As keen shoppers, we're always looking for the next best device that will make our lives easier than ever before. This means that we've shunned wired gadgets in favour of wireless ones, especially when it comes to headphones.
If you've recently taken up running in the new year and need a little treat to keep you motivated, or you're a seasoned runner looking for wireless earbuds for exercise, there are plenty out there to suit all budgets.
Especially with 2022 coming in quick and fast, we've been scooping up the best earbuds out there for every kind of budget. You'll be the best looking fitness freak out there.
What are the best earbuds for running?
When it comes to fitness, you'll want a pair of earphones, earbuds or headphones that are going to stay in, on and keep you pumped. You don't want to have to be stopping to sort out your earphones.
We recommend grabbing earbuds that fit your ear comfortably but firmly, and that is preferably wireless. Wired earphones and earbuds are fine, but may become annoying with sports that have a lot of high-intensity moves.
Here are some of the best wireless earbuds on the market right now:
Best overall wireless earbuds
When Apple Airpods came on the scene, they changed the game. The automatic connection puts these wireless earbuds at the top of the list for speed and the ability to use Siri whenever you need will become surprisingly useful for you. The five-hour battery life (from one charge) is great and the charging case gives you more than 24 hours to play with. They're pricey, but they're worth splashing the cash.
Best value wireless earbuds
Don't be put off by the fact that you might not have heard of this brand before, because the product speaks for itself. Despite the wallet-friendly price tag, these earbuds deliver on sound and build quality. They pair quickly with your device and have a stable connection, along with a selection of ear tips to choose from. You'll get six hours listening time, with up to 96 hours with the charging case. Plus, the case doubles up as a portable charger - bonus.
Best recommended earbuds
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The Mpow M9 headphones are celebrated for their impressive sound and affordable price tag. Bass lovers, these are for you. The total usage time for the earbuds is five hours, with the case allowing a further 25 hours. The controls can be a little sensitive but are easy to use once you get the hang of them. They come with three ear tips to choose from and have a quality feel to them, regardless of the price.
Best Amazon wireless earbuds
Amazon's Echo Buds were met with an eager audience on release day and they haven't disappointed. The multiple tips and fit test allow you to get the perfect fit and the noise reduction technology ensures undisturbed listening. Another one for the assistant lovers out there, Alexa and Siri are just a call away. They're sweat resistant and deliver up to five hours playback and 20 hours with the charging case.
Best high-end wireless earbuds
Designed for athletes, the Bose Soundsport Free headphones won't budge during any fitness activities and put out a high-quality sound. They come with three Stay Hear+ Sport tips for security and comfort and deliver up to five hours of play time and an additional 10 hours with the charging case. A really smart feature of these buds is "Find My Buds", so if you're particularly careless with your stuff, it might just save the day. There can be some issues with connectivity and lag when it comes to videos, so we'd suggest that these aren't for the commuters among you.
Best wireless earbuds for sound
Reliable and with brilliant sound quality, these headphones are more of an all-rounder. Connection is quick and simple and they stay put throughout any physical activities. A single charge gives you seven hours playback, and up to 40 with the charging case. If you're in a rush, you can use the Fast Charge feature - simply charge for ten minutes and get an hour playback. They're ideal for the gym as they block out ambient noise and they don't cost the earth.
Best stylish wireless earbuds
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These Panasonic earbuds look great and perform well, too. The touch sensor and antenna in the compact shell ensures uninterrupted music or calls, even in crowded places, so they're perfect for commuting. Each earbud is connected independently so you'll never get signal dropout. You get five in-ear sizes to choose from to get a snug fit, even while running. There's a built-in virtual assistant, so you can ask Alexa to make a call, set a reminder or check your schedule. They're also IPX4 water-resistant if you're out in the rain or sweat while working out.
Best noise-cancelling wireless earbuds
These noise-cancelling headphones are a step up from the previous model, boasting a new QN1e processor and Adaptive Sound Control which optimises listening settings automatically based on where you are and what you're doing. You'll get eight hours on a single charge when not using noise cancellation, or six hours with noise cancellation. The portable carrying case gives you three additional charges or you can fast charge for 10 minutes for a 90 minute session. The connection is really stable so it won't drop out if you fancy watching Netflix on the train, you get a selection of ear tips and the firmware can be updated via Sony's free app, making them long-lasting.
Best everyday wireless earbuds
For true wireless headphones that won't break the bank and just get the job done, the Sesh earbuds are perfect for your morning commute or workout session. The batteries will last you three hours, or seven hours with the charging case. They have a noise isolating design and fit comfortably in the ear, with a couple of options for sizing. They're super easy to control and are sweat, dust and water resistant, but obviously you'll have to charge them more often.
Best long-lasting wireless earbuds
Everything about these headphones just works. You'll get five to seven hours of playback on a single charge, or 100 hours with the sleek, sturdy metal case. The sound is crystal clear and there are options for ear tips so you can discover the correct size for you. They're super lightweight and really comfortable in the ear. With the perfect seal, you won't hear ambient noise, although they aren't noise cancelling. We think they're great for runners who want to hear what's going on around them from time to time, as they won't fall out of your ears either.
Read more tech to get your hands on:
The best fitness trackers that will make you run faster and further
What are the benefits of true wireless earphones?
Convenience
No wires, no problems. Say goodbye to tangled wires and being frustrated that your phone doesn't have a headphone jack, true wireless is the way forward.
Powered up
Some true wireless headphones come with a charging case that doubles up as a power bank, which is great for charging your phone while on the go.
Battery life
When comparing true wireless earbuds to regular wireless earbuds, the battery life is better with the true wireless option if you take the charge case into account.