Best Headphones For Running Cheap – Top Picks & Guide

Ever finished a run, only to have your earbuds fall out for the tenth time? Finding good headphones for running shouldn’t feel like a marathon itself, especially when you’re trying to stick to a budget. It’s frustrating when cheap headphones promise the world but deliver tangled wires and weak sound quality. Many runners face this tough choice: spend a lot for reliable gear or risk buying something that breaks after a few sweaty jogs.

You need music to power those miles, but your wallet doesn’t always agree with premium price tags. That’s where we step in. This guide cuts through the noise and confusion. We have tested and gathered the best budget-friendly running headphones available right now.

By reading on, you will discover durable, comfortable, and great-sounding options that will not empty your bank account. Get ready to find your perfect, affordable running partner. Let’s dive into the best cheap headphones that will keep your playlist pumping without skipping a beat.

Top Headphones For Running Cheap Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1
kurdene Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones Sport,Over Ear Buds with Deep Bass Sound,60Hrs Playtime Earphones Redesigned Comfort Fit with Earhooks for Running,Meeting,Workout-Black
  • Exceptional Sound Quality :Equipped with 16.1mm vibrating diaphragm drivers, these Bluetooth earbuds deliver powerful bass, crisp mids, and clear treble for a rich, immersive sound experience. The built-in microphones isolate your voice for crystal-clear call quality, ensuring your conversations are always loud and clear, no matter where you are
  • Impressive 60H Total Playtime:Enjoy up to 12 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge, with the included charging case offering an additional 48 hours of battery life. That’s a total of 60 hours of music, calls, and more!
  • Over-Ear Design for Unmatched Comfort:kurdene over-ear headphones feature a unique design that rests gently and securely on top of your ears, ensuring a natural, pressure-free listening experience. The soft silicone ear hooks provide a snug and stable fit, making them perfect for all activities—from workouts to everyday wear
  • Bluetooth 5.4 – Stable Connection:Upgrade to the latest Bluetooth 5.4 technology for faster data transfer and an ultra-stable connection. With a reliable range of up to 33 feet, you can enjoy seamless audio and video sync, making them perfect for gaming, movies, and music.
  • Intuitive Smart Touch Control:Control your music, manage calls, and activate voice assistants effortlessly with easy-to-use touch controls. With separate multifunction and volume buttons on each earbud, you can adjust volume, skip tracks, and answer calls—all without reaching for your phone
SaleBestseller No. 2
Eigsupia Open Ear Headphones, Bluetooth Headphones 5.3 Sports with Smart Digital Display, 36H Playtime, IP54 Waterproof, Wireless Earbuds Lightweight Design Fit Cycling, Running, Workout (Black)
  • Open Ear Design for Comfort: Open ear headphones offer a personalized design and comfort, allowing sound to enter the ear naturally, reducing pressure on the eardrum and helping to protect ear health. Allowing you to listen to your favorite music for hours without discomfort, enjoy a truly comfortable experience for long listening sessions
  • Clear Sound Quality, Perceive Surroundings: These open ear earbuds wireless Bluetooth have good sound transmission performance and is designed for a 14.2mm vibration diaphragm speaker driver. These open ear headphones deliver deep bass and clear stereo sound for a natural, rich listening experience. Equipped with a microphone for superior call clarity. Open ear headphones allow you can easily perceive the changes in the surrounding environment while enjoying the music, ensuring the safety and comfort of use
  • Various scenarios for use: Open ear earbuds are made of lightweight PC material, IP54 waterproof and each earbud weighs only 8g, You won't even feel the weight when you wear them. These open ear headphones are versatile and can meet the needs of multiple scenarios, such as running, outdoor sports, and workouts, swimming, making them an ideal companion for your daily life make you enjoy the music while paying attention to your surroundings
  • LED Power Display, 36 Hours Playtime: Our charging case is equipped with an LED display to keep you informed of the remaining battery power and charging status of the open ear earbuds. The lightweight open design makes it convenient for you to carry without taking up any space. Open ear headphones can enjoy 4 hours of playback time when fully charged, extending to a total of 36 hours with the charging case for uninterrupted listening
  • Experience True Wireless Freedom: Uses advanced 5.3 Bluetooth technology to ensure open ear headphones wireless bluetooth provides a low latency connection, freeing you from tangled cords and cables. With a Bluetooth range of 10 meters, you can enjoy freedom of movement while still enjoying clear sound quality. Multi-function touch buttons, free your hands and manage your audio and calls with a simple tap on the open ear earbuds, control music playback, volume, and answer calls
Bestseller No. 3
occiam Sport Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones 80hrs Playtime Deep Bass Ear Buds with Earhook Noise Cancelling Mic Waterproof Earphones for Workout Running Black
  • 1.Intuitive One-Touch & Precise Volume Control:Each wireless sport earbud has dedicated volume + and - buttons for quick, hands-free adjustments, allowing you to adjust the sound level on the fly without pausing your workout. Along with the multifunctional main button, easily manage playback, calls, track skipping, and voice assistant activation—all with a single press. Tactile feedback ensures accurate commands, letting you focus on your run without touching your phone
  • 2.Extended 80-Hour Total Playtime:Each wireless earbud offers 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. When paired with the charging case, you can enjoy up to 48 hours of simultaneous dual-ear listening, perfect for immersive music and calls. Or, rotate between the two earbuds for an impressive 80 hours of total usage. The Type-C fast charging feature fully recharges the bluetooth earbuds with ear hook in just 1.5 hours, keeping your audio experience uninterrupted all day long
  • 3.Comfortable Fit:Crafted with soft silicone ergonomic ear hooks that contour perfectly to your ears, these wireless earbuds eliminate discomfort even during extended wear. Weighing just 8 grams per bud, T17 bluetooth earbuds stay securely in place through intense workouts, jogs, and daily commutes—no slipping, no pain
  • 4. Premium Sound Performance. Equipped with noise-canceling mic technology, the wireless earbud proactively blocks ambient noise to ensure crystal-clear calls in any environment. The integrated bio-diaphragm dynamic driver is meticulously engineered to deliver pristine sound reproduction—unveiling natural tonality with deep, resonant bass that infuses every track with vibrant energy, bringing audio to life in immersive detail
  • 5. Universal Compatibility, Instant Connect:Fully compatible with all Bluetooth-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Whether you use devices for iOS, Android, or Windows systems, simply take the bluetooth ear buds out of the case, and the bluetooth earphones will automatically pair. Seamlessly switch between devices for work or play in seconds after 1st sucessful connection
Bestseller No. 4
Upgrade Wired Sports Earbuds with Ear Hooks, Running Headphones Secure Fit Wrap Around Ear, Sweatproof In-Ear Earphones with Microphone, 3.5mm Jack for Smartphone Laptop Tablet MP3 Workout Jogging Gym
  • 2025 Upgraded Design: Finally, Earbuds That Stay Put! Based on user feedback, our 2025 redesign tackles the #1 issue: earbuds that won’t stay in place. The enhanced ear hooks now securely wrap around your ear, while the improved ear canal fit ensures they stay locked in—no slipping, no falling, no frustration. Whether you're running, hiking, cycling, or working out at the gym, they stay securely in place.
  • Earhook: An ergonomic design. hook-shaped head of ear phones can ensure a custom comfortable fit, sealing the ear to deliver bass and isolate noises. Enjoy a frustration-free workout!IPX5 Sweatproof.
  • Superior Comfort Snug Fit: Ear loops can easily wrap around your ear to keep the athletic headphone securely in place during sports & rigorous activity, Hybrid soft silicone Ear loops provide long lasting comfort, even with glasses. Perfect companion for running, aerobics, jogging or the gym. Note: The size of the earphones is not suitable for small children
  • Good Sound Quality: You can isolate and reduce noise when running workout Jogging Gym, Bringing pure music enjoyment.Sweatproof design.Our headphones offer an impressive frequency range of 20Hz to 20kHz, delivering rich, detailed sound across the entire spectrum. From deep bass to crystal-clear highs, you'll enjoy every note and beat of your favorite music.
  • Built-in microphone: Provides you with clear and crisp sound during a call whenever you are at gyms or walking on the street.With a convenient 1.2-meter earphone length, our headphones provide optimal flexibility and freedom of movement during your activities
SaleBestseller No. 5
JOYWISE Bluetooth Wireless Headphones 16H Playtime Earbuds with Mic Stereo in-Ear Earphones, IPX7 Waterproof Sports Sound Isolation Headsets for Running, Gym, Workout
  • 【Sound Isolation Technology】 Bluetooth headphones built in the chip and supports the sound Isolation technology, maximum keep the noise out and providing the immerse sound in ears. You can enjoy your music world under the powerful bass, mellow mid-range, and clear treble.
  • 【Up to 16 Hours Playtime】 Wireless headphones' playtime lasts for up to 16 hours under fully charged. And only charging the 1.5 hours, you can seamlessly enjoy up to 16H playtime & 250H Standby time.
  • 【Stereo Surrounding Sound】 Feature with the 11mm dynamic driver, the wireless earbuds supports the spatial sound for immersive music, sports, and commutes - delivering a surround sound experience that you can take with you anywhere. Built-in mic with voice notification of incoming calls.
  • 【IPX7 Waterproof Headphones】 Adopting highly sealed shell + nano-coating waterproof technology, this headphones waterproof performance reaches IPX7 waterproof standard, and it is not afraid of sweat attack even if it is used in severe sports. Great for running, hiking, cycling, fitness, yoga, travel, gym etc.
  • 【Easy Control & Dual Connection】 Designed for the easier physics button control, allows skip/ play/ pause on your music tracks as well as all phone use without reaching your phone. Due to adopting the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology, the bluetooth earbuds supports two devices can be connected simultaneously.Up to 30ft Bluetooth range in the open space and 10ft in the obstacles space. (Note: Bluetooth headphones cannot connect to smartwatches.)
SaleBestseller No. 6
LEEMC Wireless Earbuds, Bluetooth Headphones 5.4, Ear Buds with Hooks for Sports, 80Hr Playtime Earphones, LED Display, IPX7 Waterproof Headset for Workout Running, Black
  • Hi-Fi Stereo & 14.2mm Drivers with ENC Calls: LEEMC wireless earbuds use upgraded 14.2mm dynamic drivers to deliver Hi-Fi stereo sound with powerful bass and clear treble. Built-in ENC environmental noise cancellation reduces background noise so your voice stays clear on calls, even in a busy gym or outdoors—making these Bluetooth headphones ideal for running, workouts, commuting and game.
  • 15H Single Playtime, 80H with Case & LED Display: Enjoy up to 15 hours per earbud and up to 80 hours with the charging case, plus 1-hour fast charging so you’re never without music before a workout. The LED digital display shows the remaining power of both Bluetooth earbuds and case at a glance. Ultra-compact case (3.55×2.33×1.39 in) slips easily into pockets, backpacks or gym bags.
  • Ergonomic Silicone Earhooks for Secure, All-Day Comfort: Soft ergonomic silicone ear hooks balance comfort and stability, keeping each 7.3 g earbud secure during high-intensity interval training, cycling and long runs. Three pairs of silicone ear tips (S/M/L) let you fine-tune isolation; the medium size comes pre-installed so most users can wear these wireless earbuds straight out of the box—ideal sports earphones for all-day use.
  • Smart Touch & Physical Buttons: Intuitive touch controls let you play/pause music, skip tracks and answer calls with a tap, while a 3-second long press quickly activates your voice assistant for hands-free control. Separate physical buttons adjust volume up or down, making these sport ear buds and Bluetooth headphones easy to use one-handed while training, lifting or running.
  • Bluetooth 5.4 Stable Connection & Wide Compatibility: The advanced Bluetooth 5.4 chip offers faster pairing, low-latency audio and a stable connection within 10–15 meters so sound won’t cut out mid-workout. These Bluetooth earbuds pair easily with iOS/Android phones, tablets, laptops and smartwatches for music, calls and video—reliable sports ear buds for gym, office and travel.
Bestseller No. 7
Haowolf Bone Conduction Headphones, Bluetooth 5.4 with Mic Open Ear IPX8 Waterproof Headsets, Swimming Headphones 10H Playtime Wireless Earbuds for Sports, Running, Cycling
  • Bone Conduction Innovation:X16 bone conduction headphones transmits sound through your cheekbones by advanced bone conduction technology, bypassing the eardrums to protect hearing. Enjoy clear audio while keeping your ears open to ambient sounds for added safety during outdoor activities like running, cycling, or walking. Enjoy a lightweight, pressure-free fit that ensures all-day comfort without blocking your ear canals.
  • Next-Gen Connectivity: Our waterproof swimming headphones feature a Bluetooth 5.4 chip for fully upgraded performance, delivering stronger anti-interference capability, higher connection stability, and a smoother, more reliable experience. Advanced Technology has stronger anti-interference capabilities, stable connections in complex environments, and is more power-saving.
  • True IPX8 Waterproof: Engineered with advanced IPX8 waterproof protection, waterproof headphones effortlessly withstand sweat and rain. Whether you're running in the rain or powering through high-intensity workouts, they deliver reliable performance without compromising comfort or sound quality. Stay focused and worry-free, no matter how wet or wild your routine gets.
  • Enhanced Audio:Featuring large 16mm dynamic drivers, bluetooth headphones deliver an expansive soundstage with deep, resonant bass and crystal-clear highs. Advanced driver technology ensures every note and detail is faithfully reproduced, providing immersive audio whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or taking calls. Experience enhances clarity and balanced sound across all frequencies, making your listening experience richer and more enjoyable in any environment.
  • 10-Hour Power Life for All-Day Use:Enjoy up to 10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge, keeping your music, calls, and workouts powered throughout the day. Whether you’re commuting, working out, or relaxing at home, open ear earbuds ensures you stay connected without frequent recharging interruptions.
SaleBestseller No. 8
JOYWISE Bluetooth Headphones, Wireless Earbuds IPX7 Waterproof Bluetooth 5.3 Headphones with 16Hrs Playtime Stereo Bass Headsets with Mic Running Headsets with Earhooks for Sports Running Workout
  • Comfortable Fit and Durability: JOYWISE Bluetooth Headphones are designed to provide a comfortable and secure fit, ensuring that you stay in place during even the most intense workouts. The ergonomic design and adjustable ear hooks guarantee a snug fit for all users. Additionally, we have upgraded the neck lanyard to a more durable material, increasing the lifespan of the headphones by 20%. With JOYWISE headphones, you can enjoy your workouts without worrying about any disruptions or discomfort.
  • Long-lasting 16-hour Play Life: With a durable and long-lasting power, these wireless headphones can provide up to 16 hours of continuous music playback. This means that your can enjoy their favorite tunes or make important calls without worrying about running out of power during your workout sessions. (Note: Please use the charging cable provided on the package)
  • Premium High-Fidelity Music & Clear Calls: JOYWISE Workout Headphones deliver exceptional sound quality, offering high-fidelity music and crystal-clear phone calls. The advanced audio technology ensures that you can fully immerse themselves in your workout playlists, enjoying every beat and rhythm, while also being able to take important calls without any disruptions.
  • Bluetooth 5.3 & Hassle-Free Button Controls: These sport earbuds are equipped with the latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology, ensuring a stable and seamless connection with any Bluetooth-enabled device. Additionally, the easy-to-use button controls allow you to effortlessly adjust the volume, skip tracks, answer calls, and activate voice assistants, providing a hassle-free and convenient experience during your workouts.(Please note that our Bluetooth Headphones do not currently support connection with smartwatches, and other brands of headphones also have this problem. )
  • IPX7 Waterproof Rating: Designed to withstand the toughest workout conditions, JOYWISE Bluetooth headphones come with an IPX7 waterproof rating. Whether you're running or sweating it out at the gym, you can trust JOYWISE wireless headphones.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Cheap Headphones for Your Run

Running is great exercise. Good music makes running even better. Cheap headphones can be your perfect running partner, but you need to know what to look for. This guide helps you choose the best budget-friendly options.

1. Key Features to Look For

When you shop for cheap running headphones, certain features really matter. You do not want headphones falling out mid-stride.

Fit and Stability
  • **Ear Hooks or Fins:** Look for headphones with over-the-ear hooks or small silicone fins. These lock the buds in place, even when you sweat a lot.
  • **Secure In-Ear Design:** Some models use a wing-tip design that sits snugly inside the ear’s ridge.
Durability and Weather Resistance

Running means sweat. Sometimes it might rain. You need headphones that handle moisture.

  • **IP Rating:** Check for an IP (Ingress Protection) rating. An IPX4 rating means they resist sweat and light splashes. IPX5 or higher is better for heavy sweaters or light rain.
Connectivity and Battery (For Wireless Options)

Most cheap running headphones are wireless now. Wires get tangled!

  • **Bluetooth Version:** Newer Bluetooth versions (like 5.0 or higher) give a more stable connection.
  • **Battery Life:** Aim for at least 4–6 hours of playtime per charge.

2. Important Materials

The materials affect comfort and sweat resistance. Cheap does not mean fragile.

Silicone and Rubber

Soft silicone ear tips create a good seal, blocking outside noise and keeping sweat out of the speaker. Rubberized coatings on the outside protect the electronics.

Lightweight Plastics

Good running headphones use strong, lightweight plastic. Heavy headphones bounce uncomfortably. Make sure the plastic does not feel brittle.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

What makes a cheap pair good or bad? Quality often comes down to design details.

Factors That Improve Quality:
  • **Good Controls:** Easy-to-press physical buttons for volume and playback help. Touch controls can be tricky when sweaty.
  • **Comfortable Eartips:** Manufacturers often include several sizes of ear tips. Finding the right size drastically improves sound quality and fit.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
  • **Thin Wires (For Wired Options):** If you choose wired budget headphones, very thin cables break easily.
  • **Poor Pairing:** If the Bluetooth connection constantly drops, the product is low quality, no matter how cheap it is.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you run. This changes what you need.

Long Distance Runners

You need excellent battery life and supreme comfort. Check reviews specifically mentioning all-day wearability, even if you only use them for 2 hours at a time.

Gym Users vs. Outdoor Runners

Gym users might prefer bone conduction style or open-ear designs so they can hear gym announcements or traffic. Outdoor runners usually need a secure seal for better music focus.

The “Cheap” Factor

Remember, cheap headphones usually sacrifice premium sound quality (like deep bass). Focus on fit, durability, and connection stability first. Great sound is a bonus at this price point.


10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cheap Running Headphones

Q: Do I really need sweatproof (IP-rated) headphones?

A: Yes. Regular headphones will break quickly from sweat. Look for at least IPX4.

Q: Are wired or wireless headphones better for running?

A: Wireless (Bluetooth) is almost always better. Wires snag on your arms or shirt, which ruins your rhythm.

Q: How do I stop my earbuds from falling out when I sweat?

A: Choose models with ear hooks or make sure you use the largest silicone tip size that fits your ear canal snugly.

Q: Can I use cheap headphones for phone calls while running?

A: Many budget models include a microphone. Check reviews to see if the mic picks up too much wind noise.

Q: What is the trade-off when buying cheap headphones?

A: Usually, you trade premium audio detail (like very deep bass) and ultra-long battery life for a lower price.

Q: Should I buy earbuds or over-ear headphones for running?

A: Always choose earbuds. Over-ear headphones get too hot, absorb too much sweat, and bounce too much.

Q: How long should the battery last on budget running headphones?

A: Aim for a minimum of 4 hours of continuous playback. More is always better.

Q: What does “pairing” mean?

A: Pairing is how the headphones connect wirelessly to your phone or music player using Bluetooth technology.

Q: Are the included charging cases necessary?

A: If the headphones are true wireless (two separate buds), the case is essential. It charges them when you are not using them.

Q: Can I find good noise-canceling on cheap running headphones?

A: True Active Noise Canceling (ANC) is rare and expensive. Budget headphones rely on passive noise isolation from a tight seal in the ear canal.