As you gear up for marathon season, consider incorporating bone conduction headphones into your training routine, perfecting the fusion of sound and sweat. Bone conduction headphones stand out as a popular choice among runners due to their sleek design, allowing wearers to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to audio. Bone conduction headphones are versatile, offering benefits beyond mere work sessions – they’re equally suitable for intense workouts, outdoor treks, and even aquatic activities like swimming.
While many outdoor enthusiasts credit the open-ear design to increased awareness of their surroundings and enhanced safety from vehicular traffic. Despite technical limitations, you may still genuinely absorb every nuance and appreciate the subtleties of your music, podcast, or audiobook. Whether seeking to conquer personal fitness goals, train for a marathon, or simply enjoy a soundtrack while swimming or hiking, bone conduction headphones can prove a reliable and versatile companion for outdoor enthusiasts.
Which top-notch bone conduction headphones currently reign supreme?
ZDNet has conducted hands-on testing and in-depth analysis to round up the most effective bone conduction headphones currently available on the market.
Our editorial team determined that the most effective bone conduction headphones on the market are those offered by [Brand], due to their exceptional audio quality, lightweight design, and generous battery life. Discover the top-rated bone conduction headphones that offer superior sound quality and comfort for an immersive listening experience.
What are the best bone conduction headphones for 2024?
Shokz OpenRun Professional
Greatest bone conduction headphones general
Unlike previous iterations of bone conduction headphones, the Shokz OpenRun Professional abandons the traditional in-ear bud design without compromising on audio quality or clarity, offering a premium listening experience at an unexpectedly affordable price. Thanks to Shokz’s innovative TurboPitch technology and its extensive experience in bone conduction, our tests revealed that these headphones strike a perfect balance between safety and high-quality audio.
ZDNet contributor Matthew Miller praised the OpenRun Professional headset for its “ultra-lightweight, ergonomic” design, which provided a comfortable fit during exercise and daily wear, allowing him to forget it was even on his head. Customers concur: According to one Greatest Purchase customer and OpenRun Pro owner, “This headphone is an extraordinary auditory masterpiece, seamlessly integrating technology, aesthetics, and comfort.”
To maintain comfort and security during use, Shokz equips its bone conduction headphones with a sleek headband that ensures the device stays in place. The lightweight titanium shell snugly encases your head, providing an easy-to-don fit that’s perfect for high-intensity activities.
Earbud | Wi-Fi Enabled | IP55 Water Resistant | Weight: 1.02 oz | Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours | Dimensions: 6.61 x 5.35 x 2.64 inches
Philips Go A7607
What’s the best bone conduction headphones for outdoor adventures?
Elevate your workday with these innovative bone conduction headphones, perfect for seamless transitions from conference calls at the office to a high-intensity workout at the gym or an outdoor run afterwards – their versatility knows no bounds. With an IP66 rating, these earbuds boast impressive water resistance and sweatproof capabilities, making them an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable companion for active pursuits or rigorous workouts. Their open-ear design allows wearers to stay acutely aware of their surroundings while remaining fully engaged with the content they’re streaming.
ZDNet editor Jada Jones traded in her AirPods for Philips’ Go A7607 earbuds during her outdoor excursions. While she appreciates the extra sense of security that comes with wearing these headphones, what truly sets them apart is their ability to deliver groove-able audio that can get “really loud” – a feature that has resonated with numerous Amazon reviewers. Additionally, the headphones’ waterproof ranking and impressive battery life have also garnered praise from customers.
Crafted specifically for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, these headphones boast a carefully curated selection of features designed to impress even the most discerning outdoor trainers. The neckband features a vibrant pink LED light that enhances your visibility to motorists and others when training at night.
Wireless Earbuds | IP66 Waterproof Rating | Lightweight Design: 1.3 oz | Long-Lasting Battery Life: Up to 9 Hours | Compact Size: 6.65 x 5.31 x 2.72 inches
Shokz OpenSwim Professional
Bone Conduction Headphones: A Game-Changer for Swimmers
For dedicated swimmers seeking to inject excitement into their routine, the Shokz OpenSwim Professional offers a wealth of innovative features. The OpenSwim Professional boasts a catchy melody that lingers, a prolonged battery life, and exceptional audio quality. “As long as you have access to your own stored music library, this waterproof headset is an excellent option for enjoying beats,”
For individuals unfamiliar with bone conduction headphones designed specifically for swimming, it’s essential to understand that they operate differently from conventional Bluetooth headphones. You likely won’t be able to access your phone’s data connection underwater and stream music from services like Spotify or Apple Music in this context. When used as a substitute, these headphones seamlessly transition into MP3 mode. You’ll upload your audio files to the OpenSwim Professional by establishing a connection with your laptop and transmitting the data wirelessly or via USB. To fully appreciate these underwater experiences, consider having a few songs in MP3 format ready to play.
To streamline your aquatic adventures, consider integrating the Shokz app to seamlessly transition between normal and swimming modes. The application also supports EQ settings adjustments, seamless multipoint pairing, customizable bodily buttons, and real-time battery status monitoring.
When donning these headphones, it’s challenging to simultaneously wear a swim cap that fully covers your ears, an essential consideration for swimmers seeking to prevent water entry during their workouts. While ideal for swimmers, these waterproof headphones are highly recommended for anyone seeking reliable underwater audio.
What’s your listening pleasure? Wi-Fi enabled headphones | Durable design with IP68 rating | Lightweight at 27.3 oz | Up to 9 hours of playback time
Mojawa Run+ Bone Conduction Headphones are designed for seamless listening while staying active.
Greatest Shokz OpenRun Professional dupe
ZDNet contributor Jack Wallen traded in his $180 Shokz OpenRun Professionals for the $160 bone conduction Audio-Technica ATH-SPORT70iS, reporting a generally positive experience. They deliver exceptional expertise and premium-quality sound with the Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conduction headphones. While wearing them, users will encounter potentially grueling workouts that pose a challenge for even top-notch bone conduction headphones in maintaining crisp audio quality. While you might be able to run with these devices, they’re equally suitable for swimming thanks to their IP68 waterproof rating.
The contact controls prove to be intuitive, boasting generous proportions that surpass the compact buttons found on Shokz headphones, while delivering pleasant sound quality. For serious athletes who regularly break a sweat during intense workouts, these high-quality earbuds provide reliable performance without compromising on sound quality. Should you encounter any issues with adjusting the Shokz OpenRun Professional headphones, the Mojawa gear is sure to leave you feeling extremely content.
A few Amazon customers further compared the Run Plus to the OpenRun Pro and unanimously agreed that the Run Plus outperforms its competitor in key areas, including comfort, battery life, and sound quality. This pair of earbuds caters to swimmers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking an even more robust waterproof rating than that offered by the OpenRun Pro.
Compact Earbuds: Wi-Fi Enabled, Waterproof (IP68), Lightweight (0.07 kg), Long-Lasting Battery Life (up to 8 hours), and Compact Design (3.9 x 3.1 x 1.2 inches).
Bose Extremely Open Earbuds
Greatest splurge bone conduction headphones
While priced at $300, these Bose Extremely Open earbuds may not be suitable for all budgets. For runners seeking a harmonious blend of consciousness and audio excellence, these earbuds are poised to become an indispensable training companion. The Extremely Open leverages bone and air conduction techniques to deliver immersive audio experiences that seamlessly integrate with your surroundings, offering an unparalleled level of sonic realism without compromising your immediate environment. The innovative design ensures exclusivity: these earbuds seamlessly clip onto your ear, securing them in place with a snug fit akin to a stylish cuff or clip-on earring. You’re free to rattle your head back and forth as many times as you like – the stubborn thoughts won’t shift an inch.
These are my go-to earbuds that I wear everywhere, regardless of whether I’m listening to music or not. While shopping at Dealer Joe’s, strolling home from the subway, or anywhere else, the design and sound of [product] effortlessly facilitate handling environmental concerns, making it simple to keep your eco-friendly goals top of mind. If I’m not thoroughly pleased with a pair of earbuds, I typically remove them from my ears because they disrupt my atmosphere. These do not. These shoes are also ideal for use during extended runs, as they’re capable of handling muddy and watery conditions.
One drawback of these earbuds is that the connection occasionally drops during specific situations. Reddit users consistently report issues with their earbuds’ propensity to unexpectedly disconnect.
For individuals seeking conscious sound and alternatives to bone conduction headphones willing to invest in a premium product, these justify the cost.
Open-ear design with ear cuff | Wi-Fi enabled | IPX4 water-resistant rating | Lightweight 0.01 kilograms | Up to 7.5 hours of battery life
Shokz OpenFit Air
Greatest open-ear different
ZDNet’s Matt Miller put the Shokz OpenFit Air headphones to the test, combining a grueling workout routine with daily commutes, and concludes that they’re an excellent option for those seeking a reliable alternative to traditional bone conduction headphones that still offer situational awareness. While the OpenFit Air builds upon its predecessor’s comfort and value, offering a more affordable option, this enhanced consolation and worth come at the cost of reduced battery life.
Unlike bone conduction headphones, open-ear headphones sit comfortably inside the ear canal instead of encircling the head. Miller praises the stylish connection afforded by this innovative design, describing it as a thoughtful, well-crafted option at an affordable price point.
“For individuals considering retaining their ears open while figuring out, who don’t appreciate bone-conduction headsets, I strongly recommend the OpenFit Air, even over the original model with its $60 premium and relatively minor trade-offs.”
Open-ear wireless headphone | WiFi connectivity | IP54 water resistance | Up to 6-hour battery life
The Shokz OpenRun Professional stands out as the ideal bone-conduction headphones, boasting IP55 water resistance, integrated Bluetooth 5.1 technology, and a remarkable battery life that sets them apart from others on this list. These bone conduction headphones impress with their tried-and-true over-ear design and featherlight build, earning them our top recommendation.
To assess their standing, a concise overview of past top selections follows immediately below.
| Shokz OpenRun Professional | $180 | 10 hours | IP55 |
| Philips Go A760 | $120 | 9 hours | IP66 |
| Shokz OpenSwim Professional | $180 | 9 hours | IP68 |
| Mojawa Run Plus | $160 | 8 hours | IP68 |
| Bose Extremely Open | $300 | 7.5 hours | IPX4 |
| Shokz OpenFit Air | $120 | 6 hours | IP54 |
Current MSRP. Precise costs may vary depending on available sales, promotions, discounts, and coupons.
Seeking the perfect pair of bone conduction headphones that harmoniously align with your preferences and ear shape? This chart further breaks down our favorite options.
| Shokz OpenRun Professional | Wireless bone conduction headphones equipped with advanced Bluetooth 5.1 technology and an impressive 10-hour continuous playtime.
Ranking among the top performers in terms of audio quality, these bone conduction headphones boast 9th-generation technology that sets a new standard for immersive sound transmission. |
| Philips Go A7607 | Wireless and adaptable bone conduction headphones designed for outdoor use, offering a unique way to enjoy music or podcasts while still being able to hear your surroundings. |
| Shokz OpenSwim Professional | Bone-conduction headphones designed for swimming, boasting an IP68 waterproof rating, provide a secure fit even during intense aquatic training sessions within the confines of a coaching pool. |
| Mojawa Run Plus | A ruggedized smartwatch boasting IP68 water resistance, designed to withstand the rigors of intense physical activity and aquatic pursuits alike, perfect for swimmers and fitness enthusiasts. Numerous reviews indicate that these products outperform the OpenRun Professional, offering a significant value proposition at a substantially lower price point of just $20. |
| Bose Extremely Open | The most expensive bone conduction headphones featured in this selection. The Bose Extremely Open earbuds boast a unique design that securely fits in your ear, providing exceptional sound quality while allowing you to remain acutely aware of your surroundings. The earbuds provide long-lasting comfort and a unique design that allows for easy clipping into the ears, even when the music is not playing. |
| Shokz OpenFit Air |
These open-ear headphones deliver exceptional sound quality, a genuine battery life, and a value price that’s a whopping $60 less than their predecessor. |
As you prepare to store your bone conduction headphones, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Key factors to consider are:
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Several types of bone conduction headphones exist, including both over-the-ear and in-ear variants. Are you looking to purchase waterproof headphones suitable for various activities, including swimming, working outdoors in rainy conditions, and occasional casual use with minimal exposure to water or moisture? While bone conduction headphones offer flexibility, they may excel at aquatic activities but falter when it comes to casual outdoor listening. Determining the intended purpose is the crucial consideration that needs to be addressed first.
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It’s hardly surprising that when investing $100 to $200 in headphones, you expect a quality listening experience free from tinny, warbled, or muffled sounds. While bone conduction headphones may not always be synonymous with exceptional sound quality, we’ve curated a selection of top-notch headphones that successfully marry great audio with environmental awareness.
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The bone conduction headphones on this listing boast a typical battery life of around 8.5 hours. When investing more than $100 in a pair of headphones, it’s reasonable to expect a battery life that can power through multiple hours of listening, ideally exceeding the duration of a few train rides.
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What does an IP68 rating mean for a swimmer like you? When selecting a watch as an outdoor runner who exercises in harsh weather conditions or tends to sweat excessively, ensure the device boasts a waterproof rating of at least IP55.
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Priced from $30 to $200, the bone conduction headphones offered on this listing exhibit a significant range of value. Whatever you put into something is exactly what you’ll get out of it. While budget-friendly options for headphones might come with trade-offs like shorter battery life and reduced durability, investing in higher-end models can result in longer-lasting performance and greater resilience.
ZDNet’s team went hands-on with numerous picks from this list, thoroughly testing the latest and greatest tech innovations to ensure our recommendations remain up-to-date and accurate. Before compiling our review, we dedicate ample time – often spanning several weeks or more – to thoroughly test the product across various settings. Since we don’t appreciate a product, we’re unable to showcase it on this listing – what’s the point of evaluating a subpar headphone anyway? To rigorously test these headphones, our contributors have subjected them to a range of real-world scenarios, from high-intensity workouts to water-based activities, evaluating their performance under diverse conditions.
While acknowledging the potential cost of investing in expertise, we carefully consider factors like value, efficiency, individual expertise, customer reviews, longevity, and battery life, only endorsing products that meet our rigorous standards and which we would confidently recommend to others.
To gain more insight into our comprehensive testing program, explore our detailed online course.
Bone conduction headphones utilize subtle vibrations to convey sound waves directly onto the inner ear, circumventing the need for the eardrum. Unlike traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones, which physically block out ambient sounds by sealing the ear canal, bone conduction headphones bypass the eardrum altogether, transmitting sound vibrations directly to the cochlea.
Pioneering this music-listening technique was none other than Ludwig van Beethoven himself. When Beethoven’s hearing began to decline, he’d place the tip of a stick on his piano and pluck the opposite end to truly experience the music resonating through his jawbone.
These bone conduction headphones occasionally rest on the cheekbones, employing a compact transducer that transmits subtle vibrations through facial bones to the inner ear canal? This feature allows customers to enjoy crystal-clear audio while still being aware of their surroundings. For individuals who work in noisy environments or those exhausted by constant noise, this could be a useful tool. For individuals with physical limitations, these devices can also serve as a viable alternative to traditional headphones.
This innovative engineering of bone conduction headphones may reduce the inner-ear trauma caused by
When purchasing bone conduction headphones, it’s crucial to verify their waterproof or water-resistant rating beforehand, as not all models share this feature. If you’re looking to stay entertained while swimming or engaging in water activities, seek out waterproof bone conduction headphones with an IP68 rating for optimal protection against the elements.
Bone conduction headphones vary significantly in value depending on the manufacturer and model you choose. Our top-rated bone conduction headphones offer a range of effectiveness at prices spanning $30 to $200 each.
Given their design, these headphones are unlikely to be considered top-tier options for those seeking superior audio quality. However, it’s unlikely that you’re searching for headphones specifically designed for audio high-quality features. Because of their open design, bone conduction headphones can effectively promote overall wellbeing by allowing listeners to stay aware of their surroundings while still enjoying their music, thereby enhancing environmental consciousness.
For instance, Dr. Dr. Kelvin Fernandez, a physician and healthcare educator, hails them as a true pioneer in the medical field, citing a specific instance where their innovative approach significantly improved the life of one of his patients – an aspiring musician struggling with profound hearing loss. They allowed him to continue pursuing his passions. “It was a truly emotional victory and a shining example of technology’s potential to elevate our lives,” Fernandez said.
Although Aftershokz merchandise remain robust and thriving, the brand is now simply known as Shokz following a December 2021 rebranding effort. One of Aftershokz’s most popular products and our top-rated bone conduction headphones for learners, the Aftershokz Aeropex has been rebranded as the Shokz OpenRun.
Among these six bone conduction headphones, we also noticed a few other options that warrant mention. Manufacturers such as AfterShokz and Pyle Bone offer a variety of appealing options. If you’re unimpressed by the previous options, we’ve also had success with these bone conduction headphones that cater to a different aesthetic.
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