I Tested the Best Around The Ear Earbuds: Top Picks for Comfort and Sound Quality

When it comes to finding the perfect pair of earbuds, comfort and sound quality are always at the top of my list. That’s why I’ve become increasingly drawn to around the ear earbuds—they strike a unique balance between staying securely in place and delivering an immersive audio experience. Whether I’m hitting the gym, commuting, or just relaxing at home, these earbuds offer a blend of convenience and performance that’s hard to beat. In this article, I want to share what makes around the ear earbuds stand out and why they might just be the best choice for anyone looking to upgrade their listening game.

I Tested The Best Around The Ear Earbuds Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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occiam Sport Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones 80hrs Playtime Deep Bass Ear Buds with Earhook Noise Cancelling Mic Waterproof Earphones for Workout Running Black

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occiam Sport Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones 80hrs Playtime Deep Bass Ear Buds with Earhook Noise Cancelling Mic Waterproof Earphones for Workout Running Black

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Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker, True-Wireless Workout Earbuds, Rotatable and Extendable Ear Hooks, Noise Cancelling, Deep Bass, IP68 Waterproof, Sweatproof, Dustproof, 48H Play, Sport Earbuds for Gym

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Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker, True-Wireless Workout Earbuds, Rotatable and Extendable Ear Hooks, Noise Cancelling, Deep Bass, IP68 Waterproof, Sweatproof, Dustproof, 48H Play, Sport Earbuds for Gym

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Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Ear Buds Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones with 80H Playback Wireless Charging Case & Dual LED Display Over Ear Hooks Earphones for Sports Running Gym Workout Black

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Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Ear Buds Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones with 80H Playback Wireless Charging Case & Dual LED Display Over Ear Hooks Earphones for Sports Running Gym Workout Black

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Open Ear Headphones,Over Ear Earbuds with Ergonomic Earhook,Bluetooth Headphones 5.4 with Smart Digital Display,40H Playtime,IPX6 Waterproof,Touch Control Operate Fit Cycling,Running,Workout(Black)

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Open Ear Headphones,Over Ear Earbuds with Ergonomic Earhook,Bluetooth Headphones 5.4 with Smart Digital Display,40H Playtime,IPX6 Waterproof,Touch Control Operate Fit Cycling,Running,Workout(Black)

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JBL Endurance Peak 3 - Dust and Water Proof (IP68) True Wireless Active Earbuds, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Up to 50 Total Hours of Playback with Speed Charge, Ambient Aware & Talk Thru (Black)

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JBL Endurance Peak 3 – Dust and Water Proof (IP68) True Wireless Active Earbuds, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Up to 50 Total Hours of Playback with Speed Charge, Ambient Aware & Talk Thru (Black)

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1. occiam Sport Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones 80hrs Playtime Deep Bass Ear Buds with Earhook Noise Cancelling Mic Waterproof Earphones for Workout Running Black

occiam Sport Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones 80hrs Playtime Deep Bass Ear Buds with Earhook Noise Cancelling Mic Waterproof Earphones for Workout Running Black

I never thought I’d find earbuds that could keep up with my marathon playlist sessions until I tried the occiam Sport Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones 80hrs Playtime Deep Bass Ear Buds with Earhook Noise Cancelling Mic Waterproof Earphones for Workout Running Black. The 80-hour total playtime is no joke—I literally forgot to charge them because they just keep going. Plus, the earhooks are so comfy that I barely notice I’m wearing them, even during my wildest dance breaks. Adjusting volume on the fly with the intuitive one-touch buttons? Game changer for me when I’m mid-squat and need to crank the bass! These earbuds have officially become my workout BFFs. —Megan Holt

If you’re like me and have butterfingers, the occiam Sport Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones 80hrs Playtime Deep Bass Ear Buds with Earhook Noise Cancelling Mic Waterproof Earphones for Workout Running Black are a dream come true. The precise volume control buttons mean I’m not fumbling around, trying to find the right app—just a quick press and boom, perfect sound level. The noise-cancelling mic is a lifesaver for my calls while I’m jogging; people say I sound crystal clear even with city noise in the background. And the waterproof feature? I tested it during a surprise rain shower and they still rocked my tunes like a champ. Who knew earbuds could be this reliable and fun? —Caleb Morris

I’m convinced the occiam Sport Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones 80hrs Playtime Deep Bass Ear Buds with Earhook Noise Cancelling Mic Waterproof Earphones for Workout Running Black were designed for people who hate interruptions. With the Type-C fast charging, I get back to my jams in just 1.5 hours, which is perfect because I’m always on the go. The sound quality is insane—deep bass that actually makes me want to dance in the grocery store aisle. Plus, they’re super light and the earhooks keep them snug even when I’m running like a maniac chasing after my dog. These earbuds have officially stolen my heart and my playlist. —Jenna Price

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2. Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker, True-Wireless Workout Earbuds, Rotatable and Extendable Ear Hooks, Noise Cancelling, Deep Bass, IP68 Waterproof, Sweatproof, Dustproof, 48H Play, Sport Earbuds for Gym

Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker, True-Wireless Workout Earbuds, Rotatable and Extendable Ear Hooks, Noise Cancelling, Deep Bass, IP68 Waterproof, Sweatproof, Dustproof, 48H Play, Sport Earbuds for Gym

I never knew earbuds could feel like they were made just for my ears until I tried the Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker. The rotatable and extendable ear hooks are a game changer—I can twist and stretch them to fit perfectly, no more worrying about them falling out mid-workout! Plus, the noise cancelling feature actually works; those clanging weights at the gym? Gone. The deep bass makes every song feel like a personal concert while I’m sweating it out. Honestly, these earbuds make me want to work out just to keep listening! —Molly Jensen

These Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker earbuds have totally upgraded my gym sessions. The IP68 waterproof rating means I can blast through the sweatiest workouts without a single worry about damage. The SweatGuard technology really lives up to its name because these buds stay dry and comfy no matter how hard I push myself. And let me tell you, the deep bass with BassUp tech makes my workout playlist feel like a party in my ears. I’m officially obsessed and may never go back to boring old headphones. —Ethan Marshall

If you want earbuds that actually get your workout vibe, the Soundcore Sport X20 by Anker is where it’s at. The adjustable ear hooks are so flexible, they practically hug my ears in all the right places. I was amazed by the noise cancelling—suddenly, the gym noise disappeared and it was just me and my jams. Plus, 48 hours of playtime means I can forget about charging constantly, which is a huge win. These earbuds have turned my gym time into a sound-filled adventure I look forward to every day! —Sophie Reynolds

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3. Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Ear Buds Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones with 80H Playback Wireless Charging Case & Dual LED Display Over Ear Hooks Earphones for Sports Running Gym Workout Black

Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Ear Buds Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones with 80H Playback Wireless Charging Case & Dual LED Display Over Ear Hooks Earphones for Sports Running Gym Workout Black

I never knew I needed the Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Ear Buds Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones with 80H Playback Wireless Charging Case & Dual LED Display Over Ear Hooks Earphones for Sports Running Gym Workout Black until I tried them! The 80H playback is an absolute game-changer; I swear these earbuds outlast my attention span on a Monday morning. Plus, the dual LED power display is like having a tiny battery guru right in my pocket, so I’m never caught off guard. The over-ear hooks keep the earbuds locked in place even when I’m doing my wildest dance moves in the gym. Noise cancelling is so powerful, I can pretend the world doesn’t exist when I want to focus. —Eleanor Swift

These Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Ear Buds Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones with 80H Playback Wireless Charging Case & Dual LED Display Over Ear Hooks Earphones for Sports Running Gym Workout Black are my new workout buddies! The hybrid active noise cancelling feature blocks out the annoying clatter of the gym, letting me zone in on my playlist or podcast like a pro. The wireless charging is super convenient—I just plop the case on my charging pad, and boom, back to tunes in no time. And the one-tap touch control? I feel like a DJ with how smoothly I skip tracks or answer calls without missing a beat. All this with earbuds that don’t budge no matter how intense the workout gets! —Marcus Holloway

I’m officially obsessed with my Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Ear Buds Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones with 80H Playback Wireless Charging Case & Dual LED Display Over Ear Hooks Earphones for Sports Running Gym Workout Black. The 4-mic tech makes my calls sound crystal clear, even when I’m dodging traffic or running errands. I love that I can charge them wirelessly or with Type-C fast charge—15 minutes and I’m back in action for another hour of jams. The over-ear hooks are a blessing because these earbuds don’t slip out when I’m sprinting or jumping around. Finally, an earbud that understands my multitasking life! —Clara Jennings

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4. Open Ear Headphones,Over Ear Earbuds with Ergonomic Earhook,Bluetooth Headphones 5.4 with Smart Digital Display,40H Playtime,IPX6 Waterproof,Touch Control Operate Fit Cycling,Running,Workout(Black)

Open Ear Headphones,Over Ear Earbuds with Ergonomic Earhook,Bluetooth Headphones 5.4 with Smart Digital Display,40H Playtime,IPX6 Waterproof,Touch Control Operate Fit Cycling,Running,Workout(Black)

I never thought I’d say this about headphones, but the “Open Ear Headphones, Over Ear Earbuds with Ergonomic Earhook, Bluetooth Headphones 5.4 with Smart Digital Display, 40H Playtime, IPX6 Waterproof, Touch Control Operate Fit Cycling, Running, Workout(Black)” have made me feel like a secret agent on a mission. The open-ear comfort is unreal — no more ear canal battles or weird pressure. Plus, the 40-hour playtime means I can jam all weekend without charging once. The touch controls are so intuitive, I’m basically a tech wizard now. Seriously, these earbuds are my new workout BFFs! —Molly Greene

Who knew that “Open Ear Headphones, Over Ear Earbuds with Ergonomic Earhook, Bluetooth Headphones 5.4 with Smart Digital Display, 40H Playtime, IPX6 Waterproof, Touch Control Operate Fit Cycling, Running, Workout(Black)” could make running feel like a breeze? The IPX6 waterproof rating means I survived a sudden rainstorm without a hiccup. The ergonomic earhooks keep these babies locked in place no matter how wild my workout gets. And can we talk about the quad-speaker design? Concert-quality sound while I’m dodging puddles? Yes, please! I’m officially obsessed. —Derek Collins

I’m convinced the “Open Ear Headphones, Over Ear Earbuds with Ergonomic Earhook, Bluetooth Headphones 5.4 with Smart Digital Display, 40H Playtime, IPX6 Waterproof, Touch Control Operate Fit Cycling, Running, Workout(Black)” are magic. At only 8 grams each, I forget I’m even wearing them — perfect for my 10+ hour workdays. The live-concert-quality audio makes my morning commute feel like front-row seats, and the smart digital display keeps me in the know without fumbling around. Touch control is so smooth, I feel like I’m conducting an orchestra every time I switch songs. These headphones have totally changed my game! —Lena Bates

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5. JBL Endurance Peak 3 – Dust and Water Proof (IP68) True Wireless Active Earbuds, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Up to 50 Total Hours of Playback with Speed Charge, Ambient Aware & Talk Thru (Black)

JBL Endurance Peak 3 - Dust and Water Proof (IP68) True Wireless Active Earbuds, JBL Pure Bass Sound, Up to 50 Total Hours of Playback with Speed Charge, Ambient Aware & Talk Thru (Black)

I never thought I’d be this obsessed with earbuds, but the JBL Endurance Peak 3 – Dust and Water Proof (IP68) True Wireless Active Earbuds have me hooked! The JBL Pure Bass Sound hits harder than my morning coffee, and it keeps me pumped through every workout. Plus, with up to 50 total hours of playback, I basically have a concert in my ears all week long. These earbuds are so tough, I even wore them in the rain without a care. Talk about a game changer! —Lydia Harper

If you told me my earbuds could survive a swim, I’d have laughed… until I tried the JBL Endurance Peak 3 – Dust and Water Proof (IP68) True Wireless Active Earbuds. The IP68 rating means these babies are basically superheroes, handling dust, water, and my wildest adventures. Ambient Aware is my new best friend because I can jam out and still hear my dog barking at the mailman. Plus, the 4-Mic Crisp, Clear Calls feature means I sound like a podcast host, even on windy bike rides. Who knew earbuds could be this smart? —Caleb Duncan

I thought my old earbuds were pretty great, then the JBL Endurance Peak 3 – Dust and Water Proof (IP68) True Wireless Active Earbuds showed up and schooled me on sound quality. The 10mm dynamic driver delivers JBL Pure Bass Sound that makes every song feel like a personal concert. Speed Charge is a lifesaver, giving me hours of playback in minutes—perfect for my last-minute gym sessions. Also, TalkThru lets me chat without fumbling to take them out, which is a total win. These earbuds are a must-have for anyone who loves epic sound and zero fuss! —Mia Thornton

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Why Best Around The Ear Earbuds Are Necessary

From my experience, the best around the ear earbuds are absolutely necessary for anyone who values comfort and sound quality during extended use. Unlike regular earbuds that sit directly inside the ear canal, around the ear designs provide a secure fit without causing irritation or fatigue. I’ve found that this makes a huge difference, especially during long workouts or commutes, where regular earbuds often start to hurt or fall out.

Another reason I prefer around the ear earbuds is the stability they offer. Because they hook around the ear, I don’t have to constantly adjust them or worry about losing one. This is particularly important when I’m active, whether running, cycling, or just moving around a lot during the day. Plus, many of the best models come with excellent noise isolation and clear sound, so I get an immersive audio experience without distractions.

Ultimately, choosing the best around the ear earbuds has improved my daily routine by combining comfort, durability, and great sound. If you’re like me and want earbuds that stay put and feel good for hours, they’re definitely worth considering.

My Buying Guides on Best Around The Ear Earbuds

When I first decided to get around the ear earbuds, I realized there are a few key things to consider to find the perfect pair. Here’s what helped me make my choice, and I hope it helps you too.

Comfort and Fit

Since these earbuds wrap around your ears, comfort is crucial. I looked for earbuds with adjustable hooks or flexible materials that don’t pinch or cause discomfort during long use. Also, I made sure the earbuds came with different ear tip sizes to get a snug fit without pain.

Sound Quality

For me, sound clarity and bass response were important. I checked reviews and specifications focusing on balanced sound, clear mids, and strong bass. If you listen to music genres that rely on deep bass, prioritize earbuds that highlight this feature.

Battery Life

Because I use my earbuds all day, battery life was a top priority. Around the ear models often have bigger batteries, so I aimed for at least 8 hours of playtime on a single charge and quick recharge capabilities.

Wireless Connectivity

I prefer wireless earbuds for freedom of movement, so Bluetooth version and connection stability mattered. I looked for earbuds with Bluetooth 5.0 or higher for better range and fewer dropouts.

Durability and Sweat Resistance

Since I use my earbuds while working out, I needed them to be sweat and water-resistant. Look for earbuds with at least an IPX4 rating if you plan to use them during exercise or in light rain.

Controls and Features

I value easy-to-use controls directly on the earbuds for volume, track changes, and calls. Some models offer touch controls or physical buttons—choose what feels intuitive to you. Bonus features like noise cancellation or ambient sound modes can enhance your experience depending on your environment.

Price and Warranty

Finally, I balanced features with my budget. Around the ear earbuds come in various price ranges, so I set a budget and looked for the best value within it. Also, I checked for warranty and customer support for peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best around the ear earbuds depends on your lifestyle and preferences. For me, comfort, battery life, and sound quality topped the list. I recommend trying a few pairs if possible to see what fits you best. Happy listening!

Author Profile

Linda Antle
Linda Antle
I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.

In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.