It could be pounding DnB or an educational podcast, but having something to listen to makes running more enjoyable. Here are the best headphones for running in 2021!

With the gyms still closed, people are taking to the streets. Lots of people have opted to follow workout videos on YouTube. Yoga and meditation has provided some much-needed calm. Getting that exercise and fresh air hit feels more important than ever, though. But there’s nothing worse than trying to keep pace whilst grappling with tangled wires or an earbud that refuses to stay in. To ensure your runs are smooth as can be whilst sounding great, we’ve compiled a handy list of the best headphones for running in 2021.

Bose Soundsport Wireless

The SoundSport Wireless headphones boast a great 6-hour battery life and provide perfect comfort. Sweat proof and with a splash proof rating of IPX4, these buds are reliable and durable. A hook design and soft cable joining the buds together means no need to worry about one popping out and into a puddle. As you’d expect from Bose, the sound is crisp and dynamic. However, not a lot of ambient noise is let in, making traffic noise more difficult to hear.

An honourable mention goes out to the Bose Sport Open Earbuds. Designed with the runner in mind, these earphones clip onto the ear and leave the ear canal unobstructed. Perfect for enjoying your tunes whilst avoiding any buses.

JBL Reflect Flow

The JBL Reflect Flows are a fantastic option if you’re after a heavy bass sound without having to wear chunky over-ear phones. With a 10-hour battery life, you can surely complete plenty of trails before needing to recharge. These have been designed specifically for the sporty market, so the comfort and security you get from these buds is of a high standard.

Beats Powerbeats 3

These headphones from Beats may not offer quite as much as some others on the market, but for Apple users they’re a strong contender for best headphones for running. The incorporation of Apple’s W1 chip makes the Bluetooth pairing between the Powerbeats 3 and devices beautifully seamless. A battery life of 12 hours means that there is next to no chance of your tunes dying on you during your running sessions (unless you’re an unstoppable cyborg). The bassy sound is great if you’re after sounds to pump your legs along to.

AKG N60NC Wireless

The AKG N60NC Wireless is an awarding pair of headphones. These AKGs are over-ear design, so perhaps not as ideal for running as some earbuds. However, the absence of wires certainly helps. Wearers can experience strong bass and clear mids and treble, paired with noise-cancelling technology. With the lack of ambient sounds, these headphones may be better suited to hazard-free track running.

Jaybird Vista

From Jaybird, the Vista earphones are a great set of wireless buds aimed at athletes. These are not the first wireless earphones from the company, and it shows. Small but durable, these are designed for comfort and security. Resistant to sweat and water, and with a premium sound, these are an excellent bet for any budding runner.


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