Fitness

The Absolute Best Wireless Headphones for Running, Ranked

On the search for new headphones for your miles? These are the best seven wireless headphones for running, according to reviewers.

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Photo: Getty Images/Martin Dm
Published Apr 15, 2020

Written by 

Kells McPhillips

Our editors independently select these products. Making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission

Remember when the techiest running headphones out there looked like two gumdrops attached by a thin, candy-colored wire? Yeah, well, those times are long over. Today, the limit of pods, phones, and buds does not exist. So we went on an internet-wide journey to find the wireless headphones for running that are really, truly a musical investment in your mileage.

If you find yourself raring to replace your current, grimy pair with some of the h-o-t ear technology out today, there a few things you’ll definitely want to consider before you pull out your wallet.

1. Consider how much you’re willing to spend. This one may seem basic, but wireless headphones are often expensive, ranging in price from $50 to upwards of $200. So, ask yourself, how much am I willing to drop on auditory pleasure?

2. Think about the earbud size you need. Most headphone sets come with different sized tips nowadays to accommodate people of all ear shapes. That’s not always the case, however, so make sure your chosen pair will actually get along with your ear canal.

3. Research the warranties on headphones. Like I said, good running gear isn’t cheap and warranties are the way to go. A nice insurance policy gives you the opportunity to test drive the sound and feel of the buds before committing to them for 5Ks, 10Ks, and marathons. So, if you don’t see a warranty on a pair you’re considering purchasing, proceed with caution.

4. Choose a pair that consider your safety. I love listening to loud (and, by this I mean eardrum-damaging) music, but my preferences isn’t “safe” per se. On the road and in nature, it’s useful to have headphones that give you a sense of the environment around you rather than canceling all noise. And thus, “sound quality” in this case really comes down to how aware you feel of your surroundings while still enjoying your playlist.

5. Ask yourself: What battery life matches my go-to distance? It’s a massive bummer when your running headphones die in the middle of a run or race, so ultra-marathoners and other long-distance folks might consider bumping battery life to the very top of their priority list. No silly charging limitations should get in the way of you listening to “Good As Hell” when you hit a runner’s wall. If you’re someone who just loves a good 5K (same), battery life doesn’t need to be your top priority.

Once you’ve ruminated on all the things you need from your headphones (and maybe consulted a Shaman, too, idk), you’re ready to get down to shopping. Below, you’ll find all the deets on the best eight wireless headphones for running.

The 8 best wireless headphones for running, ranked

7. ANKER SOUNDCORE LIFE P2 TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS, $60

With a 40-hour battery life, these headphones will let you get a whole lot of mileage out of very little dollars. Their price point makes them a pretty good buy, but reviewers do note that the buttons on the pods are pretty difficult to press and there’s “zero bass.” So if you’re looking for an affordable, workhorse pair, these are for you; if you want something with a little bit more finesse, keep moving.

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6. JBL ENDURANCE PEAK TRUE WIRELESS BLUETOOTH IN-EAR SPORT HEADPHONES, $100

Bump the price point up $40 and you’ll land on JBL. The 179 reviewers on JBL’s site praise these headphones for delivering great sound in any weather. “These babies withstood miles after mile in multiple rainstorms. The best thing is the sound quality has stayed consistent after each shower. Although you may have to sacrifice some sleekness and style, the headphones make up for it in durability and sound,” says one reviewer. As long as you’re not going for a #fashion vibe while running, these buds will do you good. You’ll get about four hours of battery life from each charge.

5. UA TRUE WIRELESS FLASH, PROJECT ROCK EDITION, $200

ICYMI, the Rock designed a pretty killer pair of headphones last year, and they are made for the sweatiest among us. This design comes with a ton of customizable tips in case your ears aren’t as swole as his. And, meanwhile, the quote “bionic hearing” will help you keep track of your surroundings for up to five hours. “These also passed a running, jumping, and cartwheel rest, writes one reviewer. “They are the most secure fitting earbud I have ever owned.” No stunt is off-limits.

4. BOSE SOUNDSPORT FREE TRUE WIRELESS EARBUDS, $200

You’ll get five hours of charging with these running headphones, plus the ten extra hours packed into the case. Unsurprisingly for a company like Bose, users can’t rave enough about the sound quality and comfort. “Perfect for those who are athletically active with sound that’s delivered crisp and clear, pleasing bass fans such as myself,” writes one Amazon reviewer. “These are not noise-canceling, but if you’re someone for example who jogs where cars are, these block out enough sound, but let in enough noise to keep you cognizant of your surroundings.” The rest of the reviewers concede that the sound is basically as crisp as it gets, but a few people complain about the bulkiness of the buds. So if you’re someone with smaller ears, consider that before you buy.

3. JABRA ELITE ACTIVE 75T EARBUDS, $200

This pair gets about 7.5 hours of battery life, making it a frontrunner for anyone who plans on spending the majority of their day training. “HearThrough” technology brings you that ambience-aware sound quality, and reviewers rave that the bass is (as the kids say) “sick.” One reviewer says the pair is among the best they’ve owned thanks to portability, battery life, and water resistance.

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3. GOOGLE PIXEL BUDS, $179

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Google just joined the headphone race with its version of the AirPods, which will cost you $75 less. These buds snuggle into your ears for sound quality that’s getting rave reviews—even though they don’t share the seamless noise cancellation of the AirPods. They do pair more seamlessly with Androids, though, so this bud is a good choice for anyone who wants Google Assistant to be their running partner over the long, long miles.

2. APPLE AIRPODS PRO, $250

While not a “running” headphone per se, the Apple Airpods Pro have undeniably earned a spot on this list. The new design affords people of all ear shapes a comfy yet snug fit. The sound also toggles between normal, noise cancelation, and transparency so that your treadmill workouts can be strict music, while you can easily scope out your surroundings on your outdoor runs. Even though the Pros come at a higher price point, they’re good enough to wear even when you’re not running—so you don’t have to play musical chairs with your headphones.

1. JAYBIRD VISTA, $180

Vista - Nimbus Gray

Jaybirds are known for being weatherproof, through and through. They’re also dust-proof, waterproof, and shock-proof for those of you who like your runs on the wilder side of things. Really, though, Jaybird’s earn their number one spot, thanks to the whopping 16 hours of battery life. You can wear them during your warm up, your run, and all day afterward without any trouble. And if you don’t believe me, just read the 266 five star reviews on the company’s website. One succinctly writes, “It’s good quality, period.” So that’s that.

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FitnessWorkouts

6 Lateral Exercises You Need to be Doing ASAP for Longevity

Time to train smarter.

Cropped image of woman doing lunge yoga pose
Stocksy / Photo Credit By Studio Firma
Published Feb 21, 2025

Written by 

Jaime Osnato

Want to stay strong, steady, and mobile for life? It’s time to stop thinking only about forward and backward movements and start training side to side. 

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Lateral exercises boost your ability to move and stabilize in the frontal plane—a genuine game-changer for longevity. Developing this kind of strength helps prevent falls, improves balance, and keeps your joints healthy as you age (more on this later). 

Whether you’re climbing stairs, getting in and out of a car, or just want to feel more confident in your body, adding lateral exercises to your routine can keep you moving with ease for years to come. Here’s your bulletproof guide.

How lateral exercises boost strength

Lateral strength is your ability to move side to side—think stepping sideways, lifting your arms, side-bending at the waist, or balancing on one leg, says certified strength coach Maggie Fazeli Fard. 

These movements, known as frontal-plane motions, rely on small but crucial muscles like the gluteus medius (outer hip), adductors (inner thighs), and quadratus lumborum (a lower-back muscle that helps lift your hips).

Neglecting these muscles can lead to poor balance, lower-back pain, and even knee issues, says Fard.

Why does lateral strength matter for longevity?

Incorporating more lateral exercises into your routine isn’t just about moving better—it’s about aging better. Stronger lateral muscles improve balance, coordination, and lower-body stability, helping you stay active and independent as you age, says Fard.

Want to carry groceries, chase grandkids, or swing a golf club with ease? Here’s why lateral strength matters:

  • Balance: Falls are the leading cause of injury and death in seniors, with 1 in 4 older adults taking a spill every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Strong lateral muscles help keep you steady.
  • Lower-body mobility: Weak lateral muscles lead to stiff joints and poor mobility. Since most workouts focus on forward-backward movement (like running and lunging), skipping lateral work can leave you prone to injuries, says Fard.
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6 Best Lateral Exercises

Lateral strength is essential for balance, mobility, and injury prevention. But Fard says it’s best to think of these lateral exercises as accessory moves—not the core of your routine. 

Sprinkle these moves into your workouts a few times a week (they’re great for warm-ups, pairing with bigger lifts, or conditioning workouts), and you’ll move stronger, smoother, and pain-free in no time.

1. Figure Eights

This low-impact move improves balance, coordination, and control—a perfect warm-up or daily brain-body booster, Fard says.

How to do it:

  1. 1.
    Stand on your right foot, lifting your left knee to hip height.
  2. 2.
    Extend your right arm forward.
  3. 3.
    Gently move your left foot and right hand in small figure eight patterns (think: a sideways “8”) concurrently. 
  4. 4.
    Do 20 reps, then switch sides.

2. Side-Traveling Ape

This primal “animal flow” exercise engages “your lateral system from head to toe,” says Fard. Do it in warm-ups or pair it with heavy lower-body lifts.

How to do it:

  1. 1.
    Stand with your feet hip-width apart, knees bent.
  2. 2.
    Keeping your back flat, lean forward to place your hands on the floor shoulder-width apart, with your left hand directly in front of your right foot.
  3. 3.
    Press your hands into the floor and hop your feet to the right, landing softly with feet hip-width apart.
  4. 4.
    Bring your hands to the starting position and repeat for six steps, then switch directions.
  5. 5.
    Perform three sets.

3. Side Plank March

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This move strengthens your hips, inner thighs, lower back, and shoulders while improving overall balance and full-body lateral stability, says Fard.

How to do it:

  1. 1.
    Lie on your left side with your feet right foot directly in front of your left and your left elbow under your left shoulder, forearm along the floor.
  2. 2.
    Press through your left forearm and lift your body so that you're balancing on your left forearm.
  3. 3.
    Keeping your hips lifted, bend your right knee toward your chest, then return to start. Bend your left knee toward your chest; return to start.
  4. 4.
    Continue “marching” for 8 total reps, then switch sides and repeat.

4. Banded Lateral Walks

This exercise strengthens the small stabilizing muscles around the hips (which are key for lateral strength), says Fard. Control is key here—no bouncing. 

How to do it:

  1. 1.
    Place a resistance band around your ankles.
  2. 2.
    Stand with your feet hip-width apart and clasp your hands in front of your chest.
  3. 3.
    Bend your knees slightly, and step to the left. 
  4. 4.
    Bring your right foot back to hip-width slowly, resisting the band's pull.
  5. 5.
    Repeat on the right side (returning to start); continue alternating for 10 reps per side.

5. Lateral Lunge

Stronger hips, knees, back? This move can help you achieve all three, targeting the outer hips and inner thighs for improved hip stability and lower-body control, says Fard. (Make it harder by holding a pair of dumbbells.) 

How to do it:

  1. 1.
    Stand with your feet at hip-width distance, toes facing forward. Clasp your hands in front of your chest. 
  2. 2.
    Shift your weight to the right and step to your right with your right foot.
  3. 3.
    With a flat back, bend your right knee and shift your hips back, keeping your left leg straight.
  4. 4.
    Keep your toes pointed forward on both feet.
  5. 5.
    Press into your right heel to return to standing.
  6. 6.
    Complete 8–10 reps, then switch sides and repeat. Do 2–3 total sets.

6. Lateral Step-up

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This lateral step-up variation strengthens the outer hips, inner thighs, and lower back, making it a great prehab move for injury prevention, says Fard.

How to do it:

  1. 1.
    You’ll need a bench or box to complete this exercise.
  2. 2.
    Stand next to your bench and place your left foot on the bench, so that your left knee is bent round 90 degrees.
  3. 3.
    Keeping your torso upright, press your weight into your left foot and push through your quads and glutes to straighten your left leg and stand on top of the bench. 
  4. 4.
    Reverse the move, lowering your right foot to the floor with control. Step your left foot down to the floor next to your right. 
  5. 5.
    Complete 8–10 reps, then switch sides and repeat. Do 2–3 total sets.

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Food

The Making of an Internet-Famous Fruit: How Sumo Citrus Has Captured Hearts, Tastebuds, and a Devoted Following

photo of growers transporting many sumo citrus for review
Photo: Sumo Citrus® & W+G Creative
Published Feb 20, 2025

In Partnership With 

Sumo Citrus

Written by 

Maeve McCormick

Confession time: I love citrus—zesty limes squeezed on my tacos, fresh-squeezed orange juice on slow Sunday mornings, and the invigorating scent of grapefruit candles when I need to unwind. But when it comes to eating whole citrus fruits? Historically, not my thing. The mess of peeling, the sticky fingers, the rogue juice dribbling down my wrists—for me, most citrus has never been worth the (literal) squeeze.

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Then, one day, my roommate came home from the store with an oversized citrus I didn’t recognize. She told me I had to try a piece, while effortlessly peeling it in one smooth motion—no mess, no struggle. I skeptically accepted a slice, wondering what the big deal was. 

To my surprise, the experience was completely sticky-fingers-free. And the taste? Unlike any citrus I’d had before—enormously sweet, impossibly juicy, and balanced with just a hint of tang. That was my first bite of Sumo Citrus®—and now, I understand why The Office actress Jenna Fischer planted a Sumo Citrus tree in her yard, John Mayer peeled it on TikTok, and it has its very own merch (kind of eyeing that beanie, TBH).

So, what’s earned Sumo Citrus this devoted following? Sumo is taking the sweetness on the road for you to experience it yourself with the Tastemonial Tour—and it’s making a special stop at House of Good during our Ultimate Citrus Experience pop-up from February 21 to 23. Stop by for the hype if you're in Los Angeles, and read on to find out how this one-of-a-kind fruit became a seasonal fruit fixation.

sumo citrus with purple sticker

Find Sumo Citrus Near You

Sumo Citrus wasn’t just plucked from a tree one day and marketed as the next big thing—it’s the result of decades of careful cultivation, according to Sunnia Gull, AC Food’s vice president of marketing. First developed in Japan in the 1970s, it was naturally bred to combine the best traits of different citrus varieties—including the sweetness of mandarins, the juiciness of navel oranges, and the easy-to-peel skin of a satsuma.

Despite its popularity, growing Sumo Citrus is no easy feat. It takes years of expertise to perfect, and California’s Central Valley is the only place in the United States where it’s grown. Even then, farmers face unpredictable weather challenges, which means every piece of fruit that makes it to the store is a result of careful tending and patience.

The first thing you notice about Sumo Citrus is its size—it’s the largest variety of mandarins. The second? Its signature Top Knot®, a bump on top of the fruit that serves as an easier way to peel it. The skin practically lifts off, revealing plump, seedless segments that don’t leave your hands coated in juice and stubborn pith. 

Every Sumo Citrus is guaranteed to be incredibly sweet, thanks to each being measured on the “brix meter,” to ensure it meets sky-high sweetness standards before hitting shelves, Gull says. For those who prefer their fruit without surprise sour bites, it’s a game-changer.

Beyond its chef’s-kiss flavor and finally-I-don’t-need-a-wet-wipe convenience, Sumo Citrus packs a *serious* nutritional punch. Each fruit contains 163 percent of your daily vitamin C, along with fiber, potassium, and a flavonoid called hesperidin, which has antioxidant benefits. Whether you’re looking for immunity support, a gut-friendly snack, or a natural energy source, it fits the bill. Bonus: It’s the kind of snack I can toss in my bag and eat in two minutes flat—way better than the sad granola bar that’s been in my purse for the past three months.

And while Sumo Citrus is made to eat straight out of the peel, fans have gotten creative with how they use it. The fruit’s sweetness and juiciness make it an ideal addition to everything from bright citrus salads to zesty cocktails and refreshing desserts. Its bold flavor also complements savory dishes—think citrus-glazed salmon or a tangy dressing for roasted vegetables.

All of that creativity may be a result of the fact that Sumo Citrus is here for a good time, but not a long time. Unlike standard grocery store oranges that are available year-round, Sumo Citrus has a limited growing season, running only from January to April. This short window has created an almost cult-like following, with fans stocking up as soon as they see the signature purple sticker in stores. 

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I get it—now that I’ve experienced Sumo, I fully understand the impulse to grab them while they last. The anticipation is almost part of the appeal: Like cherry blossom season or holiday peppermint mochas, Sumo’s fleeting availability makes it even more special. And when the season ends? People (me) are already counting down the days until its return. Conclusion: Do yourself a favor and grab a few before they disappear for the year. Because once you’ve had a taste of this juicy citrus, there’s no going back.

Psst: Want a taste ASAP? The Sumo Tastemonial Tour is rolling into Belmont Park in San Diego from February 28 to March 1, Boreal Ski Resort in Tahoe from March 7 to 8, Craig Ranch Regional Park in Las Vegas from March 10 to 11, and La Encantada in Tuscon from March 14 to 15—or stop by House of Good in Venice Beach for the Ultimate Citrus Experience from February 21 to 23.

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