Best running headphones – the best sports headphones under £50, £100 and £200
Whether you're hitting the gym or the streets, we've searched out the best headphones (for any budget) to soundtrack your workout.
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue.
FACE it, running requires a soundtrack. That's why you need slick headphones to tune-up your sprint, and we've dug up the best buds for every budget.
From affordable, wireless in-ears that can pair with your new smartphone (headphone jack or not) to splash-proof stunners that are worth the high price tag – this is the only list you'll need.
Our top picks
Jabra Elite Sport () – After a week of solid testing, the Jabra Elite Sports have proved themselves to be great gym and running headphones. They're not uncomfortable and are almost unshakeable in the ear - very important for true wireless earphones! They've also got good sound and built-in heart rate monitoring which combines well with various fitness plans from the app. We've seen them available for around £150 which is decent value. Read the full review here.
Optoma NuForce BE Sport () - You don't have to pay top dollar for top-quality sound. The Optoma NuForce BE Sports bring the noise at a bargain price, have a great fit and very good battery life. There's no fancy health-tracking software included, but if you purely want wireless headphones to pump music to your ears, these are a great bet. Read the full review here.
Best running headphones under £50
Keep it cheap and cheerful with these headphones:
Aukey Latitude EP-B40 () – Looking for budget wireless in-ears? These are your best bet. Aukey's headphones come with an IPX4 rating, so they can handle a bit of sweat, and the sound isn't too bad either (for entry-level earbuds). The eight-plus-hours of battery life seals the deal.
Skullcandy XTplyo () – Any cheaper than 20 quid and you'll have to settle for wired earbuds. But, these low-end ones from Skullcandy won't let you down. The tips are made of secure silicone, making them a safe option for those with narrow ear canals, and the sweat-and-water-resistant build allows them to handle a decent amount of abuse.
Koss KSC32i GRY () – It's a case of how low can you go with these bargain basement earbuds. Yes, they're wired, but they do pack a mic (although the quality may not be up to scratch). You'll also be able to control your tunes with the single-button remote – ideal for those prone to skipping through tracks on Spotify. And, they cost just over a tenner, so there's that.
Best running headphones under £100
Looking to dish out more dosh, these quality buds are for you:
Monster iSport Victory () - These earphones are a steal considering they RRP at over £100. We've tested these for a few weeks in the gym and they've proven themselves comfortable with a great fit and decent sound. The battery life is a respectable 6-7 hours as well. Highly recommended.
Jaybird X3 () – The successor to the Jaybird X2 wireless headphones up the ante, with a compact design and durability that's up there with the best – and the sounds top-notch too. There are a couple of caveats, though: the sheer amount of wings and tips for different ear sizes is a bit confusing, and the unique charging system relies on a tiny adapter that could get lost.
JLab Audio Epic2 () – These wireless earbuds have been getting rave reviews, and for good reason. They boast 12 hours of juice on a single charge, are comfortable, and won't get in the way of your routine. Best of all, they sound great.
AfterShokz Trekz () – They may sound like they're trying and failing at being hip with that name, but the Trekz are among the most unique headphones on this list. Mainly, due to their use of bone conduction to blast sound waves through your cheekbones. The result makes for a solid listening experience that also allows background noise in from your surroundings – great for outdoor runners that want to stay alert.
Best running headphones under £200
The cream of the crop, for those willing to shell out a little extra:
RHA MA750 Wireless () – With the headphone jack vanishing from smartphones, more companies are ditching wired headphones. RHA, known for making quality hardware, jumped on the bandwagon with the MA750. Built with classy materials (including stainless steel), the buds ooze style and offer great sound. Plus, the battery life lasts 12 hours on a single charge.
Apple Airpods () – You may think they're too expensive. Or, you may be afraid you'll lose them. But, if you own an iPhone or Apple Watch, Airpods are the perfect companion for a run – especially with Siri along for the ride. Built-in sensors, that are intuitive enough to pause the tunes when taken out, also help conserve battery.
Bose SoundSport Pulse () – Bose are all about audio quality, but here they've also added an in-ear heart-rate monitor to the mix. That comes at the cost of design, making the buds a tad bulkier than the other contenders on this list.
Under Armour JBL Sport () Fitness clothing brand Under Armour paired up with JBL on its first foray into the audio hardware space. The wireless buds work with the company's MapMyRun app, and pack an in-ear heart rate monitor that gives you updates on the go. The sound quality is ace, too.
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