Bone conduction headphones are a unique technology that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Unlike traditional headphones that cover your ears or sit inside them, bone conduction headphones work by transmitting sound vibrations through your cheekbones and into your inner ear, leaving your ears completely open. They are a great choice for people who want to enjoy music or take calls while still being aware of their surroundings. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best bone conduction headphones available in 2023.
How Do Bone Conduction Headphones Work?
Bone conduction headphones work by transmitting sound vibrations through your cheekbones and into your inner ear. When you wear bone conduction headphones, they sit on your cheekbones, and the transducers in the headphones send sound vibrations through your bones and into your inner ear, bypassing your eardrums entirely. This means that your ears are completely open, and you can still hear the sounds around you.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bone Conduction Headphones
Advantages
- Bone conduction headphones allow you to hear your surroundings while listening to music or taking calls.
- They are a great option for people who are hard of hearing or have hearing aids.
- They are also a great choice for athletes who need to be aware of their surroundings.
- They can be more comfortable than traditional headphones, especially if you wear glasses.
- They can also be more hygienic, as they don’t cover your ears and can be easily cleaned.
Disadvantages
- Bone conduction headphones may not provide the same level of sound quality as traditional headphones.
- They can also be more expensive than traditional headphones.
- They may not be suitable for use in noisy environments, as they rely on bone conduction to transmit sound.
- They may not fit well on everyone’s head, especially if you have a smaller head or wear glasses.
Things to Consider Before Buying Bone Conduction Headphones
Before you buy bone conduction headphones, there are a few things you should consider:
Comfort
Make sure that the headphones you choose are comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Look for headphones that have adjustable straps or are available in different sizes to ensure a good fit.
Sound Quality
While bone conduction headphones may not provide the same level of sound quality as traditional headphones, you should still look for headphones that provide clear and balanced sound.
Battery Life
Make sure that the headphones you choose have a good battery life, especially if you plan on using them for extended periods of time.
Durability
Look for headphones that are durable and can withstand everyday wear and tear.
Water Resistance
If you plan on using your bone conduction headphones while exercising or in wet environments, look for headphones that are water-resistant.
Top 5 best bone conduction headphones in 2023
1.Best Overall: AfterShokz Aeropex
- Rebranding Update - Aftershokz Aeropex has been renamed as Shokz OpenRun. Welcome to SHOKZ!
- Open-Ear Design - Patented bone conduction headphones deliver premium audio through the cheekbone. Unlike over ear headphones, Aeropex keeps you connected and aware of your surroundings.
- Lightweight & Comfortable - Experience unmatched comfort with our most lightweight and comfortable sport headset, featuring a bud-free, pain-free design for all-day listening.
- 8-Hours of Music & Calls - Enjoy 8 continuous hours of music or podcasts, plus dual noise-canceling mics for crystal clear calls.
- IP67 Waterproof Rating - Completely sweat and waterproof earphones for workouts, fitness and running. Moisture detection alert included for safe charging. (Not suitable for swimming)
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Good sound quality
- Long battery life (up to 8 hours)
- Waterproof and sweat-resistant
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods
Cons:
- Expensive
- Sound leakage at higher volumes
- Limited bass response
The AfterShokz Aeropex is a popular choice for many people looking for bone conduction headphones. They are lightweight and comfortable to wear, and they have a battery life of up to 8 hours. The headphones are also water-resistant, making them a great option for people who like to exercise outdoors. The sound quality is excellent, with clear highs and deep bass.
2. Best for Battery Life: Vidonn F1 Titanium
- 【Open-Ear Design】- Bone conduction headphones different to traditional wired headphones&in earbuds, When you wear a Bone Conduction Earphones, the sound directly into the cochlea through the sound vibrations. Keep your ears comfort while sensitive to surroundings.
- 【Avoid The Potential Dangers of Outdoor sports】- Open Ear Headphones can make you to hear what is going on around you,keeping you connected and aware of your surroundings.It's safer than traditional earbuds headphones and headset headphones,perfect for running,hiking,cycling,workout,Gym,sports and driving etc.
- 【Bluetooth 5.0 & Built-in Micriophone】- Open ear headphones with latest wireless bluetooth 5.0 connectivity offers convenient pairing compatible with smart watch, tablet, iOS or Android devices.And our bone conduction headphones are designed to be hung behind the ears and have a simple and stylish looks.
- 【Sweat proof & Comfortable and Stable Wearing】 - Ergonomic design bone conduction headphones for comfortable wearing make sure you do sport freely and do not worry about falling out. IP55 waterproof to resist light rain and sweat for sports. ABS + titanium alloy enable the headphone lightweight but durable.
- 【Large Battery】- This bone conduction headphones build in 180mAh lithium battery, 2 hours full charged and play music around 6 hours, standby time is 10days. Suitable for long time outdoor and indoor activities.If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us, we will reply and resolve all your issues within 12 hours.
Pros:
- Affordable price
- Good sound quality
- Sweat-resistant
- Comfortable to wear
- Long battery life (up to 6 hours)
Cons:
- Limited bass response
- Sound leakage at higher volumes
- May not fit all head sizes comfortably
The Vidonn F1 Titanium is another great option for people looking for bone conduction headphones. They are lightweight and comfortable to wear, and they have a battery life of up to 6 hours. The headphones are also water-resistant, making them a great option for people who like to exercise outdoors. The sound quality is good, with clear highs and a built-in microphone for taking phone calls.
3. Best Budget Option: Tayogo Bone Conduction Headphones
- 🎵【Bone Conduction Headphones & Open-Ear Headphones】- Tayogo bone conduction technology use the ear bone part to hear the headset sound instead of ears, but in noisy places it is recommended to wear sponge earplugs we give away. S2 open-ear headphones design can keep you alert to your surroundings and avoiding danger while enjoying the bluetooth headphones.
- 🎵【High-Fidelity Sound & 5.0 Bluetooth Headphones】- Our open ear wireless headphones offer you premier sound quality for any music genre and feature a built-in mic for hands-free phone calls. Bluetooth 5.0 technology, the transmission is more stable and no lag, it is compatible with your ios, android.
- 🎵【Durable & Comfortable】- Bone Conduction Headphones weigh only 1oz, bone frame lightweight and strong toughness. It can be rotated 360 degrees, still remain intact. Flexible silicone on the zygomatic bone for prolonged wear, no pressure and comfort. The new technology of bone conduction provides a lightweight and comfortable sports headset experience.
- 🎵【Multifunction Button & 200mAH Battery】- Ear bone conduction headphones are equipped with multi-function button, easy controls to play, pause, skip, activate voice assistant, and answer calls. Built-in 200 mAh large capacity rechargeable battery with up to 360 hours of standby time, 8 hours of talk time and only 2 hours of charging time.
- 🎵【Packing List & Warranty Service】- Package included : 1*Tayogo S2 Bluetooth Headphones, 1*USB Charging Cable, 2*Sponge Earplugs, 1*Manual. In addition, every Tayogo items are under two years warranty. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us and we will provide a post-sales guarantee for the order according to your needs until you are satisfied.
Pros:
- Unique bone conduction technology
- Good sound quality
- Lightweight and comfortable to wear
- Sweat-resistant
- Long battery life (up to 6 hours)
Cons:
- Limited bass response
- Sound quality not as good as traditional headphones
- May not fit all head sizes comfortably
- Not suitable for noisy environments
The Tayogo Bone Conduction Headphones are a budget-friendly option that still delivers great sound quality and comfort. They feature Bluetooth connectivity, an IPX6 waterproof rating, and a built-in microphone.
4. Best for Comfort: Trekz Titanium Mini Wireless
- Rebranding Update - Aftershokz has been renamed as Shokz. Welcome to SHOKZ!
- BONE CONDUCTION TECHNOLOGY - Our bone conduction technology and OpenFit design delivers music through your cheekbones, ensuring your ears remain completely open to ambient sounds for maximum situational awareness during long-term wear.
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTIVITY - Modern wireless headphones with Bluetooth v4.1 connectivity and convenient multipoint pairing compatible with your iOS and Android Bluetooth-ready smartphones or tablets and Mac and PC computers and laptops.
- DESIGNED FOR LONG WEAR - Trekz Titanium wraparound headbands are lightweight and flexible to ensure maximum comfort during extended wear. Combined with a long battery life, this compact, slim fit allows you to enjoy continuous music and calls for six hours at a time.
- QUALITY SOUND - Innovative AfterShokz headphones deliver a premium audio experience. With PremiumPitch technology that delivers a wide dynamic range and rich bass, and LeakSlayer technology to significantly reduce natural sound leakage, you are ensured the best on-the-go audio.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Good sound quality
- Long battery life (up to 6 hours)
- Sweat-resistant
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods
Cons:
- Limited bass response
- Sound leakage at higher volumes
- May not fit all head sizes comfortably
The Trekz Titanium Mini Wireless headphones feature a wraparound design that ensures a comfortable and secure fit, even during vigorous exercise. They are also lightweight and feature a 6-hour battery life.
5. Best for Sports: Aftershokz Trekz Air
- Rebranding Update - Aftershokz has been renamed as Shokz. Welcome to SHOKZ!
- Open-Ear Design - Patented bone conduction technology delivers audio through the cheekbone, keeping you connected and aware of your surroundings.
- Comfortable & Durable - Experience comfort with our wraparound titanium frame for a light and flexible design.
- Multifunction Button - Easy controls to play, pause, skip, activate voice assistant, and answer calls
- Sweatproof - IP55 certified to repel sweat, dust, and moisture. Perfect for withstanding even the rainiest runs.
Pros:
- Lightweight design
- Good sound quality
- Long battery life (up to 6 hours)
- Sweat-resistant
- Comfortable to wear for extended periods
Cons:
- Limited bass response
- Sound leakage at higher volumes
- May not fit all head sizes comfortably
- Expensive compared to similar products.
The Aftershokz Trekz Air is a popular option among athletes and sports enthusiasts, thanks to their lightweight design and sweat-resistant construction. They also feature excellent sound quality and a 6-hour battery life.
FAQs
Q. Are bone conduction headphones safe to use?
- Yes, bone conduction headphones are safe to use. They do not cause any damage to your hearing.
Q. Can bone conduction headphones be used while swimming?
- No, bone conduction headphones should not be used while swimming as they are not waterproof.
Q. Can bone conduction headphones be used with hearing aids?
- Yes, bone conduction headphones can be used with hearing aids, as they do not interfere with hearing aids.
Q. How do bone conduction headphones compare to traditional headphones in terms of sound quality?
- While bone conduction headphones do not provide the same level of sound quality as traditional headphones, they are still capable of producing high-quality sound.
Q. Can bone conduction headphones be used with all devices?
- Bone conduction headphones can be used with most devices that have Bluetooth connectivity.
Conclusion
Bone conduction headphones are a great choice for those who want to stay aware of their surroundings while still enjoying their music or podcasts. When selecting a pair, it is important to consider factors such as comfort, battery life, and sound quality. The top bone conduction headphones on the market today include the AfterShokz Aeropex, Vidonn F1 Titanium, Trekz Titanium Mini Wireless, Tayogo Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones, and Aftershokz Trekz Air.
In conclusion, bone conduction headphones offer a unique way to enjoy your audio content without sacrificing your ability to hear your surroundings. They are particularly useful for athletes, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts who need to be aware of their surroundings while still enjoying their music or podcasts.
When selecting the best bone conduction headphones for your needs, it is important to consider factors such as comfort, sound quality, battery life, and durability. The top bone conduction headphones on the market offer a variety of features to suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a premium option or an affordable budget option.
If you’re looking for the best of the best, the AfterShokz Aeropex is a great choice. For a more affordable option, the Tayogo Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones offer excellent value for the price. Ultimately, the best bone conduction headphones for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs.
