5 Best Sweatproof Over-Ear Headphones for Working Out And Running 2023

Do you listen to music while working out? Or do you listen to music to help you run faster? Either way, you probably want something comfortable and durable.

In this article, we look for sweatproof over-ear headphones that offer some water resistance for those of us who sweat a lot when running or working out.

It is actually hard to find sweatproof over-ears for running and workouts. Fitness enthusiasts mostly use earbuds (in-ear headphones) or open-ear headphones (bone conduction headphones). 

There are many fabulous over-ear headphones with great sound from well-known brands like Sony, Bose, and Beats. But, not many are designed with runners and gym-goers in mind.

When looking for over-ears for fitness use, the most important things are sweat-proofing and how they stay in place during intense workouts.

So this article lists headphones based on their water resistance and suitability for sports.

Best Sweatproof Over-Ear Headphones

1. Adidas RPT-02 SOL Over-Ear Workout Headphones

Work out without worrying about sweating.

Suppose you’re looking for a pair of workout headphones that will last throughout weeks of workouts without charging. In that case, Adidas RPT-02 SOL over-ear sport headphones may be precisely what you’re looking for. 

They have a self-charging system (they use light as the power source) that lets you listen to music without worrying about running low on battery.

The ear pads are covered in fabric, making them airier than typical artificial leather pads that can quickly make your ears feel hot.

When you’re finished working out, remove the earphones’ inner headband and ear cap cushions and wash the sweat away.

They’re sweatproof with an IPX4 rating, and you can use them during outdoor activities safely, as they can withstand light rain.

They offer good sound quality but don’t have active noise cancellation. So they don’t block out all of the surrounding noise, but they do a decent job of it with the ear caps.

The control nub is so simple yet such an improvement over the usual multiple buttons you usually get with these styles of listening devices. It’s awe-inspiring when you are working out and just want to quickly adjust the volume or change songs with sweaty fingers.

Whether you’re training for a marathon or just enjoying yourself at the gym, these headphones are a great choice.

2. Philips A4216 Over-Ear Sports Headphones

Headphones for sweat-free ears.

Philips A4216 Over-Ear Sports Headphones are an excellent choice for everyday sports – casual, fitness, and fitness activities.

These headphones fill a niche: somebody who wants an over-ear style closed-back headset with some degree of water/dust resistance (in this case, IP55).

We all hate sweating, especially during workouts. Sweaty ears can ruin your workout experience, so these earphones are created to keep you cool and dry.

These headphones feature a soft, breathable fabric ear pad covering that doesn’t heat up your ears, so you won’t feel weighed down by sweaty ear cups. Ear pad cushions are removable and washable, so you can easily rinse them clean after every workout.

They feature a water and dust-resistant rating of IP55, which means they’re protected against splashes and spills. You can run outside confidently, knowing you won’t have to stop exercising due to sudden rain.

They even offer a 35-hour battery life, lasting many workouts before recharging.

They don’t have active noise cancellation, but as with any over-ear headphones, they will drown out the gym noise.

They have decent sound quality for the gym-goer at a much lower price than high-end over-ear headsets. Though certain competitors sound better, you cannot safely wear them when working out and sweating. Not many other over-the-ear options in this price range give you that assurance.

So go ahead, put some music on, and start working out—your ears will thank you later!

3. Under Armour Project Rock On-Ear Sport Headphones

Rock out to workouts with clear sound and noise cancellation.

Under Armour Project Rock On-Ears Sport Headphones are a great choice if you want quality workout headphones. Working out is no problem, and they deliver excellent audio quality.

They feature an IPX4 rating, which means they’re designed to withstand sweat and moisture.

When doing workouts where your head moves, these earphones might flop back and forth as they are a little bit bulky and top-heavy (but otherwise, comfortable to wear).

With adaptive noise-canceling technology, they provide clear, crisp audio and block outside noises well. Compared to the simplicity of Adidas headsets (open button), these have multiple controls to adjust the settings, which can distract you from concentrating on your workouts.

Adaptive noise canceling technology reduces background sounds and lets you hear your music clearly. When you want to listen to your surroundings, you can activate the ANC microphones to amplify ambient sounds instead of blocking them out.

Plus, they’re designed to stay put during intense workouts, thanks to their rugged construction. So whether you’re running laps or lifting weights, you’ll be able to keep listening to your tunes without worrying about losing them.

They make a nice pair of workout headphones with removable and washable ear cushions and an IPX4 rating. Plus, they offer a reasonable bass response, so you can rock out to your favorite tunes while you work out.

4. Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100 Over-Ear Sport Headphones

Budget option for workouts.

If you’re looking for a pair of workout headphones that don’t cost a fortune, Plantronics BackBeat FIT 6100 Over-Ear Sport Headphones might be what you’re after.

They have been on the market for a couple of years now, so you can find them at a much lower price now than when it was released. They offer some excellent value for money.

These headphones feature a durable design, IPX5 water resistance, and a comfortable fit. They are designed specifically for fitness enthusiasts who want to listen to music during exercise.

They provide decent sound quality and a comfortable fit, making them ideal for running and the gym. They feature noise-isolation ear cups, giving you plenty of privacy during training sessions.

The headsets can give you approximately 26 hours of continuous listening when fully charged.

Overall, these earphones are a good choice for anyone who wants a listening device that won’t break the bank.

5. TREBLAB Z2 Over-Ear Workout Headphones

Over-ears with active noise canceling.

If you’re working out at the gym, chances are you don’t want to hear the sounds of other people talking, shouting, laughing, or even the sound of the machines. In fact, you probably don’t want to hear anyone else at all.

If you’re looking for a pair of budget earphones that will block out the world around you so you can concentrate on your workout, look no further than TREBLAB Z2 Over-Ear Workout Headphones.

These headphones are designed specifically for athletes who want to hear nothing but their own music during exercise. They feature active noise-canceling technology that blocks ambient sounds, allowing you to listen to your tunes without distraction.

They also feature a lightweight design that allows you to wear them comfortably throughout your workout.

Although they have soft materials on-ear pads, they keep your ears warm like any other headphones that use this style of artificial leather pads. With any type of moderate workout, ear padding sweats against your head.

They’re IPX4 rated, which means they’re sweatproof, but ensure to wipe off the earpads and store the headsets outside the case in between workouts to let them dry.

Regarding battery life, these headphones last up to 35 hours on a single charge, so you can go home after a hard workout feeling energized and ready to tackle another round.

If you are looking for decent-quality headphones but are not willing to spend hundreds of dollars, these earpieces are priced right.

Buying Guide – What Do You Need to Know Before Making the Purchase Decision?

The requirements for headphones for fitness use are different from those for home use.

First, when you work out, you sweat.

Consider these:

• Are the ear cushions made of artificial leather that make you sweat even more?
• Are they breathable fabric that prevents sweat from draining?
• Can you even wash the ear pad cushions?
• And most importantly, can they mechanically withstand sweat and rain (do they have any IP rating)?

Sweat and water can be a challenge for any electrical device. Moisture can mess up the sound quality of the headphones, accelerate corrosion, and affect the operation of various sensors.

Second, you move.

• Are the headphones light enough, and do they sit comfortably on your ears without restricting movement?
• Do the headphones stay on your head when you move?

Many over-ears are typically made for users who listen to music while sitting at home, at the office or commuting. They emphasize sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and long battery life.

But they can be too bulky and heavy for fitness activities, and they might fall out quickly.

Sweat/waterproofing and how they stay in place when you move are critical when choosing training headphones.

For some, noise canceling ability is a feature to consider. It allows you to listen to your playlist while at the gym without worrying about distracting noises.

The sound quality is another matter. Most gym goers don’t demand the highest sound quality when working out. You’ll be okay with good enough sound, so you don’t need to buy the most expensive headphones. There is always a risk of damaging them during training.

If you buy headsets focusing on sound quality, you usually have to give up on sports features. Resistance to sweat and water is more important than sound quality if you want to use these headphones for all your runs and workouts.

Battery life is not a problem with these headphones. Whether you need to charge them once a week is more of a matter.

Price is an essential factor to consider. Although the budget is always a concern, it’s not worth getting headphones just because of the low price if they don’t serve your needs.

All these earphones are Bluetooth-enabled. They can be connected to any phone without a problem.

Additionally, there are several safe ways to carry your phone while exercising.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Are Any Over-Ear Headphones Okay for Workouts and Running? Can They Be Used for Gym Sessions?

While any over-ear headphones can work when you exercise, many of them can fall off too easily, and they can’t withstand the sweat.

Let’s say you have Sony WH 1000XM5, a great headphone with superb noise cancelation and audio quality.

Yes, you can use them when working out. But you should be careful:

• You can’t do all your workouts with them. They should be ok as long as you do light jogging, warm-up running on the treadmill, and exercises that don’t require much movement with your head (benching and deadlifting).
• They might fall off in exercises with a lot of movement, like boxing.
• Sweat could damage the earcups or electronics over time. They probably won’t last long when they are constantly getting wet.

Typical over-ears are fabulous for listening to music, but they may not be ideal for workout and running. While they block out outside noise, they can also cause discomfort inside your ears on more extended use.

If you sweat a lot, it is best to look for over-ear headsets specially designed for sporty use.

Can You Use Active Noise Cancelation When Working Out

For runners: over-ear headphones block outside noise, which can be harmful when running in busy areas as you can’t hear bicycles or cars driving past.

At the gym: gyms are noisy places, so noise-canceling can cut off external sounds and help you focus on your workouts.

Do Over-Ears Get Sweaty?

Over-ear headphones are designed to fit snugly around your ears. They’re great for blocking outside noise and keeping you comfortable during exercise.

However, they can cause problems if you sweat too much. 

Sweating can lead to water getting inside the headphone, causing damage to the electronics.

To avoid this problem, consider investing in sweatproof over-ear sports headphones. These models are made to withstand moisture and prevent condensation from forming inside the earpiece.

They typically have ear pads made of breathable fabric instead of artificial leather, which can cause your ears to get sweaty.

Are Beats Over-Ear Headphones Good for Working Out?

Beats over-ear headphones are fabulous for hanging at the gym as they block outside noise, allowing you to focus on your music without distraction. They’re also comfortable, lightweight, and easy to take along wherever you go.

However, they aren’t designed to withstand intense workouts as they don’t have a sweat/waterproof IP rating (note that most Beats earbuds are sweatproof).

If you exercise regularly and sweat a lot, you should look for over-ears made explicitly for exercise.

What Type of Headphones Are Best for Running?

There are many options for listening to music while running, but earbuds are probably the easiest.

If you find the right fit for your ears, they’re comfortable even on longer runs. And they block out outside noise so you can focus on listening to music (but remember the safety here).

However, earbuds aren’t perfect. They can fall off during runs, and they can cause problems like hearing loss and tinnitus if you keep the volume too loud.

Bone-conducting headphones are the safest option as they don’t block your ears. You can hear the sounds of your surroundings, like passing bicycles. 

They might not offer the best audio quality. But they’re so light (under 30 g!) that you don’t even notice wearing them. You can wear them all day without hurting your ears or without the fear of them falling off.

Although over-ear headphones are fantastic for listening to music, they might be too bulky and heavy to be comfortable when running any longer.

They block out ambient noise, which could cause you to miss warning sounds from the environment. So stay clear of traffic areas because they make it harder to hear your surroundings. 

Use them only when jogging in a park or away from the streets. 

Plus, bulky cans tend to fall off during intense exercise, which isn’t conducive to safety.

Over-ear sports earpieces that are designed for workouts fit runners as well. They feature soft fabric cushions that fit snugly against your head, keeping them secure and comfortable. 

How Do You Make-Over Ear Headphones Less Sweaty?

Over-ear headphones are designed to fit snugly around your ears, so they keep sound waves inside your head rather than outside. 

Unfortunately, this design also keeps air trapped inside your ears, causing them to heat up and produce moisture.

Earpads get warmer with time, so take listening breaks and wipe the sweat from your earpads as soon as it appears.

You can cover your ears with a headband made of moisture-wicking materials.

Artificial leather earpads are common but don’t breathe or absorb sweat well. You can get replacement earpads made of fabric (velour etc.) that breathe much better. 

Closed-back headphones are the most common type, and they tend to trap heat. Open-back models provide better ventilation and keep your ears cooler.

You can simply buy more breathable headsets, like sports earphones that don’t have artificial leather pads at all.

How Do I Know if My Headphones Will Be Sweatproof? What is IP Rating?

While some headsets are sweatproof, what does that actually mean? Well, consumer electronics adopt an international waterproof rating system.

For example, IP55 means the product is protected from dust and low-pressure water spray.

The first number ranges from 0 to 6 and indicates protection against dust and other solid particles.

The last number indicates protection against water on a scale of 0 to 9 (0 = no protection). 

It’s not unusual for a device to get tested only for water resistance. X means that a product is not tested for that property. 

So, for example, IPX4 means that the product is not tested for dust but for water (it is resistant to water splashes, i.e., sweatproof). 

For long-distance running, or sweaty workouts, you should go for earpieces with at least IPX4 protection (sweatproof). IPX5 means they are also protected from light rain.

Can You Use Any Over-Ear Headphones for Exercising Even When They Are Not Stated as Sweatproof by the Manufacturer?

You can use them, but you need to be careful. You can’t do all your workouts with them.

However, if you’re doing a generally light workout, you might be okay wearing them. Light jogging outside or on a treadmill should be ok.

In general, gym exercises that don’t require much head movement, like benching and deadlifting, are ok. A quick head movement (like in boxing exercises) might cause them to fall off.

Are Bose Over-Ear Headphones Sweatproof?

Generally, Bose over-ear headphones are not designed to be used during exercise.

They don’t have an IPX rating, so they are not sweatproof. Headbands and cushions can prematurely deteriorate due to sweat.

However, you might wear them fine if you’re doing a light workout.

Are Sony Over-Ear Headphones Sweat-Resistant?

The popular WH-1000XM -series (WH-1000XM4 and WH-1000XM4) has no IP rating, so they are not water/sweatproof. If sweat gets into the device, it may cause damage to cushions or electronics.

They are designed for leisure music listening, not for sports use. However, if you’re doing a generally light workout, you might be fine wearing them.

The Bottom Line

When working out, you don’t want to wear something that gets ruined after a couple of months of activity.

So why wear regular over-ear headphones with artificial leather caps? You can wear sweatproof over-ear headphones designed for athletes who spend countless hours sweating profusely.

Over-ear headphones offer excellent sound quality and comfort. The only downside is that most of them aren’t waterproof. So there is a risk of using them during workouts, where sweat builds inside the ear pads.

But some models still offer a sweatproof rating and breathable cushions. So, if you’re serious about listening to music while sweating out, these sport-oriented sweatproof over-ear headphones are worth checking out.

The best in this class is undoubtedly the Adidas RPT-02 SOL.

If you are searching for even safer and lighter options, look at these best open-ear bone conduction headphones. They are the most promising way especially for runners to stay alert about their surroundings.