The 7 Best Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out in 2023 (Reviewed)
Finding the best over-ear headphones for working out can be a challenge. As a fitness lover and someone who has gone through countless pairs of headphones, not having the right pair of workout headphones will have your workout feeling like trash because they either, 1- keep falling off during a set and ruin your flow, or worse, 2- they fall apart after a few sweaty sessions.
So trust me, I know and understand how important it is to find the best over-ear headphones for working out.
However, with so many different brands, cool features, and various prices out there, it can be hard to know which set of headphones will provide you with a great fit and excellent sound quality you’ll need during your workouts.
That’s why I’ve created this list of my top 7 picks – all designed to keep you motivated and in the zone during your next workout session. In this article, I’ll cover everything from their sound quality, durability, overall features, and of course their pros and cons.
So let’s get started and find the perfect pair of over-ear headphones just for you!
*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Each product is thoroughly reviewed and I only recommend products I would use myself.
1. Best Over-Ear Headphones for Working Out
TREBLAB Z2
With the T-Quiet Active Noise Cancellation technology and Bluetooth 5.0 technology, the Treblab Z2 wireless headphones let you focus on your workouts without any distractions.
Pros
Cons
The Treblab Z2 made the list as number one because they are sweat-proof and water-resistant, making them ideal for your intense workout sessions.
With their premium, ultra-soft materials, and swivel ear-cups, the Treblab Z2 offers maximum comfort without putting any pressure on your ears
With up to 35 hours of battery life and a 3-hour quick charge feature, you’ll never have to worry about running out of battery life.
The Treblab Z2 wireless headphones offer the perfect blend of performance, comfort, and convenience, making them the ultimate choice for any workout enthusiast.
2. Best Noise-Canceling Headphones
Beats Studio3 Wireless
Not only are the Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones sleek and stylish design, but they also provide top-of-the-line sound quality and noise-canceling technology that will help you stay in the zone during your workouts.
Pros
Cons
The Pure Adaptive Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology actively blocks out external noise, so you can focus on your music without being distracted, or someone asking “how many sets do you have left?”.
Hence why it had to be on the list.
With the ANC technology activated, the Beats Studio3 Wireless has 22 hours of battery life, and top-quality Bluetooth technology (Apple W1 Chip), all with a long-lasting playback time, to ensure a strong and stable connection.
What’s more, these wireless over-ear headphones are also compatible with both iOS and Android devices, and the multifunction on-ear controls and built-in microphone allow you to control your music, take calls, and activate Siri without skipping a beat.
Overall, if you’re looking for a pair of high-quality, comfortable, and stylish headphones (available in seven different colors) to help you power through your workouts, the Beats Studio3 Wireless headphones are one of the best over-ear headphones for working out, and definitely worth considering.
3. Best Durable Everyday Wireless Headphones
Skullcandy Crusher Evo
The Skullcandy Crusher Evo headphones will blow your mind with their customization feature, Audiodo. This feature analyzes your hearing and adjusts the sound specifically for you, so you can experience music like never before!
Pros
Cons
The Skullcand Crusher Evo has a massive battery life of up to 40 hours from just a single charge, making them a great pair of everyday headphones, so you can keep listening and keep the good vibes going all day long.
Not to mention, the Crusher Tech is also a game-changer, letting you enhance your audio experience on any device. And when it comes to comfort, the thick padded headband makes them quite durable and the foam ear cushions make the Crusher Evo one of the most comfortable over-ear headphones on the market, and great to wear for those long workouts.
Oh, and if you ever misplace your Crusher Evo, just track them down with the Skullcrusher Tile Tech. And don’t worry about durability – these headphones are tough and come with a 1-year warranty.
Try them out and thank me later!
4. Best Sound Quality Wireless Headphones
Sony WH-XB900N
With over 70 years in the industry, SONY is guaranteed to provide great quality over-ear headphones.
With the dual noise-canceling technology, the Sony WH-XB910N headphones are designed to produce extra bass, without any interruptions, making them a great option for listening to your favorite music while working out.
Pros
Cons
The long battery life of the Sony WH-XB910N headphones can ensure good vibes all day long, and charges quickly if you ever need your headphones in minutes.
Another cool feature about these headphones is that the Sony Headphones Connect app allows you to personalize your sound preferences, making your listening experience much greater.
5. Best Battery Life
JBL Live 660NC – Wireless Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones
You may know of JBL from their awesome speakers, but how do their headphones rank? Pretty great since they’ve made the list.
Pros
Cons
With up to 50 hours of listening time the JBL Live 660NC – Wireless Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones are a great option because just like the JBL speakers, they deliver nothing but quality sound and deep bass with their 40mm drivers.
The Adaptive Noise Cancelling technology allows you to block out ambient noise so nothing can get in between you and your reps.
These over-ear headphones can adjust to personal listening preferences with the My JBL Headphones App, also making them another great pair of everyday headphones. The JBL Live 660NC is definitely one of the best over-ear headphones for working out.
6. Best Budget Workout Headphones
Soundcore by Anker Life Q30
Soundcore Anker’s Life Q30 headphones are an affordable option that provides advanced noise-cancellation technology and can help enhance your workout experience.
Pros
Cons
These headphones are equipped with dual noise-canceling microphones that can reduce up to 95% of low-frequency background noises, allowing uninterrupted enjoyment of music and phone calls.
With three customizable noise cancellation modes including “Transport,” “Outdoor,” and “Indoor,” Life Q30 offers personalized noise cancellation to suit your environment. Additionally, these headphones deliver hi-res music with their 40mm drivers that reproduce thumping bass and crisp treble, extending up to 40kHz for improved clarity.
With a battery life of up to 40 hours in noise-canceling mode and up to 60 hours in standard mode, Life Q30 offers uninterrupted listening. A quick five-minute charge will give you four hours of playtime.
Get ready to elevate your workout experience with these headphones.
7. Best Water and Dust Resistant Headphones
Philips A4216 Wireless Sports Headphones
Yes, as the name implies, The Philips A4216 Wireless Sports Headphones are actually designed as workout headphones made for sweaty workouts at the gym and any other sweaty sport.
Pros
Cons
Made with soft, lightweight, and durable ear cushions, the Philips A4216 ear cups are completely detachable so it’s easy to clean, and are filled with cooling gel to help keep your ears feeling fresh and less sweaty (if you know, you know).
Not to mention, these over-ear headphones were made to withstand dusty or rainy environments, such as hiking, or running, or if you get caught in the rain.
The Philips A4216 Wireless Sports Headphones are another great option if you are looking for budget-friendly, sweat-proof over-ear headphones to withstand your tough workouts.
What To Consider When Looking for Over-Ear Headphones for Working Out?
When looking for the best over-ear headphones to use while working out, there are several factors that should be taken into consideration:
• Sound: the headphones need to provide adequate sound output with clear treble and bass tones and surround sound capabilities if you want to fully immerse yourself in the music.
• Comfort: A great pair of headphones should fit snug over your ears and comfortably during extended workouts. The weight of the headphones, adjustable earcups, and headbands, should be materials that don’t produce discomfort after long hours of use
• Battery Life: A longer battery life will ensure that you can continue workouts uninterrupted by recharging needs
• Noise Cancellation Features: This is a useful feature to look for in these types of headphones; this helps reduce outside distractions to keep you focused on your workout goals.
• Sweat or Water-Resistant: It is also beneficial to make sure the wireless headphones are sweatproof or water-resistant so they can withstand rigorous levels of physical activity without damage.
• Wireless Connections Stability: Try to look for a pair of headphones that offer great wireless connection stability, to ensure no connection interruptions due to movement within range of the device or a poor connection.
• Price: Try to find a pair of headphones that is within your budget without compromising on quality Overall, good quality over-ear workout headphones offer excellent audio performance in addition to durability and usability features catered specifically towards exercise activities.
Wireless Over-ear Headphones vs. Wireless EarBuds
For starters, the biggest difference between wireless over-ear headphones and wireless earbuds is their size.
Over-ear headphones are larger and bulkier, with a band that goes over your head from ear to ear, with ear cups that rest on the ears. Whereas wireless earbuds are two small speakers that fit directly into your ears.
In terms of audio quality and performance, over-ear headphones offer greater versatility due to their larger size. As they cover your entire ear, they provide better sound quality and insulation than earbuds, making them ideal for listening to music in loud environments like public transportation or open office spaces with lots of people talking around you, like the gym. Additionally, they usually come fitted with bigger drivers which can accurately reproduce a broader range of frequencies including deep bass tones—that’s if your chosen pair has that feature- and all of the above do!
Wireless earbuds are typically better for ease of movement and portability when compared to over-ear headphones. I typically prefer earbuds when I am going to the grocery store or going out for a quick walk because they can be put away very easily when needed. But I always stick to my headphones when I am working out. Unless I forget them at home, which as you know, sucks.
But unlike over-ears, in-ears provide allow you to be more aware of your surroundings – hence why I only use them while at the store or walking outdoors.
Overall, each person may have different preferences when it comes to choosing a pair of headphones based on the intended use. Over-ear headphones provide excellent sound quality, comfort, and durability for frequent use, while custom fit earbuds offer a true wireless experience with enhanced portability.
Should You Workout With Over-Ear Headphones?
The answer pretty much depends on your personal preference and your fitness routine. There are both benefits and drawbacks when choosing to use over-ear headphones while exercising.
The key benefit of using over-ear headphones while working out is that they block out all external sounds. This is great for anyone that really wants to dive deep into their favorite music, without any distractions, and really kill their workout.
In addition, music has also been proven to increase a person’s stamina and endurance during intense cardio or weight-lifting sessions (1), making over-ear headphones an ideal tool in helping push one’s limits further.
One of the major drawbacks to using a pair of over-ear headphones while working out is that it can sometimes be uncomfortable if you have a pair that are too loose, or maybe even too tight. If not adjusted correctly, the wrong pair of tight headphones can leave your ears feeling numb, or sore, which can ultimately ruin your workout.
So be sure to find a pair that offer an adjustable headband and ear cups.
Another drawback is that over-ear headphones can retain a lot of heat in the ear cups, making them even more uncomfortable- especially if you are a heavy sweater. This may, but is not likely, affect the quality of sound that comes through them as well.
Ultimately, whether you exercise with over-ear headphones is a personal preference and is completely up to you. If used correctly, these types of headphones can help create an immersive listening environment with excellent audio clarity, even in noisy areas such as gyms; however if you notice any discomfort after wearing them for a while, try opting for earbuds instead.
Will My Sweat Damage My Wireless Headphones?
Essentially, sweat can damage your wireless headphones. Sweat contains salt and other minerals that can corrode a device’s electrical components and ruin sound quality. Sweat can also cause annoying and potentially dangerous feedback if it seeps into the ear cups or cushions of the headphones.
Sweat buildup on the fabric of the cushions is also a problem, as it reduces breathability, making them uncomfortable after extended use.
To prevent sweat damage and improve comfort, it’s recommended that you clean your headphones regularly with a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use chemicals as they may damage components- especially if you have high-quality headphones.
You should avoid getting moisture directly on the electrical components inside the headphones, but basic surface cleaning should be enough to keep them in good condition. As for additional headband support to reduce sweat buildup during exercise, and accumulation during extended use, there are several comfort pads available that you can easily purchase online. This will make them more comfortable to wear and will help keep moisture away from your headphones.
I also recommend using the carrying case when possible or invest in a case that is easy to wipe clean. This will help contain the excess sweat when not in use and promote air circulation around delicate parts. Allowing time for proper drying after a heavy sweaty workout session use is also beneficial to maintaining longevity.
With careful handling and a step-by-step cleaning protocol, your wireless headphones will remain protected from sweat-related damage, extending their lifespan for many years of musical enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
When making the choice to invest in quality headphones for working out, make sure your headphones are lightweight and comfortable enough to wear for extended periods of time.
Be sure to select a pair that will fit perfectly and will not move too much during your workouts, no matter how much you push yourself. Ensure that the headphones can provide a clear and good sound quality with good bass to help you stay focused and energized during your workouts.
Ultimately, a great pair of headphones can turn your workout into an epic experience–so make sure to select the right one for your needs!
With all these factors in mind, you can rest assured that you’ll be able to find the perfect pair of over-ear headphones for your workout routine.
