QUESTION
Top pick: Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2. They’re the safest default for running because they’re built for sport use, have a secure in-ear fit, and add useful everyday features like noise control and a charging case.
Best for most runners
Maars picked this for runners who want one pair for workouts and daily use: the sport-focused design is secure without giving up modern earbud features.
At a glance
| Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 | Beats Fit Pro | Shokz OpenFit | JLab Go Air Sport | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best use | Best overall running earbuds | Best locked-in in-ear fit | Best for hearing your surroundings | Best budget running pick | Best premium open-ear comfort |
| Fit style | Sport in-ear | In-ear with wingtip | Open-ear clip style | Ear-hook in-ear | Open-ear cuff style |
| Why runners may like it | Secure sport fit with strong everyday features | Wingtip helps during faster runs and gym work | Lets you hear traffic and people around you | Hook design helps keep buds from falling out | Comfortable if sealed earbuds bother your ears |
| Main tradeoff | Fit still depends on your ear shape | Wingtips can bother some ears over long sessions | Less sound isolation and lighter bass than sealed earbuds | More basic sound and features than premium picks | Expensive and not as isolating as in-ear buds |
Also compared
Best for iPhone users and speedwork
Maars picked this for runners who want extra stability inside the ear: the wingtip helps keep the fit planted during faster efforts.
Best for outdoor awareness
Maars picked this for outdoor runners who want awareness first: the open-ear design keeps your ears less blocked than normal earbuds.
Best for budget runners
Maars picked this for runners who want a low-cost pair that stays put: the ear-hook shape is practical for workouts.
Best for comfort-first runners
Maars picked this for runners who hate ear tips but still want earbuds: the cuff-style open design avoids sealing the ear canal.
JLab Go Air Sport
Best budget secure-fit pick
Ear-hook design helps keep them in place at a much lower typical price than premium sport earbuds.
Beats Fit Pro
Best for iPhone users
They pair especially well with Apple devices and the wingtip design is useful for running.
Shokz OpenRun or Shokz OpenFit
Best for road safety
Open-ear designs let in more outside sound, which is helpful when running near traffic.
Found this helpful?
Best for most runners
Maars picked this for runners who want one pair for workouts and daily use: the sport-focused design is secure without giving up modern earbud features.
At a glance
| Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 | Beats Fit Pro | Shokz OpenFit | JLab Go Air Sport | Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best use | Best overall running earbuds | Best locked-in in-ear fit | Best for hearing your surroundings | Best budget running pick | Best premium open-ear comfort |
| Fit style | Sport in-ear | In-ear with wingtip | Open-ear clip style | Ear-hook in-ear | Open-ear cuff style |
| Why runners may like it | Secure sport fit with strong everyday features | Wingtip helps during faster runs and gym work | Lets you hear traffic and people around you | Hook design helps keep buds from falling out | Comfortable if sealed earbuds bother your ears |
| Main tradeoff | Fit still depends on your ear shape | Wingtips can bother some ears over long sessions | Less sound isolation and lighter bass than sealed earbuds | More basic sound and features than premium picks | Expensive and not as isolating as in-ear buds |
Also compared
Best for iPhone users and speedwork
Maars picked this for runners who want extra stability inside the ear: the wingtip helps keep the fit planted during faster efforts.
Best for outdoor awareness
Maars picked this for outdoor runners who want awareness first: the open-ear design keeps your ears less blocked than normal earbuds.
Best for budget runners
Maars picked this for runners who want a low-cost pair that stays put: the ear-hook shape is practical for workouts.
Best for comfort-first runners
Maars picked this for runners who hate ear tips but still want earbuds: the cuff-style open design avoids sealing the ear canal.
JLab Go Air Sport
Best budget secure-fit pick
Ear-hook design helps keep them in place at a much lower typical price than premium sport earbuds.
Beats Fit Pro
Best for iPhone users
They pair especially well with Apple devices and the wingtip design is useful for running.
Shokz OpenRun or Shokz OpenFit
Best for road safety
Open-ear designs let in more outside sound, which is helpful when running near traffic.
Found this helpful?
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