For years my iPod kept getting smaller, but my headphones remained pretty much the same with an annoying cord that hit me in the face or pulled. It never crossed my mind that wireless running headphones could be compact, great sound and work with…gasp a GPS watch?!!
In fact, even as our cell phones became our music players and they suddenly kept getting bigger, but that dang cord remained exactly the same.
Finally in the last two years, I’ve seen a massive improvement in wireless headphones for running.
Not interested in all the research and just want to know what I’d pick?
✅These are the wireless headphones I use 90% of the time and love.
They have a super long battery life so I don’t have to worry about finding them dead and at the gym they block out all the outside noise.
Which lead to my own testing, but I also reached out to get your opinions and find out what features I may have overlooked or brands others needed to know about. 
4 years ago I tested out one of the first mp3 headphones from Sony (which are also good for swimming) and I swear tons of people are still looking at that review, so apparently these headphones do stand the test of time.
And recently, Sony did send me another pair of their greatly updated wireless earbuds. I have done a full review of the Sony earbuds on YouTube, but am not including them here because I don’t think they’re the best.
Best Wireless Running Headphones
This list is a combo of my experiences and the top recommendations I received from a couple hundred runners on Instagram! So these aren’t just researched, they’re real world tested and approved. I’m providing a few details on each wireless running headphone to help you decide which one might be best for your runs.
AfterShokz Trekz Air Review– $150
This is an interesting new headphone option that uses bone conduction to eliminate the need for buds inside your ears and allows you to be more aware of what is happening around you.
Both David and I were shocked and how well we could hear using them! The major downside was he can’t wear them with his bike helmet and I run in to issues wearing them with my sunglasses, which are a must have.
However, I was very impressed with the 6 hour battery life (great for marathon day!) and the titanium construction makes the headphones lightweight and very flexible.
My friend Charlie of The Runner Beans wears them all the time and is a big fan because they’re comfortable and she feels stay put well. And if you find them cheaper than noted above, jump on it!
Jaybird Vista Wireless Headphones Review
When I was looking to change things up, these were the first one’s I considered. They’re designed for us sweaty runners and based on all the feedback I’ve received work incredibly well.
I was nervous about something that didn’t curve over my ear (what I require in wired headphones), but everyone swore they would stay in…and guess what they absolutely do! I have done a full video review of the Jaybird Vista if you want to see more details.
The one major thing I caution is they block out ALL NOISE. So I wear only 1 on a trail, I keep the volume low on the roads and love them in the gym. I will say however, if I try to use them for phone calls the other person tells me they pick up too much of the noise around me, especially wind.
Jennifer wears them daily and swears they’re one of the best things she’s done.
Running with Airpods – $150
After some consideration, initially I ended up buying these because I felt like I knew without a doubt they would work for phone calls…and if I’m spending $150 I just want one good thing.
So on the plus side they totally work and while I used to have issues with any earbuds staying in that seems to be better, these are solid. On the downside, sometimes I like taking out one earbud while on the trails (even though my podcasts are turned low or often off), but you can’t take out an earbud without turning them off.
And as I found out from calling my parents while I’m out walking because the microphone is farther from your mouth it picks up more of the ambient sounds like wind.
**UPDATES**
You guys taught me how to change the settings (see comments) so I can tap the earbud to change tracks or to stop/start musci. Unfortunately many of you are having another issue with me…randomly only 1 ear bud will work. I have to go through a whole reset and it fixes it, but only for a few days.
JBL Wireless Headphones with HR Review — $100
David has stolen these from me and they are now his go to. This is the downside to having fun gear …you have too much and then someone else uses it and you’re like “hey I want that!”
He, like many of you, like having the strap so you can put these around your neck and feel like you won’t lose one earbud. David doesn’t use HR training the way that I do, but he liked being able to get that reading to check in with his effort levels. 
He feels like the controls are easy to use and the sound is good.
There is a newer version, but it has a wider strap that sits behind your head, which I’m not a fan of.
Sennheiser CX Sport Wireless Earphones Review
These have gotten a lot of hype and I’m not totally sure why, they remind me a great deal of the Jabra Wireless headphones I tested out a MANY years ago, but with a much higher price tag.
These are similar to the headphones pictured on David with a cord that will run from bud to bud and your controls on that cord. It has a 6 hour battery life which is fine for most of us and does have a 10 minute quick charge option that will get up to an hour playtime.
I would say these are for the runner who is VERY concerned about sound quality. Otherwise, I can’t consider them better in than any of the others listed and probably won’t be ones I find myself using.
Are Wireless Headphones Good for Running?
I’d say they’re the best. But of course you can run in issue if for some reason it doesn’t want to stay connected via Bluetooth or they run out of battery, not an issue with a traditional cord pair.
Most runners will be surprised to find that plenty of these wireless models are earbuds that don’t fall out while running. It can take some adjustment with the rubber pieces provided and simply getting used to the feel. Admittedly, at first I just wanted my old school over the ear sport headphones, but after a few runs without that cord slapping around I knew I needed to adjust.
Best Cheap Wireless Headphones for Running?
You probably noticed that most of these are $100 or over and honestly that’s why these are in the best category. As someone who is NOTORIOUSLY bad about spending money and wanting to save, I can just say in this case it’s really worth getting a good pair.
Break the cost down over many years of running, many miles of running and many many hours not spent frustrated at the dead battery, poor fit or poor sound.
Add it to your runner gift list and tell Santa you’ve been extra good.
Looking for more reviews to find the best things for your run?
Checkout our full page of my must have running gear reviews and guides to save you time searching and money! I share what’s worked for me and fellow runners, along with what wasn’t worth the price tag.
A few common requests:
- Best sports bras
- Best HR monitors (from watches to straps)
- Best running socks (lightweight to compression)
- Best sunglasses for running
Have you tested out any other wireless headphones you loved?
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Jen says
I’m an AirPods runner. I only take one bud when running outdoors for safety and I love it.
” Additionally, I don’t like that I can’t touch a button to change songs or stop or start. ”
https://support.apple.com/en-us/ht207009
Check out how to control the double tap options. You can tap them to do stuff like pause without talking to Siri.
amanda says
oh thanks!!
Chanell says
you can start and stop in the via the AirPods settings. Tap bluetooth then the “i” icon. there you’ll have options to pause/play and skip tracks. You can also only have one in at at time by turning off “automatic ear detection”.
AirPods are by far my favorite headphones.
amanda says
Yes jen sent me a link and I’ve now updated them! I need to update the post with that info!
Bree says
I got Enacfire true wireless earbuds (e18) before my marathon and love them. They can be used entirely independently for sound/calls or together and they come with a charging case that fits in my running belt (which was crucial for a slow runner like me on the longer training rus and race day). My friends/family have remarked on the amazing clarity when they talk to me on the phone and I’m using them.
The one downside is there are no controls to skip, rewind, etc. The left one I think can answer/hang up calls (but I’ve never been good with remembering how).
The significant upside is they’re $50 which is totally worth not having extra controls.
Susana Parker says
Kind of expensive for headphones! But if you’re a runner it’s a good investment. I don’t have any of these but seems like the AirPods are the best way to go!
Waco Porter says
I have started running with my Bluetooth speaker in my backpack. I always have the backpack when I run or bike (keys, phone, cough drops, etc…). I love it. However, I like earbuds for biking sometimes just because the wind in my ears can be uncomfortable.
Albertina Geller says
I loved the suggestions! I personally use Sony’s wireless earphones. They work really well and don’t stop when in contact with sweat. I also have air pods but I don’t normally use it for running. Thank you for sharing :)