5 Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Workouts

When you’re in the middle of a workout, the last thing you want is for a noisy gym or traffic to break your focus. The right headphones can do more than just play music; they can create a personal bubble that helps you get into the zone and push through your limits.

The problem, however, is that standard headphones often can’t keep up. They slip out during intense activity, are damaged by sweat, or simply can’t block out the cacophony of a busy gym. That’s why choosing the right pair of workout headphones is so important.

This guide goes beyond basic audio to highlight models that are built specifically for the challenge. We’ll explore durable, sweat-resistant, and high-performance gym gear that uses advanced active noise cancelling to keep you laser-focused on your fitness goals.

The 5 Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Workouts

Finding the perfect workout headphones can be a real challenge. They need to be durable, sweat-resistant, comfortable, and, most importantly, they need to help you stay focused. We’ve put together a list of the five best noise-cancelling headphones that excel in the gym, on the trail, and everywhere in between.

4.1 Sony WF-1000XM5

 

• Intro: The Sony WF-1000XM5 are a testament to how far in-ear headphones have come. They manage to pack top-tier active noise cancellation (ANC) and audiophile-level sound quality into an ultra-light, compact form factor, making them a superb choice for both daily listening and intense workouts.
• Key Features & Specs:
  • Noise Cancellation: These earbuds boast Sony’s best-in-class ANC. They use a dedicated processor to analyze and cancel out a wide range of noises, from the low rumble of a treadmill to the chatter of a busy gym. The adaptive noise-cancelling feature is particularly useful, as it can automatically adjust the level of cancellation based on your environment.
  • Fit & Comfort: The WF-1000XM5 are an ergonomic marvel. Their small, contoured design fits snugly in the ear, and the new, softer ear tips made of a unique polyurethane foam provide a secure seal without putting uncomfortable pressure on your ear canal. They are also incredibly lightweight, making them feel almost nonexistent during your workout.
  • Water Resistance: With an IPX4 rating, they are resistant to splashes and sweat, making them perfectly suitable for gym workouts or a light jog in the rain.
  • Battery Life: They offer up to 8 hours of playtime on a single charge with ANC on, with an additional 16 hours provided by the charging case.
• My Workout Experience: I was initially skeptical about using such a premium, compact earbud for a workout, but the fit was surprisingly secure. During a high-intensity session with burpees and box jumps, they stayed in place without a single adjustment. The ANC was exceptional, completely muting the gym’s loudspeakers and the clanking of weights, allowing me to focus entirely on my music. The sound quality is simply unmatched by any other workout headphone, offering a rich, detailed soundscape that made my workouts more enjoyable.
• Pros:
  • World-class ANC and sound quality.
  • Ultra-light and comfortable design.
  • Adaptive sound feature is highly convenient.
• Cons:
  • IPX4 rating is lower than some competitors.
  • Premium price point.
• Best For: Fitness enthusiasts who prioritize superior audio quality and cutting-edge noise-cancellation above all else, and who want a single pair of headphones for both daily life and the gym.

4.2 Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II

 

• Intro: When it comes to noise cancellation, Bose is a name that needs no introduction. The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II build on that legacy, offering industry-leading ANC in a design that is specifically built to stay put, making them a fantastic choice for those who need a secure and quiet workout.
• Key Features & Specs:
  • Noise Cancellation: Bose’s ANC technology is renowned for its ability to create a deep, profound silence. The QuietComfort Earbuds II take this a step further with personalized ANC, which uses a calibration signal to fine-tune the noise cancellation to the unique acoustics of your ear canal.
  • Fit & Comfort: The headphones come with a new two-part system: a stability band and an eartip. This design is highly effective at providing a secure fit that remains locked in place during a run or a circuit training session.
  • Water Resistance: An IPX4 rating ensures they can handle sweat and light rain.
  • Battery Life: Up to 6 hours of listening on a single charge, with an additional 18 hours from the charging case.
• My Workout Experience: The first thing I noticed was the secure fit. The stability bands hug the outer part of the ear, preventing any movement, which gives you confidence during vigorous exercise. The ANC is truly remarkable; it completely silenced the blaring pop music from the gym’s speakers, allowing me to fully immerse myself in my workout playlist. I also appreciate the “Aware Mode,” which lets me hear my surroundings when needed, such as when running outdoors.
• Pros:
  • Industry-leading ANC that is highly effective.
  • Secure, two-part fit system.
  • Excellent sound quality with powerful bass.
• Cons:
  • The charging case is a bit bulky.
  • Shorter battery life on a single charge compared to competitors.
• Best For: Anyone who has had trouble with earbuds falling out and requires the most powerful noise cancellation for their workouts, especially in noisy gyms.

4.3 Beats Fit Pro

 

• Intro: For anyone in the Apple ecosystem, the Beats Fit Pro is an obvious and excellent choice. Combining a stable wingtip design with the power of the Apple H1 chip, they are a purpose-built pair of workout earbuds that offer seamless functionality and great sound.
• Key Features & Specs:
  • Noise Cancellation: They feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that is powered by the Apple H1 chip. It’s effective for blocking out most gym sounds and offers a powerful Transparency mode.
  • Fit & Comfort: The secure, flexible wingtip design is the star feature here. It molds to the shape of your ear’s inner rim, providing a firm grip that is designed specifically to prevent them from slipping out during intense exercise.
  • Water Resistance: With an IPX4 rating, they are sweat and water-resistant.
  • Battery Life: Up to 6 hours with ANC on, with 24 hours total when using the charging case.
• My Workout Experience: The Beats Fit Pro truly lives up to its name. The wingtips provide a level of security that few other earbuds can match, and I never once worried about them falling out during my runs. The integration with my iPhone was seamless; they paired instantly, and features like Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking made my workout music feel incredibly immersive. The ANC is very solid and handled the gym environment with ease.
• Pros:
  • Exceptionally secure fit with wingtips.
  • Seamless pairing and integration with Apple devices.
  • Excellent sound quality with Spatial Audio.
• Cons:
  • ANC is not as powerful as Bose or Sony’s flagship models.
  • The wingtips can cause discomfort for some users.
• Best For: Apple users who need a reliable, secure-fitting headphone for running, HIIT, and daily use, with the added benefits of Apple’s ecosystem.

4.4 Jabra Elite 8 Active

 

• Intro: The Jabra Elite 8 Active is the epitome of durability. Marketed as the “world’s toughest earbud,” they are designed for the most demanding workouts and extreme conditions. With a rugged IP68 durability rating and excellent ANC, they are built to take a beating.
• Key Features & Specs:
  • Noise Cancellation: Features Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that is optimized for workout environments, effectively blocking a good portion of distracting gym noise.
  • Fit & Comfort: Jabra’s unique ShakeGrip technology ensures a comfortable and secure fit that requires no wings or fins. The soft silicone tips and secure design mean they won’t budge during even the most strenuous activity.
  • Water Resistance: With an unprecedented IP68 rating, they are fully dust-tight and waterproof, making them submersible in fresh water up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. The case is also IP54 rated.
  • Battery Life: Up to 8 hours on a single charge with ANC, with 32 hours total using the case.
• My Workout Experience: I tested these by running in the rain and intentionally dropping them, and they were completely fine. The IP68 rating is no joke. They felt incredibly secure in my ears, and the lack of a wingtip or hook made them comfortable for hours. The ANC handled the gym’s noise level well, and the sound quality was solid and powerful.
• Pros:
  • Unmatched durability and IP68 waterproof rating.
  • Secure fit without wingtips or hooks.
  • Long battery life.
  • Excellent voice pickup for calls.
• Cons:
  • The ANC is not as powerful as Sony or Bose’s flagship models.
  • Sound quality is very good but not top-tier.
• Best For: Outdoor athletes, swimmers, and anyone who needs a headphone that is truly workout-ready and can withstand extreme conditions.

4.5 Anker Soundcore Sport X10

 

• Intro: The Anker Soundcore Sport X10 proves that you don’t have to break the bank to get a quality workout headphone with ANC. As a budget-friendly option, they offer a great balance of features, with their standout rotating ear hooks providing a unique and secure fit.
• Key Features & Specs:
  • Noise Cancellation: The earbuds feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that is surprisingly effective for their price point, providing a good level of noise reduction in a gym environment.
  • Fit & Comfort: The standout feature is the 210° rotating ear hooks. This design allows you to adjust the hooks for a perfect and secure fit that won’t come loose during even the most dynamic exercises.
  • Water Resistance: With an IPX5 rating, they are protected against sweat and rain.
  • Battery Life: Up to 8 hours on a single charge with ANC on, with 32 hours total using the charging case.
• My Workout Experience: The rotating hooks made it incredibly easy to get a secure fit. I could adjust them perfectly for my ears, and once they were in, they didn’t move an inch. The ANC was a pleasant surprise; it wasn’t as powerful as the Sony, but it did a great job of muting the low hum of the gym’s fans and the distant sounds of weights. For the price, the sound quality is very good, with a decent amount of bass to keep you motivated.
• Pros:
  • Extremely affordable with good ANC.
  • Unique and highly secure rotating ear hooks.
  • Excellent battery life.
  • IPX5 sweat resistance.
• Cons:
  • The ANC is not as strong as premium models.
  • The rotating hooks are a bit bulky.
• Best For: Budget-conscious gym-goers and students who want a secure-fitting headphone with ANC without paying a premium

Why Noise-Cancelling Headphones Matter for Fitness

Noise-cancelling headphones are more than just a convenience for your workouts; they are a vital tool for improving focus, motivation, and even safety. For anyone with an active lifestyle, they can be a game-changer.

• Focus and Motivation: A noisy gym environment is full of distractions—the clatter of weights, a conversation on a nearby machine, or the gym’s generic music. These constant interruptions make it hard to get into your rhythm. Active noise cancellation (ANC) effectively mutes this background noise, creating a quiet space that allows you to concentrate on your workout. This isn’t just about hearing your music better; it’s about entering a state of “flow” where your mind-to-muscle connection is uninterrupted. By helping you block out distractions, ANC enhances your workout motivation and allows you to push harder and longer.
• Safety Outdoors: While a sealed environment is great for the gym, it can be dangerous for outdoor activities like running or cycling. This is where situational awareness modes (often called Transparency Mode or Ambient Aware) come in. These features use the headphones’ microphones to let in and even amplify external sounds like traffic, bicycle bells, or a car horn. Headphones like the Shokz OpenRun Pro, which use bone conduction technology, are designed with this concept in mind, keeping your ears completely open to your surroundings for maximum safety.
• Difference in Headphone Type: The design of your headphones plays a huge role in your workout experience.
  • In-ear earbuds are the most popular choice for exercise due to their compact size and portability. They fit directly in the ear canal, providing a snug fit. Many come with ear fins or hooks for extra security.
  • On-ear headphones are generally not recommended for intense workouts. They rest on the ear and tend to slip off with a lot of movement, making them unsuitable for running or HIIT.
  • Over-ear headphones can work for certain activities like weightlifting or stationary cycling, as they offer excellent sound isolation and comfort. However, they can be heavy and bulky for dynamic workouts and may cause you to sweat more around your ears.

Key Features to Look For

Choosing the right headphones for your active lifestyle means looking beyond just sound quality. Here are the essential features that make a pair of headphones truly suitable for a workout.

• Sweat and Water Resistance (IP Ratings): This is arguably the most important feature for workout headphones. IP (Ingress Protection) ratings tell you how well a device is protected against dust and liquids.
  • An IPX4 rating means the headphones are protected against splashes of water from any direction, making them suitable for light workouts and a little rain.
  • An IPX5 rating can withstand a steady stream of water, which is better for heavy sweating.
  • An IPX7 rating means the headphones can be temporarily submerged in up to one meter of water for 30 minutes, making them truly waterproof and able to be rinsed off after a workout. For intense workouts or outdoor running in the rain, a rating of IPX5 or higher is highly recommended.
• Secure Fit for Running or HIIT: A headphone that constantly falls out is a workout killer. Look for designs that provide a secure fit, such as over-ear hooks (like those on the Powerbeats Pro) or ear fins (like those on the Jabra Elite 8 Active). Some true wireless earbuds even come with different sized wingtips to ensure they stay firmly in place during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or running.
• Battery Life for Long Training Sessions: Nothing is worse than your headphones dying mid-workout. Look for a model with a battery life that can last through your longest sessions, plus a little extra. Many modern workout headphones offer fast charging, providing hours of playback from just a 5 to 10-minute charge, which is a lifesaver when you’re in a rush.
• ANC Performance in Noisy Gyms: The effectiveness of ANC varies greatly between models. For a loud gym, you need headphones with robust ANC that can effectively block out the noise of machines and other people. This is where premium models truly shine, creating a silent environment where you can focus on your audio.
• Durability Against Drops or Sweat Damage: Workout headphones need to be able to take a beating. Look for models made from durable, rugged materials that can withstand accidental drops. The materials used in the earcups or tips should also be easy to wipe clean to prevent the buildup of sweat and bacteria, which can cause odors and degrade the headphone over time.

Comparison Table: Specs at a Glance

 

 

6. How to Choose the Right Pair for Your Workout Style

The best headphone for you isn’t just the one with the highest ratings; it’s the one that perfectly fits your specific fitness routine. Whether you’re a dedicated runner, a gym enthusiast, or an outdoor athlete, your needs will vary. Here’s how to choose the perfect pair based on your workout style.

• For Runners: For runners, a headphone must be lightweight and provide an absolutely secure fit. The continuous, jarring motion of running will quickly cause a headphone to come loose if it doesn’t have a stable design. Look for earbuds with a specialized design like the Beats Fit Pro with its flexible wingtips or the Anker Soundcore Sport X10 with its rotating ear hooks. These designs are engineered to lock into place and withstand constant movement.Durability and water resistance are also non-negotiable. Runners will be exposed to sweat and, if they run outdoors, rain. An IP rating of IPX5 or higher is crucial to ensure the headphones can handle heavy sweat without failing. A model like the Jabra Elite 8 Active with its IP68 rating is the ideal choice for runners who train in all weather conditions, while the Beats Fit Pro is a great option for those who stick to the track on clear days.
• For Gym-Goers: In a gym, the biggest distractions are often loud music, clanking weights, and a steady stream of conversation. For gym-goers, the priority is strong ANC to create a focused, personal audio space. The Sony WF-1000XM5 or the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II are excellent choices for this purpose. Their top-tier noise cancellation will effectively mute the chaos of the gym floor, allowing you to concentrate on your workout.A stable fit is also important, but a style that might be too bulky for a runner (like a model with a larger in-ear design) can work perfectly for weightlifting or stationary cycling. Look for headphones that prioritize comfort and a good seal, as these are the keys to a great ANC experience.
• For Outdoor Athletes: Safety is the number one concern for outdoor athletes like cyclists or runners who train on streets and trails. For this group, the ideal headphones don’t completely block out the world. Instead, they must have a transparency mode that lets ambient sounds in, allowing you to hear traffic, other runners, or potential hazards.A headphone that combines both ANC and a powerful transparency mode, like the Beats Fit Pro or the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II, is a great choice. You can activate full ANC on a quiet trail and then switch to transparency mode when crossing a street. Another option is bone conduction headphones like the Shokz line, which are designed to keep your ears completely open, offering a fundamental safety advantage for urban environments.

7. Maintenance Tips for Workout Headphones

 

Your workout headphones are exposed to sweat, heat, and moisture, which can all degrade their performance over time. A few simple maintenance habits can significantly extend their lifespan and ensure their noise-cancelling and audio quality remain top-notch.

• Wipe Down After Sweating: Sweat contains salt and minerals that can corrode the charging pins, internal components, and microphone grilles over time. After every workout, make it a habit to quickly wipe down your headphones with a dry, soft cloth. For earbuds, pay special attention to the eartips and the contact points for charging inside the case. This simple act takes only a few seconds but can prevent long-term damage and keep your headphones hygienic.
• Store in Dry Cases: Moisture is the enemy of electronics. After a particularly sweaty workout, avoid immediately putting your headphones back into their case and sealing them. This can trap moisture and create an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow, which can not only smell bad but also damage the internal components. Instead, let them air dry for a few minutes before putting them back in their case. When not in use, always store your headphones in their charging case or a dedicated carrying pouch to protect them from dust and physical damage.
• Update Firmware for Better ANC: Many people forget that their wireless headphones are essentially small computers. Manufacturers frequently release firmware updates that can significantly improve the headphone’s performance. These updates often include refined algorithms for ANC, making them more effective at canceling out specific types of noise. They can also improve battery efficiency and fix bugs. Make it a habit to open your headphone’s companion app every few weeks to check for and install any available updates. This is a crucial, yet often overlooked, part of routine headphone care that can give you a better and more stable experience.