A Runner’s Guide to the Best Bluetooth Headphones (That Stay in Place!)

Is there anything more annoying than bluetooth headphones that just won’t stay put on your run? Check out this guide to the best runner’s headphones today.

Did you know that music is scientifically proven to aid us in better workouts? It helps to boost physical performance, endurance, and even our recovery.

This fact is especially important for runners. Music makes running faster, easier, and longer. The ability to match your stride to a beat helps you regulate your pace, entering that runner’s high flow state that allows you to keep going.

With music, your nuances get suppressed, allowing you to run more efficiently, too. Entering a race? Music calms your nerves and makes the whole experience more pleasant overall.

So, runners, what Bluetooth headphones are best for you? Which pair will stay put as you run? Nothing kills the vibe and the music quite like constantly grappling with your earbuds.

We break down some of the top options in this guide. Onward!

Apple AirPods Pro

There’s no need to Google “how to connect Bluetooth headphones to Mac” with these headphones. They seamlessly integrate with all your Apple products, from your Mac to your iPad to your iPhone.

This upgrade on the former Apple AirPods is worth your consideration. New technology makes this set a top contender. They’re form-fitting, actively adjust to increase sound, and have a Transparency mode that’ll keep you safe.

First, they have one of three sizes of ear tips that make for an exceptional seal, providing Active Noise Cancellation. It also comes with an outward-facing microphone that detects external sound and combats it with a technology they call “anti-noise.” An inward-facing receiver does the same thing, eliminating unwanted noise within the ear.

Every second, the noise cancellation adjusts up to 200 times, ensuring your music is truly immersive. 

If you’re running in your neighborhood and curious about your surroundings, just hold down the force sensor, which enables Transparency mode. This setting allows outside noise in, so you can momentarily hear cars or talk to your neighbors.

The AirPods Pro cost $249.00, and you can engrave them with your name, initials, phone number, and even an emoji.

Beats by Dre Powerbeats Pro

These sweat- and water-resistant Bluetooth headphones provide up to nine hours of listening time per charge and come with adjustable, secure-fit ear hooks that keep the buds comfortably snug on the ear while you run.

If your battery gets low and you’re crunched for time, you can utilize the 5-minute Fast Fuel technology, which provides up to 1.5 hours of life from only five minutes of charging. 

If you’re one of those people who forgets to shut off your devices after using, Powerbeats Pro won’t let you down. With a sensor on each earbud, your music will automatically start when earphones go in and stop when they’re taken out. Other features include volume controls on each bud and a button that allows you to deny calls and continue jamming while you run. 

The Powerbeats Pro cost $249.95. 

Jabra Elite Active 75t

These compactly-designed Bluetooth headphones were made with athletes in mind.

They’re high-performance, form-fitting, and water-, sweat-, and workout-proof. So, if it starts raining on your run, or you’re sweating your heart out, rest assured these guys will survive whatever you throw at them. Jabra even offers a two-year warranty on all pairs against dust and sweat as a symbol of confidence in their product.

The earbuds provide up to 7.5 hours of playtime, and 28 hours with the charging case. The charging case features powerful magnets that ensure your earbuds never fall out and get lost, and it’s so compact, you can take it anywhere (even in your pocket).

Similar to Apple’s Transparency mode, the Elite Actives provide HearThrough technology. So, when you want to hear what’s going on around you, slide into this mode. When you’re done, slide right back into the noise-isolating zone. 

The Jabra Elite Active 75t cost $199.99.

Anker Soundcore Spirit SweatGuard 

These Bluetooth headphones are made for working out. Although they do have a wire, the neckband is adjustable so you can fit it to your body, ensuring it doesn’t get in the way.

Expect eight hours of playtime per charge and premium composite drivers that produce crystal clear sound. Your earbuds will never corrode with your sweat, as these headphones are made with IPX7 sweat-guard technology—making them totally sweat-proof. 

Their ergonomically-designed ear tips also ensure a form fit that stays in while you run to the beat. This fit is reinforced by the EarWing, which hooks the Spirit in place, preventing dislodgement.

The Anker Spirits cost $32.99, making them the most budget-friendly option on our list.

Jaybird Vista

These are some highly-constructed earbuds, featuring what Jaybird calls #earthproof technology. Expect to use them anywhere, anytime, regardless of the activity you’re planning. Vistas provide dust-, sweat-, water-, and shock-proof construction that make them a top contender.

With the charging case, expect up to 16 hours of battery life. They have a sporty fit that earned them the title of Runner’s World Editors Choice in 2019. Their premium sound allows you to listen to music, make calls, and more, with their custom EQ and sealed capsule construction. 

They also feature a quick-charge option, which provides 1 hour of playtime per 5-minute charge.

Jaybird Vistas cost $179.99.

Cut the Cord With These Bluetooth Headphones

These are some of the best options for runners right now—from noise-canceling, to sweat- and waterproof, to excellent battery life, these Bluetooth headphones will ensure you don’t go back to wires. You’ll never have to worry about snagging your long and tangled cord again.

Now that we’ve laid out some of the best choices available today, the decision is up to you.

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