Discovering the next best pair of over ear headphones for working out may seem like an exciting challenge to some people, but it can also be real difficult for other people.
Are you finally ready to throw in the towel because it’s nearly impossible to find the perfect headphones that you desire?
Are you tired of relying on numerous Internet searches and coming up empty?
You no longer need to spend your life searching for over ear headphones for working out.
Below, I’ve reviewed the top seven workout headphones that you’ll wear over your ears.
Quick List: Top 7 Over Ear Headphones For Working Out
- Plantronics On-Ear Sport Headphones – Best Wireless
- Levin Sports Wireless Headset – Best Under $100
- Kinivo BTH240 Bluetooth Headphones – Best Under $50
- JLAB Neon Bluetooth Headphones
- Skullcandy Crusher Wireless Headphones
- Riwbox XBT-880 Wireless Headphones
- Skullcandy Hesh 3 Headphone
Researching Over Ear Headphones For Working Out
The research stage can be a bit daunting if you don’t know what you’re doing. Thankfully I’ve reviewed hundreds of headphones, earbuds, wireless speakers, and all sorts of electronic devices throughout the years. So I consider myself somewhat of an expert on the topic due to my extensive knowledge, research background, and understanding of audio equipment.
With that said, I like to focus on a few different areas and categories when I perform the research for these detailed reviews. In particular today, I focused on three key areas including the best wireless, the best headphones under $100, and the best over ear headphones under $50. But that was just the beginning of my overall study process.
I also honed in on headphones that had noise isolation capabilities, long battery life, rapid recharging, excellent Bluetooth connectivity, collapsible designs, and most important of all, whether or not they would be good for people who were working out.
Bone conduction headphones are becoming very popular for the gym, running and working out. We did a full review of the best bone conduction headphones on the market and I highly recommend you take a look at that.
It’s never easy finding a solid pair of headphones that aren’t going to fly off of your head as soon as you start your next CrossFit program or yoga routine. I know that my readers need headphones that are durable, sturdy, and strong enough that they’ll stay in place no matter how intense the workout. So that’s what I focused on overall.
The Best Over Ear Headphones For Working Out In2024
1. Plantronics On-Ear Sport Headphones – Best Wireless
- Talk time: Up to 16 hours
The Plantronics On-Ear Sport Headphones are an immensely popular choice because they were designed for high impact sports like boxing, CrossFit workouts, MMA, and yoga. These headphones are sweat proof, wireless, loud, and easy to use.
✔️ What we like: Optional wired or wireless capabilities, built-in microphone
❌ What we don’t like: Not the best choice if you have a large head
Standout Features
- Pairs eight devices at a time
- Pairs two devices simultaneously
- Built-in microphone
- 40 mm drivers
- Advanced acoustic technology
I’m a big fan of wearing these headphones while working out because they were designed to stay firmly on your head while you jump up and down, run around, or perform other difficult and grueling physical activities. Personally, I’m a big fan of DDPY yoga and there’s some movement to this workout but I never have to worry about these headphones falling off because they always seem to stay strongly in place on top of my head.
But besides that awesome feature, they also come fully equipped with advanced acoustic technology, 40 mm drivers, and a built-in microphone which provides rich, deep sounds and an excellent experience when talking to friends on the phone, through video chat, or other ways.
Unfortunately this headset might not be ideal for people that have a large head. You know who you are if you have a difficult time fitting into hats and other types of headgear. These headphones are intentionally made on the smaller side so that they don’t go flying off of your head during a workout. If you have a large head, it’s possible that they likely will not fit because your head is too big to begin with.
All in all, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Plantronics On-Ear Sport Headphones because they deliver awesome sound quality; they’re easy to use to access your favorite voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, or Cortana, and they come with a 3.5 mm cable so you can listen to them wirelessly or through the wired option.
2. Levin Sports Wireless Headset – Best Under $100
- [Great if you can't stand earbuds] It would rest outside of your ears instead of within the ear canal. Ergonomic design of this headphone when you are on the treadmill, it stays in place so much...
The Levin Sports Wireless Headset is an excellent choice for the best over ear headphones under $100 because it’s inexpensive, packs a punch with 12 hours of battery life, and it’s foldable so you can stuff it in your pocket, carry it in your purse, or cram it into your backpack with the greatest of ease.
✔️ What we like: Behind the neck over ear design, compact and lightweight
❌ What we don’t like: Too small for some users
Standout Features
- Comfortably rests on your ears
- Exceptionally lightweight design
- 4 control buttons
- Foldable for easy transporting
- Secure fit so they don’t fall off
One of my all-time favorite things about these over ear headphones is the way that they are designed for simple and easy carrying. Sometimes headphones are big, bulky, and constantly in the way because they take up so much space. You can fold up these portable headphones into a very small and compact package so that they easily fit into a tiny carrying case. This means you can literally stick them in your pocket, or throw them into your shopping bag, or hide them in your book bag and no one would be the wiser that they were even there.
Another great thing is the secure and comfortable fit. The way these headphones hook over your ears means they will stay securely in place no matter what type of activity you happen to be performing. You could be in the gym doing head stands, jumping around on a trampoline, or running 1000 miles an hour at top speed and they will remain securely held to your ears and never fall off. And since the design is so lightweight, you’ll hardly notice they’re even there with the exception of the music or audiobook you happen to be listening to.
One user felt the design was too small for his ears. So he couldn’t really get them the fit on top of his ears all that well and it made for an uncomfortable experience. If you are a larger person with larger ears, this might not be the best choice to meet your personal sizing requirements. So please keep this in mind as you make your final decision.
Overall, the Levin Sports Wireless Headset is the premier choice because you can easily listen to your music on the go, wear them in a rainstorm or sweat like a maniac and not have to worry because they’re waterproof. Or sleep on your pillow at night listening to music without feeling the least bit uncomfortable.
3. Kinivo BTH240 Bluetooth Headphones – Best Under $50
- Compatible with Bluetooth enabled music players & A2DP enabled devices such as iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Android Smart Phones, tablets, etc
The Kinivo BTH240 Bluetooth Headphones are the #1 pick for the best headphones under $50 because they are comfortable, foldable, designed with unique memory foam ear pads, they travel easily, they deliver wireless music and hands-free calling, and they come in three colors including black, pink, and red.
✔️ What we like: Compatible with iPhones, android phones, iPods, tablets, and more
❌ What we don’t like: Flimsy and too small for larger heads
Standout Features
- Lightweight design
- 10 hours of battery life
- Micro USB charging port
- Modified LED design
- Great sound quality
When buying over ear headphones for working out, the most important thing to consider is the quality of the audio. The quality of this headset is second to none, and when you compare that to the low price you have an excellent opportunity on your hands.
These headphones sound stupendous whether you listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, and if you love working out while wearing them, you can hook them right over your ears and they will stay firmly in place so they won’t fall off during your exercise session.
What’s most impressive is they redesigned these Bluetooth headphones from top to bottom. Not only do they stay charged for 10 hours now, they also have a sleek new design, include a micro USB charging port, and they are compatible with a number of high-level devices including android, iPhone, iPad, and more.
One reviewer was unhappy because he said the headphones were too small for his head. He also said that they were made a bit on the flimsy side. It’s likely that he has a fairly large head because most other reviewers have nothing but good things to say about the overall size and design. They haven’t complained that they were too small, so it must be his head and not these earphones.
All things considered, I feel the utmost confidence recommending the Kinivo BTH240 Bluetooth Headphones because of their excellent features like Bluetooth compatibility, the 4 button controls, the 10 hours of battery life, and the modified LED design.
4. JLab Neon Bluetooth Headphones
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The JLab Neon Bluetooth Headphones are a big hit amongst people who like to exercise because of their crystal-clear clarity, hi-fi stereo sound, 13 hours of battery life, and phenomenal Bluetooth connectivity that makes this inexpensive pair of headphones an absolute steal.
✔️ What we like: Circular ear cups rotate 80°, comfortable fit
❌ What we don’t like: The earpiece fabric tore apart after five months
Standout Features
- 13 hours of Bluetooth playtime
- Comfortable fit
- 3 button remote control
- 24 month warranty
- Plush circular ear cups
I happen to be the kind of person that looks for comfort as well as incredible sound quality when I buy a new headset. I think these over ear headphones deliver on both counts because the plush circular ear cups are so comfortable on top of your ears that they feel like your ears are resting on soft little pillows. And the sound quality is so great that it feels like you’re listening to a loud and booming stereo as it encompasses your ears.
Another exciting feature is the 13 hours of Bluetooth playtime. You can listen to music wirelessly at any time over a 13 hour stretch before you need to recharge the batteries. And speaking of great Bluetooth, the headset will stay connected to your favorite Bluetooth device whether you’re sitting right next to it, 10 feet away, 20 feet away, or even 30 feet away before you begin to run into connectivity problems.
One reviewer was unhappy because he said the fabric on the earpiece tore off after using them for five months. Unfortunately this happens with a lot of headphones because the material is so soft and thin that it eventually ends up tearing or wearing away. No one likes to think about it but most headsets weren’t designed to last forever. Five months seems a little bit too quickly for the material to start ripping, but it’s possible he purchased a faulty pair of headphones to begin with.
At the end of the day, you’ll appreciate the JLab Neon Bluetooth Headphones because of the many colors including black, blue, green, and purple. You’ll also like the 13 hours of battery life, the great Bluetooth connectivity, and the ability to wear feather light headphones and listen to your favorite songs at the gym.
5. Skullcandy Crusher Wireless Headphones
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The Skullcandy Crusher Wireless Headphones are an impressive piece of technology because of their great Bluetooth wireless range, the rapid 10 minute charging feature, the adjustable sensory base, and the other exciting features.
✔️ What we like: Built-in microphone and noise isolating fit
❌ What we don’t like: Makes creaky noises and fabric tears easily
Standout Features
- 40 hours of battery life
- Bluetooth wireless technology
- Adjustable sensory base
- Built-in microphone
- Call, track and volume control
First off, I really like these headphones because of their amazing battery life. Most of the wireless headphones I buy usually running out of juice eventually because I always forget to recharge them. These headphones have two features that make it nearly impossible for me to ever run out of power.
First is the humongous battery that provides 40 hours of battery life. Second is the rapid charge feature that lets me plug the headphones in for 10 minutes to get an additional three hours of battery power.
The worst things that I read about these headphones is some reviewer said the fabric tears to easily on the ear cups. Other reviewers said the headphones themselves make a weird creaky noise. I didn’t experience either of those things after using them for about six months. But some people did mention these problems so I felt obligated to mention them just to keep you fully informed.
On the whole, I think Skullcandy Crusher Wireless Headphones are a great pair of headphones because of the built-in microphone, the adjustable sensory bass, the three button outer controls, and the incredibly long battery life with rapid charging.
6. Riwbox XBT-880 Wireless Headphones
- [ Impressive Sound Quality ]: The Riwbox XBT-880 is a wireless Bluetooth headphone that delivers impressive sound quality. With its 40mm large diameter aperture drivers and built-in high detail...
The Riwbox XBT-880 Wireless Headphones are truly impressive because they deliver impressive sound quality, come fully equipped with over ear noise isolation pads, have a built-in microphone for hands-free calling, and a lightweight and stylish design.
✔️ What we like: Comfortable protein ear cushions, 33 feet Bluetooth range
❌ What we don’t like: Headphones stopped working after a month
Standout Features
- 4 button remote control
- Wireless Bluetooth connectivity
- 50 mm large aperture drivers
- Built in high detail microphone
- Wired or wireless connections
Everyone has their own tastes. Some people want to remain connected wirelessly at all times and they want the highest quality Bluetooth from their headphones. Others prefer to have a wired connection and never need to worry about battery power longevity. With these headphones you get the best of both worlds because they’re Bluetooth enabled and wireless and also have a 3.5 mm jack wired option built-in.
One reviewer wasn’t very impressed with his headphones because they stopped working after a month. Most headphones aren’t going to break this swiftly. It’s obvious that he purchased a faulty device. He has to contact the manufacturer to get a replacement. They will replace them if they broke this quickly.
Other reasons to own of the Riwbox XBT-880 Wireless Headphones include the over ear isolation pads to block out background noise, the top level sound quality that comes in crystal-clear for phone calls or music, and the built-in microphone and hands-free calling features that connect to tablets, PCs, TVs, and smartphones.
7. Skullcandy Hesh 3 Headphone
- Bluetooth wireless technology
The Skullcandy Hesh 3 Headphone is a prime choice for headphone aficionados because of the 22 hours of battery life, the Bluetooth wireless technology, and the four button remote control on the outside of the earpiece.
✔️ What we like: Rapid 10 minute recharge provides four hours of battery life
❌ What we don’t like: Weak frames and poorly made product
Standout Features
- Long battery life
- Collapsible design
- Noise isolating headphones
- Available in eight different colors
- Easy volume control
For the most part, I truly appreciate these headphones because they’re excellent to wear while working out. They cover your ears and isolate all the background noise with the greatest of ease. But they aren’t too thick or too bulky so they don’t get in the way while you’re working out. With headphones like these, the speaker portion is relatively thin, very comfortable with soft padding, and not too thick or bulky so they stay out of your way while exercising.
If you’re buying these headphones because you like training, you’re in for a treat because they have a way of formfitting to your head so they stay firmly in place even when you’re running, jumping, or swiftly moving around. One reviewer said the frames were made weakly and that the product was created poorly. It’s possible he purchased a faulty device that just needed to be replaced because it was harmed during the manufacturing process.
Generally speaking, you’ll love the Skullcandy Hesh 3 Headphone because of the easy to carry collapsible design, the noise isolation that blocks out background noise, and the 22 hours of battery life combined with the rapid charging. Plus the eight colors including black, blue, gray, platinum gray, red, deep red, olive, and teal provide a wide range of colorful choices.
A Guide to Choosing Awesome Over Ear Headphones For Working Out
For those of you who weren’t impressed with my choices above you’ll undoubtedly want to continue your search to find headphones that meet your personal wants, needs, and desires.
To help you achieve this task, I’m going to share information about the most important things to look for when choosing headphones of this type. Because if you get this wrong, you could end up buying terrible headphones for working out and wasting your money. Nobody wants to see that happen including me.
Noise Cancellation Capabilities
To start with, you should focus on headphones with noise isolation or noise cancellation capabilities. Sometimes you just want to get lost in your own world while training and you want to block out all of the background noise in its entirety. When you get over ear headphones for working out that focus on noise isolation, you can forget about the world around you and focus on your intense workout so you ultimately end up achieving your fitness goals and dreams.
Battery Longevity
Most of my readers are going to likely want wireless Bluetooth headphones when choosing the best over ear headphones for working out. And why not? Why buy wired headphones for running that you’ll only trip over while exercising when this much better option is available?
Find headphones with tremendous battery life because you may accidentally leave them at the bottom of your gym bag and forget to charge them, only to find out they have no more juice when you go to exercise the next time. If the battery life is long to begin with, they will most likely still power up for an hour before you have a chance to charge them again.
Bluetooth Connectivity
Lastly, you should focus on Bluetooth connectivity. Why? You want wireless workout headphones with high quality Bluetooth connectivity because the last thing you need is your connection cutting in and out during a grueling work out.
You need your music or your favorite podcast to help you get through your workout. Without it you’re going to struggle the entire time, so make sure Bluetooth connectivity is at the forefront of your mind when making your final choice.
Perfect Over Ear Headphones For Working Out
As you can see, we’ve finally come to the end of our journey together.
I’ve spent quite some time reviewing the ultimate over ear headphones for working out. I hope you found this information useful and informative. Because if you haven’t, I’m not doing my job to the best of my ability.
When all’s said and done, I reviewed seven incredible over ear workout headphones out for you today. They are the best there is as far as wireless connectivity goes, or whether they are priced under $100 or $50.
I also reviewed headphones with the best Bluetooth connections, the greatest comfort, the best style, and more.
Please use these reviews and this trusted guide to find a great pair of headphones that you can count on whenever you feel like working out.
Further Reading:
- 10 Best Headphones Under $500 In 2024 (Open Back & Closed Back)
- 5 Best Surround Sound Headphones For Movies
- 12 Best Planar Magnetic Headphones In 2024 (From $200 to $2000)
- 5 Best Open Back Headphones For Gaming In 2024 (Multiple Budgets)
- 5 Best Skullcandy Earbuds In 2024
Trent is a music lover, musical instrument player and passionate audio afficionado.