Earbuds That Stay In Place During Workouts

Tired of your earbuds falling out mid-sprint or during a heavy lift? You’re not alone. For South African runners, gym-goers, and anyone who loves to move, finding secure, sweat-proof audio is a must. It’s about more than just tunes… it’s about focus. We’re answering your top questions to help you find earbuds that stick with you through every burpee and beat drop, ensuring your focus stays on your workout, not on your gear. Let's get into it. 🚀

Your Workout Earbud Questions Answered

Promate MonoFlix-BT Dynamic High-Definition Retractable Mono Earphone / Retractable 30cm Cable / IPX7 Water Resistant / Smart LED Screen / ENC Noise Reduction / MONOFLIX-BT.BLACK

R349.00In Stock

Gamdias Hebe M2 RGB Surround Sound Gaming Headset / RGB Streaming Lighting / Virtual 7.1 Surround Sound + Vibration + Bass Impact / Oversized Earcup Design / Large 53mm Speakers / Unidirectional Flexible Microphone / HEBEM2

R799.00In Stock

Promate ProPods High-Definition TWS Wireless Earphones - Blue / IntelliTouch Control / Active Noise Cancellation / ENC Noise Reduction / PROPODS.BLUE

R399.00In Stock

Promate Panda KidSafe Kawaii Style Wireless Kids Headset - Aqua / 1000mAh Battery / Up to 40 hours of Playtime / AUX Support / LED Illuminated Ears / PANDA.AQUA

R399.00In Stock

Plantronics HW251N SupraPlus Wideband Headset / Over-the-head design / Wideband audio / Single and Dual earpiece / Quick Disconnect cord / PLT-HW251N

R1499.00In Stock

Cooler Master MasterAccessory GEM White Magnetized Multi-Surface Mounting Gaming Storage, Peripherals, Gamepads, Headsets, VR Headsets, Mobile Phones, Rubberized Protective Arms - MCA-U000R-WPHK00

R499.00In Stock

Q: What makes an earbud "good for workouts"? A: Three things are key: a secure fit, sweat resistance (look for an IP rating), and decent battery life. Fit is the most critical. Earbuds with wing-tips or over-ear hooks are designed to stay locked in place, no matter how intense your session gets. Sound quality is important, but if they fall out, the best audio in the world means nothing.

Q: What are these "IP ratings" I keep seeing? A: An IP (Ingress Protection) rating tells you how well a device is protected against dust and water. The second digit is for water. For gym use, look for at least IPX4, which protects against water splashes from any direction (hello, sweat!). An IPX7 rating means the earbuds can be fully submerged, so they’ll easily handle even the most gruelling, sweat-drenched workout.

Q: I’ve seen earbuds with hooks and some with just tips. What’s the difference? A: Earbuds with flexible, soft silicone ear hooks that loop over your ear offer the most secure fit, making them ideal for high-impact activities like running or HIIT. In-ear buds with wing-tips can also provide a great seal and stability. It often comes down to personal comfort. If you wear glasses, for example, over-ear hooks might interfere, making wing-tips a better choice.

Q: Are there any specific brands known for solid workout gear? A: Absolutely. While many brands offer sports models, some consistently deliver on durability and fit. For instance, you can often find great, budget-friendly options in the Promate headsets range that are designed for an active lifestyle. They balance performance and price really well for the everyday athlete.

Promate Panda KidSafe Kawaii Style Wireless Kids Headset - Aqua / 1000mAh Battery / Up to 40 hours of Playtime / AUX Support / LED Illuminated Ears / PANDA.AQUA

R399.00In Stock

Turtle Beach Recon 70x Gaming Headset - Black for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Mobile, & PC with 3.5mm / Flip-to-Mute Mic / 40mm Speakers / On-Ear Volume Control / TBS-2001-05

R699.00In Stock

Mad Catz F.R.E.Q. 2 RGB Wired Gaming Headset - 7.1 Virtual Surround Sound with 50mm Drivers - Adjustable Suspension Headband - Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) Microphones - Customizable RGB Lighting Zones - Retractable Omni-Directional Microphone — Black / AF13C1INBL000-0-SN

R799.00In Stock

HyperX Cloud Mini Wireless Gaming Headset - Designed for gamers aged 8-12 - Up to 25-hour Battery life - Rotating Earcups - Tuck-Away Mic - Compatible with PC, Nintendo Switch, PS5, Xbox — White/ 7G8F2AA

R899.00In Stock

Razer BlackShark V2 X Wired Gaming Headset - Black / 7.1 Surround Sound Capable / Triforce 50mm Drivers / HyperClear Cardioid Mic / Memory Foam Cushion - for PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch - 3.5mm Headphone Jack / RZ04-03240100-R3M1

R1499.00In Stock

Cooler Master MasterAccessory GEM White Magnetized Multi-Surface Mounting Gaming Storage, Peripherals, Gamepads, Headsets, VR Headsets, Mobile Phones, Rubberized Protective Arms - MCA-U000R-WPHK00

R499.00In Stock

Q: Do I need to spend a fortune to get decent quality? A: Not at all. Technology has improved so much that you can find excellent workout earbuds without breaking the bank. There's a fantastic selection of earbuds under R1500 that offer secure fits and solid sweat resistance. You get the core features you need to keep the music pumping while you focus on your fitness goals.

Q: What about audio for post-workout gaming sessions? A: It’s great to have gear that can pull double duty. ⚡ While workout buds focus on portability and sweat resistance, gaming headsets prioritise immersive sound and microphone clarity. Brands like SteelSeries headphones are masters of creating audio that lets you hear every footstep, perfect for when you swap your running shoes for a gaming chair.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless Xbox Gaming Headset - Aqua / 40mm Neodymium Drivers / 360° Spatial Audio / 38-Hour Battery Life / USB-C Dongle for Multi-Platform Use / Noise-Cancelling Mic / Xbox, PS5/PS4, PC, Switch, Mobile, Chromebook / 61691

R2699.00In Stock

Steelseries Arctis 1 4-in-1 Wireless Gaming Headset / 20 hours Battery Life / 40mm Drivers / 2.4GHz Lossless Wireless / Bidirectional Noise-Canceling / Supports PC/PS4/Nintendo Switch/ Android(No Voice chat) / 61512

R899.00In Stock

Plantronics HW251N SupraPlus Wideband Headset / Over-the-head design / Wideband audio / Single and Dual earpiece / Quick Disconnect cord / PLT-HW251N

R1499.00In Stock

PDP Gaming LVL50 Wired Headset With Noise Cancelling Microphone: Black Camo - PS5/PS4 / 051-099-AU-CAM

R1199.00In Stock

Turtle Beach Stealth 600 Xbox Gen 3 Wireless Headset - White (XB) — Compatible with Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Bluetooth & Steam Deck™ — 2.4GHz Wireless & Bluetooth® 5.2 — 50mm Nanoclear™ Drivers — Remappable Wheel & Mode Button — A.I.-Based Mic Noise Reduction / TBS-2102-15

R2399.00In Stock

Logitech® G PRO X 2 Ligthtspeed Wireless Gaming Headset / 50mm Graphene Drivers / Multiple Connection Options / 981-001263

R4989.00In Stock

Key Takeaways

Here’s the lowdown on finding your perfect workout partner:

• Fit First: Prioritise a secure fit with ear hooks or wing-tips. If they don’t stay in, nothing else matters.
• Check the IP Rating: Look for IPX4 or higher to guarantee sweat resistance.
• Budget Accordingly: You don’t need to spend thousands. Great options are available at accessible price points.
• Consider Your Use: If you need them for more than just workouts, like gaming or calls, check for features like microphone quality and low-latency modes. Many of the best all-round headphone headsets can cover all your needs.