Audio

The best workout earbuds are the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 ($249.95): earhooks that don’t budge, noise cancelling, a built-in heart rate sensor and 10 hours of battery. They’re Tom’s Guide’s top running pick. If you prefer smaller buds, the Beats Powerbeats Fit ($199.95) are NBC Select’s top pick. iPhone owners should look at the AirPods Pro 3, runners who want to hear traffic at the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, and the JBL Endurance Race 2 are the best value under $100.

Check the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications and published reviews from testers who run and train in these earbuds (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Best workout earbuds compared

Specs from the manufacturers, NBC Select and Tom’s Guide. Battery figures are rated, not measured.

How to choose workout earbuds

• Fit first: earhooks (Powerbeats Pro 2, JLab) are the most secure for running and HIIT. Wing tips (Powerbeats Fit, Pixel Buds Pro 2, JBL) are smaller and still stable. Plain in-ear buds like the AirPods Pro 3 work if they fit your ears well.
• Sweat and water rating: IPX4 handles sweat and splashes. A rating like IP55 or IP57 adds dust protection and stronger water resistance, and IP68 is the toughest here. None of these are made for swimming.
• Hear the world or block it out: noise cancelling helps in a loud gym, but outdoors you want a transparency mode or open-ear headphones so you can hear traffic. See our best open-ear earbuds for more.
• Heart rate: the Powerbeats Pro 2 and AirPods Pro 3 have built-in heart rate sensors, useful if you don’t wear a fitness tracker.
• Buttons vs touch: physical buttons, like those on the Powerbeats Fit, are easier with sweaty fingers or gloves than touch controls.

The best workout earbuds in 2026

1. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2: best workout earbuds

Tom’s Guide‘s running writer, a 13-time marathoner, ran 150 miles in the Powerbeats Pro 2 before launch and names them the best running headphones, praising their comfortable, secure fit, good battery life and “dynamic, pulsing bass”. NBC Select calls them some of the most secure workout headphones it has tested. They’re slimmer and lighter than the originals, and add active noise cancelling, a transparency mode, physical controls, heart rate sensors in the earbuds and a wireless charging case. Battery life is up to 10 hours, or 45 with the case, and they’re rated IPX4.

Good to know: the charging case is large, and both reviewers found the heart rate sensor a little finicky to sync with workout apps.

Check the Powerbeats Pro 2 on Amazon →

2. Beats Powerbeats Fit: best compact workout earbuds

The Powerbeats Fit are the updated version of the popular Beats Fit Pro, and they’re NBC Select‘s top pick because they’re “supremely comfortable, secure and easy to use”. A small built-in wing tip holds them in place during runs, rides and gym sessions, and they’re far more compact than earhook models. You get noise cancelling and a transparency mode, physical buttons that work with gloves on, IPX4 sweat resistance and four ear tip sizes.

Good to know: battery life is shorter, rated at up to 7 hours, and there’s no wireless charging or multipoint.

Check the Powerbeats Fit on Amazon →

3. Apple AirPods Pro 3: best for iPhone

The AirPods Pro 3 aren’t sports earbuds, but they’re excellent for the gym if you have an iPhone. They added built-in heart rate sensors, so you can start a workout on your iPhone and track heart rate and calories without a watch, and an IP57 rating for dust, sweat and water. NBC Select praises their noise cancelling and a transparency mode good enough for full conversations, and Tom’s Guide picks them as the best everyday running headphones. Battery life is up to 8 hours with ANC on.

Good to know: they work best with Apple devices, and there are no wings or hooks, so try the fit before relying on them for hard runs. They also top our best noise-cancelling earbuds guide.

Check the AirPods Pro 3 on Amazon →

4. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2: best for Android

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 added mini wing-tip stabilisers that make them far better for exercise than the originals, according to NBC Select, which picks them as the best workout earbuds for Android. They have strong noise cancelling and transparency, multipoint, wireless charging and an IP54 rating, and the longest battery on NBC’s list: up to 8 hours with ANC on, 12 hours with it off.

Good to know: they’re usually priced at $229, and IP54 is a lower rating than the AirPods Pro 3 or JBL. See our best earbuds for Google Pixel for more Android picks.

Check the Pixel Buds Pro 2 on Amazon →

5. Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: best for outdoor running

The OpenRun Pro 2 sit outside your ears instead of in them, using a mix of bone-conduction vibrations and directional speakers, so you can hear cars, bikes and other runners. NBC Select‘s editorial director uses Shokz for marathon training and races because she feels safer with her ears open. Tom’s Guide names them the best bone-conduction running headphones and notes improved sound quality. They’re rated IP55, last up to 12 hours and support multipoint.

Good to know: they don’t block any noise, so they’re a poor fit for a loud gym. The cheaper Shokz OpenRun has lesser sound and battery life.

Check the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 on Amazon →

6. JBL Endurance Race 2: best workout earbuds under $100

Tom’s Guide says the Endurance Race 2 “exceeded my expectations”, with a reliable, comfortable wing-tip fit on runs of any length and excellent battery life, all for under $80. JBL rates them at up to 12 hours, or 48 with the case, and the buds are IP68-rated, the toughest rating on this list.

Good to know: the noise cancelling is weak, the sound isn’t as good as pricier buds, and Tom’s Guide had issues with the ambient mode. The case is only IPX2, so keep it out of the rain.

Check the JBL Endurance Race 2 on Amazon →

7. JLab Go Sport+: cheapest earhook earbuds

For about $30, the Go Sport+ wrap securely around your ears and are rated IP55 for sweat and dust. NBC Select, which names them its best budget earhook pick, was surprised by their quality for quick outdoor runs, and the snug-but-not-sealed fit still lets you hear traffic. JLab rates the battery at 9+ hours (NBC lists up to 8), and the JLab app lets you adjust the sound.

Good to know: there’s no noise cancelling or wireless charging, and NBC found the sound quality only so-so.

Check the JLab Go Sport+ on Amazon →

Our verdict

The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are the best workout earbuds for most people: an earhook fit that stays put, noise cancelling, heart rate tracking and long battery life. Choose the Powerbeats Fit for a smaller, lighter fit, the AirPods Pro 3 or Pixel Buds Pro 2 for one pair that also works all day with your phone, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 for outdoor running, the JBL Endurance Race 2 under $100 and the JLab Go Sport+ for the lowest price.

Frequently asked questions

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• Best noise-cancelling earbuds
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The best earbuds for sleeping are the Soundcore Sleep A30: tiny buds that sit flush in your ear for side sleeping, with active noise cancelling and snore masking, and Tom’s Guide’s top pick. If comfort matters more than blocking noise, the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 ($279) are the most comfortable sleep earbuds you can buy, according to SoundGuys, and last 14 hours. On a budget, the Soundcore Sleep A20 ($149.99) or a sleep mask with built-in headphones will do the job.

Check the Soundcore Sleep A30 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications and published reviews (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Best earbuds for sleeping compared

What makes good sleep earbuds

• A flush, tiny fit: side sleepers need buds that don’t stick out of the ear, or the pillow pushes them in. Dedicated sleep earbuds are much smaller than normal earbuds.
• Noise cancelling vs noise masking: active noise cancelling (ANC) is best against low, constant sounds like traffic, fans and snoring. Noise masking plays soothing sound over disturbances instead. Ozlo deliberately skips ANC; Soundcore’s A30 combines both.
• Battery that lasts a full night: look for at least 8 hours per charge with your settings on.
• Sleep features: built-in sleep sounds that keep playing without your phone, in-ear alarms that won’t wake a partner, and sleep tracking.

The best earbuds for sleeping in 2026

1. Soundcore Sleep A30: best earbuds for sleeping

The Sleep A30 are small enough to sit flush in your ear whether you lie on your side, back or front, and they combine active noise cancelling with adaptive snore masking, which adds soothing sound when they detect snoring. Tom’s Guide names them the best sleep headphones overall, calling them “an incredibly thoughtful pair of sleep-focused buds”, and says they could be the answer for light sleepers or anyone with a snoring partner. The box includes four silicone tips, three memory foam tips and three sizes of stabilising wings.

Good to know: battery is the main weakness: Tom’s Guide got about nine hours per charge with ANC on, with about 45 more from the case. They list at $229.99 (SoundGuys) and often sell for about $180. They’re for sleep only, not everyday listening.

Check the Soundcore Sleep A30 on Amazon →

2. Ozlo Sleepbuds 2: most comfortable, with sleep tracking

Ozlo was founded by former Bose engineers, and the Sleepbuds 2 (July 2026) are among the smallest earbuds made for sleep. SoundGuys calls them “the most comfortable sleep earbuds you can buy, with battery life that lasts a full night”. Ozlo rates them at up to 14 hours per charge, up from 10 on the originals. They detect when you’ve fallen asleep and switch from your podcast or music to noise masking, track your sleep, and the case measures room noise, light and temperature. There’s also an in-ear alarm and an airplane mode.

Good to know: there’s no active noise cancelling, which Ozlo leaves out on purpose, and no wireless charging, at $279. If snoring or traffic is the problem, the Sleep A30’s ANC does more for less. Tom’s Guide found them comfortable in all sleep positions.

Check the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 on Amazon →

3. Soundcore Sleep A20: best budget sleep earbuds

The Sleep A20 cost $149.99 and, according to SoundGuys, are comfortable and stay in place for side sleepers, with several ear tip and wing sizes. Battery life is excellent: Soundcore claims 14 hours playing the built-in sleep sounds or 10 hours streaming over Bluetooth, with up to 80 more hours from the case.

Good to know: they have no active noise cancelling, and SoundGuys found the sound quality mediocre. They block noise with a passive seal and masking sounds, which is fine for a quiet bedroom but not for loud snoring.

Check the Soundcore Sleep A20 on Amazon →

4. MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones: cheapest option, blocks light too

If you don’t want anything in your ears, a sleep mask with thin headphones built in is a cheap alternative. Tom’s Guide picks the MUSICOZY as its best budget sleep headphones, at “a tenth of the cost” of the other picks: the padded eye cups block light, the thick material dulls some noise, and the battery lasts about 14 hours.

Good to know: there’s no noise cancelling, and the sound is best for white noise, ambient sounds and quiet meditations rather than music.

Check the MUSICOZY Sleep Headphones on Amazon →

5. Bose QuietComfort Headphones: best for back sleepers and flights

Over-ear headphones only work if you sleep on your back, but for back sleepers and travellers they’re very comfortable. Tom’s Guide’s reviewer describes wearing the Bose QuietComfort Headphones “like a gentle head hug”, praises their reliable noise cancelling and warm, smooth sound, and got about 26 hours of battery with ANC on, enough for three nights.

Good to know: they’re no good for side sleeping. For more over-ear options, see our best noise-cancelling headphones.

Check the Bose QuietComfort Headphones on Amazon →

Can you sleep with regular earbuds?

You can, especially on your back, but most regular earbuds stick out far enough to press into your ear when you lie on your side, and their batteries may not last the night with noise cancelling on. If you want one pair for day and night, choose the smallest earbuds you can find. Our best earbuds for small ears guide lists the most compact options, and our best noise-cancelling earbuds ranks the strongest ANC.

Sleeping with earbuds safely

• Keep the volume low. Sleep sounds work at quiet levels, and hours of loud audio can harm your hearing.
• Think about alarms. Noise-blocking earbuds can make it harder to hear a phone alarm or a smoke alarm. Use the in-ear alarm features, and don’t rely on earbuds if you need to hear a baby monitor or an emergency alarm.
• Keep them clean. Wipe the tips regularly and let your ears breathe; stop if you get soreness or irritation.

Our verdict

The Soundcore Sleep A30 are the best earbuds for sleeping for most people, especially if a snoring partner or traffic keeps you up, thanks to their noise cancelling and snore masking. Choose the Ozlo Sleepbuds 2 for the most comfortable fit, the longest battery and sleep tracking, the Soundcore Sleep A20 on a budget, a MUSICOZY sleep mask for the lowest price, and the Bose QuietComfort Headphones if you sleep on your back or on planes.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

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• Best earbuds under $100
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The best earbuds under $100 for most people are the EarFun Air Pro 4 ($89.99): adaptive noise cancelling, LDAC and aptX Lossless, multipoint and up to 52 hours of battery with the case. For the strongest noise cancelling at this price, get the CMF Buds 2 Plus ($79, often $59). iPhone owners who don’t need noise cancelling should look at the Beats Solo Buds ($79.99), and Galaxy owners at the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE.

Check the EarFun Air Pro 4 on Amazon →

How we put this together: this guide is based on manufacturers’ specifications, published measurements and reviews (linked below). It is not based on hands-on testing by iTech Level. Prices are list prices at the time of writing and change often. See how we choose products.

Best earbuds under $100 compared

Battery figures are the makers’ ratings unless noted. Price ranges reflect typical street prices.

What you get for under $100

• Noise cancelling is now normal at this price. It won’t match $250 earbuds on a plane, but the CMF Buds 2 Plus come surprisingly close in SoundGuys’ measurements.
• Hi-res codecs help on Android only. LDAC (EarFun, CMF, Space A40) works on most Android phones. iPhones stream over AAC whatever earbuds you buy, so iPhone owners shouldn’t pay extra for LDAC.
• Multipoint (connecting to a phone and a laptop at once) is common on cheap earbuds now. The EarFun, Space A40, JLab and P30i all have it.
• What you give up: the deep phone integration of AirPods, Pixel Buds or Galaxy Buds Pro, the strongest noise cancelling and premium build. If those matter, see our best earbuds under $150.

The best earbuds under $100

1. EarFun Air Pro 4: best earbuds under $100

The EarFun Air Pro 4 pack features you usually pay much more for: adaptive hybrid noise cancelling, LDAC and aptX Lossless, multipoint, a low-latency game mode and six microphones for calls. Battery life is up to 11 hours per charge (7.5 with ANC) and 52 hours with the case, and they’re rated IPX5. SoundGuys liked the sound, noise cancelling, comfort and feature-packed app at $89.99.

Good to know: SoundGuys notes that turning noise cancelling on changes the sound. EarFun has since released the Air Pro 4+ ($99.99), so the Air Pro 4 is often discounted.

Check the EarFun Air Pro 4 on Amazon →

2. CMF Buds 2 Plus: best noise cancelling under $100

The CMF Buds 2 Plus, from Nothing’s budget brand, cut outside noise by 83 percent on average in SoundGuys’ testing, “comparable to earbuds that cost twice as much”, and score 8.3/10 for noise cancelling. They add LDAC on Android, a custom EQ in the Nothing X app, about 9 hours per charge and an IP55 rating.

Good to know: the list price is $79, but they often sell for about $59. On an iPhone you manage them through the Nothing X app rather than iOS settings. They’re also the budget pick in our best noise-cancelling earbuds guide.

Check the CMF Buds 2 Plus on Amazon →

3. Soundcore Space A40: best battery and wireless charging

The Space A40 combine adaptive noise cancelling, LDAC and multipoint with up to 10 hours per charge and 50 hours with the case, and the case charges wirelessly, which is rare under $100. A 10-minute charge adds about 4 hours. They’re rated IPX4.

Good to know: the list price is $99.99, but they’re often much cheaper: Gizmodo reported them at a record low, and Amazon has sold them for $49. The noise cancelling handles everyday noise well but can’t match premium earbuds on flights.

Check the Space A40 on Amazon →

4. Beats Solo Buds: best for iPhone under $100

AirPods start at $129, so the Beats Solo Buds, from Apple-owned Beats, are the affordable alternative. They pair with one touch on both iPhone and Android, work with Find My (or Find My Device on Android), and come with four ear tip sizes from XS to L, which helps if you have small ears. Each bud weighs 5.7 g, and Beats rates them at up to 18 hours of playback, with about an hour from a 5-minute USB-C charge (Beats).

Good to know: there’s no noise cancelling, and the small case has no battery: it doesn’t recharge the buds, so you charge them over USB-C. TechRadar’s review praises the battery but finds the bass lighter than you’d expect from Beats. If you want noise cancelling on an iPhone, the CMF Buds 2 Plus or EarFun Air Pro 4 work fine over AAC.

Check the Beats Solo Buds on Amazon →

5. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 FE: best for Samsung under $100

The Galaxy Buds 3 FE (September 2025) replaced the original Buds FE (2023), which Amazon no longer sells new. They borrow the stem design of Samsung’s Pro earbuds and seal with silicone tips, and SoundGuys measured about 86 percent noise reduction, slightly better than Samsung’s pricier Pro model of the same generation. Samsung rates them at up to 6 hours per charge with noise cancelling (8.5 off) and up to 24 hours with the case (30 off), with Bluetooth 5.4, 11 mm drivers and an IP54 rating.

Good to know: Samsung lists them at $149.99, so they fit this guide only at their usual discount: they were $94.99 on Amazon, sold by Amazon, on October 6, 2026. The Seamless Codec, Auto Switch and Quick Panel controls need a Galaxy phone; on other phones they stream over AAC like most earbuds here. For more Samsung earbuds, see our best earbuds for Samsung Galaxy guide.

Check the Galaxy Buds 3 FE on Amazon →

6. JLab Go Sport+: best for workouts

The JLab Go Sport+ stay put thanks to over-ear hooks, and IP55 sweat and dust resistance makes them a reliable pick for runners and gym-goers. Multipoint keeps switching simple, a Be Aware mode lets in outside sound on the road, and battery life is 9+ hours per charge and 35+ hours with the case. The JLab app adds a custom EQ.

Good to know: there’s no noise cancelling, and the hooks make them bulkier to carry than regular earbuds.

Check the JLab Go Sport+ on Amazon →

7. Soundcore P30i: cheapest noise cancelling worth buying

The P30i bring real noise cancelling to a very low price, with up to 10 hours per charge (6 with ANC on) and up to 45 hours with the case. Multipoint lets you switch between a phone and a laptop, the Soundcore app adds a custom EQ, and the case doubles as a phone stand. IP54 makes them fine for commutes and the gym.

Good to know: the noise cancelling is well behind the CMF Buds 2 Plus, and there’s no wireless charging. For more under $50, see our best earbuds under $50 for Android.

Check the Soundcore P30i on Amazon →

Earbuds under $100 on Black Friday

Black Friday (November 27, 2026) is the best time of year to buy earbuds in this range. Two tips:

• Know the usual sale price. The CMF Buds 2 Plus often sell for about $59 and the Space A40 have been $49 at Amazon, so a “deal” above those prices isn’t special.
• Check pricier earbuds too. Big sales can push earbuds from our under-$150 list, such as the EarFun Air Pro 4+ or Pixel Buds 2a, close to $100. Compare them before you settle.

Our verdict

For most people the EarFun Air Pro 4 are the best earbuds under $100, with noise cancelling, hi-res codecs, multipoint and long battery life for $89.99. Choose the CMF Buds 2 Plus if noise cancelling matters most, the Space A40 for wireless charging, the Beats Solo Buds for a simple iPhone pick, the Galaxy Buds 3 FE for a Samsung phone, the JLab Go Sport+ for workouts and the Soundcore P30i if you want noise cancelling for as little as possible.

Frequently asked questions

Related guides

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• Best workout earbuds
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