Training at the gym can become repetitive, or even at home or in your garage. Music is usually our go to and therefore its no doubt that a lot of people would turn to headphones and earbuds to get their fix.
We’ve reviewed some of the best headphones for working out or going to the gym that are intended to be placed over your ear. These create a enclosed sound meaning you don’t need to worry about all those loud gym surroundings.
Best Overall
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100
Best Resistance
Jabra Elite 85h
Best Value
JBL Live 650BTNC
Durable
JLab Audio Flex
Most Popular
Beats Studio3 Wireless
Reviews of the Best Over Ear Headphones For Working Out
Below are our individual reviews on some of the best over ear headphones for working out. We’ve reviewed them based on purpose, features, durability, sound quality and moisture resistance. There’s a lot more to digest as well so read on below.
1. Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100
Key Features
- Wireless
- Rechargeable
- Over ear design
- IPX rating of 4
Reasons to buy
- Made out of high-quality materials
- Long-lasting and durable
- Impressive Bluetooth range
- Reliable design
- Perfect for any type of workout
Reasons to avoid
- High price tag
The Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100 headphones are perfect for just about any type of workout. With a stable fit and design, you won’t have to worry about them moving around while out on a run. This product is made out of high-quality materials, ensuring that you will get plenty of use out of the purchase. In fact, if you value quality above all else, this option should definitely be up there on your list of considerations.
The Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100 headphones are both sweat and moisture resistant. With an IPX rating of 4, you will not have to worry about the product being damaged while working out.
The headphones also have a very impressive battery life, making them perfect for just about every occasion. These wireless headphones will take between 1.5 to 2 hours to charge, adding to the convenience factor.
These headphones have a reliable design. If you are on the market for a pair of long-lasting headphones, the Plantronics BackBeat Fit’s should definitely be considered.
This product is incredibly durable, making the high price tag more understandable. The headphones also have an impressive Bluetooth range. To be more specific, they will connect to your device from up to 30m away.
Overall, there is a lot to like about this set of headphones. If you are not shopping on a budget, they may be the best choice for you. Read our full review on the Plantronics backBeat Fit 6100 headphones.
2. Jabra Elite 85h
Key Features
- Wireless
- Rechargeable
- Over ear design
- Sweat and moisture resistant (IPX5)
- Recharges in 1.5 to 2 hours
Reasons to buy
- Made out of high-quality materials
- Easy to use
- Reliable and long-lasting
- High IPX rating
- Perfect for athletes
- Great performance and sound quality
Reasons to avoid
- One of the most expensive on our list
If you are searching for a high-quality headphone with optimal sweat resistance, the Jabra Elite 85h’s may be the perfect product for you. While this option is one of the more expensive products on our list, the quality and performance make up for the higher price tag. In fact, Jabra is a reliable brand that has made some of the most popular headphones on the market.
The sound quality of these headphones is unmatched. With audio that automatically adapts to your surroundings, you will listen to your favorite songs like never before.
These headphones even block out background noise, making it easier than ever to get in the zone during your workouts. With that being said, these headphones are not ideal for runners, as this noise cancellation could be a safety hazard.
The Jabra Elite 85h’s have an IPX rating of 5. This means that you will be able to sweat without the concern over whether or not you are damaging your expensive headphones. This product has a wireless design and is very easy to connect to your devices. With a Bluetooth range of 25m, you shouldn’t have to worry about your headphones disconnecting in the middle of a workout.
Overall, this option is perfect for any athletes who are not shopping on a budget. The headphones are easy to use and made out of high-quality materials, ensuring that you will get plenty of use out of the investment.
3. JBL Live 650BTNC
Key Features
- Wireless
- Rechargeable
- Over ear design
- Up to 20 hours of battery life
Reasons to buy
- High-quality materials
- Long-lasting
- Designed to be worn by athletes
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to use
Reasons to avoid
- Other products on the list have a better IP rating, if that’s what you’re looking for.
JBL is one of the largest and most successful music headset brands in the world. With a number of popular products, you can rest assured knowing that this model is high-quality and reliable. The JBL Live 650BTNC’s are perfectly designed for athletes and can be used during every workout.
Made out of reliable materials, you will be sure to get plenty of use out of this purchase. In fact, one of the best qualities of this product is how long-lasting and durable it is. If you are shopping on a budget, this option should definitely be on your list of considerations. Considering the quality and longevity of the 650BTNC’s, the price tag is very reasonable.
There is a lot to like about these headphones. For starters, they have a basic design that makes them very easy to use. In fact, you will be able to pause, play, skip, and rewind at the simple tap of a button. While the Bluetooth range isn’t as impressive as other options mentioned on our list, you should still be able to move around freely during your workouts.
These headphones have an IPX rating of 3. When compared to other options, this is not very impressive. In fact, you will have to ensure that your headphones do not get overly damp during your workouts, as this can cause some damage in the long term.
4. JLab Audio Flex
Key Features
- Wireless
- Rechargeable
- Over ear design
- Sweat and moisture resistant (IPX5)
- Up to 15 hours of battery life
Reasons to buy
- Decent sound quality
- Designed to be used by athletes
- Reasonably priced
- Easy to use
- Easy to charge
- Music can be managed with the convenient control panel
Reasons to avoid
- Product quality not as good as other options mentioned on our list
If you are in the market for a pair of reasonably priced over ear workout headphones, this product should definitely be at the top of your list of considerations. When compared to other options on our list, the JLab Audio Flex headphones are very affordable. With that being said, there are a number of drawbacks that you should take note of.
Even though these headphones offer decent quality, they do not meet the same standard as some of the more expensive options on our list. They are also not as long-lasting or durable. For this reason, if you are looking for a pair of headphones to last you for years to come, you may want to consider a different option.
However, there are also plenty of good features and advantages to keep in mind. For example, the product will reduce any background noise, making it easier than ever to get in the zone during your workouts.
These headphones have an IPX rating of 4. This means that you will not have to worry about the device getting damaged when you sweat. They are also incredibly easy to charge and use, making them convenient. In fact, you will be able to manage your music with the control panel featured on the side of the ear pieces.
Overall, these headphones are perfect for athletes shopping on a budget. While they may not be the best-quality option on our list, they offer great sound quality and are perfect for athletes. The headphones have a battery life of around 15 hours, and it will take about 1.5 hours to recharge fully.
5. Beats Studio3 Wireless
Key Features
- Wireless
- Rechargeable
- Over ear design
- Sweat and moisture resistant (IPX5)
- Designed to be worn by athletes
- Up to 22 hours of battery life
- Recharges in roughly 2 hours
Reasons to buy
- Made out of high-quality materials
- Long-lasting, durable, and reliable
- Perfect for athletes
- Noise canceling properties
- Produces a great sound
- High IPX rating
Reasons to avoid
- Most expensive option on our list
The Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones are specifically designed to be used by athletes. With an IPX rating of 5, they can be exposed to moisture and sweat without getting damaged. This pair of headphones is also made out of high-quality materials, ensuring that you will get plenty of use out of this purchase. If you are looking for a reliable product that can be used for years to come, this is a good option to consider.
Beats is another incredibly popular brand that has become a major name within the music community. For this reason, you can expect to pay more for their products. This particular set of headphones is the most expensive option on our list. If you are shopping on a budget, you should consider alternative headphones.
Other than the price tag, there is a lot to like about the product. If you value great sound above all else, these headphones may be the perfect choice for you. With high-quality speakers and noise canceling properties, you will find it easier than ever to get in the zone during your workouts. With that being said, they are not ideal for runners, as the noise cancellation could affect safety.
With these headphones, you will be able to take calls and manage your music. In fact, the product features a control panel that makes it incredibly easy to pause, play, skip, and rewind songs.
On top of this, these headphones have a battery life of around 22 hours, which is very impressive when compared to competitor options. When completely flat, it should take roughly two hours to recharge the product fully.
6. Under Armour JBL Sport Wireless Headphones
Key Features
- Wireless
- Rechargeable
- Over ear design
- IPX rating of 4
- Recharges in 1.5 to 2 hours
- 15 to 17 hours of battery life
Reasons to buy
- Reasonably priced
- Great feel
- Comfortable padding on the earpieces
- Great sound quality
- Specifically designed to be worn by athletes
- Easy to use and charge
Reasons to avoid
- Quality not as impressive as some other options
These headphones have been specifically designed for use by athletes. The product features incredibly comfortable earpieces, meaning that they can be worn for hours on end. You will also not have to worry about chafing during your workouts.
When compared to other options on our list, these headphones are reasonably priced. With that being said, the overall quality does not quite match up to some of the more expensive products. However, they are still decent and should last you a good couple of years.
With these headphones, you will be able to manage your music at the tap of a button. The product features a control panel that makes pausing, playing, skipping, and rewinding songs easier than ever. The product has a simple design, making them very easy to use. More so, you will be able to recharge your headphones in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Once fully charged, they should last you about 15 to 17 hours.
With an IPX rating of 4, you will not have to worry about sweat or moisture causing any damage. As we have already mentioned, the headphones are specifically designed to be worn by athletes. For this reason, they can be used for running and other vigorous activities.
Overall, this product is great for athletes who are shopping on a budget. For the lower price tag, you will be pleasantly surprised by the sound quality and feel of these headphones.
7. Bose SoundLink Wireless Headphones II
Key Features
- Wireless
- Rechargeable
- Recharges in 1 to 2 hours
- IPX rating of 5
- Sweat and moisture resistant
Reasons to buy
- Made out of high-quality materials
- Long-lasting, reliable, and durable
- Great sound quality
- Specifically designed to be worn by athletes
- High IPX rating
- Easy to use and recharge
Reasons to avoid
- Relatively expensive
If you are shopping on a budget, these headphones may not be the ideal choice for you. Made out of high-quality materials, you can expect to pay more for these Bose Wireless headphones. However, when you consider the longevity, durability, and reliability of the product, the price tag seems reasonable.
If you value great sound quality above all else, these headphones are worth considering. With reliable built-in speakers, you will be able to listen to your favorite songs like never before. The headphones will deliver crisp, clear, and clean sounds as you would expect from the iconic Bose quality.
This product has been specifically designed to be worn by athletes. With an IPX rating of 5, you will not have to worry about sweat or moisture damaging the headphones.
More so, since the product is made out of durable materials, you will be sure to get a good amount of use from these headphones. If you are looking for a pair of headphones that will last you for many years, definitely consider these.
This product has a basic design that makes it incredibly easy to use and recharge. It will take roughly 1 to 2 hours to recharge the headphones fully. Also, once they are fully charged, you should get about 20 to 22 hours of use out of them. This is very impressive when compared to competitor options.
How to Choose the Best Over Ear Headphones for Working Out
As you will see, there are plenty of great options to consider if you are on the market for a pair of workout headphones. To select the perfect set for you, you will first need to think about how much money you are willing to spend.
Once you have a set price range, you will need to look for products that include all the necessary features of a good workout headphone. This includes a reliable IPX rating, a wireless design, and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are plenty of great brands out there for you to choose from. Some of the most well-known options include Plantronics, JBL, and Bose. Of course, each brand has its own high and low points. For this reason, you will need to do research before investing in a pair of headphones.
In general, the more money you spend on a pair of headphones, the better their quality will be. However, you will find some incredibly expensive headphones on the market. Instead of breaking the bank on a pair of headphones, you can find some reliable options that come at more affordable prices. A reasonable price range for a pair of high-quality workout headphones will be between $100 and $200.
The IPX rating is very important when it comes to workout headphones. In short, this quality describes how sweat or moisture-resistant the product is. If you want to ensure that your headphones do not get damaged while working out, you should invest in a pair that has an IPX rating of at least 4.
Conclusion
Over ear headphones for working out have definitely become a fashion statement at the gym, however that isn’t their only purpose. By having a pair of over ear headphones for working out you’re blocking out the usual sounds of other music or equipment pounding at the gym, putting you in your own headspace. That alone, is worth it!
Marko Rakic is a trail runner and fitness enthusiast from Sydney, Australia. He is the lead writer for The Ultimate Primate and believes the best way to live a happy life is through constantly challenging yourself.