The 9 Best Bone Conduction Headphones (2024)
The market is filled with so many bone conduction headphones at the moment, it can be tricky to find the best ones. Today, I’ll showcase the top 9 best bone-conduction headphones available out there.
My main recommended bone conduction headphones are the Shokz OpenRun Pro. They feature a comfortable open-ear design, and dual noise-canceling microphone, and are fairly lightweight.
For a second option, I recommend the YouthWhisper Lite. They feature an open-ear design, a comfortable titanium frame with a lightweight body, and are very affordable. Plus they have an IP54 waterproof rating which is always a plus.
For our guide to the 9 best bone conduction headphones, I conducted thorough research, considering various factors such as sound quality, comfort, battery life, and other features that are important.
Traditional headphones completely isolate you from the studio, whereas bone conduction headphones allow you to hear the producer’s comments and directions without ever taking them off. They truly are a game changer.
Contents
- The Best Bone Conduction Headphones (2024) – At a Glance
- 1. Shokz OpenRun Pro
- 2. YouthWhisper Lite
- 3. Shokz OpenRun
- 4. Shokz OpenMove
- 5. Tayogo S2
- 6. Shokz OpenComm
- 7. Mojawa MOJO1
- 8. Shokz OpenSwim Swimming MP3
- 9. Pyle PSWBT550.5
- Key Features and Specs to Look for in Bone Conduction Headphones
- Understanding Bone Conduction Technology
- Pros and Cons of Bone Conduction Headphones
- Bone Conduction Headphones and Hearing Impairments
- Maintaining and Caring for Your Bone Conduction Headphones
- FAQs
- Conclusion
The Best Bone Conduction Headphones (2024) – At a Glance
Let’s move onto the full list:
1. Shokz OpenRun Pro
The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro set feature 9th Gen Enhanced Bone Conduction Technology that lets you hear your surroundings while enjoying music or calls. It transmits audio through the cheekbones, offering clear sound, great volume, and deep bass.
Pros
- Comfortable open-ear design
- Improved 9th-generation bone conduction technology
- Lightweight and secure fit
- 10-hour battery life with a quick charge option
- Dual noise-canceling microphone for clear calls
- IP55 water-resistant
Cons
- Mediocre sound quality compared to traditional headphones
- Lacking a bit of bass
- Not adjustable for different head sizes
Experience unrestricted movement during intense workouts with the lightweight titanium frame that fits securely around the head. The open-ear, bud-free design may not have the best sound or bass, but it stays comfortable and in place during jogging, cycling, or lifting weights.
Remain connected and aware of your surroundings with the Situational Awareness feature and Bluetooth 5.1 compatibility. The open-ear design lets you enjoy audio content while staying alert to what’s happening around you. You can easily switch between devices due to simultaneous pairing. It’s nice to enjoy audio without giving up safety or connectivity.
Specs
- Design: Open-Ear
- Material: Titanium frame
- Battery Life: 10 Hours
- Waterproof Rating: IP55
2. YouthWhisper Lite
The YouthWhisper Lite set is lightweight and has a flexible titanium headband, making them comfortable for long periods of wear, whether you’re outdoors or relaxing. You get to enjoy your favorite music without the discomfort of regular headphones. I love the spatial awareness that they offer, which is great for work or doing several other tasks.
Pros
- Bone conduction technology preserves natural hearing
- Comfortable, lightweight design
- Open-ear design for situational awareness
- Easy controls for music and calls
- Sweat-proof and suitable for various outdoor activities
Cons
- The sound quality is not as good as traditional headphones
- Not suitable for too noisy environments
- May require adjusting for optimal fit and sound
Being aware of your surroundings is important with these headphones, as they provide safety for those running or cycling in busy areas. They allow users to enjoy music without blocking out other sounds, ensuring an enjoyable and secure experience outdoors. You don’t have to choose between safety and fun!
A special feature of these headphones is the bone conduction technology. They send audio through your cheekbones, skipping the outer ear, for easy listening all day long. They also come with the latest Bluetooth 5.0 for a strong, steady wireless connection, perfect for an on-the-go lifestyle.
Specs
- Design: Open-ear
- Material: Flexible titanium headband
- Battery Type: 1 Lithium Metal (included)
- Battery Life: 8 hours (phone call), 6 hours (music play)
3. Shokz OpenRun
The days of big, uncomfortable sports headsets are over. The light, open-ear design lets you stay aware of your surroundings while listening to music or making calls. I like that this headset uses bone conduction technology for clear sound and a comfortable fit without using earbuds. It’s great for long listening sessions during workouts.
Pros
- Open-ear design for increased awareness of surroundings
- Lightweight and comfortable during extended use
- 8-hour battery life for music and calls
- IP67 waterproof rating for sweat and weather resistance
- Easy Bluetooth pairing with multiple devices
- Dual noise-canceling microphones for clear calls
Cons
- Not suitable for swimming
- Lack bass compared to traditional headphones
The Shokz OpenRun set stands out because it’s waterproof, with an IP67 rating, making it perfect for jogging or gym workouts. While not suitable for swimming, it can handle rain without damage.
Its one-click button design makes it easy to play, pause, and change tracks, use voice controls, or answer calls. Plus, syncing with iOS and Android devices is simple with Bluetooth. You can enjoy 8 hours of audio and clear communication with dual noise-canceling microphones, all with just one press.
Specs
- Design: Open-Ear
- Battery Life: 8 Hours
- Waterproof Rating: IP67
- Connectivity: Bluetooth
4. Shokz OpenMove
No more tired ears, thanks to the Shokz OpenMove set that prevents ear fatigue and ensures comfort all day long. They let you stay aware of your surroundings, making them perfect for outdoor activities or busy streets while listening to your favorite music.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Comfortable and lightweight open-ear design
- Good sound quality with balanced audio and rich bass
- IP55 water-resistant, suitable for intense workouts and rain
- Compatible with PC, Mac, iPhone, and Android devices
- Secure fit with wraparound titanium frame
Cons
- Sound leakage at high volumes
- Not adjustable for different head sizes
- No fast charging feature
I like that these headphones provide good sound quality and awareness of your surroundings. They use advanced bone conduction technology for accurate and balanced sound, and with PremiumPitch 2.0, you can enjoy high-quality audio with great volume and rich bass, perfect for modern music fans.
Don’t let rain or sweat stop you from listening to your favorite songs. These headphones are water, snow, sweat, and dust-resistant with an IP55 rating. They’re ideal for outdoor lovers or fitness enthusiasts thanks to their secure fit during low-impact activities and ultra-light design, which allows for comfortable all-day wear.
Specs
- Design: Open-Ear
- Material: Titanium frame
- Battery Life: 6 Hours
- Waterproof Rating: IP55
5. Tayogo S2
The innovative bone conduction technology in the Tayogo S2 sends sound through bones near the ear, giving listeners an amazing audio experience. This special method lets users stay aware of their surroundings while having a great listening time, perfect for those active and outdoorsy people.
Pros
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Open-ear design for safety and situational awareness
- Good sound quality
- Bluetooth 5.0 for a stable connection
- Long battery life
- 360-degree rotation for durability and flexibility
Cons
- Not suitable for noisy environments without earplugs
- May not fit well on smaller heads
- Not fully waterproof
The Tayogo S2 headphones have an open-air design that’s great for those who want to be safe and still listen to music. The design helps users stay aware of their surroundings while keeping the sound quality high, making the headphones great for jogging, biking, or just walking around the neighborhood.
I appreciate the comfortable design so you can use them for a long time without any problems. They come in different colors like Grey, Blue, and Red, offering many choices to match your style. The cool colors let users match their headphones with their clothes or personal taste while enjoying the excellent sound, easy Bluetooth connection, and good design.
Specs
- Design: Open-ear
- Material: Flexible silicone
- Battery Type: 200mAH
- Battery Life: 8 hours (talk time), 2 hours (charge time)
6. Shokz OpenComm
Comfort is crucial during long workdays, and this lightweight bone conduction headset provides just that. I appreciate its comfort for extended use and great sound quality. Its stylish and discreet design lets you wear it all day without even noticing, while the open-ear style keeps you aware of your surroundings and delivers excellent audio.
Pros
- Good sound quality
- Comfortable fit
- Waterproof and sweatproof
- Built-in MP3 player with 8GB memory
- Bluetooth connection for streaming from devices
- Suitable for various sports
Cons
- May not fit all head sizes/shape comfortably
- Proprietary charging cable
Stay in touch even in loud settings with the advanced DSP noise-canceling microphone in this highly-rated headset. The patented bone conduction technology of the Shokz OpenComm ensures clear conversations, even in busy workplaces. So, confidently join conference calls with unmatched clarity.
Forget about connection problems thanks to this headset’s dependable Bluetooth 5.1 integration. It not only pairs easily with NFC-enabled devices but also has a unique dual connection feature. Effortlessly connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between audio inputs for a flexible and efficient experience.
Specs
- Design: Open-Ear
- Battery Life: Up to 16 hours
- Quick Charge: 5-minute charge for up to 2 hours of talk time
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1
7. Mojawa MOJO1
The Mojawa MOJO1’s unique actuator enhances bass and sharpens rhythms for a fantastic listening experience. I appreciate their comfortable fit and great sound quality, making them the top choice for music lovers seeking the best listening experience.
Pros
- Good sound quality for voice communication
- Fast charging and long battery life
- Comfortable for long wear times
- Noise-canceling boom microphone
- Dual device compatibility
- Bluetooth 5.1 for a stable connection
Cons
- Vibration at high volume
- Headband may not be adjustable for all head sizes
- No built-in mute button
These headphones let you focus on your music by eliminating the surrounding noise with their noise-canceling technology, which also minimizes echo and other disturbances. Plus, they keep your music private by reducing sound leakage. They really help users block out distractions and fully enjoy their music.
A standout feature of these headphones is their double protection mechanism. By using bone conduction technology that avoids eardrum contact and an ALULA reflective strip for nighttime visibility, they not only protect against hearing damage but also keep users safe. Their innovative design, reliable technology, and focus on well-being make these headphones a great partner for any adventure.
Specs
- Design: Open-ear
- Battery Life: 8 Hours
- Material: Flexible titanium frame wrapped in soft silicone
- Waterproof Rating: IP67
8. Shokz OpenSwim Swimming MP3
Explore an amazing underwater audio experience with Shokz OpenSwim MP3 swimming headphones. With a high IP68 waterproof rating, these headphones can be used up to two meters deep for two hours. Made for athletes, this excellent waterproofing lets swimmers listen to music and train with no worries about water damage.
Pros
- Comfortable and stable fit
- Good sound quality and bass
- Less sound leakage and echo cancellation
- 8-hour battery life with a quick-charge feature
- IP67 waterproof and sweatproof
- Lightweight and flexible titanium frame
Cons
- Not adjustable to fit all head sizes
- Not suitable for swimming
I like the great sound quality of these headphones, even underwater. The Shokz OpenSwim uses advanced bone conduction technology for bud-free listening. These lightweight headphones are comfortable and allow users to hear their surroundings in and out of the water. Their slim design fits easily under swim caps or helmets, making them very versatile.
With 4GB of internal storage, the Shokz OpenSwim allows users to store up to 1,200 songs in various formats like MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, and FLAC, so you can enjoy your favorite tunes during any activity. Easy-to-use controls let you play, skip, pause, and rewind tracks while enjoying an incredible 8 hours of battery life.
Specs
- Design: Open-Ear
- Waterproof Rating: IP68
- Battery Life: 8 Hours
- Battery Type: 1 Lithium Polymer battery (included)
9. Pyle PSWBT550.5
Discover a fresh way to enjoy your favorite music with the Pyle PSWBT550.5 Headphones. Their cutting-edge technology lets you hear your surroundings while listening to the audio, making them perfect for outdoor activities, workouts, or daily commutes. You’ll be amazed at how you ever listened to music without this innovation.
Pros
- Great sound quality
- Comfortable, open-ear design
- IP68 waterproof rating for up to 2 meters deep
- Secure fit, even with a swim cap or helmet
- Internal music storage for up to 1,200 songs
- Compatible with various file formats (MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, FLAC)
Cons
- Not Bluetooth compatible
- Requires manual file transfer; no wireless downloading
- Works best with earplugs, which are not always comfortable for all users
No more dealing with tangled wires or gadgets slipping away. Thanks to Bluetooth 4.1 compatibility, you can easily stream music within a 35-foot range from any compatible device. This feature allows you to move freely without losing music or call quality, ensuring stress-free and fun workouts or outdoor activities.
Specs
- Bluetooth Version: 4.1
- Waterproof Rating: IPX6
- Battery Type: 200mAh
- Charge Time: 4 Hours
Forget about heavy headphones that slow you down during exercise. These lightweight on-ear headphones are made for active people. Their secure, comfortable wrap-around style and adjustable earpiece strap fit both adults and kids. Enjoy long listening sessions without discomfort and let these headphones be the background music for your next great adventure.
Key Features and Specs to Look for in Bone Conduction Headphones
There are a few things you need to consider before buying BOne Conduction Headphones. Comfort, fit, Sound Quality, Battery Life, and Durability, among other things, are crucial to the ideal product for you.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit are crucial factors to consider when choosing bone-conduction headphones, especially for prolonged use during activities like running, cycling, or workouts.
For example, the Shokz OpenRun set offers an extremely lightweight and comfortable design for all-day listening while ensuring a secure fit that doesn’t interfere with your movements. Similarly, the Shokz OpenMove has a lightweight design and a secure fit that ensures comfort throughout the day.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is of utmost importance when choosing the perfect bone-conduction headphones for your listening experience. With bone conduction technology, the audio is delivered through vibrations, bypassing the eardrum and directly stimulating the inner ear, which results in a unique and different audio experience compared to traditional headphones.
For a premium sound experience, you can consider options like the Shokz OpenRun set or the Shokz OpenRun Pro, which incorporates advanced bone conduction technology and bass enhancers for an immersive audio experience. It’s essential to carefully evaluate the headphones’ audio quality, whether you prioritize deep bass, balanced mids, or crisp highs, and choose one that suits your personal sound preferences.
Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor to consider when it comes to purchasing bone-conduction headphones, as it impacts both the convenience and overall functionality of the device. A longer battery life allows for extended use and is especially important for athletes or individuals with busy lifestyles who need their headphones to last as long as their workouts or daily activities.
The Shokz OpenRun Pro is an excellent option in this regard, with a 10-hour battery life and fast charging capabilities that cater to people on the move. Similarly, the Shokz OpenRun also boasts an 8-hour battery life, which is suitable for all-day listening.
Durability and Water Resistance
Durability and water resistance are crucial factors to consider when selecting bone-conduction headphones, as they impact the longevity of the device and its ability to withstand various environments and activities.
For instance, the Shokz OpenRun set features an impressive IP67 waterproof rating, making them perfect for workouts and running even in wet conditions. In contrast, the Shokz OpenRun Pro comes with an IP55 water-resistant rating and can withstand sweat and light rain.
Connectivity and Compatibility
When considering connectivity and compatibility, it’s crucial to look for bone-conduction headphones that offer a stable and reliable connection, such as Bluetooth v5.0 or v5.1, which are commonly found in models like the Shokz OpenRun Pro and the YouthWhisper Lite.
This ensures a smooth audio experience without any interruptions or lags when paired with various devices, including iOS and Android smartphones, and even PCs and Macs. Similarly, the Shokz OpenRun and Tayogo S2 also feature Bluetooth 5.0 for lag-free transmission and seamless pairing compatibility.
What are Bone Conduction Headphones?
Bone conduction headphones are a type of audio device that use vibrations to transmit sound through the cheekbones to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrums. They are popular among athletes and individuals with hearing loss, as they do not block outside noise and provide a comfortable fit.
Understanding Bone Conduction Technology
Bone conduction is a natural hearing method that bypasses the eardrum and transmits sound vibrations directly to the inner ear through the bones in our skull. This technology has made its way into the realm of headphones, offering a unique listening experience without obstructing the ear canal. Examples of these headphones include the Shokz OpenRun and the Shokz OpenMove.
Pros and Cons of Bone Conduction Headphones
Pros:
- Maintains situational awareness by allowing users to listen to the audio while still hearing ambient sounds
- Can be beneficial for individuals with certain types of hearing impairments
- Comfortable and unobtrusive fit
- Useful for specific activities such as swimming and running
Cons:
- May have inferior sound quality compared to traditional over-ear or in-ear headphones
- Possible discomfort while wearing glasses or helmets
- Potential for sound leakage at higher volumes
- Can be more expensive than traditional alternatives
Bone Conduction Headphones and Hearing Impairments
Bone conduction headphones can be highly beneficial for people with conductive hearing loss, allowing them to hear sounds without hindrance from issues within the outer or middle ear. These headphones transmit sound directly to the inner ear, providing a valuable solution for individuals with specific hearing impairments.
Maintaining and Caring for Your Bone Conduction Headphones
- Keep them clean: Wipe your headphones with a soft, slightly damp cloth to remove sweat or dirt.
- Store them safely: Utilize carrying cases (like those provided with Shokz OpenComm and Shokz OpenRun Pro to protect your headphones from damage.
- Charge appropriately: Use the included charging cables, such as those bundled with the Tayogo Bone Conduction Headphones, to ensure compatibility and optimal battery health.
FAQs
1. How do bone-conduction headphones work?
Bone conduction headphones work by transmitting sound vibrations through the bones in your skull to your inner ear, bypassing the eardrum and allowing you to hear audio while still being able to hear external sounds.
2. Are bone-conduction headphones safe for my hearing?
Yes, bone conduction headphones are a safe and non-invasive way to listen to audio without damaging your eardrums, as they do not deliver sound waves directly into your ear canal.
3. Will bone-conduction headphones work for people with hearing loss?
It depends on the individual’s specific hearing loss and the severity of their condition; bone conduction headphones may not be as effective as traditional headphones for those with very severe hearing loss, but they can be a good option for those with conductive hearing loss or unilateral hearing loss.
4. What are the advantages of using bone-conduction headphones?
Some advantages of using bone conduction headphones include being able to hear your surroundings while still listening to the audio, reducing the risk of hearing damage, and being more comfortable to wear during physical activity.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a lightweight, comfortable design or premium audio, bone-conduction headphones have got you covered. From sound quality to comfort, these headphones had so much to offer. Go on, try them out, and let us know what you think!
My main recommended bone conduction headphones are the Shokz OpenRun Pro. With a comfortable open-ear design, dual noise-canceling microphone, and fairly lightweight design, they are a great option to consider.
For a second option, I recommend the YouthWhisper Lite. These affordable headphones feature an open-ear design, a comfortable titanium frame, and a lightweight body. Additionally, they have an IP54 waterproof rating which is always a plus.
Featured Image Credit: しろうるり, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
