Are you looking for a pair of headphones to ensure your music really motivates you in your workouts? Along with wireless earbuds, over-ear headphones have become increasingly popular in the gym due to their noise isolation and secure fit, helping you stay focused and in the zone. The right pair can make a huge impact on the productivity of your exercise.
In this article, we’ll explore the best over-ear headphones for working out. These options have all the features you need in a good pair of gym headphones, such as a comfortable fit and noise isolation.
Plus, because they’re not specifically designed for working out (not many are!), they’re suited to a variety of other applications, making them superb if you’re priority is the gym but you also want to be able to use them in other environments!
In a hurry?
Here are our three favourite over-ear headphones for use in the gym:
| JBL Tune 760NC Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones | A sleek, low-cost solution with JBL’s Pure Bass Sound and up to 35 hours of battery life with ANC. | Check the current price |
| DALI IO-12 True Hi-Fi Wireless Headphones | Includes an IP52 rating, wind noise suppression, and an SMC magnet system. | Check the current price |
| Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones | These headphones support 24bit/192kHz resolution and a CVC microphone for easy hands-free control. | Check the current price |
Why we’ve chosen these headphones
We’ve selected these over-ear headphones for how they perform in intense workout sessions. Our list covers a range of different users, from casual gym-goers to serious athletes, ensuring a range of options that cater to various needs and budgets.
Prices vary, but all provide excellent value for their features. We’ve focused on headphones that are comfortable to wear and stay put during movement.
Of course, sound quality was also a major factor. We’ve prioritised headphones with strong bass to keep you motivated, while still providing clear mids and highs. Additionally, these models offer noise isolation or cancellation, helping you stay focused by blocking out distractions.
Durability is also crucial. These headphones are built to withstand sweat and avoid the wear and tear of frequent use. Plus, they’re all wireless!
The best over-ear headphones for working out
1. JBL Tune 760NC Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones
Key features
- 40mm drivers with Pure Bass Sound
- Up to 50-hours of battery life
- Compact, adjustable design
Pros
- Multi-Point connectivity lets you alternate between devices
- Two microphones allow for hands-free control
- Soft earpads provide a cosy listening experience
Cons
- Not as stable as many other options
For high-quality sound at a manageable price, the JBL Tune 760NC Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Bluetooth Headphones are a great choice.
The 40mm drivers deliver JBL’s signature Pure Bass Sound, providing rich, deep bass without compromising on the mids or highs. This is particularly great for workouts – that bass is the all-important factor for keeping up the pace of your reps or cardio!
The active noise cancellation is also great. It effectively blocks out any ambient noise in busy environments like gyms, allowing you to concentrate fully on your workout without any distractions.
Having two built-in microphones (which work alongside Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa) is a major bonus for workouts as they enable you to change the volume, skip songs, and play/pause tracks without interrupting your set!
On a single charge, the 760NC headphones offer up to 35 hours of playback with ANC activated and 50 hours without, so you’ll be able to make multiple visits to the gym without needing a power top-up. Bluetooth 5.0 provides Multi-Point Connectivity, allowing you to switch seamlessly between two Bluetooth devices and enjoy your favourite playlists without the clutter of wires.
Comfort-wise, the Tune 760NCs come with soft earpads and an adjustable headband for a snug fit that’s ideal for long gym sessions. They’re also available in four different colours, so you can find a style that suits you. It should be noted, however, that if your workout routine involves vigorous movement, you might need a more stable pair for activities like running.
2. DALI IO-12 True Hi-Fi Wireless Headphones
Key features
- IP52 water resistance rating
- SMC magnet system
- Wind noise suppression
Pros
- 50mm paper fibre cone drivers deliver a detailed sound
- Offers both wired and wireless playback
- Dual sound modes (Hi-Fi and Bass) allow for easy audio customisation
Cons
- High price point
The DALI IO-12 True Hi-Fi Wireless Headphones combine premium sound quality with practical features, making them ideal for those who take their workouts seriously. These headphones deliver incredible audio thanks to the 50mm paper fibre cone drivers and an efficient SMC magnet system, which significantly reduces distortion and eddy currents.
As with many of our selections, active noise cancellation is there to ensure all background noise is blocked out. The Wind Noise Suppression feature then comes in handy during outdoor exercises, ensuring that wind interference doesn’t disturb your listening experience.
These headphones feature dual sound modes – Hi-Fi and Bass. The Hi-Fi mode lets you enjoy the full richness and clarity of your music, while the Bass mode is perfect for adding extra depth and power to your beats, keeping you motivated during high-energy workouts.
With a battery life of up to 35 hours, the IO-12s can be used again and again for long workout sessions. And thanks they have an IP52 rating, offering protection against dust and dripping water. You also have the option of a wired connection or Bluetooth 5.2.
Designed for stability, the IO-12s stay securely in place even during intense activities like running, cycling, or lifting weights. The ergonomic design and soft, cushioned ear pads provide comfort for extended wear, so you can focus entirely on your performance without having to adjust your headphones.
3. Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones
Key features
- 40mm aluminium/magnesium drivers
- Genuine leather and microfibre headband
- Three noise-cancellation modes
Pros
- USB DAC enables 24bit/192kHz resolution
- Long battery life gives you plenty of listening time
- Dual sound modes (Hi-Fi and Bass) allow for easy audio customisation
Cons
- Quite bulky in size
The Focal Bathys Wireless ANC Headphones feature 40mm aluminium/magnesium drivers, delivering high-resolution sound with remarkable clarity and minimal distortion.
The real leather headband and plush over-ear earpads provide exceptional comfort, making them ideal for extended use. However, this does make them quite bulky – but there’s a sleek case included to make them easier to carry!
The Bathys are equipped with three distinct noise-cancellation modes – Silent, Soft, and Transparency. This is a great feature to have as it allows you to tailor your headphones to your environment. In a gym, for example, you might want full noise cancellation but if you’re outdoors, you might want to hear some of your surroundings, such as traffic. Of course, there’s also Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless listening.
Thanks to Clear Voice Capture microphone technology, the headphones guarantee crystal-clear calls, making these headphones versatile enough for both music and communication. They’re also compatible with popular voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
With up to 30 hours of battery life in Bluetooth ANC mode, the Bathys are built to last through multiple workout sessions. For even longer playtime, the USB DAC connection offers up to 42 hours and delivers 24-bit/192kHz audio resolution, perfect if you’re an audiophile and a gym goer.
4. SubZero Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones
Key features
- Active noise-cancelling technology
- Up to 25-hour battery life
- Ultra comfortable design
Pros
- LED indicator makes wireless pairing quick and easy
- Extremely affordable price
- Stable during low-impact workouts
Cons
- Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity can be limiting
The SubZero Wireless Bluetooth Noise Cancelling Headphones are a solid, cost-effective option if you’re after a pair that covers all the basics. With active noise-cancelling technology, you can block out distractions and focus solely on your music, creating a more immersive listening experience.
Despite the budget-friendly price, the headphones boast 40mm drivers and can achieve frequencies as low as 20 Hz, perfect for those bass-heavy club tracks that give you that extra boost when working out.
The over-ear design provides comfort and a secure fit. They stay securely in place during weightlifting or other stationary exercises, ensuring you don’t have to adjust them constantly. However, if you’re into running or high-impact activities, you might want something a little more stable.
The 25-hour battery life means you won’t be left without music mid-session, and when the battery does run out, the option to switch to a wired connection is handy. These SubZero headphones also come with a carry case in a stylish black finish that will safeguard them from any potential scratching or damage when not in use.
Overall, if your workouts are more about lifting weights or using gym machines, the SubZero headphones offer a great balance of comfort and practicality.
5. Cleer Enduro ANC Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones
Key features
- Up to 60 hours of battery life
- Ironless Driver technology
- Bluetooth 5.0 with AAC and Apt X HD
Pros
- Customise the audio with the Cleer Connect app
- Google Fast Pair 2.0 allows for seamless pairing with your Android devices
- Sleek earpads and an adjustable headband enable comfy listening
Cons
- Active noise cancellation isn’t the best
While not as cheap as others in this list, we think you’ll get your money’s worth with the Cleer Enduro ANC Over-Ear Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones.
They’re equipped with custom 40mm Ironless Driver technology, delivering a high-resolution sound with crisp clarity and deep bass, ideal for thumping house music and energetic pop songs.
While active noise cancellation does a good job of reducing ambient noise, it’s not as effective as that of other headphones on this list. Having said that, the Enduro headphones’ large ear pads allow for passive noise isolation to bring further clarity to your music. The sleek earpads are also very comfy to wear and, along with an adjustable headband, ensure that the headphones stay firmly fixed during a workout session.
Battery life is another strong suit, offering up to 60 hours of playback – plenty for several days of workouts. And if you’re running low on power, a quick five-minute charge gives you an extra two hours of playback, so you’re never left without your music.
The Cleer Connect app allows you to customise the noise-cancelling and EQ settings, tailoring the sound to your preferences. Ideal for Andriod users, these headphones also include Google Fast Pair 2.0 for instant wireless connectivity. But if you’re not an Android user, you can still pair the Enduro ANCs with various devices thanks to Bluetooth 5.0.
6. Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e Wireless Headphones
Key features
- 24-bit high-resolution DSP
- Enhanced Music App integration
- Bluetooth 5.2 with aptX™ Adaptive
Pros
- Ambient pass-through mode lets you filter external noise into playback
- Memory foam earpads offer bespoke stability
- Available in three different colours
Cons
- Battery life could be higher considering the price
Getting into the high-end stuff now, we have the What Hi-Fi-acclaimed Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S2e Wireless Headphones.
Leveraging features from the pioneering Px8 model, these headphones boast a high-resolution 24-bit Digital Signal Processor (DSP) to ensure excellent audio quality. The carefully angled 44 mm drivers produce a best-in-class sound quality that elevates a variety of genres, ideal for gymgoers who value audio as well as fitness.
With the help of four built-in microphones, the Px7 s2es offer exceptional noise cancellation. There’s also an Ambient pass-through mode, so you can filter some external sound into the playback and stay aware of your surroundings.
The Enhanced Music App lets you customise your audio experience by adjusting noise cancellation, toggling ambient mode, and personalising EQ settings. Thanks to Bluetooth 5.2, the headphones offer easy wireless connectivity to both your Apple/Android devices, with aptX™ Adaptive support giving you a smooth sound with no lags.
There are two additional microphones used solely for answering phone calls, perfect for having a chat with your friends while you’re on the go.
When it comes to comfort, these headphones are pretty much flawless. The memory foam earpads provide a luxurious fit that’s stable enough to handle intense workouts, whether you’re doing a spin class or a bench press.
If we had to nitpick, we feel that the 30-hour battery life is a bit on the short side when compared with other models on this list. But on the bright side, there is a wear-detection sensor that automatically detects when you remove or put on the headphones. This is a great way of conserving the battery life.
7. Sonos Ace Headphones
Key features
- Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
- Active noise cancellation and Aware Mode
- Compatible with the Sonos App
Pros
- Stainless steel headband and stylish earpad offer excellent comfort
- Wear detection sensor offers automatic play/pause
- Bluetooth 5.4 with Multipoint allows you to switch between devices
Cons
- Audio detail is quite basic
Weighing just 312 g, the Sonos Ace Headphones are extremely light so you will barely feel them during a workout session. The stainless-steel headband and plush memory foam earpads are extremely comfy and allow for long listening sessions without any ear fatigue.
These headphones offer an immersive three-dimensional soundstage, while dynamic head tracking adjusts the audio based on your head movements – a very handy feature when you’re moving around a lot!
Active noise cancellation ensures that external distractions are kept at bay, allowing you to focus entirely on your workout. Or if you want to stay aware of your surroundings, the Aware Mode smartly lets in ambient sounds when necessary.
In terms of sound, the 40mm dynamic drivers offer a balanced sound with minimal distortion. Sadly, it does lack the high-frequency content that many other high-end models offer.
The wear detection sensor automatically pauses your music when you take the headphones off and resumes playback when you put them back on. Bluetooth 5.4 with Multipoint connectivity enables seamless switching between devices, ensuring your workout flows smoothly.
Thanks to the Sonos App, you can customise the EQ, manage the volume, and switch the ANC on/off easily from your smartphone. You can also access voice assistant software such as Google Assistant, ensuring easy hands-free control.
Plus, you get up to 30 hours of wireless listening (with ANC activated) on a single charge.
How to choose the best over-ear headphones for working out
The best over-ear headphones for working out are closed-back, rather than open-back.
Closed-back headphones offer excellent noise isolation, which helps you stay focused by blocking out distractions. If you’re running or cycling outdoors, look for a model with an “environment mode” as this allows some external sounds, like approaching cars, to filter through, ensuring you stay aware of your surroundings.
Fit and stability are also crucial. Look for headphones with an ergonomic design and adjustable headbands to ensure they stay in place during intense workouts. Some models also feature ear cups with secure, cushioned pads that grip your ears gently but firmly.
Noise cancellation is another factor. While it can be useful for indoor workouts, particularly in a busy gym, it’s worth balancing this with the need for awareness when outdoors.
Lastly, it seems obvious but you make sure you consider the sound quality. A balanced frequency response is key, with captivating highs to keep vocals and instruments distinct, and a solid bass response for that extra push during workouts.
A flat or slightly boosted bass can also enhance your music without overwhelming the other frequencies, giving you the energy boost needed to power through your weightlifting or treadmill sessions.
The benefits of over-ear headphones
Over-ear headphones are particularly great for their comfort and sound quality.
Their larger ear cups with cushioned pads provide a better fit than over-ear headphones or earphones, making them ideal for extended wear during long workout sessions.
Unlike smaller headphones, they don’t press directly into your ears, reducing discomfort over time.
They typically house larger drivers, so you’re more likely to hear a much more detailed sound than many in-ear headphones. This enhances the richness of your music, making it more engaging and enjoyable while you exercise.
Over-ear headphones also excel at cancelling out background noise. Many models now feature active noise cancellation (ANC), which further reduces ambient noise. This can help you maintain focus during your workout, whether you’re in a busy gym or navigating noisy outdoor environments.
Headphones to avoid when working out
To make your decision easier, here are two things to avoid when shopping for gym headphones:
- Open-back headphones: These allow ambient noise to seep in, which can be distracting and diminish sound quality in busy environments
- Wired headphones: Their cables can easily tangle or disconnect during movement, causing unnecessary interruptions
FAQs
Are over-ear headphones good for the gym?
Over-ear headphones are great for the gym. They offer excellent sound quality and noise isolation. However, they can feel bulky and may slip during vigorous movement, making them less practical for high-intensity exercises.
Can you use over-ear headphones for running?
Over-ear headphones can be used for running at a moderate pace if you’re on flat terrain. They offer superior sound quality and comfort, but they can feel quite unstable during faster runs or trail running.
How do I make sure my headphones don’t fall off while running?
To prevent over-ear headphones from slipping while running, ensure they have a snug fit by adjusting the headband and ear cups. Use a sweatband or cap to add extra friction, and consider models with a tighter clamping force. Choosing lightweight designs can also reduce movement during runs.
Final thoughts
Choosing the best over-ear headphones for working out all comes down to your personal needs and the type of exercise you’ll need them for. We hope our list has helped you find the right pair for you!
For further reading, check out our guides to open-back vs. closed-back headphones and passive vs. active noise cancelling. Or if you’re after some earphones, have a look at our favourite budget wireless earbuds.
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