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 (open-ear) so you stay aware of your surroundings, while the Soundcore Sport X20 sits in the ears, with tips and ear hooks for a secure fit. This shortlist helps you choose according to your priority.

In summary

Choose the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 if staying aware of your surroundings during effort is the priority: running, cycling, outdoor training. Choose the Soundcore Sport X20 if you prefer earbuds worn in the ears, with hooks for a secure fit.

Our take

This shortlist covers only the products GadgetScout currently covers; it does not claim to include every option available. It is built from documented sources only: the published product sheets and the manufacturer-announced specifications. We have not run independent tests and we make no sound-quality judgement of our own. Current pricing can change, so check before deciding.

Who is it for?

Strengths - Open-ear design: your ears stay free to remain aware of your surroundings - Shokz open-ear technology combining bone and air conduction, according to the manufacturer - Positioned for running, cycling and outdoor training The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 suits runners and outdoor athletes who want to hear traffic and companions while listening to audio.

• •Open-ear audio does not isolate: best where environmental awareness matters
• •Standard size: check the fit (a Mini version exists)
• •Check the announced battery life and resistance on the manufacturer sheet

Who is it for?

Strengths - Sport design with ear hooks for a secure fit - Sweat-ready build (see the manufacturer sheet for the exact rating) - Powerful Soundcore (Anker) signature sound, according to the manufacturer sheet The Soundcore Sport X20 suits athletes who want earbuds that stay stable during effort, from running to gym sessions.

• •The exact water-resistance rating is on the manufacturer sheet
• •Sound depends on choosing the right tip size
• •Check the official battery life on the product sheet

Alternatives

For a direct head-to-head between these two models, our dedicated comparison covers the differences in detail. This shortlist includes only the products GadgetScout currently covers.

• •The fit during your activities (open-ear or ear hooks)
• •Announced battery life for your sessions
• •Sweat protection, according to the manufacturer sheet

Verdict

The choice depends on your priority: environmental awareness with the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2's open-ear design, or earbuds worn in the ears with the Soundcore Sport X20. Neither is universally better. Check the fit, the announced battery life and current prices before deciding.