Need new running headphones? We put 7 styles to the test

As an avid gym-goer and runner, I'm always on the lookout for new gear and gadgets that make my fitness journey easier and better.

I’ve been trying to get out and run more, doing longer runs, intervals and social runs with friends. For the past year or so, I’ve just been using my trusty Apple corded headphones, but I thought it was about time I dipped my toes into the headphone world and saw which ones help make even the most gruelling runs that bit easier.

I tried a range of earbuds, over-ear headphones and corded options to see which suited different kinds of runs. Let's get into it!

NOTE: Prices are accurate at the time of publishing.

JBL Tour One M3 Smart Tx

$549.95 | Shop here

Best for: slow runs, casual 5km

Over-ear styles have never been my favourite when it comes to running, particularly since I moved from the UK to Australia, as it's just too hot.

You would think that with this style, they'd be too bulky for a run, or that they'd slip off my head and generally become a nuisance. But I actually enjoyed using them.

These have excellent sound quality, the option of noise cancellation or ambient mode, they are comfortable around my ears and head, and don't fall off with every step. I wouldn't use them for more strenuous runs, but I'd happily use them in a slow jog or a casual 5km.

The JBL Tour One M3s are also the same headphones without the added smart audio extras that the Smart Tx offers. So, if you're keen on these headphones and want to save $100, these are worth considering.

Sony WH-1000XM6 Premium Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones

Was $699.99, now $545

Best for: light intensity, walks

The Sony WH-1000XM6 could be considered a good headphone choice for runs because of its impressive core features. The headphones have exceptional noise cancellation quality. For anyone running in busy CBDs or working out in a packed gym, this model will effectively block out any distractions. The sound is premium, detailed, and powerful, which helps you to focus on your workout.

However, they're not necessarily designed for intense, athletic activity. They are not sweat-resistant, and the soft leather can absorb sweat, which can become uncomfortable and unhygienic. They are, however, a fantastic lifestyle option and can definitely be worn for light activity, like a walk or even a slow jog.

Sony LinkBuds Fit

$298 | Shop here

Best for: high-intensity activities

The Sony LinkBuds Fit are an excellent choice for runners because they are designed specifically for high-impact activities. What I liked the most was the secure and comfortable fit they offer – there’s nothing more annoying than feeling an earbud wriggle out of place mid-run.

They also have an IPX4 water resistance rating, guaranteeing protection against sweat and rain damage, so you don't have to worry if you get caught in a storm halfway through a run (trust me). They also have terrific, bass-heavy sound quality to keep you motivated on long runs.

Powerbeats Fit

$289 | Shop here

Best for: longer-distance runs, sprints, intervals

Design-wise, the Powerbeats Fit have wing tips that tuck into your outer ear to add extra stability while remaining light and unobtrusive. To wear them, you simply insert the earbud, twist it into place and then fold the wingtips in.

When I'm running longer distances or doing intervals, I need to ensure I can be distracted from the gruelling pain by my music. I've been using the new AirPods Pro 3 recently, so I was pleased that the Powerbeats Fit are almost on an equal playing field when it came to sound quality and noise cancellation. You can also easily switch between noise cancellation and ambient mode to avoid missing any traffic.

Not that I'd ever be running for seven hours straight, but it's a relief to know they have up to seven hours of nonstop playback and up to 30 hours with the case. You can also get about an hour of playback from a quick five minutes of USB-C charging – there's nothing worse than starting a run only to find out your headphones are flat.

I also love the selection of colours available: black, grey, orange, and pink – because I hate boring workout gear.

Apple AirPods Pro 3

Save 19% here

Best for: when you want to be in your own world, listening to your fave tunes

I don't have anything negative to say about the AirPods Pro 3; some find the fit a bit awkward, but these stay put in my ear without any discomfort.

What I do find crazy is the noise cancellation. You can literally hear the background noise being sucked away from your ear canal. Forget mild ambient noise, I couldn’t even hear a plane take-off wearing these.

A new feature of the AirPods Pro 3 is that they monitor heart rate using an infrared sensor. This allows the AirPods to provide real-time heart rate and calorie data during workouts directly through the Fitness app on an iPhone, even without an Apple Watch.

Shokz OpenFit 2+

$316.76 | Shop here

Best for: minimal feel, staying vigilant of your surroundings

I really enjoyed the design of these headphones in theory. They have a silicone hook that bends around the outside of your ear, and the earbud sits outside the ear canal, creating a comfortable, lightweight feel. They certainly feel less claustrophobic and intense than maybe in-ear buds sometimes can.

However, as someone with a lot of ear piercings and hair that I'm constantly tucking behind my ears, this resulted in the style becoming more of a burden than a benefit, which is a shame. Shokz also have their OpenDots One, which magnetically clips around the ear without the silicone hook – these are a great alternative if you've got a few piercings that you don't want to remove each time you're on a run!

But for anyone who doesn't anticipate this being a problem, I really loved the lightweight feel, still being wary of my surroundings without compromising on sound quality and the sweatproof design.

Apple Corded EarPods

$29 | Shop here

Best for: short-distance casual runs

Apple’s first wired headphones were released with the original iPod in October 2001, and they’re still going strong in my headphone rotation – and the fashion space in general (thank you, Y2K).

For less than $30, these wired headphones are great value. They deliver on low-fuss comfort and quality audio. I actually prefer the wired style compared to earlier versions of the AirPods (the ones without ear tips), as they fit more securely in the ear and I don’t have to try and wedge them back in place mid-run.

For quite a low-tech design, they are surprisingly sweat proof. I’ve never had an issue with them, and trust me, I get hot.

I like wearing these when I'm going on a casual run with friends (when we don't fancy a chat) or if we have brunch/coffee after, because then I can simply wrap them around my phone instead of having to carry a separate case.

Our writer was loaned a pair of the JBL Tour One M3 Tx, AirPods Pro 3, Powerbeats Fit and Shokz OpenFit 2+ headphones for the purpose of this review.

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