Running is not just about endurance and speed; it’s also about staying in the zone and enjoying every stride. And what’s better than a pair of reliable running headphones to keep you company with your favorite tunes? After careful consideration, here are the 9 best running headphones that have been tried and tested by fitness enthusiasts:

1. Jaybird Vista 2 – These true wireless earbuds offer active noise cancellation, a secure fit perfect for intense movement, and waterproof resistance. You get a customizable EQ through the Jaybird app to tailor the sound to your liking.

2. Bose Sport Earbuds – Known for high-quality sound, these earbuds are durable with an IPX4 rating and have StayHear Max tips that are designed not to hurt your ears while staying put during workouts.

3. Jabra Elite Active 75t – These earbuds offer a comfortable fit, superior sound, active noise cancellation, and are waterproof. The Jabra app allows for sound customization, and the earbuds provide up to 24 hours of battery life with the charging case.

4. Beats PowerBeats Pro – With over-ear hooks for stability and Apple’s H1 chip for easy connectivity, these earphones deliver powerful sound. They’re sweat-resistant and have up to 9 hours of listening time.

5. AfterShokz Aeropex – Utilizing bone conduction technology, these allow you to enjoy music without blocking your ears, keeping you aware of your surroundings which is great for outdoor runners.

6. Sony WF-SP800N – With the proprietary Extra Bass technology from Sony, they pump up the lows for a rhythm-driven run. They’re sweat-resistant and feature active noise cancellation making them versatile for all environments.

7. Adidas RPT-01 – During rigorous workouts, these on-ear headphones stand out with their washable fabric covers. Providing excellent sound quality, they also offer 40 hours of playtime ensuring you’re covered even on the longest runs.

8. Sennheiser CX Sport – These ear-canal headphones offer trademark Sennheiser sound quality with an emphasis on balanced audio performance. They feature a lightweight design and ergonomic fins for a stable fit.

9. Anker Soundcore Spirit X2 – If you’re looking for battery life at an affordable price point without sacrificing sound quality, these are it—with up to 36 hours of playtime with their charging case and an IP68 sweatproof rating.

These headphones have been put through their paces by countless runners and earned their spot on this list due to comfort, durability, battery life, and excellent audio quality that keeps runners motivated and in the zone from the first step to the finish line.