I’ve Killed Tons of Headphones with Sweat. These Are the Only Ones That Survived My Most Brutal Workouts
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A pair of headphones can make or break a workout. From sound quality and comfort to how well they stay put during your most taxing workouts, there’s a lot to consider before purchase. But one feature that really separates a great pair of workout headphones from ones that get trashed within a year is durability. Because let’s be real, there are few things more frustrating than perpetually adjusting earbuds that won’t stay in place while you're trying to lock into a workout.
Luckily, our team doubles as gear guinea pigs. To take the guesswork out of it, we tested a variety of headphones for our 2026 Fitness Awards, so you can spend your hard-earned money on a pair that truly fits your workouts. This year, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earned top honors for both durability and sweat resistance. To all our fellow sweaty exercisers, these workout headphones were built for you.
Related: We Tested the Top Workout Headphones. These Won't Budge When the Going Gets Tough
Best Workout Headphones for Durability and Sweat Resistance: Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
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For athletes who train hard, sweat heavily, and move fast, Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are built for reliability above all else. The over-ear hook design creates one of the most secure fits available, making them a dependable option for high-intensity training, sprint work, Olympic lifts, and long conditioning sessions where standard earbuds tend to loosen or fall out.
In testing, the Powerbeats Pro 2 stayed locked in place through humid garage workouts, outdoor runs, and fast-paced circuits without needing mid-session adjustment. Physical buttons proved far more reliable than touch controls when hands were sweaty, allowing quick changes without breaking rhythm. Battery life also stood out, easily covering multiple training sessions in a single day, making them especially useful for athletes who train multiple times or spend long hours in the gym.
Key Product Features
- Type: In-ear with over-ear hooks
- Noise Canceling: Yes
- Transparency Mode: Yes
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours (up to 45 hours with case)
- Water/Sweat Resistance: IPX4
- Controls: Physical buttons on each earbud
Why You Should Trust Us
Men’s Journal has spent over three decades as a leading authority on fitness and outdoor gear. We don’t just summarize product specs. Our recommendations come from legitimate hands-on testing and the direct guidance of industry experts. We constantly refine our buyer’s guides, ensuring every pick remains the absolute best available.