Best Noise-Cancelling Earbuds for Workouts or Exercises: According To Reddit

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Looking for the perfect noise-cancelling earbuds for your workouts? Check out the latest top-rated options designed to keep distractions at bay, ensuring you stay motivated and in the zone during every exercise session.

Overview:

Whether you’re doing yoga, running outside, or attending the gym, finding the appropriate noise-cancelling headphones may greatly improve your workout experience. The correct earphones successfully filter out annoying background noise so you can concentrate on your music or podcasts. A number of models in 2025 are notable for their longevity, comfort, and performance. To assist you in making an educated decision, here is a thorough analysis of some of the top choices available, along with a list of their advantages and disadvantages.

The best options for sound quality, comfort, durability, and effective noise cancellation, offering a number of top models in 2025, are listed below, considering every kind of workout need and desire:

Best Noise-Canceling Earbuds for Workouts in 2025

1. Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen

What can be taken as its premier feature is the active noise cancellation the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen comes equipped with, which efficiently suppresses unwanted external sounds to create the best of listening environments. The transparency mode allows you to listen to your surroundings when needed, ensuring your safety in case you venture out. With an IPX4 water resistance rating, the earbuds are sweat- and light-rain-resistant, so they’re perfect for any workout. Personalised spatial audio makes your listening experience immersive, transporting you to a world of favourite music or podcasts with your workout.

Pros:

Excellence in noise cancellation
Transparency mode to stay aware of surroundings
IPX4 water resistance
Personalised spatial audio

Cons:

Not a secure fit for all types of ears
Hike up the price
Lacks behind some battery efficiency as seen in some competitors

2. Sony WF-1000XM5

The Sony WF-1000XM5 is famous for its excellent noise cancellation but still produces clear music to complement your exercise soundtrack. While ANC is on, these earbuds have an outstanding battery life of 8 hours, so you don’t need to worry about running out of power during long hours at the gym or on the track. They can also endure perspiration during vigorous exercises due to IPX4 water resistance. Its sleek looks and great sound make the WF-1000XM5 an excellent choice for both athletes and audiophiles.

Pros:

Best noise cancellation
8 hours of battery life with ANC
Sleek design and comfort
IPX4 water resistance

Cons:

High in price compared to budget versions
Touch controls can be too sensitive.
Limited configuration in the companion app

3. Bose QuietComfort Ultra

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra takes premium wireless earbuds to another level. These earbuds are packed with advanced features like class-leading noise cancellation and the new Bose Immersive Audio, which creates a wide, spatial soundstage for a more lifelike listening experience. They’re also incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods, making them ideal for work, travel, or daily use. While they come with a premium price tag, the combination of sound performance, build quality, and features justifies the investment for serious audio lovers.

Pros:

Industry-leading active noise cancellation
Bose Immersive Audio for a 3D sound experience
Excellent comfort and secure fit
Premium build quality

Cons:

More expensive than many competitors
Average battery life for the price
Immersive audio feature only works with specific devices/apps

4. Cleer ARC II Sport Open Ear

Cleer ARC II Sport earbuds are perfect if you want to enjoy music without blocking out the world. Their open-ear design feels super natural and comfy — no pressure in your ears at all. Whether you’re running, working out, or hopping on calls, they stay secure and sound great. With 35 hours of battery life, dual mics, and sweat resistance, they’re built to keep up with your day. They also support multi-point connection, so you can switch between devices easily. The preset EQ modes let you tweak the sound just the way you like it. And with Bluetooth 5.3, you get a stable, lag-free connection every time

Pros:

Open-ear design feels airy and doesn’t block your ears
Stays in place during workouts and runs
Massive 35-hour battery life
Clear call quality thanks to dual microphones

Cons:

Bass isn’t super heavy due to open-ear style
Sound can leak in very loud environments
No active noise cancellation

5. Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 Pro

Samsung’s Galaxy Buds 3 Pro are a top-tier choice for users seeking powerful sound and intelligent features in a sleek, stem-style design. With rich sound quality, effective noise cancellation, and AI-powered enhancements, these earbuds are tailored especially for users within the Samsung ecosystem. The dual-driver setup delivers high-resolution sound, while the ergonomic design and IP57 rating ensure lasting comfort and durability. Whether you’re commuting, working, or relaxing, the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro offer a balanced combination of smart functionality and premium performance.

Pros:

Rich and detailed sound with dual drivers
Effective noise cancellation with AI tuning
Comfortable fit with redesigned stem-style design
Long battery life with wireless charging
Galaxy AI features like voice translation and smart ANC

Cons:

Limited multipoint support (best with Samsung devices)
Stem-style may be uncomfortable for some users
Premium price point

6. Technics EAH-AZ1000

So this one’s kind of a hidden gem. The Technics EAH-AZ1000 doesn’t usually pop up in mainstream “best of” lists, but among audiophile and enthusiast threads, it gets a lot of quiet praise. Sound-wise, it’s tuned more toward accuracy and clarity than heavy bass — which means you get really clean mids and detailed vocals. It supports LDAC, which is awesome if you’re streaming hi-res audio from an Android phone or certain DAPs. The build quality feels premium, with an all-metal finish that stands out from plastic-heavy competitors. Fit-wise, it’s pretty customizable thanks to the large variety of ear tips included, though the design is a bit chunkier than something like the AirPods Pro. It’s not the flashiest option, but if you care more about sound than marketing, it’s a serious contender.

Pros:

Clean, balanced sound with strong vocal clarity (great for acoustic, jazz, podcasts)
LDAC support for high-quality Bluetooth streaming
Premium metal build feels solid and well-made
Comes with multiple ear tip sizes for better fit/seal

Cons:

A bit bulky compared to sleeker options like AirPods Pro or Galaxy Buds
Not tuned for bass-heavy genres by default (unless EQ’d)
App and firmware updates aren’t as polished or frequent as big brands like Sony or Apple

7. Jabra Elite 10 (Gen 2)

The Jabra Elite 10 Gen 2 feels like one of those all-rounder earbuds that does everything well without screaming for attention. If you need something that can handle workouts, video calls, podcasts, and commuting — this is a seriously reliable pick. The sound is full and warm, and while it won’t blow audiophiles away, it’s easy to enjoy for long periods. The spatial audio with Dolby Atmos (yes, with head tracking) actually works well — not just a gimmick. Plus, the fit is super comfortable and stable, even during long use or movement. Call quality is solid, and the ANC is strong enough for daily use, though not quite at Sony or Bose levels. Overall, they strike a nice balance between “techy” features and everyday usability without needing to dive deep into apps or settings.

Pros:

Comfortable, secure fit — great for workouts or long sessions
Reliable call quality with strong mic performance
Dolby Atmos support with spatial audio and head tracking
Solid ANC and transparency mode for daily use

Cons:

ANC isn’t quite on par with Sony or Bose flagships
App offers customization but isn’t as intuitive as others
Sound profile may feel too “safe” or neutral for bass lovers

8. Denon Perl Pro

If you’re after a pair of earbuds that feel luxury from the moment you hold them, the Denon Perl Pro is hard to beat. They’re designed with a focus on rich, balanced audio, making them ideal if you switch between calls, music, and even long podcasts without wanting to compromise. The fit is snug and comfortable, and Denon has put extra thought into durability — something you’ll notice if you plan on using them for long gym sessions or daily commutes. While they lean more towards audiophiles, they still hold up well for everyday use.

Pros:

Premium build with durable design
Balanced, detailed sound signature
Comfortable fit for extended wear

Cons:

Higher price point
Noise cancelling not as strong as Sony/Bose

9. Earfun Air Pro 4

The Earfun Air Pro 4 has quickly become a Reddit favorite because it delivers way more than what you’d expect at its price. The mic clarity is solid enough for work calls, and the earbuds hold up well during workouts without slipping out a rare combo at this budget. They’re lightweight, easy to carry, and come with decent active noise cancellation, making them a reliable “everyday pair” if you don’t want to spend too much. While they don’t quite match the premium soundstage of Sony or Bose, they punch way above their weight.

Pros:

Affordable price with premium-like features
Strong mic performance for calls
Secure and comfortable fit for workouts

Cons:

Sound quality not as detailed as higher-end models
Noise cancellation is just average

Conclusion

High-quality noise-cancelling headphones make a big difference in your training. The options above fit any requirements and preferences, whether you care most about sound quality, battery life, or comfort. Consider which of these qualities matters most to you to choose the pair that will keep you inspired and focused during your exercises.

Some FAQs

1. How do these earbuds silence noise in the gym setting?

Noise-cancelling earbuds perform differently depending on the setting. In the gym, where noise levels from equipment, loud music, and chatter are numerous, the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen and Sony WF-1000XM5 come ahead. With their superior active noise cancellation (ANC), each model significantly cancels out most of the noises associated with the gym. These earbuds work well enough to ensure their customers remain focused on their workouts without being disrupted, though no ANC is perfect. The adjustable noise cancellation feature of the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II lets customers determine how much background noise to cancel.

2. Are these earbuds secure even when running or CrossFitting?

When doing lots of moving around, a secure fit is most essential during most workouts. The Jabra Elite 7 Active earbuds are designed for high-intensity workouts and have been enhanced with a feature called ShakeGrip, which holds them firmly in place during the most intense manoeuvres. The Beats Fit Pro is great for running, CrossFit, and other dynamic exercises due to its snug, wingtip design. Whereas some users may feel the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen are not as secure because of their universal fit, meaning they might not work for everyone’s ear shape.

3. How long can I use these earbuds before recharging them?

Battery life is another significant concern when you intend to spend more than your scheduled workout. The Sony WF-1000XM5 can be used for up to 8 hours while equipped with ANC, which is actually great for working out all day. The Jabra Elite 7 Active also sports solid battery life, lasting up to 8 hours per charge. Meanwhile, the Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II provide around 6 hours with ANC on, so heavy users might need to recharge midway during the day.