Whether in the gym or out on the run, listening to music can help keep your motivation high. But if you're looking for headphones that will stay in place while you work up a sweat, you might need help finding something that meets your needs.
That's where over-ear headphones come in. These headphones fit snugly over your ears rather than sitting inside them, which helps keep them in place even when moving around.
So if you're ready to take your workout soundtrack to the next level, check out our list of the top-rated over-ear headphones for working out.
How We Choose
First, we looked at all of the top-rated over-ear headphones on Amazon. The good news is that plenty of good options are available, so it wasn't too hard to narrow down our list.
We also checked customer reviews on Amazon to see what customers had to say about each model to get a better idea of how they would perform during workouts.
There are quite a few different types on the market, and they all have pros and cons, so to help you break it down, I have spent countless hours reading through thousands of user reviews and star ratings to find the best products out there for a workout.
SkullCandy Crusher Evo
Best natural sound over-ear headphones for working out
Skullcandy's Crusher Evo
Skullcandy's Crusher Evo wireless over-ear headphones are best for bass enthusiasts who like to work out. With Skullcandy's patented adjustable bass controls, you can boost the low end of your music anytime during your jog or at home with these cans! Combine mellow and bone-rattling bass in your workout to intensify the experience.
With the Skullcandy app, you can personalize your headphones by creating a Personal Sound profile to optimize sound levels. The battery life is impressive, 40 hours on one charge, and will rapidly recharge when your phone’s USB-C port is available. However, there's no IP rating or ANC technology built into these headphones so they won't block out noise entirely
The Tile technology built into Skullcandy headphones means that you can quickly locate your missing pair using the app.
Why We Love Them
● Wide range of hearing
● They are extremely comfortable.
● They are loud and crystal clear
● Great response to low frequencies
● Good construction materials
What You Should Know
● They have up to 40 hours of listening from one charge
● Uses USB-C Charging Cable
● Comes in True black, inequality, light grey and chill grey.
SENNHEISER PXC 550-II Wireless NoiseGard
The Sennheiser PXC 550-II Wireless is the go-to over-ear headphones tested for working out. They're stable, comfortable, and breathable enough to carry you through tough sessions at the gym.
Although they're a bit bulky, these headphones also have an active noise canceling (ANC) system that blocks a great amount of background noise, even in loud environments. They will deliver over 21 hours of continuous battery life and even provide extra power when needed by conserving energy on standby mode.
A smart feature is that you can swivel the ear cups to turn them off, with sensors that detect when you wear the headphone and play, pause music.
Why We Love Them
● They can be used while charging
● Good audio recording quality
● They have a good build quality
● They have a good call quality
What You Should Know
● Battery performance of up to 30 hours.
● It has a touch pad on the right ear cup that provides volume, lay, pause, stop, and track skipping control.
● These headphones comes in black
TREBLAB Z2
Treblab may be an unfamiliar brand, but if you've considered buying the Sony Z2 for your workouts, these headphones could surprise you with their solid utility.
The Z2 headphones deliver good sound quality for the price. While they won't give the same experience as headphones that cost three times as much, they will satisfy most listeners' needs.
These bluetooth over ear headphones offer excellent sound quality and produces a good level of noise cancellation to let you focus on your workout while the tunes play. And because of its ANC technology, the headphones deliver better-than-expected audio by boosting certain frequencies usually missing in inexpensive models.
Turn on the active noise-cancellation feature, and battery life drops to about 25 hours. With ANC off, you can listen for more than 35 hours before needing a recharge if that floats your boat.
Why We Love Them
- They are reported to be exceptionally comfortable
- They are great for outdoor workouts
- Users report that the Bluetooth works very well with no interference
- They have Active Noise Cancelling
What You Should Know
- They have up to 35 hours playtime
- They have quick charge capability
- High-Quality Calls with Siri and Google assistant
- They come in black and A-black colour
- The 3.5 mm cable is durable and has a built in mic
Razer Opus X Wireless Low Latency Headset
If you're looking for mid-range, wireless workout headphones that don't break the bank, look no further than our favorite pair: The Razer Opus Wireless 2021.
The Razer Opus Wireless lacks some advanced features included in JBL's higher-end model, such as multi-device pairing and EQ presets. But if you want to use them at the gym, these extra bells and whistles aren't necessary anyway!
If you don't mind the simple design of these headphones, they are comfortable and stable enough to use during workouts. Although made mostly from plastic, the build quality is excellent. They feel sturdy.
The manufacturer advertises these over ear workout headphones to last 30 hours continuously, but our tests show that they play for over 52, which is way above average!
Their noise canceling system can help block some background chatter, but they have a more challenging time reducing bass sounds like the rumble of car engines while you're outside.
The 2020s and 2021s are two different versions of the same headphone model. The newer version is slightly inferior to its predecessor, falling short in some areas, such as sound neutrality and noise isolation by Ambient Noise Cancellation, compared with earlier models of this type.
If you need to know what model of appliance you have, the manufacturer's FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) page should be able to tell you.
Why We Love Them
- It has Bluetooth 5.0, Featuring higher bandwidth, longer range, and lower power consumption
- They have perfect audio for conference calls
- They are reported to be very comfortable hence suitable for workouts
What You Should Know
- They are custom-tuned with 40mm drivers
- They have built-in microphones
Soundcore Anker Life Q20
Of all the budget wireless workout headphones we've researched, Anker's Soundcore Life Q20 is our top choice.
While they're not as well-built or stable as the Razer Opus Wireless 2021, these headphones still make a good option for those looking for affordable over-ears; with over 32 hours of continuous playback time, you'll be able to listen to your favorite songs during long workouts without needing a charge.
Their exciting sound profile, and the extra thump, kick, and boom that they give to music make them great workout companions. While the headphones don't have a companion app or offer as robust customization controls as some others do, their bass effect feature can add lots of rumble to your tunes without making them muddy-sounding.
These wireless headphones have an ANC (active noise cancellation) system that blocks ambient sound, which may be preferable if you want to tune out background noises. They're comfy and lightweight, but the plastic design does feel somewhat fragile, especially when taking them in and out of their case. If you're active while wearing them, they can jostle around and become uncomfortable.
Why We Love Them
- They have a very strong bass
- They reduce ambient noises by up to 90%
- They have over 40 hour playtime
- The wireless feature is far better than wired headphones for working out so you don't get your wires in a mess
What You Should Know
- These noise canceling headphones have 4 built-in ANC microphones and digital active noise cancellation algorithm
- They have custom oversized 40 mm dynamic drivers produce Hi-Res sound
- They have Extended high frequencies of up to 40 kHz
FAQs
Are you looking for the best over-ear headphones for working out that are durable, comfortable, and has a long-lasting battery? Doesn't that sound great?
While all of the above meet the specifications, I've answered some of your common questions below so that you can get all the info you need when shopping.
Are over-ear headphones good for working out?
Yes, gym-goers should consider purchasing over-ear headphones to help them get the most out of their workout. The other great option is true wireless earbuds, which also have their pros and cons.
Which is better for gym over-ear or on-ear headphones?
On-ear headphones are lighter than over-ear models, making them a good choice for people who use their headphones while exercising.
Because they are made of lightweight materials and can be carried easily, these headphones make it convenient to take them with you on your workout. Their open-ear design makes them safer for exercise than in-ear or over-the-head models.
Does sweat ruin over-ear headphones?
Although a bit of sweat probably won't hurt your headphones, repeated exposure to moisture can cause damage. The more expensive the headphones are, the more you should care about their long-term working order. Sweat isn't just an issue for cheap brands!
What headsets do fitness instructors use?
The Aeromic Fitness Wireless Microphone Headset can be used by fitness instructors for 7 classes daily without getting damaged. It is sweat-proof and has been tested to last over 50 fitness sessions per week, which means it will work great even after your workout!
Which is the No one headphone brand?
Sennheiser is known for making some of the best headphones in the world. Founded in 1945, Sennheiser produces various products across all music and sound applications, from live performances to films to video games.
How do you clean over-ear headphones after working out?
To keep your headphones in good condition, clean them regularly with a mix of warm water and soap. Wipe the cord thoroughly with a damp cloth and then dry it off immediately by rubbing another soft cloth against it.
You shouldn't clean them with alcohol, as this can cause the product to discolor or break down.
What is better for the gym, Beats or AirPods?
The AirPods Pro has active noise canceling, which can help you hear your music better at the gym if that's what you want. They also produce a more balanced sound profile than Beats headphones, which tend to emphasize bass frequencies.
Do over-ear headphones cause earwax buildup?
The production of earwax is often triggered by what hearing health professionals call a contact stimulus, objects like headphones, earbuds, and even hearing aids that rub against the ears. The production of earwax is a natural defense mechanism for your ears.
What are the headphones that everyone is wearing?
The overhead headphone look has come back in recent years, thanks to the rise of it-girls (and guys) and '90s nostalgia.
Why do my ears hurt after wearing over-ear headphones?
Wearing headphones over or around the ear can cause pressure damage to the pinna, causing pain and skin abrasions. Bending or squeezing this delicate cartilage may also lead to infection if you're not careful.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a pair of headphones that will hold up to the rigors of working out, your search is over. These 5 models ranked at the top of their categories in terms of performance and quality. They are also comfortable to wear and priced within your budget. You can't go wrong with any one of them. So what are you waiting for? Grab your workout shoes, pick up your headphones and get started on that brand new work out program.
