Best Sweat Resistant Over-ear Headphones For Working Out

Working out is bland if it’s not boosted up by back-end thumps of music. It helps to maintain the pace and energizes the whole workout experience, enhancing the workout rates. So yes, the background thwacks are just a final flourish to your daily fitness routine. And for this detail to be added, you must opt for a decent pair of headphones.

Well, for most people, earbuds come out to be a better option for such a strenuous activity partner, as they’re not bulky to handle, the wires aren’t there to get tangled up, and easy carriage is another add-on. But obviously, the miniature-sized earpieces won’t be offering you much if you’re up for detailed refinement or if you’re more of a “specific” person when it comes to music.

You might be a bass lover, an audiophile, or a person who doesn’t compromise on sound production fidelity. Depending upon all these peculiarities, headphones stand out as a better option as their solid built is for sure made to outdo earbuds in its particular specialties. 

Over here, we’re jotting down the best sweat-resistant over-ear headphones list to help you get a better working-out experience. 

Before moving on to the list, here’s a brief buying guide for you to be more familiar with the ideal selection. 

How To Choose The Best Sweat Resistant Headphones For Working Out?

COMFORT 

Comfort is one of the primary features you should always look for. You don’t know how much time you would spend at the gym or how long the workout session will last. 

Keeping this in view, go for the stuff offering better comfort, breathability in performance. The headband should not impose unbearable pressure, the ear cushions should be breathable enough to ensure maximum workout time. Along with comfort, opt for a proper secure fit so that it doesn’t fall off while you’re acing the workout.

SWEAT RESISTANCE 

As the domain is specified as “sweat-resistant”, that means the headphones should accommodate features such as thin and sweat-resistant fabric. So that you don’t lose focus while sweating off. 

Getting annoyed by the headphones slipping or your ears heating up, is just another add on to the hectic routine, it would ruin your experience. so better keep a check on the fabric and headphones’ breathability so that it doesn’t irritate you, rather It must pace you up.

SOUND QUALITY

The main focus is on sound quality. How each note is emphasized, prominent, and refined. But it all depends upon the genre or specification you’re inclined towards.

 But above all this, sound quality is the main feature to be noted. Imagine that the notes delivered by the headphones are suppressive at lower volumes and as soon as you increase the volume, the highs are cut off immensely. Such distortions pose a hindrance to concentration.

Therefore to avoid such drawbacks, better choose a mechanism that produces a dynamic sound.

NOISE CANCELLATION

Another common highlighted drawback of majority headphones is poor noise cancellation mechanism. The audio not only penetrates in but also leaks out causing embarrassment and disturbance in the environment.

 While for those ambient noises penetrating in, it’s the biggest distraction for a gymmer. The gym is hoarded up with all kinds of people, some are loud, some make a lot of noise while working out, and even the background music of the gym disrupts at a higher rate. 

So if you’re having a poor noise cancellation mechanism, well, good luck with the embarrassing sound bleed and prominent audio disruptions.

Top Sweat Resistant Over-Ear Headphones

1. Sennheiser PXC 550-II—Best Sweat Proof Wireless Over-Ear Headphones

If you wish to blast some motivational music through your ears while grinding in the Gym or listen to some fitness podcasts while working out, Sennheiser PCX 550-II are excellent sweat resistant over-ear headphones for you. 

They are premium, light-weight, sturdy, with great audio output and active noise cancellation.

Comfort and Build:

PCX 550 is comparatively light-weight weighing about 230 grams that means you can wear them for longer times and won’t get tired. They have a very modern and sleek design that adds to its aesthetics. Composed of Matte black finish and some chrome trims, they are sure to catch the eyes. 

Made of dense plastic, they can stand some casual drops and tumbles without any problem that can happen while you are running or working out. The headband is reinforced by a wide but thin metal band that provides support but at the same time doesn’t drastically increase the weight.

 Its oval-shaped ear cups are made of premium quality memory foam that comfortably fits over the ears. Ear cups also provide passive noise cancellation that is snug enough to block noise but also keeps your ears from overheating and sweating during extensive workout periods. You can wear these headphones and literally head-butt yourself and they still won’t come off.

Noise Cancellation: 

Priced at about 300$ these headphones have an above-average active noise cancellation technology that performs very well in busy areas and workplaces. 

But under extreme noise influx and fluctuations like in a plane or underground metros, where there are a lot of ups and downs, the ANC starts to struggle. 

However, as they are to be used in a gym, noise cancellation won’t have a problem silencing the grunts and roars of your fellow gym members.

Sound Quality:

PXC 550 has a very good and balanced audio output. The audio is very detailed with very prominent highs and lows. Instruments and Vocals are also very well-separated. It has a slightly better Treble response than Bass. 

So, if you are digging for very deep bass, this might fall a little short of your expectations. But it is not a deal-breaker. The bass present is very even and well-balanced and keeps your blood pumping while you work out.

2. Beats Studio 3: Best Sweat resistant Workout headphones

If you think that the bass lacking part of the Sennheiser PXC 550 was a deal-breaker for you and you still want a Sweat Resistant over the ear headphones, Beats Studio 3 will fill that void for you.

Comfort and Build:

Beats Studio 3 is made of a very compact but lightweight, hard plastic that gives it a solid feel. Weighing at 260 grams, it is available in various colors, something that would be loved by people that are conscious about aesthetics. 

The Ear cup material is soft, with materials that actively help in absorbing sweat. This makes it ideal for workout conditions. Ear cups are in a perfect oval shape that encapsulates your ears like a glove. The fit is stable enough to the point where it doesn’t hurt your scalp but also doesn’t come off during hectic workout sessions.

Noise Cancellation:

Beats call it their “PURE ANC” which they say rivals Bose and Sony. While that might not be true, Studio3’s noise cancellation works perfectly fine, even in mild distortion and heavily noisy areas.

The only problem is that in quiet areas or when you are not playing anything there is a certain hiss heard through the headphones, which can be eradicated by turning off the ANC. Passive noise cancellation also works excellently thanks to the tight fit around the ears. 

Sound Quality:

This is one of the major areas Beats might take a hit. Although the sound quality is great and crystal clear, the bass was too deep. This might attract some users because people in the gym mostly want heavy bass blasting through their ears. 

The bass is enhanced to a point where mids are not very prominent. Overall audio output is immersive and it has distinguishable highs and lows. And it is perfect for workout areas where you prefer something heavy and bloated to keep you going

3. Soul X-TRA: Best Foldable Sweat Resistant Headphones for Gym

If the likes of Beats and Sennheiser are too expensive for you but you still want sweat-resistant over the ear headphones that sound great? Well, Soul X-TRA might just be the perfect option for you for roughly half the price of the more premium options.

Comfort and Build:

The build quality of Soul X-TRA is not very premium, but again, neither are they too heavy on your wallet. Made of light plastic, they weigh about 200g and you will have no trouble wearing them while running or during a workout.

The ear cushions are pretty good. Made of porous material, they will help keep your ears cool while you are sweating elsewhere. The great part is that you don’t have to bear with the constant smell of sweat as the ear cushions are removable and washable. They fit around the ears perfectly and don’t come off while you are working out or running like a champ.

The story with the headband is also very interesting. It has a wide plastic headband with cutouts that also keep your scalp cool. The plastic might seem that it will hurt but it doesn’t because the headphones themselves are very lightweight and don’t put too much pressure on your head. All in all, a very solid build for working out, running, and even casual use.

Noise Cancellation: 

Active noise cancellation is not present, nor is expected from a headphone that costs less than half of what premium ones cost. But the passive noise cancellation does an ok job of isolating you from the surroundings. 

The ear cushioning is in such a way that it blocks most of the ambient noise, but some of it is still there. And honestly, it is not annoying. While listening to music and working out, you surely wouldn’t hear metal rods and weights clanking. Unless it is a very loud noise, you wouldn’t feel much of a difference. 

Sound Quality:

It may seem like that the sound quality would be average for its price but that’s not true. Soul X-TRA sounds pretty good for what they cost. There is ample bass which boosts your morale at a workout and long-running periods. They also have clear mids and highs and the audio quality is crisp enough for cheap headphones. 

If you want to blast rock or pop while buffing up at the gym but also don’t want to spend a lot of amounts, these will be your workout partners.

4. Plantronics BackBeat Go 810

If active noise cancellation is a must for you but you still want to remain in the budget segment for your search for Sweat-resistant over- ear headphones, here is another entry for you. The Plantronics BackBeat Go 810

Comfort and Build:

It features a much-understated design with a very plain color scheme. It is made of plastic, with cloth cushioning weighing 220 grams. The plastic part capped with silicone is not over the top but it gets the job done. Especially for the price, it is being sold at

The cushioning is of plush memory foam surrounded by faux leather that provides a good grip over the ears. The important part of this is that they keep you cool during workout sessions as they allow enough air to pass. They are soft and comfortable enough to wear for long workout periods without worrying about them falling off. 

The headband also has a cloth padding that helps absorb jerks and keeps your scalp feel nice and comfortable. It is supported by a metal band that provides rigidity and support and gives a tight fit during rigorous movements while running and grinding at the gym.

Noise Cancellation:

Now comes the interesting part, ANC. These headphones have active noise cancellation present and at the price of 150$, they deliver a solid performance. The noise cancellation blocks almost all ambient noises and even for harsher environments, they perform above average.

For workouts and running, they are one of the best noise-canceling headphones you can get in this price bracket. They will surely keep you isolated, concentrated only on your favorite music and workout plan, and keeps the adrenaline pumping.

Sound Quality:

 As far as the sound quality is concerned, GO 810 has overall a bass-heavy sound. Mids sometimes are merged into a bass. The detail is average but it is not something you will notice a lot considering that these are to be used for workouts. The bass present is very prominent and will surely attract bass lovers.

On the fly, there are 2 EQ modes available. Balanced and bright. Balanced mode concentrates more on the lower side of the audio output. While the bright mode will; curb your treble demands. A merge of both of these modes would’ve been perfect. Overall, these surely can your gym partners.

The sound signature is probably too bass-heavy for certain users

5. Plantronics Backbeat FIT 6100

Rigidity, flexibility, comfort, sweat resistance, and great audio are probably the prime characteristics you would want in your workout headsets. 

Something that can hold on to you in your tough gym hours, bear your sweat. Plantronics Backbeat FIT 6100 might just be that option for you.

Comfort and Built:

One of the most important features you need in your workout headphones is a solid build and higher comfort level. FIT 6100 offers you that with its extremely compact build allowing you to move your body freely without worrying about them getting in your way.

The headband is 2-way adjustable, a feature never seen in other headphones. You can adjust them first by wearing them over your head and after that, there is a latch, which allows you to further tighten them up around your ears.

 You can tighten and loosen it as per your liking. The headband itself is very breathable and comfy which will keep you cool while running and working out.

The earcups are soft and made of great memory foam padding that provides a perfect shape around your ears.

 Because of their oblong shape, they fit very nicely. It has an IPX5 water-resistant rating which allows you to wipe your sweat off just with a wet cloth, ready to be used again.

Noise Cancellation:

Sadly, active noise cancellation is not present in the FIT 6100, but that is not something you will miss at a gym. While working out most of the noise is muffled by the music playing. The other noises from the surroundings like gym weights clanking or gym mates grunting are muffled by the well-built earcups. 

They passively block the noises and keep you immersed in the music you are listening to.

Sound Quality:

The sound quality of FIT 6100 is not the best out there, but it will sure keep that adrenaline rush through you while you listen to your favorite workout music. The sound overall is bass-heavy but not at the expense of mids, which are as clear and distinguishable as highs.

There are 3 EQ modes named Bass, Balanced and Bright. Balanced itself is a bit on the lower frequency side. So if your music already has deep lows, you might want to switch to the Bright setting. Bass just boosts every piece. Overall, nothing stops them from being your permanent workout partners.

6. Bose QuietComfort 35

Premium feel, great comfort levels, amazing sound quality, and widely regarded as one of the best noise-canceling headphones, are the Bose QC 35 good enough to handle your outdoor activities needs? Let’s find out.

Comfort and Build:

There is really only one thing to say about the build of QC 35, “Top Notch”. The earcups, the headband, the weight, everything is top tier. The earcups are made of really soft memory foams that have enough rigidity to keep them over your ears. They are porous enough to pass the air so your ears don’t overheat and therefore are perfect headphones for snowboarding.

The headband is also made up of memory foam that rests nicely against your scalp. It is also wider than the older model. This allows for a more stable fit and consequently no wobbles while working out. These headphones will seem attached as they are a part of your body, coming off only when you want them to. 

Noise Cancellation:

QC 35 is, hands down, one of the best active noise cancellation headphones present in the market rivaled only by the Sony WH-1000XM4. The Noise cancellation is very premium, which sometimes gives you the eerie feel of an anechoic chamber, which is a good thing.

The active noise cancellation works by having 2 microphones; one internal and one external. Both perform complementarily to each other and sense the noise inside as well as outside the headphones. This allows them to respond within a millisecond to noises and fluctuations. They will keep you connected to your music and weights without even noticing your surroundings.

Sound Quality:

The sound quality out of these is crisp and clear. The detail level is high and there is ample bass. The audio output is well-tuned and the mids and highs are distinguishable. For workout purposes, these will be more than sufficient. Just blast some Imagine dragons or Tauren wells and keep sweating through your workout routine.

The audio range on these is very broad. Bass is heavy, mids are clear and highs are amplified for crystal-clear vocals. You can get used to actually being able to listen to your music rather than the world around you. The company states that the new equalizing system balances the sound according to the volume the user is listening to.

7. COWIN E7 PRO Active Noise Cancelling Headphones For The Gym

Cowin noise-canceling headphones have impressed their buyers with superb sound quality, extra comfort, strong bass response, and best noise-canceling and sweat resistant over ear headphones. This model of Cowin has modified the sound quality and its battery life. So, collectively, this model isn’t a bad deal.

COMFORT AND DURABILITY

These headphones do not lag in comfort, due to their lightweightness, they do not feel to be a burden, they feel weightless. Being lightweight, they’re durable too. The composure is sturdy and firm. It’s rigid but not bulky. The headband is comfy, it accommodates the head well. 

On the contrary, the ear cups are a bit smaller in size, they’ll impose pressure in case of large head size. But overall, the composition is comfortable for use and is not frail at all. carry them for consecutive gymming sessions and u wont ache yourself at all, they impose a decent bearable pressure that lets the headphones stay at place.

NOISE CANCELLATION

Cowin E7 offers active noise cancellation, the low frequencies are completely masked by the active noise cancellation. This is the best part of these headphones, the isolation is more than perfect. The major disturbing noises are canceled out well. Even if the theres something playing on the aux, you can clearly isolate yourself by muting the environment. 

SOUND QUALITY 

The bass response is really impressive. It’s striking in the whole track. Mids and high are good too. And even at high volumes, the part of track won’t cut off, secondly, the highs are not really brassy, they are well balanced and tuned.

8. Edifier H850: Best Cheap Sweat Resistant Headphones for the Gym

This model is one of the low-budget headphones with the wired and wireless option that became one of the best sellers in the market. They might not have “the best” features and functionality but they’ll prove to be one of the best partners for workouts.

COMFORT AND BUILT

This model is extremely comfortable to wear as they are not bulky, having a slender and sleek look. Apparently, they have a classic type look but the design is not one of the distinctions edifiers hold.

 Main body is mostly plastic, but the headband extensions are small metal strips that provide various adjustability postures for different sizes. The headband is formed with synthetic protein that makes it quite stretchable. Being lightweight, these headphones will go easy on your head while gymming.

At the end of extension, you’ll find oval shaped leatherette earcups. They are plushy, soft and rest on the ears well. On top of that, these earcups are porous and allow breathability, resisting the sweat for maximum range.

 Overall, comfort is fair enough, the design is simple and not cheap at all.

SOUND QUALITY  

As mentioned earlier, you won’t be disappointed with the sound quality. Even with a cheap price, these headphones outstrip all the costly and elite models with it’s amazing sound quality. 

They give a balanced sound experience, highs are not extremely high pitched, lows are in audible range and are noticeable enough to make an impact on the track.

You’ll continuously feel the thrum of the powerful bass at the back end. The crisps of notes is appreciable, each instrument can be identified easily. The highs and mids are prominent, they’re not too loud or too vague. 

In short, edifiers entertain the customers with its perfect amplification and organic sound, than any other model of the same price does.

NOISE CANCELLATION

Noise cancellation is pretty good if you observe its performance in the gymming vicinity. These headphones block out the outside interferences on a higher level. So, you won’t be disturbed with outside distractions that oftenly, neither would you disturb the fellow gymmers with significant sound bleed.

Components are a bit fragile

9. Sony WH-XB900N: affordable Sony noise-canceling Headphone

Sony WH-1000XM4 is leading in its class of noise-canceling over-ear headphones but it is definitely costly. But there exists a cheaper alternative, their younger brother, WH-XB900N from the Sony itself from the extreme bass series. 

They are cheaper but no less in sound quality and comfort, which are the utmost requirements for the perfect workout headphones.

Comfort and Build:

Build quality is probably where Sony has cut the corners the most. The material used is a lighter plastic but it still doesn’t feel cheap. It weighs 254 g and has a decent build quality. The material used is flexible enough to be just shoved in your gym bag and ready to go and you don’t have to worry about it breaking.

The earpads are very nice and made of plush memory foam that is spacious enough to contain your whole ear and doesn’t cause any soreness around the ear also. 

The headband also is padded which enhances the comfort level of these headphones. The grip is tight enough to let them stay on your head during rigorous exercises.

Noise Cancellation:

Sony WH-XB900N offers above-average active noise cancellation. The earpads automatically allow the ambient sound to be blocked. If your gym partners are being noisy, just put on your headphones and you’ll be completely isolated. 

The Headphone is equipped with a built-in mic that detects the signals, maps the waveform, and reverses it. This creates a perfect noise cancellation environment. Although it doesn’t match that of WH-1000XM4, it is good enough to be used to work out as the noises there are not of low frequencies.

Sound Quality:

Sony WH-XB900N has a Bass-heavy output ideal for working out. The sound is very spacious and detailed. It has variety. Starting from lows to highs and encompassing all other in-between ranges, each note is emphasized.

The strong drivers pull up thumps as well as a well-balanced bass. You’ll feel a controlled impact on it. This marvelous bass mingles up with natural and exciting treble to provide a dynamic sound.

 The sound quality offered by these headphones is more than average, in fact pretty decent and vast in comparison to the price they are offered at. You can experience a dynamic sound with extra clarity. The main portion here is, bass. It’s striking, powerful, and the focal point.

 You’ll definitely love the wide lower spectrum. Also, Sony’s Extra Bass technology enhances the lower end frequencies for bass enthusiasts sometimes found working out at gyms.