2025’s Workout Headphones: The Surprising Game-Changer Trainers Swear By (And You’ve Never Heard Of)
Ever wondered if your earbuds could handle the sweat, the pounding music, and the chaos of the gym without turning into a tangled mess of frustration? Well, the new AirPods Pro 3s might just be the secret weapon you never knew you needed. They’ve evolved from simple sound gadgets into legit workout sidekicks — seriously, Apple’s taken every gripe from the previous versions and flipped the script. The fit? Unshakeable. Comfort? Next-level—like, you barely notice they’re there even after crushing multiple sets and signing off on back-to-back zoom calls. And bonus? They sneakily track your heart rate through your ear canals, a feature that’s usually saved for those bulky wristbands or chest straps. So, if your current headphones are just about surviving your sweat sessions, it’s time to ask—why settle when the AirPods Pro 3s are setting a whole new bar? LEARN MORE
The AirPods Pros have undergone significant improvements over the past few updates, with the latest version, the AirPods Pros 3s, becoming what we believe to be the best do-it-all workout headphones. These earbuds deliver excellent comfort, premium features, and high-quality sound. Apple has systematically addressed every pain point we experienced with earlier models, transforming these wireless earbuds from casual earbuds into essential fitness companions.
The fit is a significant reason why the AirPods Pro are so great during workouts. After putting them through dozens of reps, we found they don’t budge. The multiple silicone ear tips allowed our testing team to find their perfect seal during burpees and box jumps. Despite wearing them for multiple training sessions (and in the office), we experienced no ear fatigue thanks to their lightweight design.
The improved ergonomics also contribute to better passive noise isolation, working in tandem with the active noise cancellation to block out excessively loud gym music. For athletes who rely on music for motivation during workouts, the secure, comfortable fit eliminates the constant annoyance of readjusting loose earbuds. Their IP54 rating provides additional peace of mind, ensuring they can handle the sweat that comes with serious workouts.
MH Senior Fitness Editor Brett Williams, NASM, found the most exciting new feature of the AirPods Pro 3s to be their ability to monitor your heart rate through your ear canals, a feature that is more often associated with devices that wrap around your wrists or chest. They aren’t the first headphones to do so, but having this added to Apple’s already impressive offerings only strengthens their case.
Battery life exceeded our expectations, with up to six hours of continuous playback and a charging case that extends total listening time to over 30 hours. The case supports wireless charging, making it easy to replenish the battery by placing it on a charging pad. Meanwhile, the AirPods Pro 3 support several advanced features like adaptive audio, conversation awareness, and transparency mode, the latter of which lets outside sound in, so you can be aware of what’s going on around you during a run.
Using the touch controls is intuitive during workouts—you can play/pause, skip tracks, answer a call, and adjust the volume either by pressing the stem or using head gestures. For iPhone owners, the AirPods are a cinch to set up. Simply open the case next to your phone, tap connect, and you’re ready to go. This combination of comfort, performance, and ease of use make the AirPods Pro 3 the best overall workout headphones, setting a high bar for others to match.
Read More: Our Review of the Apple AirPods Pro 3s
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