It's fall and that means more time well spent outdoors, gathering with friends, and enjoying nature. Which means, you may be taking more long walks or running outside.
So, you may be in need of a new pair of headphones to compliment those nature walks or your daily run. And, that’s where bone conduction headphones come in.
There’s a lot of options on the market right now, with varying tech specs and functionality. How do you pick the best ones?
As an audiologist, I am often asked about different types of headphones and earbuds. Bone conduction can be a less intrusive way to experience audio while staying aware of your surroundings.
And, just how do these devices work? Simply put, bone conduction headphones use vibrations to conduct sound to your inner ear through your cheekbones instead of traditional earbuds that use speakers in your ear canal.
In this article, I'll shed light on the mechanics behind bone conduction headphones, what to look for when buying a pair, and my top picks for the best bone conduction headphones on the market.
The Five Best Bone Conduction Headphones 👇
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- 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
- 100% independently owned and operated
We launched Soundly.com in 2022 to create a better starting point for the hearing health experience.
Instead of selling hearing aids directly, we spend our time reviewing products, publishing clearly organized information, and building modern tools to make the process of accessing hearing health easier. Learn more.
Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Read more about our research process here.
Featured in this article
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
Are you an athlete who wants both superior sound and eye-catching style? Then, consider the Bose Frames Tempo.Wearing glasses and bone conduction headphones can be challenging, so that’s where this device is unique. With these one-of-a-kind audio sunglasses, you can easily hit the trails, run errands, or just lounge outdoors and simultaneously stream music and get UV ray protection.Specially designed with Bose speakers in each temple with an aerodynamic nylon frame and soft silicone nose pads, so you can enjoy maximum performance regardless of terrain or lighting conditions. The headphones also come with multi-colored interchangeable lenses so you can customize shades to match your style.
The reviews highlight the Bose sunglasses as an impressive blend of high-quality sound and convenience, perfect for outdoor activities like walking, golfing, or even working. Users love the crisp audio, Bose-level sound quality, and ability to control music and calls directly from the frames. Many appreciate the comfort and the fact that they allow you to stay aware of your surroundings, unlike earbuds. While some users noted minor drawbacks like a snug fit or finicky touch controls, the overall consensus is that they are a great investment, especially for those who dislike in-ear devices. Highly recommended for both style and function!
Minimal to no sound leakage, enjoy music without disturbing othersLenses come in different color optionsMicrophone in the right arm for noise reduction
Battery life lasts only 3.5 hoursProprietary magnetic charging cable
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.
Final Thoughts
Bone conduction headphones are the perfect tool to balance safety with music motivation.
Key Takeaways:
- 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.
