8 Best Over-Ear Headphones for Working Out in 2023 – Sweat Proof

by Simon

Are you looking for excellent over-ear headphones for workouts that provide excellent sound quality and do not get damaged from sweat? Then you are at the right place.

I have tested, analyzed, and reviewed some exceptional over-ear headphones that are suitable for gym lovers. A headphone is like a must-have thing in a gym or during workouts. The music you listen to during activities and exercises can improve your hard work through sheer motivation.

Not only that, it pumps your spirit to do some extra reps. Good music pumping into your ears can make your workout productive. Without good music, your training can become boring quite quickly. Most people leave the exercises without completing them. I know it gets frustrating because I've been there.

Good music can improve your overall workout experience and motivates you to do more.

However, there are quite a few things that headphone requires to be exceptional for workouts. These factors can determine your whole experience. Therefore, it is crucial to choose an effective headphone.

Because there are many cheap headphones available in the market, and one can get confused quite easily. That is why I want you to read my buyer's guide carefully to understand and confirm your order.

For your convenience, you can read the Pros & Cons and specifications only to get insights on a headphone.

Product Table for Best Over-Ear Headphones for Working Out

Image Product Award Price
Jabra Elite 85H Jabra Elite 85h Top Pick Check Here
Skullcandy-crusher (1) Skullcandy Crusher Battery Life Check Here
Sennheiser Sennheiser PXC 550-II Allrounder Check Here
Treblab Treblab Z2 Bluetooth 5.0 Check Here
Backbeat-fit-6100 Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100 Budget-Friendly Check Here
8 Best Over-Ear Headphones for Working Out in 2023 – Sweat Proof Bose SoundLink II Looks Check Here
Backbeat-810 Plantronics BackBeat GO 810 Under $50 Check Here
Jlab-flex (1) JLab Flex Alt. For Skullcandy Check Here

How Do I Test?

There are several criteria that a headphone needs to satisfy to get featured in this article. These factors can determine the quality of a headphone. A workout headphone needs some extra features, unlike any other headphone.

Therefore, it is crucial to understand the needs of the user. That is why my testing, analyzing, and determining criteria depend on two main factors.

Build: An essential thing in the build of the headphone is durability. Durability is a must criterion for me. Apart from that, water resistance, design, and comfort are also counted as headphone build.

Performance: There are several things to check to assess the performance of a headphone. First of all, sound quality needs to be satisfactory. Moreover, other features like battery life, Bluetooth technology, Mic quality, and charging time are also counted as performance.

Are Over-Ear Headphones Good For Workouts?

If you are looking for a quick answer, then YES. Over-ear headphones are suitable for workouts. Many people find in-ear headphones to be more effective. However, the over-ear headphones provide more listening experience, different features, and excellent sound quality.

And, since you are prone to sweat a lot during your session, a water-resistant headphone is a must.

I like using over-ear headphones in the gym because it gives more class to the user. They look cooler as compared to the in-ear headphones.

If you are still concerned, then do not worry. The modern over-ear headphones are designed with new technology and build to make them excellent for workouts.

My Top Picks

  • Jabra Elite 85H: It is my top pick because of its exceptional performance along with excellent build. Moreover, It is an ANC headphone.
  • SkullCandy Crusher: It is my top pick in best battery life. Along with good performance and build, it provides 40 hours of playback time.
  • Treblab Z2: It is my top pick for the best wireless headphone on the list. It utilizes Bluetooth V5.0. Moreover, the excellent battery life and smart voice controls add more value.
  • Plantronics Backbeat Fit 6100: It is my top pick for a budget-friendly option. It provides excellent performance and build for the price.

Best Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out

 Best Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out
Best Over-Ear Headphones For Working Out

My Top Pick: Jabra Elite 85H - Link

Excellent Performance & Build

Jabra Elite 85H Headphone With ANC
Jabra Elite 85H Headphone With ANC

When you are looking for a headphone with neat and clean sound quality with a decent amount of bass, then Jabra Elite 85H is your best bet. The audio from Jabra Elite 85h gives the natural feel of the music.

The best thing about the Jabra Elite 85h, my top pick, is the Active Noise Cancelling feature. Therefore, no noise from the outside world will distract you from your workouts. The ANC feature also provides you with privacy. These headphones will not leak out any music through their earcups. That is a significant Pro in these headphones, in my opinion.

Now let us speak about the Bass; it is simply excellent. The Bass quality of Jabra Elite 85h can be compared with Beats by Dr. Dre, even though these are not bass-boosted.

The highs, lows, and mids are perfectly balanced. The audio is always neat on both low and high volumes, which I like about these headphones.

Now, I will talk about the microphone that is built-in in the Jabra Elite 85h. The capture quality of this microphone is surprisingly good and clear. You can answer phone calls or communicate with Google/Siri.

Excellent Comfort and Build Quality

As far as comfort is concerned, The Jabra Elite 85hfeatures soft cushioning on both earcups. These cushions provide a smooth experience on the ears, with lasting comfort. The bottom of the headband also features smooth cushioning for your head. These paddings allow the headphone to sit correctly on your head and distribute the weight properly.

These headphones give almost minimum ear fatigue or any discomfort since they are super lightweight. These headphones stay perfectly on your head even if you are running, walking, or working out. Moreover, their excellent design allows them to fit almost any head size.

Speaking of design, the Jabra Elite headphones feature a smooth surface and comes in four different colors; Titanium Black , Copper Black , Gold Beige , and Navy .

These headphones are flexible and can be stretched almost straight. The material used for manufacturing is very robust. Moreover, you can adjust the headband according to your need.

However, what irritated me the most is that it does not give any clicking sound during adjusting because it is adjusted through a friction mechanism.

Furthermore, the earcups on these headphones are rotatable. You can quickly put them in a bag or keep them on your neck, making them portable.

The most helpful thing about Jabra Elite 85h is that they are water-resistant, which means your sweat will not damage them.

Wireless Connectivity & Battery

The Jabra Elite 85h is a wireless over-ear headphone that uses Bluetooth technology for connectivity. You can easily connect these headphones with your mobile or any other device.

With wireless connectivity comes the battery, but that is not an issue here. These headphones can work for around 41 hours on a single charge with ANC mode off. However, the ANC mode tends to drain a lot of battery, and you can get 36 hours of playback time on a single charge with ANC mode off.

Should You Buy Them? Specifications Key Features

If you are looking for an exceptional ANC headphone with water resistance, good build quality, nice design, excellent sound quality, and low price, then Jabra Elite 85h is an ideal choice for you.

  • Headphone type: Over-ear
  • Technology: Wireless/Bluetooth
  • Drivers: 40 mm
  • Cable length: 120 cm
  • Weight: 296 g
  • Battery life: 41 hours with ANC off and 36 hours with ANC on upon full charge
  • Built-in Mic: Yes
  • Water Resistant: Yes
  • Jabra Elite 85h supports Alexa, so you can ask it to change songs, and you won't have to get to your phone every time you want to change it.
  • This headphone has 36 hours long battery life on a full charge, and it also supports fast charging: 15 minutes of charge can last for 5 hours.
  • Jabra Elite 85h feature a Smart AI audio technology that analyzes your environment around you and changes your personalized audio preference accordingly to give you the best sound quality.
  • It uses a USB cable for charging. Furthermore, you can also use AUX cable for physical connection.

Pros

  • Smart AI audio Technology
  • Excellent Sound Quality, Comfort, and Durability
  • Excellent Built-in Microphone
  • Supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri
  • It can be connected to two devices at once
  • Great Battery Life

Cons

  • Budget-friendly Price
  • Smart AI audio can be improved a bit.
  • It takes time to get used to headband adjustments.

Best Battery Life: SkullCandy Crusher - Link

40H of Playback with Excellent Sound Quality

Skullcandy Crusher WIreless Headphone With Good Battery Life
Skullcandy Crusher WIreless Headphone With Good Battery Life

If there is an excellent-looking headphone with excellent performance and build, you will go for it. Well, Skullcandy Crusher is such headphones.

It gives awe-inspiring Bass similar to the Bass of a separate woofer. The right sound stage also plays a crucial role in its exceptional Bass quality. And, the selling point here is that you can control the Bass level through the slider at the right earcup.

The Lows, Mids, and Highs are very bright, neat, and transparent. You can feel the detail in the sound when listening to music. Vocals and music separation is on point. You can quickly understand the lyrics quite comfortably.

The Skullcandy Crusher is a closed-back design, so it will block out all the sound from entering or leaving the earcups, giving you good isolation and privacy while listening. However, some audio can leak through its earcups if the volume is too high. Overall, The sound quality of the Skullcandy Crusher is excellent.

Just like Jabra Elite 85h, the Skullcandy crusher also features a built-in microphone. This mic is good enough to attend your phone calls or use Siri/Google. However, it will capture some background noise in a crowded area.

Comfortable & Durable

Like most headphones on the list, Skullcandy Crusher features the padding of smooth cushions on both earcups, making them easy to wear. These cushions dampen the clamping force. Moreover, the buffer at the bottom of the headband also reduces the stress on the head.

Skullcandy Crusher can be used for an extended time without getting uncomfortable. However, it can give a pressing feeling to your ears when they are new. The headphones are very lightweight and comfortable.

The Crusher headphones have a nice, neat, and clean finish. The headphones are made up of plastic material that is flexible and robust. The headphone themselves can be stretched straight, giving a clue that they are sturdy. They are water-resistant, so you don't have to worry about any damage from your sweat.

The headband is adjustable, and it can fit almost every head size, even with glasses. Furthermore, the earcups can also rotate a bit.

There are three buttons present at the bottom of the left earcup. These buttons can be used for different functions by pressing them with different variations. There are two inputs at the bottom of the right earcup: a 3.5 mm input plug (for physical connection) and the other is a USB input for charging the headphone.

Extended Battery Life

The Skullcandy Crusher is a wireless headphone that uses Bluetooth for connectivity. It can stay connected for an extended area. You can just put your mobile phone on a chair and continue your workout without worrying about connection issues.

The best thing about these headphones is the battery life. On a single complete charge, it can last for almost 40 hours of straight playback. Moreover, these headphones feature fast charging; 10 minutes of charging will last for 3 hours. So, if you are in a hurry, hook them up for a while and enjoy your music for 3+ hours.

Should You Buy Them? Specifications Key Features

Skullcandy Crusher is your best bet if you look for a decent-looking headphone with great battery life and nice sound quality under $150. This headphone is almost better than Jabra but does not have ANC.

  • Headphone Type: Closed-back, Over-ear
  • Frequency: 5 to 20,000 Hz
  • Impedance: 32 ohms
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth/Physical with Aux
  • Weight: 290 g
  • Battery Life: 40 hours on a full charge, 3 hours on 10 minutes charge
  • Water Resistant: Yes
  • Skullcandy Crusher has a battery life of up to 40 hours of playtime on a full charge. It also supports fast charging; 10 minutes of charging can last for almost 3 hours of playtime.
  • You can also use an AUX cable for physical connection with these headphones if your battery runs out.
  • Skullcandy Crusher comes in 4 different colors; Black, White, Deep Red, and Olive.

Pros

  • Good comfortability and durability.
  • Excellent sound and bass quality.
  • 40 hours long battery life on a full charge.
  • Fast Charging.
  • Built-in Mic.

Cons

  • Sound leakage problem on high volumes.
  • Microphone can capture background noise in crowded areas.

Allrounder: Sennheiser PXC 550-II - Link

Sturdy headphones with excellent performance

A Closer Look On Sennheiser PXC 550-II
A Closer Look On Sennheiser PXC 550-II

When it comes to natural, balanced, clear, and neutral sound quality, Sennheiser has no competitors. The same is the case with their sweatproof wireless headphones, Sennheiser PXC 550-II. The main selling point here is that it provides a Mobile App that you can install on both IOS and Android. This app allows you to control the EQ settings of the sound and find the best suited for you.

However, the sound volume of these headphones is not that loud. So, if you prefer listening to loud music, these are not for you. But, these headphones do a tremendous job when it comes to the sound stage. It is as if you are listening to music in a room.

The Sennheiser PXC 550-II are noise-canceling headphones, which you can turn on or off through a button at the bottom of the right earcup. Although these headphones feature a 32mm driver unit, the separation of different sound profiles is on point. It has a comprehensive frequency response of 17Hz to 23,000Hz. Therefore, they can produce high-quality treble with deep bass.

The best thing I like about Sennheiser PXC 550-II is the built-in microphone. The capture quality of this mic is excellent. And, it captures only minimum background noise, even in crowded areas, Just like noise-canceling headsets for truck drivers. Moreover, you can attend calls or activate Siri/Google Assistant through this mic.

Comfortable & Sturdy

Just like many other headphones on the list, the Sennheiser PXC 550-II also has soft cushioning on the earcups that make them comfortable on the ears. The headband also features soft material padding, which allows it to distribute the weight on the head equally. You can also adjust the headband according to your need.

These headphones do not cause any ear fatigue. Moreover, they are lightweight, so there will be no stress on the head. Furthermore, they will stay on your head even on quick movements, making them perfect for workouts.

I have used Sennheiser PXC 550-II for many hours without any discomfort, even with my sunglasses on.

The Sennheiser PXC 550-II has a decent build quality with a matte black finish that looks incredible. The headphones can be folded, and earcups can be retracted, making them portable enough for workout individuals. In general, the Sennheiser PXC 550-IIs are very durable and robust.

The best I like about these headphones is that you can change songs or increase/ decrease volume by swiping both earcups' outside. It is a revolutionary feature in the headphones industry.

More Playback Time

Since Sennheiser PXC 550-II is a wireless headphone, it comes with a battery. However, before moving to the battery, It is crucial to know that it uses Bluetooth technology.

You can get a playback time of 30 hours, which is quite good among wireless headphones.

Should You Buy Them? Specifications Key Features

The Sennheiser PXC 550-II provides premium features like Smart Touch, Adaptive Noise-Canceling, Smart App Control, along with 30 hours of playback time, excellent audio quality, and build quality. Therefore, it is a good purchase.

  • Headphone type: Over-ear
  • Driver: 32 mm
  • Frequency: 17 Hz to 23,000 Hz
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth/ Physical connection
  • Battery life: 30 hours of playback time
  • Built-in Mic: Yes
  • Water-resistant: Yes
  • Sennheiser PXC 550-II can be used to activate Google Assistant, Siri, and Alexa.
  • The full charge with these headphones can last 30 hours of playback. These headphones have a cool Smart AI technology that pauses the song when you take off the headphones and resume them from right there when you put them back on.
  • A 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm AUX cable can be used for physical connection if you run out of battery. Also, Sennheiser PXC 550-II uses a micro USB for charging.
  • The Sennheiser PXC 550-II is water-resistant, and they can be said the best sweat-resistant over-ear headphones.

Pros

  • Excellent Comfort and Robust Build.
  • Smart App Control and Alexa/ Siri/ Google Assistant supported.
  • 30 hours of playback time.
  • Portable Design.
  • Excellent Sound Quality with EQ options.
  • Adaptive Noise-canceling and Touch Control.

Cons

  • Low Sound Volume.
  • 32mm Driver Unit.

Bluetooth v5.0: Treblab Z2 - Link

Smart Voice Control & Extended Battery Life

A Closer Look To Treblab Z2 Headphones
A Closer Look To Treblab Z2 Headphones

When It comes to excellent price to performance ratio, Treblab Z2 is ideal. It provides bright, clear, and appealing sound quality. A good amount of Bass is present in the audio, which gives an excellent experience with these headphones.

Just like my top pick, Jabra Elite 85h, it has Active Noise-Cancel. Moreover, you can quickly turn it on or off through the button at the bottom of the right earcup. Most of the headphones at this price range claiming to give active noise-canceling aren't good, but that is not the case with Treblab Z2.

These headphones feature a 40mm Neodymium driver unit, which does an excellent job of separating different sound profiles. The treble is good enough to understand the lyrics in a song.

The built-in microphone featured with the Treblab is good but not the best. You can attend phone calls, but it will get challenging in crowded areas.

Lightweight & Comfortable

The Treblab Z2 is a lightweight headphone that features soft cushioning on its earcups. You can use them during your long workout sessions without any ear fatigue. The clamping force is just about right; it stays on your headphone without applying pressure on the ears. Moreover, it is compatible with any head size.

Treblab X2 has a plastic body with a matte black finish. They are robust, and they can be your long-lasting gym companions.

The headband is adjustable accordingly, and the earcups can be rotated. You can wear them around your neck when you are not using them.

Advanced Bluetooth Techonolgy & Battery Usage

As you might have read from the title, these headphones use Bluetooth V5.0 for connectivity. So, you don't have to worry about low sound quality due to wireless connection. The different Bluetooth profiles will make sure of it.

Furthermore, they are even better than Sennheiser PXC 550-II in playback time. You can use them for 35hours straight on a single charge. Speaking of charging, it takes around 3 hours to charge them completely.

Should You Buy Them? Specifications Key Features

The Treblab Z2 provides advanced Bluetooth technology with fantastic sound quality, 35 hours of playback time, and ANC. Therefore, you can consider buying these headphones. However, the microphone quality is terrible in crowded areas.

  • Headphone Type: Over-ear
  • Drivers: 40 mm Neodymium
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0 + Auxilary Cable
  • Built-in Mic: Yes
  • Water-resistant: Yes
  • Battery Life: 35 Hours on a full charge
  • Weight: 255 g
  • TREBLAB supports Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri so that you can quickly get your task done without having to use your hands during your workouts.
  • This headphone gives tremendous battery life with 35 hours of playback time. And it takes 3 hours for the headphone to charge completely, and it uses Micro USB for charging (cable included in the box).
  • These headphones can also be used as a wired headphone with an auxiliary cable.

Pros

  • Better Sound Quality, Comfort.
  • Somewhat good build quality.
  • 35 hours of playback time.
  • Water-Resistant.
  • Supports Siri/ Google Assistant/ Alexa.
  • Utlizes Bluetooth v5.0.
  • Togglable Active Noise-Cancelation.

Cons

  • Microphone quality is terrible.
  • Slow charging.

Budget-Friendly Option: Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100 - Link

Sports Headphones with Premium Features & Less Cost

A Closer Look On Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100 Headphones
A Closer Look On Plantronics BackBeat Fit 6100 Headphones

As the title suggests, these are sports headphones. Therefore, Plantronics has a job a fantastic job providing features suitable for workouts and sports.

These headphones come with a 40mm driver unit equipped in their earcups. And, the noise isolation feature provides an excellent sound stage. Moreover, the separation of different sound profiles is also on point. That is why they are good at deep bass and treble. You can listen to rap songs during your workouts and understand the lyrics. The mids with these headphones are balanced for their price.

The volume can be increased up to great degrees without any distortion in the audio. However, some sound from outside can enter the earcups, even though they are noise isolating.

Moreover, the Awareness mode allows you to stay connected with the outside world while listening to songs.

The microphone featured with these headphones is not good enough. You can answer your phone calls, but not in crowded areas.

Sports Comfort & Cost Satifying Durability

Now let us start with the padding at the bottom of the headband. The solid and rigid material padding on the headband reduces stress from the head and provides a stable fit. The headphones themselves are lightweight. Therefore, there is little to no pressure on the head.

Furthermore, the cushioning on the earcups is smooth and boosts comfort. Even when the headband is set to supertight, the force on the ears is minimum, which makes them excellent sports headphones.

BackBeat Fit 6100 are decent-looking headphones. The metal arm is used to connect the earcups with the headband. Furthermore, the headband is adjustable and capable of fitting almost any head size.

You can also adjust the tightness of the headband manually according to your need. You can quickly increase the tightness to increase the clamping force to make your headphones stay on your head.

You can find a control area at the bottom of both earcups. You can change songs and control volume through these buttons. Moreover, you can also use the touchpad on the right earcup to change songs and control volume, just like Sennheiser PXC 550-II.

More Playback & Less Charging

Just like any other headphones on the list, they utilize Bluetooth Technology. You can also use an auxiliary cable (aux cable) for a physical connection.

The main selling point for these headphones is intelligent and fast charging. A small charge of 15-minutes can last for an hour. Moreover, a complete charge can last for almost 24-hours on continuous playback.

Should You Buy Them? Specifications Key Features

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option with premium features like a touchpad, fast charging, wireless connectivity, sweat-resistance, and sports design, then it is an ideal choice for you.

  • Headphone type: Over-ear
  • Drivers: 40 mm
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth + Physical connection (through Micro USB to 3.5 mm)
  • Battery Life: 24 hours of playback time on a full charge
  • Weight: 240 grams
  • Water Resistant: Yes
  • Built-in Mic : Yes
  • BackBeat FIT 6100 has a playback time of almost 24 hours in a single full charge. Moreover, It also supports fast charging like many other headphones. 15 minutes of charge can last for 1 hour complete.
  • It uses Micro USB for charging.
  • They are Sweatproof and Water-resistant headphones, making them one of the best ear wireless headphones for working out.

Pros

  • Comfortable and Robust.
  • Water Resistant and Sweat Proof headphones.
  • Good battery life.
  • Better Sound Quality.
  • Smart touchpad.
  • Fast Charging.

Cons

  • Noise-isolation feature can be improved.
  • Microphone quality is terrible.

Standard Performance & Excellent Design

Bose SoundLink II - A Good Looking Headphone
Bose SoundLink II - A Good Looking Headphone

Bose is a well-known company in the headphones industry because of its exceptional products. That is why the Bose SoundLink 2 provides an overall near, natural, and balanced audio quality. There is a little bit of bass present in the audio. However, the sound quality of these headphones is not hyped up. The audio produced by its 40mm driver is flat; nor too much bass, neither too much on highs.

But still, the sound quality is surprisingly impressive and compelling with most genres. The vocals in a song can be heard clearly. However, the most notable thing is that there is no distortion in the audio. Just like classical music headphones.

These headphones block most of the outside noise, even though they are not noise-canceling, which allows them to create a perfect sound stage. But, be wary; the audio can leak outside if the volume is too high.

Furthermore, the microphone with the Bose Soundlink 2 is suitable for attending phone calls, but it captures background noise in a busy environment.

Plush Cushioning and Excellent Design

The Bose SoundLink II features a plush foam material cushioning on both earcups and headbands. It provides maximum comfort potential to the headphones. The clamping force is just about right, nor too tight, neither too loose. They stay on your head, even during your workouts.

The Bose SoundLink 2 can be worn for many hours straight without any fatigue or stress. And that is because they are super lightweight as well.

These are water-resistant headphones, so your sweat will not damage them.

These headphones have an aesthetically pleasing look with a decent and smooth matte black finish. They are also available in white color. You can also find company branding on the outside of both earcups.

These headphones are made of plastic material which is durable enough to satisfy the price. The headband is flexible enough to be stretched almost straight, which will not break anytime soon.

The earcups can be rotated sideways, makes them portable headphones. You can either put them around your neck or carry them in a bag.

Fast Charging & Standard Battery Life

The SoundLink Bose II are wireless headphones that utilize Bluetooth technology.

You can achieve a playback time of 15 hours on a single complete charge. Speaking of charging, it takes less than 2 hours to charge them completely.

Should You Buy Them? Specifications Key Features

If you are looking for good-looking headphones for your workouts, then Bose SoundLink II is for you. However, you can go with other headphones, if you are looking for more performance.

  • Headphone type: Over-ear
  • Drivers: 40 mm
  • Weight: 195 g
  • Full Charge: 15 hours playback time on 2 hours of Charge
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth/ 2.5 mm to 2.5 mm AUX cable.
  • Built-in Mic: Yes
  • Water Resistant: Yes
  • SoundLink 2 is water-resistant headphones making them a good option for working out headphones.
  • Bose SoundLink 2 uses the latest Bluetooth technology. And it comes with a lithium-ion rechargeable battery. It can last up to 15 hours on a full charge.
  • It also supports fast charging; 15 minutes of charge can last for 2 hours of playtime.
  • SoundLink 2 uses a micro USB cable to charge. And an AUX cable can be used for physical connectivity. Also, it can be connected to 2 devices at once.

Pros

  • Balanced and Natural Sound quality
  • Super Lightweight and Very Comfortable
  • Good-looking and Durable
  • Built-in Microphone
  • Fast Charging.

Cons

  • Microphone quality can be improved.
  • Playback time can be increased.

Best Under $50: Plantronics BackBeat GO 810 - Link

ANC, EQ Presets, and Long-Lasting Battery

A Closer Look On Plantronics BackBeat GO 810 ANC Headphones
A Closer Look On Plantronics BackBeat GO 810 ANC Headphones

The Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 is the second budget-friendly Plantronics headphone on the list. As for the performance, these headphones do satisfy their price.

The sound quality is quite decent at this range. The mids and highs are perfect. You can understand the lyrics and feel the tone of the music very well. However, I would have liked them more with more deep bass. They do have some low notes in the audio, but the bass is relatively flat.

The good thing is that I found a dedicated EQ button at the bottom of the right earcup. You can increase the low notes from there. But you'll have to sacrifice on the mids and highs for a deep base. That is because the separation of different sound profiles is not that good.

You can change the default EQ presets for the button through a mobile app. On first use, you will find bright and balanced EQ settings.

The most notable thing is that these Plantronics headphones feature Active Noise-Canceling at this price range, which you can quickly turn on or off. It does a tremendous job cleaning the audio. However, if you turn on the ANC mode, the low voice notes feel like they disappeared.

But, keep a note that these headphones cost $50, which is why noise-canceling is ineffective. However, it does satisfy the price.

The microphone quality is perfect for phone calls. It even blocks the outside noise, unlike many other headphones on the list.

Satisfying Comfort & Standard Build Quality

The Plantronics BackBeat GO 810 has a plastic body with a smooth finish on the outside. The surface feels like rubber on them. I stretched these headphones straight to check their durability, and they felt sturdy. However, I say that there were some crackling sounds, which can get annoying for some users.

The headband is connected with earcups through a metal rod of bronze color. The central supporting rod is full metal. You can also adjust the headband according to your head size and need.

The cushioning on the headband and earcups is memory foam. You will find them comfortable to use. But, I would have liked these headphones even more if they had breathable earcups.

28 Hours of Playback

These are wireless and Bluetooth headphones. They have a battery life of 28 hours on a single complete charge. The battery life was quite satisfying for me. However, on Active Noise-Canceling mode, they lasted only 22 hours maximum.

Should You Buy Them? Specifications Key Features

If you are looking for budget-friendly ANC headphones for the workout, then these are for you. However, keep a note that they are flat in terms of audio quality.

  • Type: Over-Ear, Closed-Back
  • Driver Unit: 40mm
  • Color: Navy Blue
  • Connectivity: Physical/ Bluetooth
  • Battery Life: 28 Hours standard / 22 Hours on ANC mode
  • Noise-Canceling: ANC
  • Built-in Mic: Yes
  • Water Resistant: No
  • The Plantronics BackBeat GO 810 headphones are not water resistant. However, you can use them for normal workout, if you handle them with care.
  • These headphones can be used on a physical connection through an AUX cable.
  • These headphones can be retracted, that is why they are portable.

Pros

  • Excellent Comfort and Build Quality.
  • Dedicated EQ button.
  • 28 hours of battery life.
  • Active Noise-Canceling supported.
  • Low priced.
  • Excellent microphone quality.

Cons

  • Crackling sound of streching the headband.
  • Need Breathable Material for earcups.
  • Less Bass
  • Poor quality mobile application.
  • Not Water-resistant.

Alternative for Skullcandy Crusher: JLab Flex - Link

Most Flexible Headphones

JLab Flex Sports Headphones
JLab Flex Sports Headphones

The JLab Flex headphones are commonly used among hardcore workout individuals. And that is due to the flexible design and efficient maneuverability. As for the audio quality, they are standard. The highs, mids, and lows are decent, but you cannot compare it with your standard over-ear headphones.

If you want headphones with more bass and audio quality, you should look for other headphones. However, I did enjoy the music on these headphones during my running tests.

As for the microphone, it is not the best, but you can attend your phone calls on it.

Controlable Design and Excellent Build Quality

Let's start with the padding on the earcups. The earcups feature soft and smooth padding for maximum comfort on the ear. The thing I like the most is that you can easily remove these pads and wash them from time to time. These earpads are comfortable on the ear with just about the proper clamping force.

As for the headband, it is removable. You can quickly tighten the headband or change the location as you like. Moreover, the headband is smooth, just like ear pads. And it reduces the stress from the head. And, just as the image suggests, these are super lightweight headphones.

The main arc of the JLab Flex is very flexible, and it can be stretched in any direction. Which means they are incredibly durable.

Furthermore, the compact design allows you to keep them with you every time. The most required thing is that the JLab Flex are sweat-resistant headphones.

More Playback Time & Extended Wireless Range

These Bluetooth 5.0 headphones can give a playback time of 20 hours on a single complete charge. You can complete more than three workouts on a single charge.

Moreover, these headphones can stay connected for 30 feet. So, you can put your mobile phone on the chair and move around the gym freely.

Should You Buy Them? Specifications Key Features

These headphones are ideal for you, If you are looking for sweat-resistant, compact, extended battery life, more range, and durable headphones. However, you have to compromise a little on the audio quality.

  • Type: Closed-Back, On-Ear
  • Color: Black
  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
  • Battery Life: 20 hours
  • Water Resistant: Yes
  • Microphone: Yes
  • Warranty: 30-Days Money Back, 2-Years Warranty
  • The JLab Flex headphones use USB Type-C for charging.
  • You get a carrying bag with the headphones.
  • These headphones cannot be used through a wired connection.

Pros

  • Excellent Build and Durable.
  • Comfortable.
  • Removable earpads and headband.
  • 20 hours of playback time.
  • Sweat resistant.

Cons

  • Sound leakage issue.
  • Not the best sound quality.

Compare These Headphones (Specification Table)

You can compare my top picks here.

Name Type Driver Connection Water Resistant Mic Battery Life Noise-Cancelation Price
Jabra Elite 85h Over-Ear 40mm Bluetooth Yes Yes 41 Hours ANC Check Here
Skullcandy Crusher Over-Ear 40mm Bluetooth Yes Yes 40 Hours Yes Check Here
Sennheiser PXC 550-II Over-Ear 32mm Bluetooth Yes Yes 30 Hours Yes Check Here
Treblab Z2 Over-Ear 40mm Bluetooth 5.0 Yes Yes 35 Hours Yes Check Here
BackBeat Fit 6100 Over-Ear 40mm Bluetooth Yes Yes 24 Hours Yes Check Here

Honorable Mentions

These are a few headphones that barely got into the list of the best headphones for working out.

Beats Studio 3

Beats Studio 3 is a wireless active noise-canceling headphone. These eye-catching headphones are excellent for all bass lovers. The low notes are incredible on the. Not only that, the treble and high notes are also very well done.

As for the build quality, you can expect a sturdy design. They are comfortable enough for your gym and workouts. However, they gave a low battery life of 22 hours with ANC on. But, the most notable thing here is that you can get three hours of playback time on just 10-minutes of charging.

However, there are many reviewers claiming that they are water-resistant. Keep a note that Beats Studio 3 is not water-resistant.

Plantronics BackBeat Fit 500

Plantronics BackBeat Fit 500 are wireless headphones that utilize Bluetooth for the connection. These black-colored headphones are of on-ear design. Speaking of design, they are compact and decent-looking headphones. Good enough for gym workouts.

These are sports headphones, so they feature nano-coating sweat-resistant technology. These headphones are standard in terms of sound quality. The mids and highs are incredible, while the low notes could have been improved.

These headphones provide a playback time of 16 hours on a single complete charge, which satisfies the price.

JBL Club One

JBL is a well-known company that you might have heard of before. They have made exceptionally fabulous headphones for many different users. The JBL Club One is a headphone that provides excellent sound quality with great separation in other sound profiles. The lows, mids, and highs are on point. I enjoyed all my hip-hop favorites and trance-musics on these headphones. The custom-tuned 40mm driver unit does the job tremendously.

As for the build quality, they are sturdy and robust. You can expect an excellent level of comfort from these headphones as well. The microphone is also exceptional for your standard calls or Alexa commands. The Bluetooth 5.0 provides a proper connection with your device and achieves a smooth audio transfer.

It is an Active Noise-Canceling Headphone, so the background noise will not bother you. As for the battery life, you can get 45 hours of playback time without ANC. On the other hand, the ANC mode gives 25 hours of battery life.

The only reason these headphones are not featured in the article is that they are not water-resistant .

Buyer's Guide on Things to Check in a Workout Headphone

There are a few things that you should check in a headphone before buying one for your gym. Not every headphone can work out best for you in the gym: therefore, you have to carefully choose a headphone. Things that you should check are listed below.

An Infographic On Things To Check Before Buying A Workout Headphone.
An Infographic On Things To Check Before Buying A Workout Headphone.

Comfortabe Yet Sturdy & Durable

Comfort and Durability in a headphone is a must for any use. If your headphone is not comfortable, it can hurt your workout experience, and you'll end up abandoning your headphones.

Few things can determine the comfortability of a headphone.

  • Earpads are crucial for a smooth and comfortable experience for the ears. They work to reduce the clamping force as well.
  • The headband reduces the stress on the head and distributes the headphone's weight equally on the head.
  • Clamping force can be defined as the pushing force of the headphone against the ears. It needs to be balanced, nor too tight, neither too loose.
  • The weight of a headphone can also play an essential role in the comfortability factor.

The same is the case with durability. If your headphones cannot last long (at least long enough to satisfy the price), there is no point in getting one.

The durability of a headphone can depend on build quality, the material used, flexibility, interchangeable parts, and warranty.

Also, the headphone must be good at staying on your head so that when you are doing your workout, the headphones won't fall.

The Sound Quality

The sound quality is the most checked factor in a headphone, and rightly so. You are getting the headphone to listen to sounds in the first place. The sound quality in a workout headphone can depend upon your interest.

If you are more into Bass, then find a headphone with more deep low notes. If you are a hip-hop lover, then go with a headphone with proper beats and fantastic treble. It all comes down to your own needs.

However, I recommend using headphones with low bass because you can end up with a headache if you listen to bass-boosted headphones during workouts.

Microphone & Quality

A microphone is optional for workout headphones. However, it can make your life easier. It can make your work half during workouts if the headphone supports Alexa, Siri, or Google Assistant.

A good microphone allows you to attend phone calls during your workout sessions without disturbing your repetitions.

Battery Life & Wireless Connectivity

For workouts, Wireless headphones are more suitable. It provides you with freedom from tangling wires, and you can move around freely. Just connect the headphones with a mobile device and play the music.

However, with wireless connectivity comes the battery. You need to have a headphone with enough battery life to satisfy your needs. Most headphones on this list provide long-lasting battery life and also support fast charging. But, make sure to check the battery usage and energy of a headphone before confirming your purchase.

Water-Resistance & Sweat Proofing

A workout headphone must have a water-resistance or sweat-proof feature. Because we tend to get sweaty during workouts, and the headphones can get damaged if they are not resistant to sweat. You don't have to waste your money like that.

Therefore, make sure to check the water-resistance capability in a headphone. I have found many articles on this topic. But, most of them recommend headphones without water resistance. I have ensured that the headphones featured in this article are water-resistant, except Plantronics BackBeat Go 810.

Noise-Cancelation Capability

Noise-cancelation is also an essential factor to check in a headphone. A noise-canceling headphone allows you to keep focused on your workout. The disturbance from the outside world will not interrupt you. Also, the music played on the gym speakers will not reach you as well.

There are few Active Noise-Canceling headphones on the list as well.

Price

The headphone must be able to satisfy all the above features that are mentioned according to its price. You should know what you are spending your money on.

Frequently Asked Questions for Best Over-Ear Headphones for Working Out

Why should I get use headphones during workouts?

That is because listening to your favorite music during workouts can motivate you to do more hard work. The boosted spirit allows you to be practical, profound, and productive with your exercises. Furthermore, it will enable you to listen to your music in privacy. Sometimes, the music that the gym staff plays is not your type; that is when headphones come in to play. For your knowledge, there are many excellent workout headphones in the market.

What should I check in a workout headphone?

The workout headphones must be good in comfort, durability, sound quality, and microphone quality. Moreover, things like noise cancelation, water resistance, and extended playback time is also crucial.

What is the best over-ear workout headphone?

There are many excellent workout headphones that can be called the best. But, the Jabra Elite 85h is on another level. It is comfortable yet durable and provides excellent sound quality & a built-in microphone. Moreover, features like sweat-proofing, extended battery life, and active noise-cancelation make it exceptional.

Are over-ear headphones comfortable?

Over-ear headphones are mostly the most comfortable type among the headphones. That is because they are padded with soft cushioning, have good clamping force, and do not go inside your ears.

Is listening to music while exercising bad?

No, listening to music while exercising can boost your spirit and motivate you to increase the quality of your workout. It increases your stamina and enables you to do more. Music enables you both physically and mentally.

Buy on Walmart

Plantronics Backbeat Fit 6100 - Walmart Link

Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 - Walmart Link

Buy on eBay

Plantronics Backbeat Fit 6100 - eBay Link

Plantronics BackBeat Go 810 - eBay Link

Conclusion

In Conclusion, I would say that a headphone can help you significantly during workouts if you choose carefully. Moreover, it enables you to get more motivation and spirits for the exercise if you listen to your favorite music. That is why you must choose your headphones carefully. You can read my buyer's guide to battery understand the workout headphones criteria.

All the headphones listed in my article are featured after proper research and testing. We hunted for a few things in a headphone; comfort, durability, sound quality, water-resistance, and noise-cancelation feature. Most of these headphones have good noise-canceling features and an excellent built-in microphone (enough to attend phone calls or control your device using voice commands.)

Because of the clear margin in sound quality, comfort, durability, and other factors like water resistance, ANC, and long-lasting battery life, I have made Jabra Elite 85h my top pick. However, other good headphones like Skullcandy Crusher, Sennheiser PXC 550-II, and Treblab Z2 are also among my top picks.

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About Simon

Simon here is an audiophile that loves to try out new audio equipment and loves to listen to different genres of music. Being an active student of Audio Electronics, He is more than capable of discussing different elements of headphones. A Powerful Music Can Change The Tone Of Your Heart, That Is The Real Power Of Music.

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