You know that feeling when you’re out for a run, the music is pumping, but you’re constantly adjusting your earbuds or worried about not hearing what's around you? That’s where open ear headphones for running change the game. They let you enjoy your favorite beats while staying aware of your surroundings, so no more missing out on traffic sounds or that friendly runner saying, “On your left!”
Nowadays, open-ear headphones have gotten even better, with improved comfort, sweat resistance, and crystal-clear audio. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just getting in your daily steps, we’ve rounded up this year’s top six best open ear headphones for running to keep you moving safely and comfortably. Read on to find your perfect pair!
Top 6 Best Open Ear Headphones for Running 2025
Unlike traditional earbuds that block out external noise, open-ear headphones, whether clip-on, hook-on, or bone-conduction designs, let you enjoy your favorite tunes while staying aware of traffic, cyclists, or friendly runners passing by.
Below, we’ve rounded up 6 of the best running open ear headphones in 2025. Let’s take a closer look:
soundcore AeroClip
If you’re looking for a lightweight, ultra-comfortable open-ear headphone that stays put through every run, the soundcore AeroClip is a fantastic choice. These clip-on earbuds rest gently on your ears, ensuring a pressure-free listening experience. The ergonomic open-ring design flexes effortlessly, accommodating all ear sizes while providing a snug, secure fit—even during high-intensity workouts.
Despite their lightweight build, the AeroClip delivers powerful bass and clear audio, thanks to a 12mm x 12mm titanium-coated driver and advanced virtual bass technology. Whether you’re listening to upbeat tracks or catching up on podcasts, the sound quality is rich and immersive.
And if you take calls mid-run? No problem. With 4 beamforming mics and AI-powered noise cancellation, your voice stays crisp and clear, even in windy conditions. Plus, these best open ear earbuds for running come in three stylish colors—Midnight Black, Champagne Mist, and Rosy Brown—so you can match them to your vibe.
What makes it stand out:
- Super Comfortable:Open-ear clip-on design eliminates ear pressure
- Secure Fit:Memory titanium wire adapts to different ear sizes
- Great Sound:Enhanced bass and clarity with a titanium-coated driver
- Crystal-Clear Calls:AI-powered mics reduce background noise
- Long Battery Life:8 hours on a single charge, 32 hours total with case
- Fast Charging:10 minutes gives you 3 extra hours
- Sweat & Splash Resistant:IPX4 rating protects from light rain and sweat
soundcore C40i
Looking for a budget-friendly open-ear option that doesn’t compromise on quality? Meet the soundcore C40i. With memory titanium wires and soft TPU, these lightweight clip-on earbuds conform to your ears, ensuring a snug but breathable fit. The design allows for ultimate breathability, making them great for long runs or warm-weather workouts.
Despite their affordable price, the C40i delivers crisp, clear audio. Its 12mm x 17mm racetrack dynamic drivers with titanium-coated diaphragms provide strong bass and detailed highs. Plus, for an even more immersive experience, you can activate 3D Surround Sound via the soundcore app.
These headphones also come with physical button controls, so you don’t have to fumble with touch sensors while running. They support multipoint connection, meaning you can seamlessly switch between your phone and laptop. And with AI-enhanced call clarity, taking calls on the move is effortless.
What makes it stand out:
- Breathable and comfortable:open-ear, clip-on style for all-day wear
- Flexible, secure fit:memory titanium wires adapt to your ears
- Great audio quality:12mm x 17mm drivers with titanium-coated diaphragms
- 3D Surround Sound:enhanced immersion via the soundcore app
- Multipoint Bluetooth 5.4:switch between devices effortlessly
- AI-enhanced calls:clear phone calls, even in noisy settings
- Long battery life:7 hours per charge, 21 hours total with the case
soundcore AeroFit 2
For runners who prioritize comfort, soundcore AeroFit 2 is a top pick. These best open ear headphones for working out are designed for long-term wear, featuring soft, adjustable ear hooks and a non-intrusive double-curved design that sits comfortably without pressure. If you wear glasses, you’ll love how the slim, downward-tilting ear hooks eliminate interference with your frames.
Sound-wise, AeroFit 2 delivers in a big way. With 20mm × 11.5mm racetrack drivers and BassTurbo technology, you get a full-bodied, immersive audio experience. Whether you’re vibing to deep bass or enjoying crisp mids and highs, this pair ensures rich, Hi-Res wireless audio, fine-tuned with LDAC technology.
With an impressive 42-hour battery life (10 hours per charge) and wireless charging capability, AeroFit 2 ensures uninterrupted listening during even the longest runs. Plus, 4 beamforming mics with AI tech filter out background noise for crystal-clear calls, and the IP55 rating makes them resistant to sweat, dust, and light rain—perfect for outdoor workouts.
What makes it stand out:
- Breathable and pressure-free design:wear all day without discomfort
- Glasses-friendly:slim, downward-tilting ear hooks for a seamless fit
- Immersive sound:20mm × 11.5mm drivers with BassTurbo technology
- 42-hour battery life:10 hours per charge, extendable with the case
- Wireless charging case:no more tangled cables
- Crystal-clear calls:4 AI-powered microphones for noise-free conversations
- IP55-rated:resistant to sweat, dust, and light rain
Sony LinkBuds Open
For runners who want to stay connected to their environment without sacrificing audio quality, the Sony LinkBuds Open is an excellent choice. Designed with Air Fitting Supporters, these earbuds provide a soft, ergonomic fit that makes them comfortable for all-day wear.
The 11mm ring-shaped driver delivers clear mids and highs, overcoming significant design challenges to provide premium sound in an open-ear format. The Adaptive Volume Control automatically adjusts the sound based on your surroundings. Plus, the 22-hour battery life (8 hours per charge) keeps you powered throughout the day.
What makes it stand out:
- Air Fitting Supporters:ultra-light and ergonomic for all-day comfort
- 11mm ring-shaped drivers:clear mid-high frequencies for natural sound
- Adaptive Volume Control:auto-adjusts based on your surroundings
- 22-hour battery life:8 hours per charge, plus 14 hours from the case
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Bose’s Ultra Open Earbuds feature a distinctive cuff-like design that gently wraps around the ear, providing a secure fit without entering the ear canal. These earbuds feature Bose OpenAudio technology, allowing you to enjoy rich, private sound while staying aware of your environment.
The Bose Immersive Audio feature creates a spatial sound experience, making your music feel more dynamic and engaging. With Bluetooth multipoint connectivity, you can seamlessly switch between devices, while simple button controls allow for quick track changes and call management.
What makes it stand out:
- Bose Immersive Audio:spatial sound for a dynamic music experience
- Secure, comfortable fit:flexible joint and light-as-air grip
- Multipoint Bluetooth connectivity:seamless switching between devices
- Easy controls:simple button commands for music and calls
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Bone Conduction
For runners who want exceptional situational awareness without sacrificing sound quality, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is a game-changer. Featuring DualPitch technology, this model blends bone conduction and air conduction audio, delivering deep bass and crystal-clear mids and highs. The 3D audio algorithm enhances spatial sound, giving you an immersive listening experience even in open-ear mode.
The lightweight, ergonomic design ensures a secure, comfortable fit, while the leak-free audio technology prevents sound from escaping—so your music stays private. Built for durability, the IP55 water resistance protects against sweat and rain, making it ideal for all-weather training.
What makes it stand out:
- DualPitch technology:combines bone and air conduction for richer sound
- 3D audio algorithm:immersive, spatial sound experience
- Leak-free audio:private listening without sound escaping
- Ergonomic, secure fit:stable for intense workouts
- 12-hour battery life:extended listening time with quick charge (5 min = 2.5 hours)
What to Consider When Choosing Your Best Open-Ear Running Headphones?
With so many options available, it’s important to know what to look for to ensure you get the perfect pair for your runs. Here are the key factors to consider before making your choice.
Comfort and Fit
Since open-ear headphones don’t go inside your ears, they need to fit securely yet comfortably. Look for designs with adjustable ear hooks, clip-on earbuds, or lightweight frames that stay put even during intense movement. An ergonomic design that distributes pressure evenly can prevent discomfort, especially for long runs. If you wear glasses or hats, ensure the headphones fit comfortably without interference.
Sound Quality
Even with an open-ear design, you shouldn’t have to compromise on sound. High-quality models use advanced drivers, spatial audio, or bone conduction technology to deliver rich, immersive sound. Deep bass can help keep you motivated, while clear mids and highs ensure podcasts or audiobooks sound crisp. Some headphones even offer customizable EQ settings so you can fine-tune the sound to your preference.
Battery Life
Long runs require long-lasting battery life. Look for best open ear earbuds for working out that provide at least 6–10 hours of playtime on a single charge, with an extended battery from a charging case. Fast-charging capabilities can also be a game-changer—some headphones offer a quick charge feature that gives you a couple of hours of listening time in just a few minutes.
Durability and Water Resistance
Running means exposure to sweat, rain, and unpredictable weather, so durability matters. Look for open-ear earbuds with IP ratings (Ingress Protection) to ensure they can handle moisture. IPX4 or higher is ideal for runners, offering protection against splashes and sweat. If you run in all-weather conditions, look for IP55 or higher for better dust and water resistance.
Call and Connectivity Features
If you often take calls while jogging, clear call quality is essential. Look for headphones with multiple microphones and AI-powered noise cancellation, so your voice remains crisp even in noisy environments. Bluetooth multipoint connectivity can also be useful, allowing you to switch between your phone and smartwatch effortlessly.
Simple, Intuitive Controls
When you’re mid-run, the last thing you want is to struggle with touch-sensitive controls that don’t respond well to sweaty fingers. Physical buttons or intuitive gesture controls can make it easier to adjust volume, skip tracks, or answer calls without breaking your stride.
FAQs
Are open-ear headphones better for running?
Yes, open-ear headphones are ideal for running as they let you stay aware of your surroundings while still delivering quality sound. They provide a secure fit without blocking out ambient noise, making them safer than traditional earbuds.
Which is better, open-ear or bone conduction?
Both open-ear and bone conduction headphones keep your ears open for awareness, but they differ in sound delivery. Open-ear headphones use air conduction for better audio quality and richer bass, while bone conduction headphones transmit sound through your cheekbones, making them ideal for hearing protection and safety in busy environments.
What type of headphone is best for working out?
Open-ear headphones are the best choice for working out because they let you enjoy music while staying aware of your surroundings. They provide a comfortable, secure fit without blocking your ears, making them ideal for running, cycling, and gym sessions. Unlike traditional in-ear earbuds, open-ear designs reduce ear fatigue and allow for better ventilation and sweat resistance, keeping you comfortable during intense workouts.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the best open ear headphones for running give you the freedom to hear what’s around you while still enjoying your favorite tunes. A secure fit, sweat resistance, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity ensure they stay in place and perform well during intense activities. Before making your choice, evaluate their battery life, comfort, and sound quality to ensure you get the perfect match for your running routine. With the right pair, you’ll stay motivated, aware, and comfortable on every run.
