If you enjoy working out to music, you’ll love our collection of the best gym headphones over the ear.
Let’s set things straight; I am not much of an internet guy, but I know a lot about workout sessions.
I have spent 40 days testing over 13+ over-ear workout headphones this year. Most of them sucked like pieces of crap, but these three really stand out and fit in your bill!
Budget Pick
TREBLAB Z2
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Upto 35 hours of playback time
- Charging Time : 3 hours
- Sweat and water resistance: IPX4
Beats Solo 3
- Wireless options for gym-goers!
- Great sound due to the Apple H₁ headphone chip.
- Sleek, ergonomic design.
- Durable and foldable to go everywhere.
- Compatible with iOS and Android devices.
VANKYO C750
- Bluetooth 5.0 & Excellent sound
- 40mm Drivers
- CSR Chip
- Built-in CVC 8.0 mic
Exercise over-ears are for somebody who wants to hear music or podcasts at the gym and needs headphones that prioritize durability and comfort and do not burn a hole in the pocket.
Generally, the gym-goer wants to block out external distractions during their exercise session to put their maximum input with their favorite tunes, so sealed over-ears are best.
But, there are certain factors to consider when you are looking for headphones to bring on your workout.
The first but very important is what kind of devices you need. Do you want wired or wireless over-ear headphones for a workout?
Over-ear wired or wireless headphones or wireless earbuds?
Let’s first answer that!
How To Choose The Best Gym Headphones Over Ear!
Finding the proper exercise headphones may be difficult. Everyone’s fit, kind, and sound preferences vary widely; what works for someone might not work for somebody else.
So for our self-product reviews, we rigorously test and evaluate all types of wellness products to assist you in opting for what’s worth buying. We wanted to know what fitness experts think and what factors you should search for when buying sweatproof headphones.
Quoth thy Gym Guru!
“The simplest way (to test headphones for working out) is that if you’ll try them on, but in these times, that’s generally inconceivable,” says Shauna Harrison, creator of Muscle plus Flow and adjunct associate professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health.
With this shopping and testing guide, we focus on providing you with a complete view of every product.
Describe everything from the categories of workouts we tested in, the fit, the function, the sound quality, and more to assist you in working out whether these audio devices are right for you, irrespective of the circumstances.
Here are the standards we use when testing and determining over-ear gear for physical activities, which can be obliged if you’re purchasing running headphones yourself:
Comfort And Fit
Running headphones should feel pleasant both when you’re on rest and when you’re working.
To gauge comfort, we note the way to wear the devices (whether they’re in-ear, over-ear, detachable, or wireless) so wear the headphones during a minimum of four varieties of activities:- an extended workout, walk or run (at least one hour), a HIIT workout, a stretching or yoga workout and through our normal daily activities.
We note when / if they start feeling uncomfortable, if they slip after ages, if our ears begin to feel sore, and so on. We also state whether the headphones include customizable ear molds, so you’ll be able to find an honest fit.
Ease Of Use
No one wants to spend lots of their time at the start of their workout. Working out the way to sync their headphones or realize that their wireless headsets need a charge before you’ll be able to use them out of the box.
When trying out workout headphones, we hear the established process, from unwrapping to initializing to your device’s Bluetooth during establishment.
We also notice that:
Syncing process anyhow is complex or trouble-free after initiating a set up, and whether it’s feasible (or how complicated it is) to sync over-ears with other workout devices, sort of running watch.
Function And Sound
For our specialists, the precious headphones for physical activities feel great during a workout, have excellent sound quality, and work well for further activities.
Harrison says:
“In any situation of whichsoever modality of fitness or yoga you’re indulging in, they have to endure on,” he notes.
“If you’re jumping, running, or doing anything where there’s a lot of rebounding or if you’re doing yoga with a downhill facing or any upside down, there’s a high probability some headphones may fall out of your ears.”
To check the workout system, we wear headgear through a minimum of 3 types of workouts: A run, a HIIT workout, and a yoga workout with down.
We also test function by doing the subsequent (all on a non-carpeted surface, as our experts instructed), such as jogging in situ, shaking your head, and jumping rope.
We note sound grade and performance during every workout and activity, noticing how the headgears function overall and mainly checking for whether the headphones generate a “dull” sound, which our experts say may be a common occurrence in a wide variety of headphones.
We play diverse melodies throughout our workouts and activities and observe the sound quality to further examine the sound.
Eventually, we notice that headphones do not have thud deduction and microphone potentiality and test the audio and performance during a workout and through regular daily activities or phone calls.Cost
Our specialists say that cost is crucial for workout headphones, especially since they will be very effortless to lose.
"The high budget headphones are valueless if you drop them while running and, while a more profitable choice, may need audio standard and functionality which will astonish you — without the sticker surprise," says Knox Robinson, running coach and co-founder of Black Roses New York City.
To gauge the cost, we note the headphone’s retail price and determine whether it seems to be a decent value for your money, considering their durability, whether they slip out easily, and whether they include a case, so you’ll be able to pack them quickly and find them in your bag and so on.
Battery Life
Our experts proclaim that useful hours of battery life are pivotal for wireless headphones, especially if you visit and use them on a sprint.
To examine the battery life span, we completely charge the devices and then test them in 3 different ways, such as during one hour-long physical activity, during a customary week of figuring out, and through one entire workday of regular activities that features a workout.
We notice that, regardless of whether they keep their charge during a protracted workout or not, how long it takes for the headphones to lose their batteries throughout the daylong test and the longer it takes to recharge during a typical week of workouts.
Sweat Resistance
Our specialists also say that waterproofing or withstanding properties of sweat are essential characteristics in physical training session headphones.
We note whether workout headphones are waterproof, water-resistant, or sweat-resistant and test them within the shower and during a cardio workout, betting on the amount of moisture resistance (for example, if headgears are withstandable against sweat but not waterproof; we only test during physical activity but not submerged in water).
Safety Features
Our specialists flagged that workout headphones must not be sound counteracting so that you are ready to still hear what’s happening in your environment and react as required.
“Examine for styles that have a ‘hear-though’ function that allows encompassing sound to be listened to but especially ensure the headphones are easily detachable once you need immediate awareness of your surroundings
Robinson
Trainer Rozalynn Frazier, CPT, says that this can be important even when you are in the gym:
“If you understand outdoors, you would like to ensure that you simply aren’t wearing noise-canceling headphones because you would like to remember of your surroundings and be ready to hear what is going on around you,”
“The same thing will be said about within the gym where people can fling around equipment (think kettlebells).
"To judge safety, we keep an eye fixed on whether the headphones allow hear-through, how easily they can be removed, and how easy it is to manage the degree during a workout.OK, your basics are cleared. But:
Everyone has their own choices, but in this article, we’re going for the best running headphones for working out at the gym.
Here, we carefully selected the features of all the best sweatproof over-ear headphones since there are very few dedicated headphones for working out at home or in the gym, or running on the streets during the time of COVID-19:
TREBLAB Z2: Built For Gym
Sturdy Workout Headphones
- Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones with Built-in Microphone
- Bluetooth 5.0 technology
- Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)
- Lightweight Design for Sport, Workout, Running, Gym
Treblab Over Ear Overview
Whether you are running or working out at the gym, I admit that most people prefer wireless earbuds. They just resembled an easy and convenient answer to working out tunes.
However, we came across the TREBLAB Z2 Over-Ear; the specs made us stop and rethink. Here we have noise isolation technology, ultra-soft sweatproof earcups, super long battery life, and Alexa/Siri compatibility.
We were a bit dubious initially but decided to try them.
Build and Design
The Treblab Z2 over-ear Bluetooth headphones may not be the gaudiest out there, but their ergonomic design will appeal to users. Though they seem well-built, the plastic feel made me question their lifespan.
Here’s the deal:
Overall, the headphones look presentable, and from an aesthetic point of view, they won’t look odd on your head while going for your morning jog or hitting some push-ups.
They offer an all-black look, with an understated Treblab logo on both ear cups.
Comfort
While carrying, these excellent headphones are pretty lightweight, and they’re quite comfortable. There’s a fair amount of padding in the ear cups and under the headband, and anyone can wear the headphones for hours without them getting overly uncomfortable.
Despite the fair amount of padding and lightweight build, the clamp on the headphones is relatively tight. It may be possible there may be several other problems one may face without having that tight clamp, like a more annoying experience on the top of the head, but the clamp is still worth noting.
Sound Quality
The Treblab Z2 offers a cozy fit and an ergonomic design, but the sound quality is finally the most important thing to consider.
The headphones sound subtle but not groundbreaking by any means, and there are some issues to consider.
The headset offers stable noise cancellation, and it isn’t that bad. It’s pretty good at cutting out ambient noise but not as good at cutting other audio out. It’s not as good as Bose, Sennheiser, and Sony’s options, but at this price point, you can’t complain about the noise cancellation, not matching headsets three times the price.
Performance
This over-ear headphone connects to your listening device through Bluetooth 5.0, and they retain a good connection.
It’s A Fair Deal!
Its battery life is huge; it sits at 35 hours on a single charge without using noise cancellation or 28 hours with it. That’s not the highest battery in the market, but it’s up to the mark.
Takeaway From This TREBLAB Headphones Review!
These headphones have a lot to offer at this price, and they will not burn a hole in your pocket. They have a smooth ergonomic design, plus they’re lightweight and comfortable and sound pretty good, despite the lack of highs.
Finally, at this price range, are they the best workout headphones? Well, yes, they are. There aren’t many devices under $100 that are this well-rounded. These headphones don’t do everything right, but they offer a full-featured experience.
Beats Solo3: Your Music Buddy
Best Sweat Proof Headphones
- Wireless On-Ear Premium Headphones – Apple W1 Headphone Chip
- Class 1 Bluetooth
- 40 Hours Of Listening Time on a single charge.
- With Fast Fuel, 5 minutes of charging gives you 3 hours of playback.
- Adjustable fit with comfort-cushioned ear cups
Beats Over Ear Overview
Beats Solo3 stays right with custom comfort, bold styling, and a streamlined design.
Solo 3 comes with an adjustable fit with cushioned ear cups that give immense comfort for everyday use. The sleek and streamlined design is foldable, strong, and durable to go everywhere you want to take calls, control your music, and activate Siri with the multifunction touch controls.
Comfort
The excellent headphones are designed for optimal ease and sound delivery.
The on-ear, comfortable, cushioned ear cups are adjustable, so you can customize your fit for all-day listening comfort. With immersive sound, you can experience a better workout session.
Sound Quality
Now let’s talk about the most crucial aspect of this device, i.e., sound. The Beats Solo 3 Wireless sound is vigorous and energetic, making the Beats brand image well.
The bass boost feature is undoubtedly going to impress the crowd. By providing meaty thuds without major boominess, the Solo 3 Wireless does what a Beats headphone should do.
Grab Your Beats!
This monster offers up to 40 hours of battery life. A 5-minute charge gives you 3 hours of playback, hence saving you a lot of time. It features the Apple W1 chip with Class 1 Bluetooth technology. The cushioned ear cups are adjustable, so you can customize your fit for all-day comfort.
Performance
Even with android devices, Solo 3 has excellent Bluetooth performance and battery life. Beyond the super slick pairing with iOS devices, the Beats Solo 3 also exhibits excellent wireless performance.
With a huge bulky 40 hours of battery life, Beats Solo3 Wireless is your perfect everyday headphone whose battery you can squeeze for the whole day.
On The Flip Side:
Listening to the Solo 3 Wireless, the Beats pair lacks a specific detail that separates decent headphones from great ones.
However, for a pair this expensive, the mid-range sounds relatively flat, lacking dynamics.
Anyway:
Beats Sound is incredibly crisp and clear on the Solo3 Wireless, especially at higher volumes. Its bass boost feature is strong, which is no surprise, but it’s not overpowering at all.
Takeaway From These Beats Headphones Review!
This smart wireless headphone, which makes some real techy improvements, is overall good, but the sound lags.
On the other hand, the device comes with excellent wireless stability, good Bluetooth-phone interaction, and energetic, punchy sound.
VANKYO C750: Stellar Performance
Awesome Workout Headphones
- Active Noise Cancelling Headphones
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Hi-fi Stereo Deep Bass
- 30H Playtime on a single charge.
- Protein Earpads for Travel Work.
- Adjustable headband and 90° rotatable axis
Vankyo Over Ear Overview
Vankyo is an established manufacturer of audio-visual devices. This time they came with their wireless Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones.
The first thing we would like to discuss C750 ANC was how lightweight they were. They’re great for travel at only half a pound and also comfortable to wear. Even if you’re reclining, there’s not much weight dragging down your head.
In addition to being lightweight and appealing, the C750 is also highly flexible to wear. These headbands can be lengthened easily with earcups that can be rotated 90 degrees in either direction.
The ear cups are made from memory foam with a protein leather shell. Anyone wearing it gets a soft and firm comfortable feel.
Build and Design
Let’s first talk about the device design with its dimensions and weight. The headphone is 170 by 200 cm, and its weight is 0.50 lbs.
You’ll find all the controls you need on the right ear cup. On the front side, there’s a switch that is used to activate or deactivate Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) functionality.
Don’t miss these details!
These excellent headphones also feature high-quality CVC 8.0 microphones, which provide a more crisp hands-free call, perfect for a home office, online class, virtual meeting, etc.
Comfort
The adjustable headband and 90° rotatable axis in either direction are ergonomically designed to fit your head perfectly. Memory foam protein earpads can cover your ears softly and reduce pressure for maximum comfort.
Sound Quality
The C750’s 40 mm drivers give you excellent quality for a mid-priced pair of the best running headphones. There aren’t any drawbacks in terms of bass, high frequencies, or mids. Everything is nice and clean, with a wide sound stage that provides a good sense of space.
The ANC mode on the C750 is quite powerful. It’s capable of refining most ambient noise, although it’s better at controlling lower frequencies.
You won’t be traveling in total silence for sure, but you won’t be able to hear any external noise in the background if there’s music playing. Unfortunately, the Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) noticeably “flattens” music, so it doesn’t sound as rich in this mode.
Why Love Vankyo?
The excellent headphones had an outstanding performance with Hi-fi Stereo Sound & Deep Bass response with a lesser audio delay. The device is designed for exceptional sound and tunes your emotions.
The Vankyo C750 highlights CVC 8.0 noise-canceling technology. It won’t be the same as Active Noise Cancellation (ANC). Instead, it’s for filtering out those disturbing noises from your microphones during phone calls.
This pair brings your voice to the forefront and makes it easier for the other person to understand you.
Performance
All-day continuous listening on a single full charge, VANKYO C750 over-the-ear headphones offer immersive music for up to 30 hours;
Just ten minutes of charging for 2 hours of listening.
C750 will power off automatically to save power after disconnection from your Bluetooth device for about 5 minutes.
NOTE: One thing to note is that the microphone only works in wireless mode. Finally, we can stay that:
These headphones are a better choice. This device is lightweight, compact design that makes it easy to transport and won’t strain your neck like some other headphones.
The ANC function disappointed us, as it lowered the device’s audio quality.
Believe it or not, this is a deal-breaker depending on how much you value natural audio.
Time To Answer Your FAQs!
Can I Work out With Apple AirPods Pro?
Apple AirPods Pro is sweat and water-resistant with an IPX4 water resistance category. That signifies the Apple AirPods Pro has tried out and can resist splashing water from any side, so they should be resistant to sweat and a little rain.
For water and sweat resistance, AirPods Pro is the most advisable choice.
After their release in Oct 2019, they’ve remained a solid option for those within the marketplace for a pair of truly wireless earbuds. Apple AirPods Pro is water resistant and can withstand your sweat, but they’re not waterproof.
Will Your Sweat Ruin Headphones?
If it’s fabricated from leather or faux leather, ensure you place leather cleaner and conditioner thereon after use. This can prolong the life period of the ear pad. This can be why it’s essential to own headphones with a replaceable ear pad.
In most cases, beyond normal moisture within the earphones can give rise to a production level deduction or alter the sound standard.
Afterward, the water is removed from the earphones (for instance, overnight), and performance comes back to normal.
How To Get Rid Of The Sweat Smell From Headphones?
You can do the following steps:
1) Remove the pads and clean them pleasingly, After getting rid of water from them, reinstall them.
2) If only cleaning doesn’t work, put your headphones (after cleaning) in a box, along with a bit of vinegar, and check every few hours if the smell is gone. Vinegar has the power to eliminate smells.
How Am I Able To Stop My Ear From Aching After Wearing Headphones Too Often?
You can do the following steps:
1) Adjust the earphones to scale back the pressure on your ears.
2) Take away the earphones or earbuds for a prolonged period, helping minimize hearing impairment.
3) Reduce the sound level to 60% or less of the maximum volume and wear the devices for an hour or less at a time.
Do Wireless Headphones Have A Latency?
Yes, wireless headsets have lag.
This implies a retard between what’s being played at a specific time and what you heard after employing a wireless headset.
However, as long as the delay is merely in milliseconds, you’ll hardly notice that the wireless headset lags.
Bluetooth audio may not ever be a contender against wired in latency, but a usual delay of about 50 milliseconds is way less distinguishable than a full quarter of a second.
Our Final Verdict
I believe you came a long way with us if you are reading this.
In our final verdict, all our choices are good, and it depends on your budget.
If you want to spend more than $100, we recommend you go with Beats Solo3, and you can consider some other headphones from our well-curated list.
But, at last, if there is some price constraint for you, then we will recommend you go for TREBLAB Z2 and VANKYO C750 Bluetooth Headphones.
By this time, you have a clear picture of what you should have to buy if you are looking for the best workout headphones for running and working out.
About the Author
Rach Wellard
Rach Wellard is the driving force behind Sound & Solitude. Her mission is to help you discover the profound impact of sound in your daily life and to explore the beauty of solitude. With a deep passion for the connection between soundscapes and emotions, she brings a unique blend of expertise and personal dedication to our platform.
Rach understands that every individual's auditory journey is unique, and she’s here to guide you every step of the way. As a devoted audiophile, Rach’s discerning ear carefully selects the most exceptional products that align with your desires for Sound or Solitude. In a world filled with noise and chaos, Sound & Solitude serves as your sanctuary.
Rach’s journey as an autistic individual with a heightened sensitivity to sound fuels our commitment to creating an inclusive space where everyone can find solace while enjoying the meaningful sounds in their lives. Her understanding of diverse sensory needs enables us to offer personalized recommendations and insights, ensuring that your chosen audio equipment not only meets technical criteria but also resonates with your unique sensory preferences. And if you simply seek the best sound possible, Rach has you covered.
At Sound & Solitude, authenticity is our foundation. We provide unbiased reviews and comparisons because you deserve nothing but the truth. Our reviews are meticulously crafted, drawing upon Rach’s deep understanding of audio technology and the human experience in the Sound and Solitude realms. Whether you're searching for noise-cancelling headphones to immerse yourself in music or seeking a gaming headset that transports you to virtual worlds, you can rely on our reviews and personally tested comparisons to find the best equipment for your specific needs. Explore our carefully curated content, from the latest wireless audio advancements to tips for creating your ideal auditory retreat.
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Thanks , I have recently been looking for information approximately this subject for ages and yours
is the best I have came upon till now.
Glad it helped you, Denny!
This is a nice roundup article and it’s truly great to see Treblab headphones on top (this is the one I am currently using). Keep up the good work!
Thanks, Rosa!