Listening to music during a workout isn’t just fun—it can enhance your performance and increase serotonin levels, making your fitness routine even more rewarding. Many fitness enthusiasts prefer earbuds because they’re more practical than headphones.

Earbuds are lightweight and portable, staying in place without bouncing around during exercise. Imagine running a 5K with large, heavy headphones that shift with every step—it’s not ideal.

This article will provide tips for choosing the best wireless sports earbuds for your usage during workouts and other physical activities. 

Tips for choosing the true wireless earbuds

However, not all earbuds are designed for workouts. When shopping for the perfect pair to accompany your fitness journey, here are a few questions you should ask:

Are They Bluetooth?

Wired earbuds can be a hassle with long cables running from your device to your ears. If your phone is in your pocket or a running belt, the wires can easily get tugged, yanking the earbuds out of your ears. In the long run, you don’t want to be distracted by wires pulling your earbuds out while you’re trying to power through a tough moment.

Bluetooth earbuds eliminate the wires entirely. They nest comfortably in your ears without any cables to worry about, meaning no tangled wires or damage during your workout. Some Bluetooth models, like our IPX Bluetooth cable for the CSX and PRO lines, connect the two earbuds with a wire, typically worn behind the head. This design offers a balance between a wire-free experience and a secure connection, leaving it to personal preference whether you opt for fully wireless earbuds or a minimal cable.

Are They Comfortable?

The last thing you need during a workout is discomfort. Even a slight pinch in your ears can be distracting and affect your performance. Just like you wouldn’t run in scratchy leggings, you don’t want earbuds that irritate you.

Earbuds typically come with two types of tips: hard plastic or soft rubber. Hard plastic tips aren’t ideal for workouts because they don’t conform to the unique shape of your ears, which can lead to an uncomfortable fit. Soft rubber tips are an improvement, but they still can’t offer the all-day comfort needed for longer workouts. Even if the rubber tips fit well enough, they can still pinch and cause discomfort over time.

Do They Stay In Place?

We’ve mentioned that wired earbuds can fall out if the cable gets tugged, but even without wires, some earbuds don’t stay put. Earbuds with plastic tips often don’t “lock in” and can pop out during lower-intensity exercises.

Even soft plastic tips, though slightly better, can still come loose. The right fit is essential to ensure your earbuds stay securely in place. Only a truly custom fit can give you the confidence to wear them throughout intense workouts or outdoor runs.

Some earbuds feature plastic loops to secure them around your ears, which helps keep them in place. However, not everyone finds this design comfortable, especially if you wear prescription glasses or sunglasses. The added weight can also feel cumbersome for some users.

Are They Sweat-Resistant?

While some people don’t sweat much during a workout, most of us work up a sweat. That’s why it's crucial to choose earbuds that can handle moisture.

When shopping for fitness earbuds, you'll often see terms like "waterproof" or "sweat-proof." The key difference is the IPX rating, which indicates the level of protection against moisture.

Sweat-proof earbuds are usually rated between IPX3 and IPX6, meaning they can handle moisture and light splashes from rain or sweat. Earbuds with an IPX7 rating or higher can even be submerged in water, though Bluetooth won’t work underwater, so they’re not suitable for swimming. For most workouts, earbuds rated at least IPX3 are perfectly fine.

Earbuds with an IPX2 rating or lower are more prone to damage, so it’s best to avoid them for workouts. While your ears won’t be harmed, you risk ruining your earbuds if they’re not sweat-resistant.

How Much Noise Do They Block?

The level of noise reduction you need depends on your workout environment. If you’re lifting weights at the gym, you might prefer to block out surrounding noise to focus. But if you’re cycling, you’ll want to block the wind but still hear approaching cars.

There are two types of noise reduction: passive noise isolation and active noise cancellation (ANC). ANC works by canceling out ambient noise with an opposing sound wave, while passive isolation relies on creating a tight seal between the earbud tips and your ears to block out noise.

For outdoor workouts, especially near busy streets, ANC might make you less aware of your surroundings, which could be dangerous. Some ANC earbuds include a "hear-through" feature to let in some ambient noise, but not all offer this. Plus, ANC earbuds can distort music, meaning sound quality might suffer.

Passive noise isolation, like the 26-decibel reduction in our earbuds, is ideal for both the gym and outdoor runs. It allows you to block out some noise without compromising sound quality. For context, a car passing by at 72 dB is still audible, but your music will remain clear.

Regardless of the type of noise reduction, always stay alert when running or biking on or near roads.

How’s the Battery Life?

No one wants to worry about recharging their earbuds after every workout, whether it’s a 30-minute HIIT session or a marathon-length run. Look for earbuds that offer a long battery life for music playback.

Many earbuds have separate battery life estimates for music and call time, so be sure to check the specifics. Also, choose earbuds that can charge quickly—for instance, Groovz earbuds give you an hour of playtime after just 10 minutes of charging. That way, even if you forget to charge before your run, you’ll be good to go.

True wireless earbuds start charging automatically when placed in the case. With a fully charged case, you can enjoy up to 20 hours of listening time—perfect for on-the-go charging, so you won’t have to stay near an outlet.

Do They Have Tap Control?

When you're in the middle of a workout, the last thing you want to do is pull out your phone to skip a song or answer a call. That’s why tap controls are a must for workout earbuds.

Most earbuds offer basic touch controls like play, pause, skip, or answering calls. Groovz earbuds allow you to customize these controls. For example, you can set one earbud to skip tracks and the other to pause/play with a double tap.

Do They Sound Good?

Finally, sound quality is essential! Look for earbuds with good reviews regarding sound performance. Some earbuds even let you adjust the sound to your preferences, such as boosting the bass for a run switching to a clearer sound for walking, or listening to podcasts.

Conclusion 

True wireless earbuds can be a game-changer for your workout routine, offering convenience, comfort, and enhanced sound quality. Whether you’re looking for a sweat-resistant design, long-lasting battery life, or customizable controls, the right pair can help you stay focused, motivated, and connected during every session.