Earbuds that sound good at a desk may shift during a run, and a secure fit alone does not tell you how well a pair handles sweat or gym noise. This guide to the Best Earbuds for Working Out compares three wireless models by their fit designs, water-resistance claims, noise-control options, battery information, and extra features, so you can choose based on how you train.
Pros
- Secure flexible wingtips provide a stable workout fit
- Apple H1 chip enables fast device switching and Siri
- Active Noise Cancelling and Transparency modes included
- Compact case extends playback up to 24 hours
Cons
- USB-C power adapter sold separately
- Swimmers should skip due to splash-only IPX4 rating
Pros
- Secure earhook design stays stable during intense exercise
- Integrated heart rate monitoring eliminates separate fitness straps
- Up to 45 hours total playback with Qi case
- Active noise cancelling with ambient transparency modes
Cons
- USB-C charging cable sold separately
- IPX4 rating resists splashes but lacks full submersion waterproofing
- Casual listeners wanting small pocketable cases should skip it
Pros
- IP68 water, dust, and sweat protection
- Adjustable rotating and extendable ear hooks
- Adaptive active noise cancellation
- Advertised 48-hour battery playtime
Cons
- Soundcore app required for EQ and firmware updates
The Best Wireless Earbuds by Use Case
Best for a Low-Profile Fit: Beats Fit Pro (1st Gen)
The Beats Fit Pro (1st Gen) uses flexible wingtips to help keep each earbud in place without an external earhook. The listing specifies active noise cancellation (ANC), Transparency Mode, Adaptive EQ, IPX4 sweat and water resistance, and up to 6 hours of listening per charge, with up to 24 hours combined with the case. Its Apple H1 features include Automatic Switching, Audio Sharing, and “Hey Siri,” while the earbuds are also described as compatible with Android.
Reasons to buy:
- Flexible wingtips offer a secure-fit option without the larger earhook design.
- ANC and Transparency Mode provide different listening choices for quieter gyms and situations where you want to hear more around you.
- Apple H1 features and Android compatibility give buyers across both phone ecosystems a stated compatibility path.
Reasons to avoid:
- IPX4 is a more limited protection claim than the IP68 rating listed for the Soundcore Sport X20; check the level of water and dust protection you need.
- The stated combined listening time is up to 24 hours, lower than the case totals listed for the other two picks.
Skip it if you want adjustable earhooks, a listed heart-rate feature, or a higher stated case-inclusive listening time.
Best for Long Sessions and Heart-Rate Features: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 – Wireless Noise Cancelling
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 – Wireless Noise Cancelling combines secure-fit earhooks with ANC, Transparency mode, and built-in heart-rate sensors. The listing states up to 45 hours of listening time with the charging case, IPX4 sweat and water resistance, and a Qi-charging case. Its Apple H2 features include automatic device switching and Personalized Spatial Audio with head tracking on Apple devices; the listing also describes access to heart-rate monitoring, customizable controls, and battery widgets through the Beats app on Android.
Reasons to buy:
- Earhooks suit workouts where you want an over-ear anchor rather than a small in-ear wingtip.
- The stated 45-hour total with the case is the longest case-inclusive figure among these three picks.
- Built-in heart-rate sensors and on-ear buttons add workout-focused features without requiring you to reach for phone controls.
Reasons to avoid:
- The earhook shape may be less appealing if you prefer earbuds without an external hook; fit comfort depends on your ears.
- IPX4 does not match the IP68 rating claimed for the Soundcore option, so check the rating against your exposure to water and dust.
Skip it if you want the lowest-priced model in this group or need the IP68 protection claim listed by Soundcore.
Best Value with IP68 Protection: Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker Noise-Cancelling
The Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker Noise-Cancelling is the lowest-priced of these three products in the published listing, and its standout stated feature is IP68 water and dust resistance. Rotatable, extendable earhooks let you adjust their position, while the listing also describes ANC with manual and adaptive adjustment, 11 mm dynamic drivers, BassUp, and app support for EQ modes, HearID, and Spatial Audio settings. The published feature information states up to 48 hours of playtime, but does not clarify the conditions or specify a per-charge figure.
Reasons to buy:
- IP68 is the strongest stated water and dust protection rating among these picks.
- Adjustable hooks rotate up to 30 degrees and extend by 4 mm, giving you more ways to position them.
- Soundcore app support includes EQ modes, HearID, Spatial Audio settings, and over-the-air firmware updates.
Reasons to avoid:
- The listing does not identify a specific wireless codec or describe phone-ecosystem features in detail, so verify any feature you rely on before buying.
- The stated 48-hour playtime lacks a breakdown of earbud and case runtime in the published information.
Skip it if you want the supplied Apple H1 or H2 features, or heart-rate sensing built into your earbuds.
How to Choose the Best Earbuds for Working Out
Start with the fit you can keep in place
Movement can loosen an earbud that feels secure while you are standing still. These picks use two approaches: the Beats Fit Pro (1st Gen) has flexible wingtips, while the Powerbeats Pro 2 and Soundcore Sport X20 use earhooks. Think about your activity and preference. Hooks create an external anchor, while wingtips avoid wrapping around the ear. Neither design guarantees comfort for every wearer, so look for fit guidance and return terms before ordering if you are unsure.
Adjustability matters when a hook does not sit where you want it. The Sport X20 listing specifies up to 30 degrees of rotation and 4 mm of extension, details that may help you position the hook. The Beats listings do not provide comparable adjustment measurements. If earbuds often shift during your routine, prioritize a retention design you can adjust or have already found comfortable.
Match water resistance to your workout
All three listings describe protection from sweat or water, but their stated ratings differ. The Beats Fit Pro and Powerbeats Pro 2 are IPX4-rated; the Soundcore Sport X20 is listed as IP68 water-resistant, sweatproof, and dustproof. That makes Soundcore the clearest option here if the higher stated rating is a priority. A rating is not permission to expose earbuds to every liquid or condition, so consult the manufacturer’s guidance for cleaning and use after workouts.
Do not treat sweat resistance and full water protection as interchangeable. Consider whether you mainly exercise indoors, run outdoors, or expect dust and moisture, then compare the precise rating and care instructions. If you need protection for a particular activity, confirm that the manufacturer covers that use rather than inferring it from a short product title.
Choose noise control for your surroundings
ANC can reduce the sound you hear from a noisy gym, while a transparency mode is intended to let more outside sound through. The Beats Fit Pro lists ANC and Transparency Mode; the Powerbeats Pro 2 lists ANC and Transparency mode; and Soundcore lists manual and adaptive ANC. These features can help you tailor listening to your setting, but the published data does not give comparable noise-reduction measurements.
For a gym where you want to focus on music, ANC may be useful. If you need to hear announcements or stay aware of nearby activity, look for a transparency option and use it where appropriate. Compare how a model describes its listening modes rather than assuming ANC blocks every sound or that transparency reproduces the surrounding environment exactly.
Read battery figures as listing claims
The supplied battery figures are not presented in identical formats. Beats lists up to 6 hours per charge and up to 24 hours combined with the Fit Pro case. Powerbeats Pro 2 lists up to 45 hours total with its case. Soundcore lists 48 hours of playtime, without a per-charge and case breakdown in the published information. These are manufacturer listing claims, not guaranteed runtimes for every workout.
If you train in short sessions and charge regularly, a shorter stated total may be enough. For frequent workouts away from a charger, compare case-inclusive totals and check whether ANC changes the quoted runtime. Powerbeats Pro 2 also lists Fast Fuel, with a five-minute charge said to provide 1.5 hours of playback. Confirm charging details and the conditions behind battery claims on the current product listing.
Check phone features and controls
All three products are wireless earbuds, but the supplied ecosystem details vary. Beats Fit Pro is described as compatible with Apple and Android, with Apple H1 features such as Automatic Switching and “Hey Siri.” Powerbeats Pro 2 lists Apple and Android support, with Android features accessed through the Beats app. Soundcore lists its own app for updates and audio settings, but the published information does not specify comparable automatic switching or voice-assistant features.
Before choosing, check whether your phone supports the particular feature you want. Spatial Audio details, switching, app controls, and voice-assistant access can depend on device and operating system. The Powerbeats Pro 2 listing also specifies tactile volume controls and on-ear buttons, which can be convenient during exercise; compare control descriptions if you prefer physical buttons over phone adjustments.
How We Compared
This comparison uses the published product descriptions and listed features, including fit design, resistance ratings, battery claims, noise-control modes, app support, and stated ecosystem features. The product information does not provide comparable measurements for noise reduction, comfort, or typical battery runtime, so those points are not treated as established performance results. Customer-review details were not supplied, so this guide does not infer buyer consensus or long-term reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these earbuds compatible with both iPhone and Android phones?
The published descriptions identify Beats Fit Pro as compatible with Apple and Android, and Powerbeats Pro 2 as working with both ecosystems. Powerbeats Pro 2 lists Android feature access through the Beats app. Soundcore describes app support, but the published data does not spell out phone compatibility in the same detail. Check the current listing and app requirements for your specific phone.
Which model has earhooks?
Powerbeats Pro 2 and Soundcore Sport X20 have earhooks. Soundcore specifies hooks that rotate up to 30 degrees and extend by 4 mm. Beats Fit Pro uses flexible wingtips instead, so it may suit someone who wants a secure-fit feature without an external hook.
Which earbuds list the strongest water and dust protection?
Soundcore Sport X20 is listed as IP68 water-resistant, sweatproof, and dustproof. Both Beats models are listed as IPX4-rated for sweat and water resistance. Ratings have different scopes, so check manufacturer care instructions and do not assume any rating covers every type of liquid exposure.
Can I use ANC while working out?
All three product descriptions include noise cancellation: the Beats Fit Pro and Powerbeats Pro 2 list ANC, and Soundcore lists manual and adaptive ANC. The Beats models also list a transparency mode, while Powerbeats Pro 2 specifically names Transparency mode. Choose a mode that suits your surroundings, and remain aware of nearby activity when your workout setting calls for it.
Which model has the longest stated battery life?
The Soundcore listing states up to 48 hours of playtime, and Powerbeats Pro 2 lists up to 45 hours with its case. Beats Fit Pro lists up to 24 hours combined with its case, plus up to 6 hours per charge. Because the Soundcore figure does not include a supplied runtime breakdown, compare the listing details and charging conditions before treating the numbers as directly equivalent.
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