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The 11 Best Over Ear Headphones For Working Out [Ranked And Reviewed]

If you’re looking for the best over-ear headphones for working out, you’ve come to the right place. This blog post will rank and review 11 of the best over-ear headphones in 2023.

We’ll look at features like touch controls, awareness mode, and each companion app, use cases, pros, cons, and pricing when considering the right wireless workout headphones. So whether you’re a casual gym-goer or a hardcore athlete, we are sure you will find the right pair of Bluetooth headphones with wireless Bluetooth connectivity to smash your next workout routine.

And while wired headphones can also produce great sound, we will only look at Bluetooth headphones on this list.

Note

As an Amazon affiliate, I may make a commission on purchases made via links on this website.

What to Look for When Choosing Workout Headphones

best over ear headphones for working out

When you’re on the hunt for workout headphones, prioritize sweat and water resistance; an IPX7 rating is ideal. A secure fit is crucial too—look for designs with ear hooks or fins. Sound quality matters; opt for strong bass and noise isolation to tune out distractions. Battery life is another key feature; aim for at least 6-8 hours to avoid mid-workout silence. Go wireless for freedom of movement, and make sure you can easily control tracks and volume without reaching for your phone. Lastly, durability counts. Your headphones should withstand sweat, movement, and the occasional drop.

Now, without further delay, let’s jump ito the list!


What Are The Best Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out?

best workout headphones

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1. Beats Studio3

The Beats Studio3 Wireless Headphones are our hands-down pick for the top over-ear noise-canceling headphones for working out.

For a good reason: these awesome headphones are perhaps the most well-known name in the headphone game, and it’s a big one.

Beats wireless headphones are well-known for their incredible sound, and the Bluetooth Studio line is no different. Beats Studio Wireless also supports spatial audio, providing a more robust, high-end, and immersive sound.

The Studio headphones are the perfect everyday headphones for busy people who need to focus on their work or fitness while blocking distractions around them.

These stylish cans have an adaptive noise canceling feature that blocks external noises and ambient sound, ensuring you’re not distracted by anything other than what matters most!

The headphones are designed with a USB charging case to keep you going all day. You’ll never be without juice when your battery runs low, thanks to 22 hours of playback worth in one single charge. They also offer fast charging capabilities.

And like most on this list, it features a standard headphone jack and wire in case you want a wired experience, plus a carrying case for easy transport.

These were an easy choice for not just our best headphones for working out but also the best running and gym headphones.

Product Pros

  • Comfortable to wear
  • Great sound quality
  • Pure Adaptive Active Noise Reduction Cancelling Headphones
  • 22 Hours battery life
  • Spatial audio compatible
  • Passes the quality stress tests
  • Great for everyday use

Product Cons

  • Average Microphone
  • Does Not Support Multiple Bluetooth Connections
  • That’s all, these are great.
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2. Skullcandy Hesh 3

The Skullcandy Hesh 3 Headphones are another excellent over-ear option for the top over-ear workout headphones.

These wireless over-the-ear headphones for working out are slightly cheaper than the Beats Studio headphones but don’t sacrifice crystal clear sound.

The noise-cancelling Hesh line from Skullcandy is one of their top-selling lines for a good reason.

The Skullcandy Hesh are not fancy headphones. They are pretty basic in their look and their features. These are highly reviewed and recommended by people who have tried them out.

The only downside to these wireless Bluetooth headphones is that they don’t have adjustable active noise cancellation features. Otherwise, these are affordable, high-quality headphones worth trying out for those who do not want to break the bank.

Product Pros

  • Built-in microphone
  • Up to 22 hours of battery life
  • Lightweight and comfortable design
  • Excellent sound quality for the price point
  • Gym noise isolating fit
  • Microphone, call, track, and volume control

Product Cons

  • Only Comes in Black
  • All Plastic Design
  • No Active Noise Cancellation
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3. Jabra Elite 85h

If you haven’t heard of Jabra headphones, you are missing out.

The Jabra Elite 85h headphones are some of the top active noise-canceling headphones for the gym, a close model to the previous Jabra Elite Active 75T headphones.

It uses a Smart active noise cancellation feature that responds to the environment, switching on if it detects background noise.

These wireless sport headphones also have a very comfortable design and are easy to wear for long periods.

And since these Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancellation have a 36-hour battery life (yeah, you read that right), you’ll be able to spend every day and then some comfortable listening to the Jabra headphones.

If you want the best headphones for the gym with perhaps the top smart active noise-cancellation, then the Jabra Elite 85h over-ear wireless headphones deserve a spot on this list.

Product Pros

  • SmartSound Audio technology
  • Comfortable design
  • 36-hour battery life
  • Water-Resisting
  • Smart Active Noise Cancellation

Product Cons

  • Unable to connect to some desktops
  • Not a lot of bass
  • Shape of ear cushions might cause ear soreness
  • Higher Price Tag
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4. Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100

The budget pick of the list is the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100.

Sure, the Plantronics Backbeat Fit Bluetooth headphones may not be popular, but that doesn’t stop them from being a great pair of workout headphones for the gym, especially for athletes.

It’s the only pair of headphones with a specific adjustable sport-fit headband on this list.

The Plantronics Backbeat Fit headband provides a stable, comfortable fit during hard workouts. They have noise cancellation and are also sweatproof and waterproof (water resistant).

Thanks to being sweat and water-resistant, you’ll never have an issue with your headphones getting wet or sweaty.

The noise-cancelling Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100 doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that some of the other water-resistant headphones on this list have, like the active noise-canceling technology.

But they are budget-friendly workout headphones that give you great noise quality for your ears.

Product Pros

  • Water-Resistant
  • Sweatproof
  • Budget-friendly
  • Good quality sound for the price point
  • Lightweight design
  • 24 hours battery life
  • Awareness Mode For Best Sound

Product Cons

  • Touch Controls not very sensitive
  • Not very loud volume output
  • Noise Cancellation could be improved
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5. Bose QuietComfort 45

Easily one of the most recognizable brand name headphones on the list, the Bose QuietComfort 45 comes in hot, being one of the most popular over-ear options on Amazon, now with over 12,000 customer reviews.

Lucky for us, Bost backs up the hype with quality noise-cancelling headphones.

Boasting unparalleled background noise cancelling technology and TriPort acoustic architecture, these wireless noise-canceling headphones provide a peaceful listening experience while offering deep bass-heavy sound and clear audio reproduction at any volume level without compromising comfort.

The QuietComfort 45 headphones provide an immersive listening experience with adjustable EQ and two distinct modes that let you tailor your audio. With these Bose noise-cancelling headphones, you can block out any external sounds or ambient noise in Quiet Mode or open up the world around you while still enjoying crisp sound quality using Aware mode.

With 24 hours of battery life on a full charge – plus three more after only 15 minutes plugged in – these fast-charging, versatile Bose noise-cancelling headphones have power for any situation, whether wired or wireless.

Product Pros

  • Active noise cancelling with small mics
  • TriPort acoustic architecture for rich sound
  • Volume-optimized Active EQ
  • Quiet and Aware modes
  • Fine Tune the Adjustable EQ with preset options
  • Up to 24 hours battery life
  • Fast Charging
  • Wired mode with audio cable included

Product Cons

  • A Bit Pricey
  • Buttons are not labeled
  • Noise Cancelation could be improved
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6. UA Project Rock Over-Ear Training Wireless Headphones

The UA Project Rock Wireless Headphones are a great pair of workout headphones approved by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as a perfect pair of headphones.

This pair of headphones has a comfortable design and stays in place when running, jumping jacks, playing basketball, and even at the gym.

Under Armour might not be known for headphones, but they (and Dwayne Johnson) want to change that.

Each ear cup on the over-your-ear headphones uses an over-ear ergonomic design of IPX4 rating to withstand sweat in the most challenging gym conditions.

For balanced sound, these headphones use JBL® Charged Sound, which features a bit more bass than other picks, perfect for your workout playlist.

If you’re looking for a new pair of sweat-resistant wireless headphones to work out with, then the UA Wireless Headphones deserve your checking out.

If Dwayne Johnson likes them, I’m sure we will, too!

Product Pros

  • Sport-fit headband
  • Adaptive Noise Canceling
  • JBL® Charged Sound
  • Great audio quality
  • up to 45 hours of Playtime
  • Bluetooth 5 Wireless
  • Speed Charge gets 2 hours of Long battery life with a 5 minute charge
  • IPX4 Rated

Product Cons

  • Slightly higher price tag
  • Slightly smaller ear covers
  • That’s it. These are awesome.
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7. JBL Live 460NC On-Ear Headphones

Here is the JBL 460 NC on-ear option for the Best Headphones For Working Out list.

JBL has been around for a long time and is a well-known name brand for good quality sound.

The JBL Live 460NC on-ear headphones excel in ambient noise-cancelling and offer outstanding sound quality. If uninterrupted workouts are your thing, consider the JBL Everest PRO. These Bluetooth over-ears boast a 50-hour battery, letting you go two days without a recharge.

Plus, both come with a companion app where you can adjust settings and pick your AI voice assistant. For comfort and on-ear noise-canceling capabilities, the JBL Live 460NC is a strong contender.

Product Pros

  • Activate Nose Cancelling or Ambient Mode Aware Headphones
  • Comfortable design
  • 50-hour battery life
  • JBL app
  • Excellent Sound and Noise Quality

Product Cons

  • Tight head squeeze
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8. Sony WH-XB910N

We have the Sony WH-XB910N over-the-ear wireless headphones with Dual Noise Cancelling feature that uses feedforward and feedback mics on each side, so you don’t hear ambient noise.

Without mentioning Sony, listing the best wireless headphones for working out or lifting weights would be impossible.

Sony is known for its excellent sound; these headphones are no exception.

These Sony WH headphones are all about the extra bass notes, using a dedicated bass duct on the Bluetooth headphone housing to give that bottom-end feel to your workout jams.

These Sony headphones are also one of the few over-the-ear headphones on this list, with Alexa built right into it.

Product Pros

  • Comfortable design
  • 30-hour battery life
  • Product Pro 3
  • Superb sound with the extra bass
  • Lightweight design
  • Dual Noise Cancellation
  • Amazon Alexa
  • Noise Cancelling

Product Cons

  • Not very tight squeeze for workouts
  • Average bass levels
  • Touch buttons are not easy to use
  • Higher pricing point
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9. JBL LIVE 400BT On-Ear Wireless Headphones

Here we have another pair of JBL, the LIVE 400BT On-Ear Wireless Headphones.

JBL is known for its good audio quality and emphasis on better bass sound, and it shows through with the 400BT Live.

These over-the-ear headphones are ideal for workouts, offering a secure fit and sweat resistance. They’re particularly great for high-intensity training sessions and strength workouts. The comfort-fit fabric headband is designed to handle sweat well.

While they don’t offer active noise-cancellation, they do support voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. The JBL LIVE 400BT provides hands-free phone calls, adaptive noise control, and the signature JBL sound quality.

Product Pros

  • Comfortable design
  • Adaptive Noise Cancelling
  • up to 50-hour battery life
  • JBL Headphones App
  • JBL Pure Bass Sound™
  • Hands-free calling with echo-canceling microphone
  • Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant

Product Cons

  • Tight squeeze, some may not like
  • A bit cheap feeling
  • Ear discomfort for some after long use
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10. TREBLAB Z2 Over-Ear Workout Headphones

Next on the top list, but certainly not least on the Best Over the Ear Headphones For Working Out list, is the Treblab Z2 Over-Ear Workout Headphones.

These entry-level headphones are not the most expensive made by Treblab, but expensive doesn’t always equal performance.

The Treblab Z2 headphones are perfect for working out because they have a lot of extra features that make it easier to do your workout routine.

These IPX4 water-resistant and sweat-proof headphones come with an adjustable headband, so you won’t worry about any uncomfortable discomfort on your ears while keeping these on during intense exercises or activities.

The Treblab Z2 headphones also use Bluetooth 5.0 aptX codec for a high-end listening experience.

The battery life on these wireless Bluetooth headphones is incredible. You can listen to your favorite tunes for over 35 hours before it needs a charge.

If you’re looking for another good pair of noise-canceling headphones, the Treblab ZZ might be the surprise on the Best Over-Ear Headphones For Gym Workouts list.

Product Pros

  • Sweatproof
  • Secure Fit on head
  • Active noise removal technology
  • Long battery life
  • Focused bass
  • 40 mm speakers
  • Voice Assistants & High-Quality Phone Calls
  • 35 hour battery life
  • Hyper-HD aptX Sound Quality
  • Super Soft Ear Pads
  • IP Rating of IPX4
  • T-Quiet Active Noise-Cancelling

Product Cons

  • Only comes in black
  • Average comfort and fit
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11. Raycon Fitness Headphones

Continuing our curated collection of the Best Over the Ear Headphones For Working Out, we bring you the Raycon Fitness Headphones.

These innovative headphones may not be the priciest in Raycon’s lineup, but they stand out in performance and value. Remarkably designed with the active user in mind, they’re primed to elevate your workout experience to the next level.

Looking for headphones that tick all the boxes? Meet Raycon Fitness Headphones. They’re wireless, sweat-resistant, and come with three types of quick-dry cushions for maximum comfort.

Active noise cancellation helps you focus but flip to awareness mode when you need to stay alert. Are your hands full? Use voice commands to control your tunes or take calls. Plus, connect them to two devices at once for seamless switching.

Best part? A single charge lasts up to 45 hours. These headphones are a strong contender if you want a blend of comfort, convenience, and top-notch sound.

Product Pros

  • Excellent active noise cancellation
  • Long-lasting battery life of 45 hours
  • Super comfortable and breathable ear cushions
  • Stellar sound quality, suitable for audiophiles
  • Durable with IPX4 water resistance rating
  • Voice command functionality for hands-free control.
  • Cushion Options

Product Cons

  • Noise cancellation may not match top-tier competitors
  • Multiple sound settings might overwhelm some users

Pros and Cons of Over the Ear Headphones During Workouts

best overhead headphones

Ever thought about why so many people at the gym have headphones on? It’s not just about the beat drop in the latest rap or EDM track. Wearing a solid pair of headphones during your workout can be a game-changer. But hey, they’ve got their downsides too. Let’s dig in.

The Upsides

  • Focus & Motivation: With the world on mute, it’s just you and your workout. Plus, who doesn’t get an extra kick from their power playlist, right?
  • Consistent Intensity: Music keeps you in the zone, ensuring you don’t slack off midway through that final set.
  • Pure Enjoyment: Got a pair of over-ears with wireless charging? You’re all set to lose yourself in the rhythm and make even the toughest workouts feel like a breeze.

The Not-So-Great Bits

  • Bulkiness: Over the ear headphones are not exactly subtle. They’re the headgear equivalent of a statement tee.
  • Comfort Issues: Some people find them too tight, especially during longer sessions. If your headphones are squeezing your brains out, it kinda defeats the purpose, doesn’t it?

So, the next time you’re gearing up for the gym, remember: A good pair of over the ear headphones can make or break your workout. Just weigh the pros and cons, and you’re good to go.

Does Listening To Music Help My Workout?

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For many people, working out is a chance to disconnect from the outside world and focus on their health and well-being. However, some find throwing on some of the best sounding headphones like Bose QuietComfort and listening to music can help improve their workout experience, thanks to their excellent audio quality.

Studies have shown that music can help to increase motivation and endurance, and it can also provide a distraction from pain and fatigue.

In addition, music can help to create a more positive mindset, which can lead to better performance during exercise.

Can I Wear These For Running?

BEST GYM HEADPHONES OVER EAR

You might be tempted to take your headphones for a spin on the track, but let’s hit pause. While they excel in sound quality and noise cancellation, they’re not the MVPs of running gear.

Why? They’re a bit bulky and can feel like they’re playing a game of “catch me if you can” with your head. I’ve tried to keep ’em steady during my runs, but it’s hit or miss.

For all you runners, lightweight sport earbuds or true wireless options are a safer bet. They stay put and still deliver that crisp sound you crave.

Ear Buds, In-Ear Or Over-Ear for Workout Out?

Whether you choose Bluetooth wireless buds or over-ear depends on your needs. If you want to hear excellent sound quality, over-ear (wired or wireless) headphones for working out are typically the way to go.

The performance of all these is typically comparable, as no one type has a longer battery life.

However, wireless earbuds (the headphones with the over-ear hook design that fits into your ear canal) might be better if you want something more comfortable and cheaper. Even bone conduction headphones have become quite popular in recent years.

I recommend Apple devices like the Apple Airpods or Airpods Max and other brands like Bose Sport Earbuds, Android devices like the Samsung Galaxy Buds, or Beats Fit Pro (Beats PowerBeats Pro) wireless headphones if you are considering the best wireless earbuds.

All sound good, have excellent Bluetooth range, and are perfect for working out with their long battery life and wireless charging capabilities.

How Much Are Over-Ear Wireless Headphones?

The price range for the best earphones for working out can vary based on the features and specs of the item. Having said that, you can find them for under $100.

But you can expect to pay $200 to $400 for higher-quality headsets.

Workout Over-Ear Headphone FAQ

Over-ear headphones offer excellent sound quality and noise isolation, which can be great for indoor workouts or less intense activities. However, they might not be the best choice for high-impact or outdoor workouts due to their size and potential for heat build-up.

Generally, over-ear headphones are less secure than in-ear or on-ear options for high-movement activities like running or HIIT workouts. Some models do offer a more secure fit, but it’s important to check reviews and, if possible, try them on before you buy.

Not all over-ear headphones are sweat-resistant, but there are models specifically designed for workouts that feature water and sweat resistance. Always check the product specs to be sure.

Battery life varies by model, but many over-ear headphones offer 15 to 50 hours of playback time. For most people, that’s enough for a week’s worth of workouts between charges.

Many modern over-ear headphones come with built-in microphones and voice assistant compatibility, allowing you to take calls or use voice commands without interrupting your workout.

Over-ear headphones can get warm, especially during longer workouts or in hot conditions. If overheating is a concern, look for models with breathable ear cushions.

Final Thoughts On The Best Workout Headphones

best workout headphones

If you’re looking for a new favorite of the best over-ear headphones for gym workouts to throw in your gym bag, then any over-ear options on this list would be great, from the high-end to the budget options. Each wireless headphone pair has its own unique features and pros/cons.

My opinion is that the best workout over-ear headphones make everything sound better. I’ve tried several true wireless earbuds like the Powerbeats Pro and iPhone Airpods.

What is your vote for the best bet? Do you have a favorite pair for working out? Let us know in the comments below! Thanks for reading!


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