Bone conduction headphones are built for people who move. Whether you're running, walking, or cycling, they let you listen to audio without blocking out the world around you.
Instead of going in your ears, they sit just in front of them and use gentle vibrations to send sound through your cheekbones.
The result is a listening experience that keeps you connected — to your playlist, your podcast, and your surroundings.
In this guide, we'll explain how bone conduction works, what to look for when choosing a pair, and which models stand out right now.
The Five Best Bone Conduction Headphones 👇
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- Bone conduction headphones keep your ears open, making them safer for running, cycling, and outdoor use.
- Sound quality is mid-focused, great for podcasts and calls, but less ideal for bass-heavy music.
- Shokz OpenRun offers the best overall balance of comfort, clarity, and battery life.
- Mojawa Mojo2 and YouthWhisper SuperQ3 are strong budget alternatives, with surprising performance for the price.
- Not all picks use true bone conduction — some, like Bose Frames Tempo, use air conduction but offer similar benefits.
- 50+ hearing aid brands reviewed and rated by our team of hearing aid wearers and audiologists
- 200+ hours each month spent researching brands and care options
- 2,000,000 people shopped on Soundly in 2024
- 100% independently owned and operated
Read more about our company, services and process here.
Featured in this article
Here’s a closer look at the top bone conduction headphones available right now. Each one offers a slightly different blend of comfort, sound quality, and fit.
Whether you’re running outdoors or just looking for an alternative to earbuds, there’s likely an option that fits your needs.
Shokz OpenRun
Shokz OpenRun
- Open-Ear Awareness: Bone conduction technology keeps you connected to your surroundings, ideal for outdoor safety.
- Comfortable Fit: Lightweight, wraparound frame sits securely without earbud pressure.
- All-Weather Ready: IP67 waterproof rating withstands sweat and rain, ideal for workouts.
- Extended Battery Life: Up to 8 hours of listening with a quick-charge feature for extra convenience.
The Shokz OpenRun bone conduction headphones offer a blend of comfort and safety, ideal for outdoor activities.
- The open-ear design provides secure, comfortable listening without blocking ambient sounds, making it well-suited for users who want to stay aware of their surroundings.
- With an IP67 waterproof rating, the OpenRun withstands sweat and rain, ensuring reliability even during intense workouts.
For those looking for headphones that balance audio quality with situational awareness, the Shokz OpenRun is a dependable choice.
- Clear Sound, Open-Ear Comfort: Users appreciate the clear audio quality that lets them enjoy music or podcasts without sacrificing awareness of their surroundings.
- Lightweight and Secure Fit: The lightweight, wraparound design is often praised for staying comfortably in place, even during vigorous activity.
- Perfect for Outdoor Activities: Many find the OpenRun ideal for running, cycling, and hiking, as the open-ear design provides added safety by allowing ambient sound.
- Impressive Battery Life: Eight hours of playtime meets most users' needs, and the quick-charge feature provides a convenient 1.5-hour boost in just ten minutes.
- Reliable in All Weather: The IP67 waterproof rating earns praise for withstanding sweat and rain, though users note it's not suited for swimming.
- Minor Adjustment Period: Some mention an initial adjustment to the bone conduction feel, but they quickly get used to it.
Overall, users find the OpenRun practical, comfortable, and safe for active lifestyles.
- Comfortable open-ear design keeps you aware of your surroundings
- Lightweight and secure fit for extended use
- IP67 rating provides sweat and water resistance for tough workouts
- 8-hour battery life with quick-charge capability for last-minute boosts
- Not suitable for swimming, despite water resistance
- Some users may need time to adjust to bone conduction technology
- May not block out environmental noise for focused listening
Bose Frames Tempo
Bose Frames Tempo
- Open-Ear Awareness: Built-in speakers let you hear music and surroundings at the same time.
- Secure Fit: Adjustable nose pads and flexible grips help keep them stable during movement.
- Weather-Resistant Build: Durable nylon frame resists sweat, dust, and rain for all-weather use.
- Long Battery Life: Offers up to 8 hours of playtime, suitable for long workouts or commutes.
The Bose Frames Tempo are open-ear audio sunglasses designed for users who want to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying music during outdoor activities.
- The open-ear design with built-in Bose speakers allows for situational awareness without sacrificing audio clarity—ideal for cyclists, runners, and hikers who need to hear ambient sounds.
- A durable nylon frame, flexible temple grips, and adjustable nose pads provide a secure, comfortable fit, even during high-intensity movement or changing weather conditions.
Thanks to their long battery life and interchangeable polarized lenses, the Bose Frames Tempo offer a practical solution for multisport users who value safety, functionality, and convenience in one device.
- Clear, Open-Ear Sound: Many users are impressed by the audio quality, noting that the open-ear design still delivers rich, clear sound—even during outdoor workouts.
- Ideal for Active Use: The secure fit and lightweight feel make these a go-to for activities like cycling, running, and hiking, with users praising how well they stay in place.
- All-Day Comfort: Reviewers often mention the comfortable frame and adjustable nose pads, saying they’re easy to wear for long periods without irritation.
- Convenient Controls: Built-in buttons for music and calls are generally appreciated, though a few users found them slightly awkward to use at first.
- Durability in Tough Conditions: Users say the frames hold up well in various weather, including light rain and sweat, making them suitable for regular outdoor use.
- A Few Fit Concerns: Some mention the frames feel snug on wider heads, and others wish the lens tint options offered more variety out of the box.
Overall, users value the combination of awareness, comfort, and functionality.
- Open-ear design keeps you aware of traffic and surroundings
- Loud audio that can cut through wind noise
- Comfortable fit with adjustable nose pads
- Durable construction for multi-sport environments
- Interchangeable lenses for different light conditions
- Bluetooth range of up to 30 ft.
- May feel snug on larger head sizes
- Audio can be heard by others at close range
- No noise isolation in loud environments
- Limited lens options included by default
- Touch controls may take time to get used to
Mojawa Mojo2
Mojawa Mojo2
- Open-Ear Design: Ensures comfortable, earbud-free listening while allowing awareness of surroundings for safety.
- Deep Bass Boost: Maglev-Bass technology enhances low frequencies for added workout motivation.
- Flexible & Durable Fit: Titanium alloy with 360° rotation for flexibility, ideal for extreme sports and compatible with helmets.
- Weather-Resistant: IP67 waterproof rating protects against rain, dust, and sweat, suitable for outdoor activities.
The Mojawa Mojo2 open-ear headphones combine comfort, safety, and robust sound quality for active users.
- The open-ear design allows users to stay aware of their surroundings, enhancing safety for outdoor activities like running or cycling.
- With Maglev-Bass technology, these headphones deliver deep bass and clear low-frequency details, offering an engaging audio experience, especially during workouts.
The Mojo2’s lightweight, flexible build and IP67 waterproof rating make it a practical choice for anyone needing reliable, weather-resistant headphones that keep up with intense activities.
- Clear Sound with Deep Bass: Users appreciate the Mojo2’s audio clarity and deep bass, noting how it enhances their workout and music experience.
- Comfortable Open-Ear Design: The open-ear fit is frequently praised for its comfort, especially for long periods, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings.
- Reliable for Intense Workouts: With its waterproof and sweat-resistant design, many find the Mojo2 ideal for high-intensity activities, even in challenging weather.
- Secure and Lightweight Fit: Reviewers highlight the snug, lightweight design that stays in place during movement, making it great for running and outdoor sports.
- Impressive Battery Life: Users love the long battery life, mentioning that the quick charge feature provides extended listening with minimal wait time.
- Minor Drawbacks: Some mention call quality could be improved, especially in noisy areas, and note that volume levels may need adjusting in loud environments.
Overall, users find the Mojo2 a reliable and comfortable choice for active, on-the-go audio.
- Open-ear design provides situational awareness, beneficial for outdoor workouts.
- Maglev-Bass delivers enhanced bass, ideal for those seeking extra motivation during exercise.
- Lightweight, flexible fit with titanium build is designed for comfort and durability.
- Quick charge feature offers up to 80 minutes of playback with just a 5-minute charge.
- Not suitable for swimming, despite its waterproof rating.
- Call quality may be affected in noisy environments.
- Volume may need adjusting in louder settings to ensure clarity.
- Proprietary charger limits compatibility with other charging cables.
Philips Go A6606
Philips Go A6606
- Outdoor Safety: Open-ear design enhances awareness of surroundings, making it ideal for outdoor workouts.
- Long-Lasting Battery: Up to 9 hours of playtime, plus a 15-minute quick charge for an extra hour on the go.
- Durable for All Conditions: IP67-rated for water and dust resistance, so it’s suitable for any weather or intense workouts.
- Hands-Free Controls: Integrated buttons for calls, music, and voice assistant access, keeping interactions simple.
The Philips GO A6606 Bone Conduction Headphones offer a unique design that keeps your ear canals open, allowing for safer outdoor workouts with full awareness of your surroundings.
- Enhanced Safety Features: The integrated high-visibility LED light, controllable via the Philips Headphones app, adds a layer of visibility for outdoor activities, especially in low-light conditions.
- Comfortable and Durable Build: With a flexible titanium neckband and lightweight design, these headphones stay securely in place through any movement, while the IP67 waterproof rating ensures they withstand rain, sweat, and dust.
For active users seeking comfort, durability, and situational awareness, the Philips GO A6606 headphones are a practical, all-weather companion.
- Ideal for Outdoor Awareness: The open-ear design is praised for keeping users alert to surroundings during workouts.
- Comfortable Fit for Short Use: Lightweight neckband is generally secure, though a few find it less comfortable for long sessions.
- Reliable Bluetooth Connection: Users appreciate the stable Bluetooth, especially during outdoor activities.
- Battery Life Meets Expectations: Battery holds up to 8-9 hours, with some noting minor drain when idle.
- Simple Controls with Minor Hiccups: Buttons are easy to use but can be tricky when hands are sweaty.
- Mixed Durability: Some report buzzing issues or loose parts, noting room for improvement in build quality.
Overall, users value these headphones for safe, outdoor-friendly listening, with some durability concerns.
- High visibility LED light for added safety during evening activities
- Lightweight and flexible neckband designed for a secure, comfortable fit
- Reliable Bluetooth connection with strong range for outdoor use
- Waterproof and dustproof, ideal for rain, sweat, and beach use
- Limited bass response typical of bone conduction technology
- Controls can be tricky to use with sweaty hands
- Some users report occasional buzzing or durability issues over time
YouthWhisper SuperQ3
YouthWhisper SuperQ3
- Open-Ear Design: Bone conduction technology keeps your ears free, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings.
- Comfortable Fit: Lightweight build with a flexible titanium headband and soft silicone pads for pressure-free wear.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 6 hours of music playtime or 8 hours of calls on a full charge.
- Stable Connectivity: Seamlessly connects to multiple devices with reliable Bluetooth for hands-free control.
YouthWhisper SuperQ3 Bone Conduction Headphones offer a balance of comfort and safety, making them ideal for all-day listening or outdoor activities.
- The open-ear design uses bone conduction technology, keeping your ears free while allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings—great for runners, cyclists, or parents multitasking at home.
- A lightweight, flexible titanium headband combined with soft silicone patches provides comfort during extended wear, reducing pressure on your ears and cheekbones.
These headphones are a reliable choice for those who prioritize situational awareness and comfort without sacrificing sound quality during workouts or daily routines.
- Clear Sound with Open-Ear Comfort: Users appreciate the bone conduction technology, which delivers clear sound while keeping ears open for situational awareness—ideal for outdoor activities.
- Lightweight & Comfortable Fit: Many reviewers highlight the flexible titanium headband and soft silicone patches, noting how comfortable they are even during long listening sessions.
- Impressive Battery Life: With up to 6 hours of continuous playback or 8 hours of talk time, users find the battery life sufficient for workouts and daily tasks.
- Great for Multi-Tasking: These headphones are praised for allowing users to stay connected to their surroundings, making them perfect for running, cycling, or doing chores.
- Reliable Bluetooth Connection: Users report smooth connections to multiple devices, with easy controls for adjusting volume and skipping tracks.
- Minor Drawbacks: Some users mention that the sound can be faint in noisy environments
- Comfortable open-ear design keeps ears free while listening.
- Lightweight and flexible for extended wear without discomfort.
- Decent battery life supports up to 6 hours of continuous play.
- Great for outdoor activities where situational awareness is crucial.
- Bulky compared to alternative bone conduction headphones
- Not as strong battery life as some competitor products
- Fair to average sound quality, with less desirable call quality
What are bone conduction headphones and how do they work?
Ever wonder how you can stay aware of the world while enjoying your favorite songs? That's a job for bone conduction headphones.
Bone conduction headphones use a technology that allows sound to be transmitted through vibrations that travel from your cheekbones to your inner ear.
Here’s how it works:
- Instead of blocking outside noise, this technology enables you to hear both your music and the world around you.
- The headphones are placed on your cheekbone directly in front of each ear.
- The vibrations then travel through your skull bones to the inner ear.
Note: As with any headphone, it's still important to listen at safe levels regardless of type.
What To Look For In A Pair Of Bone Conduction Headphones
Getting the right device is vital, but what features should you be on the lookout for?
First things first: Comfort is key. You want a set that sits securely and feels comfortable on your cheekbones.
Sound quality is also crucial, but the audio experience differs from traditional headphones since bone conduction provides environmental awareness. You'll appreciate great sound quality, but don't expect a bass-heavy experience with the open-ear design.
And here is when you’ll want to consider your lifestyle and preferences. For starters, look at these considerations:
- Consider battery life: Do you enjoy streaming music for hours at a time? Engage in long-distance running? Most bone conduction headphones last four to eight hours, and some offer recharge capabilities that are lightning-fast.
- Think about protection: This includes device protection like warranties and waterproofing. Some models are water resistant or waterproof, the latter being ideal for swimming.
- Charging and cables: Depending on the battery you want and functionality (i.e. waterproof), you might need speciality charging cables.
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Headphones: What to Know
Bone conduction headphones deliver sound through vibrations that travel along your cheekbones, bypassing the eardrum.
Traditional headphones and earbuds use speakers that send sound directly into your ear canal.
Here’s how they compare:
- Awareness: Bone conduction headphones keep your ears open, which makes them better for outdoor use and safety. Traditional headphones block out ambient sound unless they’re specifically designed to be open-back.
- Sound Quality: Traditional headphones tend to have fuller sound, especially with bass. Bone conduction can sound thinner, with more emphasis on mids and highs.
- Comfort: Bone conduction models don’t go in or over your ears, which can reduce irritation during long use. Traditional options offer more padding or ear tips but may cause fatigue.
- Noise Isolation: Bone conduction doesn’t isolate at all — which is intentional. Traditional headphones offer everything from passive isolation to full active noise cancellation.
- Use Cases: Bone conduction is ideal for running, cycling, or walking in public areas. Traditional headphones are better for immersive listening at home, work, or the gym.
Bone Conduction Headphones for Running: What to Know
Running with traditional earbuds can be frustrating — they fall out, block outside sounds, and can become uncomfortable over long distances.
That’s where bone conduction headphones stand out. They rest just in front of your ears and transmit sound through your cheekbones, keeping your ears completely open to your environment.
For runners, this means hearing traffic, bikes, other pedestrians, or running partners without pausing your playlist or sacrificing awareness. It’s a safer, more natural way to listen while staying focused on your pace and surroundings.
When choosing a pair of bone conduction headphones for running, here are a few features to prioritize:
Bone conduction headphones won’t block out the world, and that’s the point. For running outdoors, it’s hard to find a safer or more comfortable option.
Final Thoughts
Bone conduction headphones are the perfect tool to balance safety with music motivation.
Here's what to keep in mind:
- Whether you're taking your run to a whole new level, upgrading your cycling ride, or just trying to stay safe while you exercise, these bone conduction headphones have top-notch features to immerse you in sound without being cut off from your surroundings.
- When selecting a pair, it's essential to consider factors such as comfort, battery life, and overall audio quality.
With this in mind, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect pair of bone conduction headphones to suit your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Yes - especially if you want to stay aware of your surroundings while listening to audio. They’re not for audiophiles, but they’re great for safety and comfort during outdoor activities.
They offer less bass, no noise isolation, and may not stay secure during intense movement. The open design also makes them less ideal for noisy environments.
Yes, at higher volumes there can be some sound leakage. It’s usually quiet but noticeable in silent settings like libraries.
Bone conduction is one type of open-ear design. Some open-ear models (like air conduction or open earbuds) offer better sound, but they often reduce situational awareness. It depends on your priorities.
A bit - more than in-ear earbuds but less than some open-back headphones. At moderate volumes, it’s not disruptive.
