4 Best Bose Running Earbuds 2026 in the United States

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) deliver impressive noise cancellation, which is among the best available in wireless earbuds. This makes them great for blocking out distractions whether you’re running outdoors or commuting. They offer a custom fit with multiple eartips and stability bands, so they should stay comfortable and secure during activity, although some might find the fit a bit bulky compared to simpler running earbuds.

The sound quality stands out with immersive audio and a special Cinema Mode that makes music and videos feel more spacious and detailed. Calls are clear thanks to noise-rejecting microphones, which is handy if you take calls while moving. Battery life is decent at about 6 hours per charge, with extra charges from the wireless charging case extending usage; this is fairly standard but not exceptional for active use. The earbuds have an IPX4 water resistance rating, which protects against sweat and light rain, suitable for running but not for heavy water exposure.

Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint connectivity let you switch smoothly between devices like your phone and laptop. Controls are mainly managed through the Bose app, which provides customization but could be less convenient if you prefer physical buttons on the earbuds. These earbuds deliver premium sound and excellent noise control with a focus on comfort and connectivity, making them a strong choice if you want top-quality audio and reliable fit during workouts, though they might be pricier and slightly larger than some other running-specific options.

The Bose Ultra Open Bluetooth Earbuds are designed with runners in mind, especially those who want to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying music. The open-ear design allows you to hear ambient sounds like traffic or conversations, which is great for outdoor safety. They offer a comfortable, clip-on fit that hooks behind your ear, helping them stay in place during activity without feeling heavy. Sound quality is impressive for open-ear earbuds, delivering immersive and spatialized audio, although they don’t block out background noise since they’re not in-ear or noise-cancelling. Battery life is solid, providing up to 7 hours per charge and an additional 48 hours with the charging case, easily covering long runs or daily use.

The earbuds have an IPX4 rating, meaning they resist sweat and light splashes, making them suitable for exercise but not full water immersion. Bluetooth 5.3 ensures stable connectivity and multipoint support lets you switch smoothly between devices like your phone and laptop. Controls are straightforward with button presses for music and calls, and the Bose app helps with setup and updates. A minor downside is the lack of noise cancellation, which might be a dealbreaker if you want to fully block outside sounds. Also, since they sit outside the ear canal, they may not deliver bass as strongly as traditional earbuds.

These earbuds are ideal if you prioritize safety and comfort during runs while enjoying rich sound, but they might not satisfy users looking for full noise isolation or intense bass.

The Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II stand out with their personalized noise cancellation, offering a tailored listening experience that's hard to beat. The sound quality is top-notch, delivering deep and immersive audio. With three pairs of ear tips and custom stability bands, they cater to various ear shapes for all-day comfort and a secure fit, making them ideal for running and other activities.

The earbuds are water-resistant, which adds to their durability during workouts or runs in light rain. Connectivity is robust, thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, providing a stable connection within 30 feet of your device. The simple touch controls on the earbuds are user-friendly, allowing you to manage music and calls effortlessly without needing to reach for your phone.

Battery life is decent at 6 hours, with a quick-charge feature giving you 2 hours of playtime from a 20-minute charge. One notable feature is the ability to use a single earbud independently, which adds flexibility to their use. These earbuds offer excellent performance in sound quality and comfort, though they are on the pricier side, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. For runners looking for premium sound and advanced noise cancellation, these earbuds are a solid choice.