The best cheap running headphones are the perfect way to soundtrack your runs without breaking the bank. These affordable earbuds are long-lasting, can withstand sweat and light rain, and help you stay aware of your surroundings.
But if you're working on a budget, you want to be sure that the pair you choose is actually worth your money, which is why we put these low cost running headphones to the test to see how they actually fare when out on a run.
Our top choice are the , as they're excellent value, sound good, and stay in place during exercise. But they're not your only option, as we've also picked out our favorite cheap running headphones across a range of styles and designs.
The quick list
These budget-friendly running headphones are designed with runners in mind, using ear hooks to keep them in place during outdoor sessions. We were impressed with the sound quality and the 8-hour per bud battery life, which should see you through most runs.
2. Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100
We liked how comfortable the ear hooks were on the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100, so they're a great option if for extended runs. Plus, they come with Always Aware ear tips to make it easier to keep tabs on your surroundings while running outdoors.
The Skullcandy Dime 3 have a stemmed design closer to Apple's AirPods than the JLab or Plantronics models. We liked how they sounded and they're comfortable, but we were most impressed with the call quality, so these are perfect if you like to chat while you run.
Motivational music tends to be bass-heavy, so if you're after a set that'll hit the lower end, the JLab Go Air Sport are a great choice. The controls are a bit fiddly, so they're more of a plug-in-and-go set, but they're comfortable and stay in place too.
The best cheap running headphones you can buy right now
Best cheap running headphones overall
(Image credit: Regan Coule/Future)
The best cheap running headphones overall
Specifications
Battery life: 8 hours, 32 hours with case
Weight: 0.1 ounces (per bud)
Water resistance: IPX4
Reasons to buy
+
Decent sound quality
+
Good battery life
+
Compact, sleek, and durable design
Reasons to avoid
-
Weak call quality
If you want the best cheap running headphones, more importantly, a pair that comes in true wireless form, seek out the JLAB Go Air Pop. Our favorite pair can be had for just $20 and has strong audio, steady battery life, and durable design, which is IPX4-certified for sweat and water resistance.
The lightweight, compact form of these buds allows them to rest pleasantly on the ears during long workouts. Music is well handled, and JLab’s three well-engineered EQs (JLab Signature, Balanced, and Bass Boost) present a decent sound.
Battery life is just as impressive with 8 hours of listening time, plus you receive a tiny charging case that has an integrated USB cable for charging on the go. Obviously, a price this low presents compromises, which, in the Go Air Pop’s case, are weak call quality and no extra features.
- Read our full JLab Go Air Pop review
Best cheap running headphones for fit
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
Best cheap running headphones for fit
Specifications
Battery life: 5 hours, 15 hours with case
Weight: 0.8 ounces (per bud)
Water resistance: IP57
Reasons to buy
+
Secure fit
+
Strong sound and bass
+
Stylish charging case
Reasons to avoid
-
Battery life is shorter than competition
Avid exercisers wanting a sporty, truly wireless experience can rely on the BackBeat Fit 3100 to fuel their workouts. Plantronics reinforced these buds with IP57 certification, meaning they’re strong enough to withstand high-pressure water blasts.
The flexible silicone ear hooks offer enough comfort and stability to remain locked on the ears, while the company’s Always Aware ear tips open up the soundstage and allow you to hear your surroundings better when training outdoors.
Mids and highs don't exactly shine here, but bass does and provides playlists' extra oomph. Battery life is steady at 5 hours, plus the accompanying charging case, which is pretty heavy, provides you up to 15 hours of total playtime.
- Read our full Plantronics BackBeat Fit 3100 review
Best for cheap running headphones for calls
(Image credit: Tom's Guide)
Best for cheap running headphones for calls
Specifications
Battery life: 8 hours, 20 hours with charging
Weight: 0.14 ounces (per bud)
Water resistance: IPX4
Reasons to buy
+
Impressive sound with well-engineered EQs
+
Durable design
+
Multipoint connectivity
+
Effective transparency and call quality
Reasons to avoid
-
No wear detection
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No companion app support
While the Skullcandy Dime 3 aren't aimed specifically at active lifestyle users, we found that they offered acceptable awareness mode and strong call quality for taking calls while on the move.
The buds secure and comfortable to wear, too. The small-stem design doesn’t stick out awkwardly and durability is rated at IPX4, so they'll survive some splashes and a bit of sweat, making them the ideal companion for summer runs or indoor sessions.
Sound quality was strong while listening to these buds, and they come with three built-in EQs, and boom-filled bangers handle monstrous lows like a pro. The buds lasted around 7.5 hours in our tests, and a 10-minute quick charge gives up to 2 hours of playback.
Not everything hits the mark though. There’s no way to assign and personalize the controls, and we're also surprised by the absence of wear detection to auto-pause content when removing the buds. The charging case is nicely compact though and small enough to be a neat key-fob addition.
- Read our full Skullcandy Dime 3 review
Best cheap running headphones for bass
(Image credit: Regan Coule/Future)
Best cheap running headphones for bass
Specifications
Battery life: 8 hours, 32 hours with case
Weight: 0.2 ounces (per bud)
Water resistance: IP55
Reasons to buy
+
Punchy sound
+
Sturdy and secure
+
Great battery life
Reasons to avoid
-
Finicky controls
-
Poor-sounding highs
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Inconvenient charging system
The JLab Go Air Sport earbuds are a worthy addition to this list and bring a bass-heavy sound with an ergonomic and water-resistant design that's geared towards runners.
The bass-forward profile will stimulate energy levels, plus the stable fit and battery life make these buds an ideal pitch for exercise enthusiasts who want acceptable performance on a budget.
The $30 MSRP means you’ll have to deal with compromises including dull-sounding highs, tricky controls, and awkward charging system. But the Go Air Sport accomplish what they need to for the price: long playtimes and reasonably good sound.
- Read our full JLab Go Air Sport review
How to choose the best cheap running headphones
Although none of these cheap running headphones will break the bank, it's still worth thinking about the features you value the most before opening your wallet. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Water resistance
Even if you don't plan on being caught in the rain, there's always a chance of a downpour when you're training. Plus, if you exercise in summer or hot environments, then you'll need a set that's sweat-proof.
Noise cancellation
Many sets of headphones now come with active noise cancellation (ANC), where microphones pick up the sounds around you and block them before they reach your ears. However, some cheap sets keep the price down by excluding ANC, or offering passive noise cancellation instead (where the in-ear design muffles noise).
Battery life
If you're into short distance runs, then you'll want a set that comes with a charging case, so you don't have to remember to charge the buds that often. However, battery life is a bigger concern if you run longer distances, or are training for a marathon.
Comfort
When you're exercising, you want to focus on your running, not fiddle with annoying or uncomfortable earbuds. Ideally, what you're after is a set that you can pop in and forget about. But if you plan to wear them for long periods, make comfort a priority.
How we test the best cheap running headphones
We test the best cheap running headphones by listening to a wide range of music genres — including hip-hop, rock, jazz, classical, and electronic — and will use them for at least one 2-hour session over the course of a week. This lets us both give a fair appraisal of how they sound, and how comfortable they are when worn for long periods.
All the models in this buying guide have good sound, but the best cheap running headphones do a whole lot more than simply play music to help you push yourself through a tough run. If you're after more top-end performance, it's worth considering a pair of the best running headphones instead.
In determining the best cheap running headphones and earbuds, we consider fit, battery life, sound quality, design, and value (are they worth the price?). We also factor in features like how well the controls work and how easily the earbuds pair with phones.
Of course, we also take them running, to see how well they stay in our ears when moving. This gives us a chance to test their sweat resistance, as well as any other fitness-related features they may have. On special occasions, we’ll perform further testing when comparing top-rated and popular models for our face-off features.
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James is Tom's Guide's Fitness Editor, covering strength training workouts, cardio exercise, and accessible ways to improve your health and wellbeing.
His interest in fitness started after being diagnosed with a chronic illness, and he began focusing on strengthening his core, taking regular walks around the city, and practicing meditation to manage the symptoms. He also invested in fitness trackers, home workout equipment, and yoga mats to find accessible ways to train without the gym.
Before joining the team at Tom’s Guide, James was the Fitness Editor at Fit&Well, where he covered beginner-friendly exercise routines, affordable ways to boost your wellbeing, and reviewed weights, rowing machines, and workout headphones.
He believes that exercise should be something you enjoy doing, so appreciates the challenge of finding ways to incorporate it into everyday life through short muscle-building sessions, regular meditation, and early morning walks.
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