The Best over ear headphones for working out for 2024
When it comes to working out, having the right pair of headphones can make a huge difference. Whether you’re running, lifting weights, doing yoga, or hitting the gym, music has the power to boost your energy, keep you focused, and make your workouts more enjoyable. Over-ear headphones are a fantastic choice for workouts because they provide great sound quality, block out distractions, and often come with long battery life to keep you going session after session.
But not all over-ear headphones are made the same, especially when it comes to working out. You need a pair that’s not only comfortable but also durable enough to handle sweat and movement. Features like noise cancellation, secure fit, and great sound performance can take your workout experience to the next level. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best over-ear headphones for working out—headphones that combine quality, comfort, and performance.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the top picks that suit different workout styles and preferences. Whether you’re a bass lover, a fan of crisp and balanced sound, or someone who prioritizes comfort and durability, there’s a perfect pair of headphones for you. Let’s get started and find the headphones that will keep you motivated and moving!
1. Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
Specifications
Type: Over-ear
Noise Cancellation: 11 adjustable levels
Battery Life: Up to 20 hours per charge
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C charging
Audio Quality: Balanced sound with clear vocals and deep bass
Weight: 254 grams
Special Features: Touch controls, voice assistant compatibility (Alexa, Google Assistant), multi-device pairing
Comfort: Soft, plush ear cushions with a lightweight design
Best For: Noise cancellation and comfort during long workout sessions
If you want to block out all the noise around you and just focus on your workout, the Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 are a fantastic choice. Bose is known for making some of the best noise-canceling headphones, and these ones are no different. They’re perfect if you want to create your own quiet space at the gym or at home, with the help of amazing sound and noise-blocking technology. These headphones are also super comfy, so you can wear them for hours without feeling any discomfort. Whether you’re doing yoga, running, or lifting weights, they stay in place and feel great. Plus, the battery lasts a solid 20 hours, so you can use them for a full workout session or even longer. If you want to focus and enjoy clear, great-sounding music, the Bose 700 will help you do that.
Pros:
Top-notch noise cancellation with 11 different levels to choose from.
Premium sound quality with balanced audio.
Sleek, lightweight, and comfortable design for long wear.
Intuitive touch controls and voice assistant compatibility.
Multi-device pairing for easy switching.
Cons:
Battery life (20 hours) is shorter compared to competitors.
Expensive compared to other options.
Not sweat-resistant, limiting use for intense workouts.
2. Sony WH-1000XM5
Specifications
Type: Over-ear
Noise Cancellation: Industry-leading adaptive ANC
Battery Life: Up to 30 hours per charge
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, USB-C charging
Audio Quality: High-resolution sound with powerful bass and customizable EQ
Weight: 250 grams
Special Features: Speak-to-Chat, touch controls, Adaptive Sound Control, voice assistant compatibility
Comfort: Lightweight with soft ear cushions for extended wear
Best For: Long battery life and premium sound for intense workouts
The Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are great if you want top-notch sound and to block out the world around you. These headphones are really good at canceling out noise, which is perfect for when you’re at the gym or out running and need to tune everything out. They’re comfortable, lightweight, and have soft ear cups, so you can wear them for long workouts without feeling like they’re weighing you down. Plus, the battery lasts up to 30 hours, which means you can use them for days without having to charge them. The sound is crystal clear, and you can even change how the music sounds to match your mood. These headphones also have easy touch controls, so you don’t have to stop your workout to change the volume or skip a song. If you want quiet, high-quality sound that lasts a long time, the Sony WH-1000XM5 is a great choice.
Pros:
Outstanding adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts to your environment.
High-resolution sound with customizable EQ.
Lightweight and extremely comfortable for long sessions.
Long battery life (30 hours) with fast charging.
Innovative features like Speak-to-Chat and Adaptive Sound Control.
Cons:
Higher price point.
Touch controls can be overly sensitive.
No official sweat resistance rating, so care is needed for intense workouts.
3. JBL Club 950NC
Specifications
Type: Over-ear
Noise Cancellation: Active noise cancellation (ANC)
Battery Life: Up to 55 hours (30 hours with ANC on)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C charging
Audio Quality: JBL Pro Sound with deep bass and clear highs
Weight: 372 grams
Special Features: Customizable sound through JBL app, foldable design for portability
Comfort: Memory foam ear cushions
Best For: Bass-heavy music lovers and long-lasting performance
If you love powerful bass and need headphones that can handle tough workouts, the JBL Club 950NC might be just what you need. JBL is famous for its deep, thumping bass, and these headphones deliver exactly that, making your workout music sound awesome. Whether you’re lifting weights or running, the bass will keep you motivated and pumped up. They’re also built to last, with a strong and durable design that can handle sweat and intense activity. The noise-canceling feature helps you focus by blocking out the noise from the gym or the street. With up to 55 hours of battery life, you can wear them for a long time without worrying about charging. If you’re looking for headphones that deliver big sound and stay comfortable, the JBL Club 950NC is a great choice.
Pros:
Powerful bass for a motivating workout experience.
Long battery life (55 hours) for extended use.
Sturdy build with foldable design for portability.
Customizable sound settings through the JBL app.
Comfortable memory foam ear cushions.
Cons:
Heavier than most competitors, which might affect comfort during long sessions.
Noise cancellation is good but not industry-leading.
Limited sweat resistance.
4. Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless
Specifications
Type: Over-ear
Noise Cancellation: Adaptive ANC
Battery Life: Up to 60 hours per charge
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2, USB-C charging, aptX Adaptive
Audio Quality: Studio-quality sound with detailed mids and rich bass
Weight: 293 grams
Special Features: Smart Pause, customizable sound profiles, multipoint pairing
Comfort: Plush ear cushions and lightweight build
Best For: Audiophiles and marathon workout sessions
For people who care about sound quality, the Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless headphones are a great pick. Sennheiser is known for making excellent audio equipment, and these headphones give you rich, detailed sound that makes your music come alive. Whether you’re running, cycling, or doing yoga, they help you enjoy every note of your favorite workout tracks. They’re comfortable to wear, with soft ear cups and a light design, so they don’t feel heavy on your head. Plus, with up to 60 hours of battery life, you can use them for several workout sessions without needing to recharge. The Momentum 4 also has noise cancellation, so you can focus without being distracted by the outside world. If you want clear, deep sound for your workouts, these headphones will not disappoint.
Pros:
Exceptional sound quality with rich, detailed audio.
Longest battery life (60 hours) in its class.
Adaptive noise cancellation that adjusts to surroundings.
Plush ear cushions and lightweight build for great comfort.
Multipoint pairing for seamless device switching.
Cons:
Expensive, making it less accessible for budget buyers.
No official sweat or water resistance.
Minimal design might not appeal to those looking for trendy aesthetics.
5. Beats by Dre Studio 3
Specifications
Type: Over-ear
Noise Cancellation: Pure Adaptive Noise Cancelling (ANC)
Battery Life: Up to 22 hours (40 hours without ANC)
Connectivity: Bluetooth Class 1, Micro-USB charging
Audio Quality: Bass-forward sound signature with clear highs
Weight: 260 grams
Special Features: Apple H1 chip for fast pairing with Apple devices, on-ear controls
Comfort: Soft memory foam ear cups
Best For: Stylish design and powerful bass for gym-goers
The Beats by Dre Studio 3 headphones are perfect for people who love bold, punchy bass to get them through tough workouts. Beats is all about powerful sound, and the Studio 3 gives you exactly that. Whether you’re running or lifting weights, these headphones will keep your energy up with deep bass that drives you forward. They also feature noise cancellation, so you won’t be distracted by the sounds around you. With memory foam ear cups, they’re comfortable enough to wear for hours, and the battery lasts up to 22 hours with noise cancellation on. The Studio 3 also has easy controls for volume and skipping songs, so you don’t need to stop your workout to change anything. If you want great sound and style, these headphones are a perfect fit.
Pros:
Strong bass-forward sound signature, perfect for workouts.
Stylish and trendy design with a lightweight build.
Seamless integration with Apple devices via the H1 chip.
Decent battery life (22 hours with ANC, 40 hours without).
Memory foam ear cups for comfort.
Cons:
Noise cancellation isn’t as effective as competitors like Bose or Sony.
Uses Micro-USB charging instead of USB-C.
Premium price for features that may not match the competition.
6. Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100
Specifications
Type: Over-ear
Noise Cancellation: Passive noise isolation
Battery Life: Up to 24 hours per charge
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C charging
Audio Quality: Clear, balanced sound with enhanced bass
Weight: 240 grams
Special Features: Sweat-resistant design, secure adjustable headband, quick charge feature
Comfort: Lightweight and designed for active use
Best For: Intense workouts and outdoor activities
The Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100 headphones are built for people who need a headphone that can keep up with intense workouts. These headphones are designed to stay in place, no matter how hard you’re working out. They have a flexible headband and secure fit, so you won’t have to worry about them falling off during running, cycling, or weightlifting. They’re also sweat-resistant, which makes them perfect for the gym. With 24 hours of battery life, you can keep listening to your music for the entire day. The comfortable ear cups help you stay focused, and the headphones are easy to control without stopping your workout. If you want headphones that are sturdy, comfortable, and built for serious workouts, the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100 is a great choice.
Pros:
Sweat- and water-resistant, ideal for intense workouts.
Secure adjustable headband that stays in place during movement.
Lightweight and comfortable for extended wear.
Balanced sound with decent bass performance.
Quick charge feature adds convenience.
Cons:
Passive noise isolation isn’t as effective as active noise cancellation.
Limited sound customization options.
Shorter battery life (24 hours) compared to competitors.
These headphones offer a mix of sound quality, comfort, durability, and battery life, so no matter what type of workout you’re doing, there’s a pair that will meet your needs and help keep you motivated throughout your exercise.
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