The gym can be noisy most times with metals clanking, people breathing hard, shouting, and general chatter. Hence, if you are looking for a way to keep them at bay, a good set of headphones will do but not just any headphones.
Similarly, if you love listening to music in the gym, you need to know that your regular headphones won’t be the best to use there. You need to have the best headphones for lifting if you really want a great gym experience.
These headphones are designed to offer great fitting, sweat-resistance, durability, and comfort whilst you go about your fitness exercises. They offer great sound with noise canceling that will keep you more focused on your workout. There are many headphones on the market but not all will be best for gym activities.
However, I have researched the market and collated the best headphones for lifting. If you are rushing for time, check out our Number 1 recommendation – the Bose QuietComfort 35 II.
Best Headphones for Lifting Table Comparison
Products | Why it is best | Editor's Rating |
---|---|---|
66 Audio - BTS Pro | - Bluetooth 4.2 - Supports aptX, aptX-LL, MP3 and - AAC codecs - On-board Controls - 40-hour battery life - USB-C charging - Memory foam ear cushions | 8.3/10 |
TREBLAB Z2 | - 35-hour long battery life - Bluetooth 5.0 with 33 feet range. - 40mm neodymium - Active noise canceling. - Onboard controls - Built-in microphone | 9.0/10 |
Skullcandy Hesh 3 | - Multi-folding design - Memory foam earpads - 22-hour battery life - Rapid charging - Wireless and wired connectivity | 8.4/10 |
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 | - 18-hour battery life - 10-meter Bluetooth range - 40mm drivers - Advanced acoustic technology - Multiple device connectivity - Built-in microphone | 8.5/10 |
Anker Soundbuds Slim+ | - 10 hours of playtime - 18-month warranty - Bluetooth 4.1 - Multiple ear tips and wings - Carrying case. | 8.6/10 |
Bose QuietComfort 35 II | - Alexa and Google assistants support - Dual microphone system - Noise cancellation - Wireless connectivity - 20 hours of battery life | 9.4/10 |
Philips SHS5200/28 | - One-year warranty - Wired connectivity - Single cable design - Tangle-free - Oxygen-free - Copper cable - Gold-plated - 3.5mm connector | 8.8/10 |
adidas RPT-01 Bluetooth Sport Headphones | - Around 42 hours of playtime - Multifunction control knob - Bluetooth 5.0 - Washable Earpads and inner headband - USB-C charging cable | 8.5/10 |
ROC Sport by Cristiano Ronaldo & Monster | - Weighs 7 ounces - On-board controls - 11-hour battery life - Bluetooth connectivity - Noise cancellation | 8.7/10 |
JLab Flex Sport Gym Workout Headphones | - Two-year warranty - 20 hours battery life - Removable and washable ear pads - Ambient listening mode - Three EQ modes - Flexible headband | 8.9/10 |
Best Over Ear Headphones for Working Out
66 Audio BTS Pro
Key features
- Bluetooth 4.2
- Supports aptX, aptX-LL, MP3, and AAC codecs
- On-board Controls
- 40-hour battery life
- USB-C charging
- Memory foam ear cushions
The 66 Audio BTS Pro is a fascinating headphone for lifting. It is an over-the-ear type that offers great comfort on the ears whilst giving you the needed motivation to continue lifting. The headphones feature a premium battery life of about 40 hours and charge completely in 90 minutes via its USB-C port.
In what is already a perfect master craft, the headphones connects wirelessly with many devices even over a distance of 100 feet. It can connect to two devices at the same too. If you are worried about its weight, it weighs just 9.6 ounces and won’t put more burden on you.
For the sound quality, the product employs 36mm drivers to pump sounds with intense bass and an exquisite mid. In a nutshell, the sound is just as natural as you would expect. The headphone comes with a built-in microphone, making it a good option for picking calls. It comes with an app, MotionControl, on different platforms that allow you to control the EQ, find your headphone, and more.
What we like
- It has moderate power consumption and a good battery to provide you with an uptime of 40 hours.
- Lightweight and offers great comfort.
- It supports aptX, aptX-LL, MP3, and AAC codecs.
- Comes with high-grade Bluetooth connectivity, multiple device connectivity, and a 100-foot wide range.
- It uses the USB-C charging port which charges the battery completely in 90 minutes
- Offers an incredible sound quality with punchy bass
What we didn’t like
- Sound isolation on this device is weak.
- The headband is not adjustable.
Treblab Z2 headphones
Key features
- 35-hour long battery life
- Bluetooth 5.0 with 33 feet range.
- 40mm neodymium.
- Active noise canceling.
- Onboard controls.
- Built-in microphone.
The Treblab Z2 headphone is another decent product on the list with impressive features. The headphone flaunts an alluring black design and a plastic build. The headphone is an over-the-ear type that employs Bluetooth 5.0 for its wireless connectivity and a 3.5mm audio cable for wired connection. It poses as an ideal headphone for the gym with its reliable carrying case.
The Treblab headphone employs 40mm neodymium drivers and it has a Qualcomm chipset under the hood. In all, you get a hyper-HD sound quality with much emphasis on the bass. To keep ambient noise from compromising your sound, the headphone has active noise canceling feature that can toggle on or off. A microphone is built into the headphone for taking calls and also using Siri, Bixby, Alexa, and Google assistants.
The earpads are made from soft materials that happen to be waterproof should you start sweating. Its battery life of 35 hours is captivating. In addition, the product comes with a one-year warranty.
What we like
- The sound quality is decent with an emphasized bass line.
- It keeps you away from the socket for long with 35-hour battery life.
- The earpads are soft and quite capable of providing comfort.
- It comes with active noise canceling.
- It features a high-quality microphone which enhances the functionality of its supported voice assistants, Siri, Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant.
What we didn’t like
- It takes about 4 hours to charge completely.
- Sound leakage.
SkullCandy Hesh 3
Key features
- Multi-folding design
- Memory foam earpads
- 22-hour battery life
- Rapid charging
- Wireless and wired connectivity
The SkullCandy Hesh 3 is a headphone with a luxurious design that comes in eight colors and at an affordable price. It has a sturdy build that makes it up to the task. Its multi-folding design is its major highlight. It allows you to turn and fold, making it more portable and travel-friendly. The headband clamps so well and won’t fall off during action.
Just like most SkullCandy headphones, the sound here is exceptional. It produces sounds with accurate tonal balance with well-detailed highs. The bass is not too intense but it is fair enough and won’t get distorted even at high volumes. The earpads help to keep the sound as isolated as possible with further aid from the headband.
On the basis of uptime, the Hesh 3 never disappoints. It’s got a good battery and power management that offers you a playtime of 22 hours on a single charge. Interestingly, the headphone is fitted with rapid charging technology. Just a 10-minute charge will provide four hours of playtime.
Connectivity can be done either by an aux cable or wirelessly by Bluetooth. It has a microphone built into it. The control buttons are placed on the headphone and you can pick up a call, manage volumes and change tracks.
What we like
- The headphone has a splendid, multi-fold design which is available in eight colors.
- It comes with robust ear pads that help in noise cancellation.
- Bass is exceptional.
- The Headphone can stay active for 22 hours on a single charge.
- It comes with rapid charging.
What we didn’t like
- The headphone may become uncomfortable if worn for long.
- The treble sounds compromised.
Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500
Key features
- 18-hour battery life
- 10-meter Bluetooth range
- 40mm drivers.
- Advanced acoustic technology.
- Multiple device connectivity.
- Built-in microphone.
Although not as famous as brands like Sony and Beats, Plantronics is another decent brand with impressive products in its range. One such product is the Plantronics BackBeat FIT 500 designed to tolerate rigors from daily fitness exercises and sports activities. The headphone has an on-ear which is available in black and teal colors.
The battery is quite reliable and capable of powering the headphone for about 18 hours on a single full charge. Furthermore, it has a fair quick charge via a USB-C port. The primary source of connection is Bluetooth 5.0 which allows connection with multiple devices. The Bluetooth has a range of 33-foot before it breaks.
The headband is well-cushioned with soft fabric to prevent irritation, as well as, the ear cups with memory foam for comfort. In a nutshell, the comfort level is top-notch. The ear cups can be rotated and stored in the carrying bag that comes with them.
The controls are user-friendly and built on the cups. It’s got an inbuilt microphone for calls, voice notes, and voice assistants. In terms of sound quality, you are never going to be disappointed. The bass is intense and boldly emphasized, the treble is clear and detailed and the headphone should perform excellently with any song.
What we like
- It comes with a built-in microphone for taking calls and voice notes.
- It has a moderate battery life of 18 hours.
- The headphone is compatible with Siri, Google Now, and Cortana.
- It comes with quality memory foam earpads for comfort.
- It features 40 mm drivers and advanced acoustic technology that ensure rich sound production.
What we didn’t like
- It doesn’t have an efficient noise Isolation
- May not stay firmly on small heads.
Anker Soundbuds Slim Plus
Key features
- 10 hours of playtime.
- 18-month warranty
- Bluetooth 4.1
- Multiple ear tips and wings.
- Carrying case.
Apart from the Jaybird’s X4, the Anker Soundbuds Slim Plus is another fascinating headphone to look for. It speaks quality from the build and also doesn’t let one down when it comes to sound production. To start with, the manufacturer offers an 18-month warranty on the product and that should build much confidence in the product’s reliability.
When you open a pack of the Anker Soundbuds Slim Plus, you have multiple ear wings and tips, a cord control clip, a shirt clip, a carrying case, warranty card, charging cable, and of course, the headphones. All these impressive features and not limited to these are what you get.
The sound is balanced to a reasonable extent with the mids, highs, and lows flowing out clearly. However, if you are an audiophile, you may be quick to notice that the bass is partially suppressed. Well, it should perform well with heavy-bass songs.
The headphone connects to many devices with the aid of the efficient Bluetooth 4.1 that can remain connected even at a range of 10 feet. The isolation looks efficient and the controls are quite user-friendly. The comfort level seems high since you can change the ear wings and tips to suit your ears.
What we like
- The headphone is lightweight, weighing just half an ounce.
- The manufacturer provides an 18-month warranty and customer support on the product.
- It comes with fast charging and a decent battery life of 10 hours.
- It is portable and has its controls on it.
- The product comes with multiple ear tips and wings for more flexibility.
What we didn’t like
- The sound appears distorted at high volumes.
- It doesn’t support multiple devices.
Bose QC35 QuietComfort 35 II
Key Features
- Alexa and Google assistants support.
- Dual microphone system.
- Noise cancellation.
- Wireless connectivity.
- 20 hours of battery life
Finally, here is a product from Bose, a headphone brand I am sure you’ve heard about. This time, it’s their QC35 QuietComfort 35 II. The product is quite versatile and can be used for travel, office, commuting, and gym. It offers that desired durability, comfort, and sound.
The design doesn’t look different from its predecessor except that it has gotten the voice assistant button. If you worry about colors, you will be disappointed to know that it comes in black, silver, and rose gold only. It comes with a plastic construction hence you might doubt its reliability.
What it doesn’t have in build, it makes up for it in its sound. To start with, the sound is well-barricaded from ambient sounds, thanks to the comfy and robust ear pads. However, the sound quality stays well above average. The earpads are breathable which is a plus if you sweat a lot.
Furthermore, the headphone employs Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless connectivity but also gives room for wired connectivity with the presence of a 3.5mm audio jack.
What we like
- It comes with a reliable carrying case.
- Dual-microphone system for better voice reception during calls and voice notes.
- It has decent battery life.
- A button dedicated to voice assistants – Alexa and Google.
- One can switch to wired mode if the battery dies.
What we didn’t like
- Plastic build.
Phillips SHS5200
Key Features
- One-year warranty
- Wired connectivity
- Single cable design
- Tangle-free, Oxygen-free, Copper cable
- Gold-plated 3.5mm connector
The Philips SHS5200 is the only wired headphone on this list. Wired headphones are good but the cable restriction is the downside. The headphone is an on-ear, neckband type which has the capacity for your active lifestyle. The lightweight headphone has an alluring design that should get your attention at first sight.
While the aesthetics may not be your focus, the headphone comes with reliable ear pads that provide optimum comfort. Since there is no headband, there is less concern for you about stability and comfort. The headband is not adjustable but it does provide a great clamping force. Each ear cup is labeled to help you determine which to wear.
Of course, it is a wired headphone. The cable is fixed to one of the ear cups and the other end terminates with a gold-plated, 3.5mm audio plug, which implies better conductivity. The cable is made tangle-free so you have to spend time losing the knots. In addition, the sound is impressive, the bass is punchy and the treble lines are perfect.
What we like
- Budget-friendly.
- It has a single cable design.
- The cable is tangle-free.
- It is lightweight, comes with soft ear pads and the headband doesn’t put pressure on the ears.
- It offers great sound with a balanced mid, high and low.
What we didn’t like
- The headband cannot be adjusted.
- No efficient noise canceling.
Adidas RPT-01 Bluetooth Sport On-Ear Headphones
Key Features
- Approximately 42 hours of playtime
- Multifunction control knob
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Washable Earpads and inner headband
- USB-C charging cable
The Adidas RPT-01 Sports headphone is lightweight with a convenient design and construction that is durable. The product is quite flexible and can be turned in all directions. It makes them very flexible to conform to your head’s shape, making the fit very close and thus ideal for sports.
The headphones have proven to be surprisingly reliable in use with an uptime of approximately 42 hours. Since it does not have a 3.5 mm audio port, it’s not possible to use them wired. Additionally, the headphones come with a USB-C port and can be charged quite easily. The maximum charging of the USB-C to the USB-A charging cable is about 70 minutes.
The headphone supports the latest Bluetooth 5.0 and can pair with many devices. It can be activated using the rectangle-like multifunction joystick control. The bass line is rich and fun to listen to. However, the low-frequency range is less emphasized and, in fact, below average.
What we like
- It has a battery life of 42 hours.
- It comes with the latest Bluetooth version.
- The earpad and headband can be removed and washed.
- It comes with fast charging.
- It doesn’t fall off easily during high-intensity activities.
What we didn’t like
- It doesn’t support wired connectivity.
- The lows are below par.
ROC Sport by Cristiano Ronaldo & Monster – Freedom Wireless On-Ear Headphones
Key Features
- Weighs 7 ounces
- On-board controls.
- 11-hour battery life.
- Bluetooth connectivity.
- Noise cancellation.
Monster’s ROC sports headphone is an exquisite product from the manufacturer that assures its customers to take pleasure in a track enjoy like by no means earlier than. The headphone can tolerate the active lifestyle of their users without losing efficiency and functionality.
It poses to be the best way you can experience music life. The headphone comes with on-ear controls that allow you to pause/play songs, manage the volume or, make or take calls. It is powered by a lithium-ion battery that can last for about 11 hours.
On top of that, the headphones are sweat and water-proof. To improve its useful life, it has snug and swiveling earcups like that of a DJ. It churns a nice sound quality and intense bass line for almost any song. It has an active noise cancellation characteristic which isolates the ambient noise perfectly.
In regards to connectivity, it can be connected to devices primarily via Bluetooth. However, the manufacturer’s got you covered with a cord in case you wish to use it wired.
What we like
- Supports both wired and wireless connectivity.
- It has a moderate battery life of 11 hours.
- Lightweight.
- Swiveling earcups for more flexibility.
- It comes with noise cancellation.
What we didn’t like
- The ear cups are not twistable.
- No warranty or carry bag.
JLab Audio Flex Sport Gym Workout Headphones
Key Features
- Two-year warranty.
- The battery life of 20 hours.
- Removable and washable ear pads.
- Ambient listening mode.
- Three EQ modes.
- Flexible headband.
The JLab Audio Flex Sport Gym Workout Headphones are wireless with an over-the-ear design. It has a flexible headband that offers a moderate clamping force on your ear. The ear cups are also fitted with removable and washable fabric pads. The product comes with a drawstring pouch for portability.
The right earcup contains all the functionalities of the headphone including the multifunction button. The headphone comes with a button that activates the ambient listening mode that allows you to hear conversations without taking off your headphones. The button can also be used to toggle between the three built-in EQ modes – bass boost, balanced, and signature
The battery life is quite massive, powering the headphone for about 20 hours. The right earcup also comes with a USB-C port for charging. It comes with a built-in microphone which is impressive but the audio quality is just average. The headphone utilizes 40mm drivers to deliver those impressive sounds. The bass boost, obviously, improves the lows of songs with low bass.
What we like
- It comes with a two-year warranty.
- The earpads are removable and washable so they can stay fresh and hygienic.
- It features an ambient listening mode that allows you to hear conversations without taking off the headphone.
- It comes with three EQ modes that allow you to alter sound quality.
- The battery life is massive.
What we didn’t like
- The headband is not expandable
- It doesn’t come with an audio cable
Related article – 5 Best Earbuds For Working Out To Improve Your Fitness
Buying Guide: How to choose the best workout headphones
You need the best headphone for the gym and not some mediocre ones. Whatever you buy must be of great comfort and should produce impressive sound. A good headphone for the gym should be able to withstand the rigors of lifting. Finding the best headphone for lifting can be difficult especially if it’s your first time.
Hence, I have prepared a comprehensive buying guide for you. However, as a veteran, you should also check them out to see if you have been doing it right. Apart from your budget, there are some other things to consider when buying your headphone. Below are the important things to consider when buying the best headphones for lifting.
Comfort and fitting
Headphones come with their own level of comfort and they are also relative to your head size and pinna. You should ensure that the headphone fits properly on your head or ear. You don’t want to be distracted by headphones that fall off every time.
The weight should be at most moderate as it can become a burden if worn for long. The headband should provide the needed clamping force without causing any pain. The earpads and headband should be mild on your head. Some headphones come with replaceable earpads or adjustable headbands so you might look to capitalize on that.
Related article – How To Keep Ears Cool With Headphones

Moisture resistance
Sweating is one thing common when lifting. Unfortunately, electronics cannot tolerate moisture as they can get damaged easily.
Look out for headphones that offer great water resistance. You can look on their packs for those with IPX rating which implies they have been tested to be sweat-proof or water-proof. The higher the rating, the high it can withstand moisture.
Noise control
The noise in the gym can be very annoying. The best way to keep yourself focused is by using a headphone. However, you should not buy just any headphones.
Headphones with noise-canceling should be your priority as they can keep those noise out. Similarly, you do not want to contribute to noise, hence, the headphone should also have a minimal sound leak.
Features
Some headphones come with impressive features such as carrying cases which make carrying easier. You may also wish to enjoy the warranty on some headphones. Headphones like FIIL Diva Pro come with an internal memory of 4GB that may appeal to you. Some even come with replaceable ear pads.

Drumrolls on Best headphones for lifting
Based on our research and reviews from real users, we strongly recommend the limited edition Bose QC35 QuietComfort 35 II. However, if you do not like the color and are on a tighter budget, our alternative recommendation will be the TREBLAB Z2 which has a long playtime and ANC function to block off unwanted noises during workouts.
You may also like to check out What Is The Standard Headphone Jack Size or 10 Best Closed Back Headphones.