The best headphones for running, swimming, noise cancelling, and more

To find a pair of earbuds or headphones that are comfortable yet don’t compromise on design or sound quality can be quite a feat, and the right device can make a world of difference. Because we know how important (and difficult) finding the right sound-accessory is, we’ve done the research to determine which headphones top the charts. Whether you are a runner, swimmer, or varsity couch potato, breeze through our roundup below to find the best headphones for whatever you’re into — working out or not.

Best wireless headphones
Bose Soundlink

Bose headphones have long since been known known for their comfortable designs and dynamic sound, so it was a natural step for the company to develop a top-notch set of on-ear wireless headphones operable via Bluetooth. Whether you’re an Android or iOS user, the Soundlink headphones feature two microphones to reduce background noise during phone calls, as well as a 15 hour battery life for continuous playback.

Sennheiser Urbanite XL

If you’re looking for headphones that boasts as many impressive functions as your smartwatch, the Urbanite XL Wireless headphones could be the right wireless choice for you. The wireless Sennheiser headphones feature a “state-of-the-art intuitive touch control panel” on the right ear cup where you can adjust volume and playback. These Bluetooth headphones are capable of connecting to your smartphone, smartwatch, and up to 6 other devices. A simultaneous connection can be maintained with two devices at a time. Finally, Urbanite XL boasts a 25 hour battery life and a convenient collapsible design for a quick stow-and-go.  

Best swimming headphones
Finis Neptune V2

In-ear headphones, begone! Earbuds aren’t even a part of this waterproof MP3 player’s design. Instead, the Neptune V2 uses bone conduction technology to transmit audio through the cheekbone and right into the inner ear. The device fastens to goggle straps and rests on the side of the face. Quite possibly the most literal pair of headphones we’ve included in this roundup, the Neptune V2 is undoubtedly one of the best swimming devices on the market. The Finish Neptune V2 stores around 1,000 songs or 60 hours of playback and lasts 8 hours on a single charge.

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Best noise cancelling headphones
Beats Studio Wireless

The Studio Wireless headphones by Beats Electronics continue to revolutionize the way we experience music. Users can listen to music up to 30 feet away thanks to these Bluetooth equipped headphones. By combining the Beats Acoustic Engine and Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology, the Studio Wireless headphones give a completely immersive experience unlike anything other edition Beats has developed thus far.

Best headphones for running
Jabra Sport Pulse

The Jabra Sport Pulse wireless earbuds are every athletes’ dream come true. These durable headphones integrate Dolby sound technology with a built-in biometric heart rate monitor so that your workout can be powered by great music quality and accurate data. Users can control their music and even make phone calls from the headphone’s in-line controls, as well as sync their headphones with popular apps on both iOS and Android smartphones. Built towards U.S. military rain, shock, sand, and dust standards, any runner will be hard pressed to shake these puppies out of place during a workout.

The Dash

Wireless in the truest of senses, The Dash by Bragi is comprised of two small earbuds unencumbered by any cords. These wireless in-ear headphones do much more than just play music. The Dash headphones double as an activity tracker, measuring data like speed, distance, steps, and even G-force. What’s more, you don’t have to have a phone on you for them to work (music is played back through Bluetooth or the embedded 4GB/1,000 song music player). The companion Bragi app allows users to keep track of body vitals and goals all in one place.

If we missed your favorite pair of headphones or what you consider the best earbuds, leave your additions in the comments below.