Price is weighed into our considerations more than anything else, value trumping the need to spend more.
Moreover, our decision is also influenced by the feedback of our visitors and you won’t find options that are hard to come by due to being either rare or virtually sold out, either.
Check the list of all our reviews of over-ear headphones, sorted by their intended use for sports and fitness.
But remember that it’s often impractical to have too much information – there’s no such thing as perfect headphones.
There are only headphones that sound the way you want them to sound and that you would like to use in a particular place.
Disclaimer: At Thriven Authority, we strive to provide clear and helpful information for our readers. All products listed are carefully curated by our editorial team, but we recommend using your discretion and seeking an expert’s opinion before using them. Prices and availability may change after publication. If you buy something via the links in this article, we may earn a commission.
