After six years of training for marathons, I've experimented with my fair share earbuds. Sometimes I'm listening to a hype playlist, sometimes a podcast, and oftentimes a musical (sorry!). Whatever I'm listening to, I count on my earbuds to get me through scorching summers, bitter winters, city streets, country trails, and soul-crushing treadmill sessions. It's safe to say that the right audio gear can make or break your running experience.
The non-negotiables for running earbuds
Whatever your personal preferences, all runners can agree on these must-haves in a pair of earbuds.
Secure fit that actually lasts: A good fit in the store means nothing at mile 18 when you're sweating buckets and your ears are slick. The best running earbuds either hook over your ear, have fins or wings for stability, or create such a perfect seal that they stay put through everything. I've spent too many miles readjusting loose buds or stopping to pick them up off the pavement.
Battery life for the long haul: If you're training for marathons, you need earbuds that can handle 3-4 hour runs without dying. Factor in cold weather too—batteries drain faster when it's freezing. Aim for at least 6-8 hours of playback, or ensure the charging case gives you multiple full charges for ultra-long training days.
SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 Mini $179.95 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $179.95 at AmazonSound quality considerations
Situational awareness vs. immersion: This is deeply personal and depends on where you run. For city running, you need to hear traffic, cyclists, and other runners. Headphones or earbuds with transparency modes are lifesavers here. For treadmill torture sessions or safe trail runs, noise isolation can be your mental escape hatch. Beth recommends the RIPT Ultra Headphones for this exact purpose.
I'm a huge fan of the Pump X Fitness headphones—specifically their "X-mode," a step above noise-cancelling that really blasts the bass. It feels like it was designed specifically for the moment when you're struggling through that final mile.
Volume consistency: Look for earbuds that maintain consistent volume across different types of music and don't require constant adjustment. Nothing's worse than having to fumble with controls during a tempo run because your classical cooldown track is suddenly inaudible.
H2O Audio RIPT Ultra Over-The-Ear Sport Headphones $249.99 at Amazon Shop Now Shop Now $249.99 at AmazonControls you can actually use: Touch controls are finicky with sweaty, gloved, or numb fingers. Physical buttons are more reliable, but make sure they're positioned where you won't accidentally hit them. The best systems let you control everything without pulling out your phone—especially crucial for winter runs when your phone is buried under layers. My favorite brands on this front are Shokz, Soundcore, and Beats.
Easy charging: Your post-run routine should be simple: rinse off sweat, drop earbuds in case, done. Wireless charging cases or magnetic charging contacts work better than finicky micro-USB ports that get clogged with sweat and debris.
Temperature considerations: Earbuds can feel different in extreme temperatures. Some materials get uncomfortably hard in cold weather, while others become too soft and lose their grip when it's hot. If you run year-round in varied climates, test your earbuds in different conditions before committing.
Weight distribution: Heavy earbuds or soundproof headphones can create some pretty gnarly pressure points during long runs. The best running earbuds distribute weight evenly and feel like they disappear once you're in your rhythm.
The bottom line
The earbuds that get you through your training are the ones that will be there for you on race day. After thousands of miles with different models, I've learned that reliability and comfort trump fancy features every time. For me, the true test is whether your earbuds can handle back-to-back weekend long runs without failing, becoming uncomfortable, or needing constant adjustment.
Invest in a pair that checks all your personal boxes, not just the ones with the flashiest marketing. Your future marathoning self will thank you around mile 23 when your music is still pumping and your earbuds are still exactly where they should be.
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