Best Headphones for Workouts: GadgetScout Shortlist

Published 8 Sept 2026

Our current shortlist of workout headphones, among the products covered by GadgetScout: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 (open-ear) and Soundcore Sport X20 (ear-hook earbuds).

Among the sport headphones currently covered by GadgetScout, two approaches coexist: the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 leaves your ears open so you can hear what's around you, while the Soundcore Sport X20 sits in your ears with adjustable hooks and active noise cancellation available when you want it. This shortlist helps you choose between open-ear awareness and in-ear workout earbuds.

Quick picks: choose the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 if open-ear awareness during outdoor sessions is your priority; choose the Soundcore Sport X20 if you want in-ear buds with adjustable hooks and noise cancellation for the gym.

This shortlist covers only the products GadgetScout currently covers; it does not claim to include every option available. It is built only from documented sources: the published product sheets and the manufacturer-announced specs. We have not run independent tests. Current pricing can change, so check both before deciding.

• •Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: open-ear sport headphones using bone and air conduction per Shokz's published specs, built for running, cycling and outdoor training sessions; standard size (a Mini version exists)
• •Soundcore Sport X20: true wireless sport earbuds with adjustable ear hooks, adaptive active noise cancellation, and IP68 water- and sweat-resistance with SweatGuard technology per Soundcore's published specs, with 11 mm dynamic drivers

• •Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: an open-ear fit that keeps you aware of traffic and surroundings while you listen
• •Soundcore Sport X20: an adjustable ear-hook fit with noise cancellation available when you want it, plus a high water-resistance rating for sweaty sessions

• •Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: the open-ear design doesn't isolate — not ideal for loud environments; the sound signature differs from in-ear buds, so a fit test is worth it; check the announced battery life and resistance on the manufacturer sheet
• •Soundcore Sport X20: active noise cancellation reduces ambient sound, which matters when you need to stay alert to your surroundings; the ear-hook fit is adjustable but still personal — comfort depends on your ear shape; check the official product sheet for exact battery life and charging-case figures

WHO IT FITS

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 for runners and outdoor athletes who want to hear what's around them while listening. The Soundcore Sport X20 for athletes and gym-goers who want in-ear buds that stay put, with noise cancellation available when the environment allows it.

BUYING DECISION

Neither is universally better: the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 leans on open-ear awareness, the Soundcore Sport X20 on an in-ear fit with hooks and optional noise cancellation. Choose according to where you train, then check the fit, the announced battery life and the current prices on the official sheets. For a direct head-to-head between the two, our dedicated comparison covers the differences in detail.