Best Workout Headphones 2021: Get Pumped Up With These Devices

For some of you, listening to music as you exercise is as essential as knowing the right form on a workout bench. Having music accompanying you through your workout routines can benefit you in a lot of ways. That being said, finding the right pair of headphones to do this is just as important. So for this article, I’ll be giving you our top picks for the best workout headphones in 2021.

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Why Are Headphones Essential?

With the right pair of headphones on your head, not only will you be able to enjoy the music you like, but you’ll also find yourself feeling more motivated and pumped up to go through your rigorous workout routines. Not to mention, the best kind of headphones can also block out the other noises surrounding the gym that might be the cause of distraction.

Such noises can include the constant clanking of metal against metal, the grunts and groans produced by your fellow gymgoers, and the list goes on and on. If you’re not too fond of hearing this type of music, then a pair of headphones will certainly do the trick of relieving you from such a situation.

After all, nothing really beats listening to your favorite kind of music or songs to help you get through exercising and making sure you finish strong. With that in mind, while the best headphones in the market for 2021 will sound great and provide awesome quality no matter what, the headphones and earbuds listed below have certain elements and special features that make them especially well-suited to staying in shape.

So what exactly makes a pair of headphones good and suited for working out?

What Makes A Good Pair Of Headphones?

Whenever you go to the gym, I’m sure that you’ll want the best workout headphones around your ears. Everyone knows that listening to music while exercising can help you stay motivated. But there’s actually more to it than just simply listening to your favorite music.

I’m pretty sure that plenty of you have already gone through several kinds of headphones and earphones throughout your life. You might already have your tried and tested favorites and by now, you probably know too that some models are just better than the others and are far more suited for working out.

Although many of the best wireless headphones sound fantastic, only a few have a strong enough fit in your ears so you can run, jump, squat, and crunch without them coming loose from your ears. Trust me, the last thing you want is having to hang onto your earphones or having to fix them constantly as you run your miles on a treadmill or while you’re lifting a barbell.

Wireless workout headphones or earbuds, in my opinion, are the best options for any gymgoer. They should ideally be true-wireless earphones, with no cable obstructing your mobility in any manner.

Apart from that, whether they’re over-ear headphones with a plush ear cup or in-ear earbuds with silicone ear tips, headphones should provide you with a secure and pleasant fit. It goes without saying that losing an earbud during a run or a bike ride is a huge pain in the backside.

Furthermore, durability, decent sound quality, reliable performance, battery life, and noise cancellation are all important features as well that shouldn’t be overlooked. Finally, for obvious reasons, they must be sweat-resistant, if not completely waterproof.

Earbuds Vs. Headphones

Picking between these two types of devices may not be a matter of import for some. In fact, to some of you, the only thing that might matter is that they give amazing sound quality while providing sweat-resistant designs that remain in place and can last you several workout sessions. But in case you’re curious or need help in deciding whether to go for headphones or earbuds, I’ve listed below the good and the bad of each device.

Headphones

Headphones, like earbuds, can come with or without a wire attached to your smartphone. They are also available in two different styles: over the ear and on the ear. Furthermore, headphones are secured to your head by a band that passes over the top of your head and connects each earpiece.

Because they occupy the space directly outside your ear, over-the-ear headphones produce better sound. This is in sharp contrast to earbuds, which sit directly inside your ear canal. This gives the sound a richer quality and helps to block out any unwanted background noises.

Over-the-ear headphones may be right for you if you enjoy getting into your zone and ignoring everyone and everything else going on at the gym. On-ear headphones reduce ambient noise blockage slightly, but some people may want to be aware of their surroundings and hear what’s going on around them, so it’s a matter of personal preference.

Headphones that cover your entire ear, on the other hand, can trap sweat around your ear. Because your head produces the greatest heat of any part of your body. Wearing tight-fitting headphones over your ears can make them sweaty and uncomfortable over time.

Furthermore, due to the tight fit of the band, you will have to sacrifice your hair or wear a cap when wearing headphones. Headphone hair isn’t the most attractive sight but hey, that’s all up to you if looking good is important to you as well.

Earphones

A few years ago, the majority of earbuds that we knew usually came with a cord. But as technology becomes more advanced every passing day, the option for Bluetooth earphones is now everywhere and has been dominating the market ever since the biggest smartphone manufacturers decided to get rid of the headphone jack from their devices.

They also make earbuds that don’t have any cables and can connect to your Bluetooth device separately. Other differences can be found in the forms and sizes of these earpieces. Some of you may notice some are sphere-shaped in some cases and sometimes, they may have been expertly constructed to ergonomically fit in your ear canal.

The earphones that sport G-shaped earpieces can fit perfectly in your ear. You can go for a run, do box jumps, jump rope, or play hoops with them without worrying about them ever falling out. For some of you, this is something that might be crucial when it comes to deciding whether an earphone is good enough for your workouts.

Meanwhile, the more common sphere-shaped earbuds tend to fall out too readily and don’t allow for quick movements due to the risk of them falling out frequently. However, another advantage of earphones with headphones is that they aren’t bulky. You can easily slip them into your pockets without any discomfort.

All in all, both headphones and earphones come with their own set of advantages and shortcomings. It’s up to you to select which is the best option for you depending on your personal preference, criteria, and your training style.

Our Top Recommendations

1. Jabra Elite Active 75t

Overview

The sound quality and longevity of Jabra headphones are quite well-known and are some of the things that put them on top of this list.

Specifically, the Jabra Elite Active 75t. It’s currently the best workout headphones by far and Jabra managed to reduce the size of the buds to make them more comfortable to wear while boosting battery life and IPX rating to IP57, making them waterproof, dustproof, and sweatproof altogether. So if you’re looking for the best of the best headphones for your workouts, this is definitely the one.

The Jabra Elite Active 75t is a worthy successor to the Jabra Elite Active 65t, which was already a pretty solid headset on its own. However, the 75t includes improvements that solve and address some of the concerns that a lot of users faced with the 65t.

In fact, the Jabra Elite Active 75t keeps the best features of the 65t while improving upon them. You can pair and use numerous devices at the same time using multipoint connectivity and it also includes a quick charge feature and Bluetooth 5.0. To use it for an hour, you only need to charge it for 15 minutes.

When it comes to performance, you’ll also get the same bright audio as the Elite series from Jabra, with the exception that the bass has been fine-tuned for a fuller, more detailed sound. Not to mention, the music may be further customized using the Jabra app, and active noise cancellation can be used to block out ambient sounds when exercising in noisy places like the gym.

Features & Specifications

• Dimensions: 8.46 x 5.59 x 2.01 inches
• Item Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Brand: Jabra
• Battery Life: 24 hours – ANC on
• Bluetooth Range: 9 meters
• Form Factor: In Ear
• Water Resistant: Yes
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Wireless: True Wireless
• Colors: Gray, Copper Black, Sienna, Navy, Gold Beige, and Titanium Black
• Warranty: 1 year from the date of purchase.

Check Out Our Full Review Of The Jabra Elite Active 75t Here.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The Jabra Elite Active 75t?

2. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds

Overview

Without a doubt, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are up there with the finest true wireless models in the market. The great majority of Bose’s noise-canceling headphones have been on- and over-ear designs, but the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds didn’t quite disappoint despite being a true wireless type of earphones.

They’re small and lightweight, and you’ll have no trouble listening for several hours at a time. Bose’s QuietComfort earbuds are comfortable to wear during the average training session and they pretty much feel like a high-quality product. The battery lasts six hours on a single charge, and the charging case adds two more charges for a total of 18 hours. Personally, I find that just okay and not that exceptional.

In addition to that, the QuietComfort Earbuds from Bose are also both sweat and weather-resistant, making them really ideal for either indoor and outdoor workouts. The accompanying app’s ability to customize some functions and controls, as well as alter the outstanding noise-cancellation, adds to the ease of usage. The volume controls on the touch screen are the cherry on top.

Furthermore, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds have a terrific sense of dynamism, as well as strength and composure. The QuietComfort feels full when playing the bass notes, which sound full-bodied and can go really deep.

Overall, the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds are terrific all-around with exceptional musicality and really solid noise cancellation to keep distracting sounds away. They’re a match for any opponent at this level with the only major drawback being its expensive price.

Check Out Our Full Review Of The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Here.

Features & Specifications

• Dimensions: 1.99 x 3.43 x 1.34 inches
• Item Weight: 0.006 ounces
• Brand: Bose
• Form Factor: In Ear
• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours.
• Bluetooth Range: 10 meters.
• Water Resistant: Yes.
• Noise Cancellation: Yes.
• Wireless: True Wireless
• Colors: Sandstone, Soapstone, Stone Blue, and Triple Black.
• Warranty: Up to one year from date of purchase.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Where Can I Buy The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds?

3. Beats Powerbeats Pro

Overview

How well the Beats‘ first truly wireless headphones, the Powerbeats Pro, fit your ears will determine how much you’ll actually enjoy using them. If one of the four provided silicon tips provides a comfortable, snug fit around your ears, you’ll undoubtedly have fun with these headphones and feel justified in spending a few hundred dollars on them.

According to Beats, the company is using new improved piston drivers that are claimed to reduce distortion. As a result, the Powerbeats Pro produces a richer, cleaner sound with bass that is not just deeper but also tighter.

However, with these sorts of noise-isolating headphones, a good seal is essential for optimizing sound quality. So if the tips aren’t seated firmly in your ear canals, you may lose some bass and a noticeable decrease in sound quality as you listen to your music during your workout sessions.

Moreover, the Powerbeats Pro also shares something similar with the Apple Airpods which is the new H1 chip that supports Bluetooth 5. This means Apple users will get the same fast-pairing function and always-on Siri feature, which allows you to activate Siri without touching a button. Instead, you can just say a quick greeting to Siri as you do with other Apple devices.

You may also ask Siri to increase or decrease the volume, and Apple Music customers can ask Siri to skip ahead and backward through music as much as they like. Siri functions are obviously only available on Apple devices, but Android users can still use this particular earphone model without a fuss. You’ll just have to control the playback and volume levels through the buttons on the earpieces.

Upon further inspection, optical sensors are integrated inside the buds as you can see if you look closely. With this feature, the Powerbeats Pro can tell whether you have the buds in your ears or not, so your music will pause and resume automatically according to this.

Features & Specifications

• Dimensions: ‎10 x 7.87 x 11.02 inches
• Item Weight: 0.64 ounces
• Brand: Beats
• Form Factor: In Ear
• Battery Life: Up to 8 hours of listening time, 24 hours if combined with pocket-sized charging case.
• Bluetooth Range: 30 meters.
• Water Resistant: Yes.
• Noise Cancellation: Yes.
• Wireless: True Wireless.
• Warranty: Up to one year from date of purchase.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The Beats Powerbeats Pro?

4. AirPods Pro

Overview

If you have an iPhone or any Apple device, the AirPods Pro is one of the best workout headphones you can get your hands on in the market. The sweat and water resistance provides an extra layer of protection not seen in the standard AirPod models.

The accompanying ear tips also make a significant difference in terms of comfort and sound quality, ensuring a secure, comfortable fit while also boosting clarity by blocking out unnecessary noise from outside sources. With that being said, the new active noise cancellation feature is a wonderful addition to the AirPods Pro, and it works really well.

Whether you’re in the gym or doing your daily neighborhood speed walks, you’ll be able to silence exterior sounds easily and focus on the music pumping you up. But if you’re not too fond of completely blocking out ambient noise, you can also turn on Transparency Mode on the AirPods Pro to hear your surroundings more clearly without halting your favorite song.

The improved controls, hands-free “Siri” feature, and intriguing improvements like Spatial Audio, which allows you to experience theater-like audio while binge-watching Netflix episodes on the Peloton, all combine to make this one of the finest workout headphones for Apple users.

Features & Specifications

• Dimensions: ‎0.94 x 0.86 x 1.22 inches
• Item Weight: 1.6 ounces
• Brand: Apple
• Form Factor: In Ear
• Battery Life: Up to 4.5 hours of listening time, more than 24 hours with the charging case.
• Bluetooth Range: 9 meters.
• Water Resistant: Yes.
• Noise Cancellation: Yes.
• Wireless: True Wireless.
• Colors: White
• Warranty: Up to one year from date of purchase.

Rating: 9 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The AirPods Pro?

5. Adidas RPT-01

Overview

Although Adidas isn’t really a brand that comes to mind when talking about sports headphones, the RPT-01 boasts a design as well as features that will pique your curiosity. With a fashionable, sturdy mesh fabric and IPX4-rated water-resistance protection, these on-ear cans have the same sustainable aesthetics as the company’s running shoes. The ear cushions and inner headband can also be removed and washed.

The RPT-01’s dexterity is demonstrated by its sound quality, with Adidas releasing a companion app with several EQ settings that are fine-tuned to certain music genres and sound amazing. Not to mention, these headphones were created by the same Swedish company that created Urbanears headphones, and they sound really well, with a well-balanced sound that doesn’t rely too heavily on the bass.

Apart from that, the controls on the Adidas RPT-01 are also innovative, intuitive, and the cushioned pads are very comfortable to wear on your ears. The headband is, however, rather snug to provide a solid fit.

If you’re ever concerned about these headphones absorbing your sweat, you can find cleaning instructions here on how to wash and remove the gunk from your headphones from Adidas.

Features & Specifications

• Dimensions: 2.8 x 5.59 x 7.52 inches
• Item Weight: 7.6 ounces
• Brand: Adidas
• Form Factor: On Ear
• Battery Life: Up to 40 hours.
• Bluetooth Range: 9 feet
• Water Resistant: Yes.
• Noise Cancellation: No.
• Wireless: Yes.
• Colors: Light Grey, Night Grey, Signal Coral
• Warranty: Up to 1 year from date of purchase.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The Adidas RPT-01?

6. Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro

Overview

The Galaxy Buds Pro is the first wireless earbuds from Samsung to receive an IPX7 waterproof grade. In case you’re unaware, this is a significant improvement over the Samsung Galaxy Buds Live’s IPX2 rating, as it basically ensures complete protection from water and perspiration during even the most rigorous workout routines.

As a result, this updated set of headphones from Samsung is considerably more fitness-friendly than its predecessor.

Apart from premium audio quality, adjustable ANC with a transparency option, and, most importantly, a secure fit, you’re also getting the Galaxy Buds Pro at a fairly affordable price which I think is a really huge steal for headphones of this quality. The 360 Audio surround sound feature is also available to everyone who possesses a Samsung Galaxy S21 smartphone.

Features & Specifications

• Dimensions: 3 x 2 x 4 inches
• Item Weight: 1.18 ounces
• Brand: Samsung
• Form Factor: In Ear
• Battery Life: Up to 28 hours depending on usage.
• Bluetooth Range: 9 meters.
• Water Resistant: Yes.
• Noise Cancellation: Yes
• Wireless: True Wireless
• Colors: White, Phantom Black, Phantom Silver, Phantom Violet
• Warranty: Up to one year from date of purchase.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10.

Where Can I Buy The Samsung Galaxy Buds Pro?

Before You Buy

After sharing our top picks for the best headphones in 2021, here are some things to consider and keep in mind as you go shopping for your next pair of headphones.

Form Factor

Wireless in-ear and over-ear headphones are available in a variety of styles that can be used throughout a workout. It is important to learn everything there is to know about them so you know which one will suit you best. It would be a huge inconvenience for you and your workout routines if the headphones are uncomfortable or are constantly getting loose from your ears mid-exercise.

Imagine walking or running on the treadmill while your headphones frequently pop off your ears or dangle from your neck, isn’t the thought uncomfortable? With that in mind, below are some examples of the most common headphone designs you might see in the market.

In-Ear Headphones

Because of their portability and lightness, wireless in-ear headphones are a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts. As of current, In-Ear Monitors (IEMs) and Earbuds are the two types of headphones available.

IEMs are types of headphones with driver units that are placed into your ear canals and stay fitted there. IEMs also come with foam or silicone ear tips in a variety of sizes to accommodate different-sized ears.

Meanwhile, earbuds are inserted into the concha bowl of your ears, which is the bottom cup of your ears just before the canal. They are frequently one-size-fits-all which can be a little uncomfortable if your ear shape doesn’t suit the earbuds, unlike IEMs and their removable ear tips. As a result, earbuds may fit less snugly and fall off more frequently during exercises than IEMs.

Over-Ear Headphones

Wireless over-ear headphones include ear cups that fit over the ear and a headband to keep the headphones in place on top of your head. Over-ear headphones are more likely to stay snug when you’re is exercising in terms of form factor. However, this is only true as long as the clamping force is not too tight around your head. Otherwise, you’ll feel increasingly more uncomfortable with wearing it over time.

Aside from that, over-ear headphones also have their own drawbacks. They are thicker than in-ear headphones, and sweat will harm the ear pads if they are not washable or properly taken care of.

Water/Sweat Resistance

Sweat is the ultimate proof test for workout headphones, and it has a significant impact on their durability. In the long run, it might make headphones unusable or even impossible to use if they’re not water or sweat-resistant.

This is why it’s crucial to consider the level of protection provided by headphones and choose whether you require water-resistant or waterproof headphones. The Ingress Protection (IP) rating is used in the industry to show how sweat-proof or water-proof an item is.

Noise Cancellation & Sound Isolation

Noise isolation is built into both in-ear and on-ear headphones by default which allows these devices to reduce ambient noise in some way. There are also wireless headphones with active noise-canceling technology that entirely blocks out background noises or ambient sounds that you don’t want to hear as you work out, regardless of whether you’re exercising outdoors or indoors in a gym.

Choose Wireless

As you might already know, the world is slowly accepting the fact that wireless devices are the future. And our beloved headphones are part of that. Especially since major manufacturers are deciding to forego headphone jacks in order to make their devices slimmer.

With that mind in mind, it’s best to go wireless when you’re on the hunt for your next set of headphones. Cords can be inconvenient when working out since they can become tangled in equipment and frequently torn out of your ear with each movement. Not to mention, it also hinders mobility.

As a result, most of the more affordable pairs of headphones come with cords while the wireless options tend to be more expensive than their wired counterparts. There are also several cordless earbud alternatives available, but battery life might also be a concern. While the cables are more cumbersome, they won’t die on you in the middle of a deadlift.

However, this shouldn’t stop you from choosing wireless earphones at all. More and more manufacturers each day are releasing more affordable wireless earphones without compromising on battery life. You just have to make sure that your devices are fully charged before each workout session.

Conclusion

It’s not always easy to choose the best wireless workout headphones for your specific demands when there are a thousand options to choose from in the market. But hopefully, this guide was at least able to help you out have an idea on which headphones for working out will suit you best.

Do you already own any of the listed headphones above? Did your favorite make it into our list? Let me know in the comments section below if you have any suggestions, questions, or insights to share regarding our list of the best headphones of 2021. I would love to hear all your thoughts!

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