Best bone conduction headphones we tested most loved. Since bone-conduction headphones are becoming more popular, we’ll address the issue of what is the finest in 2025. We also wish to address how bone-conduction headphones operate for our readers. What are the advantages of bone-conduction headphones?
The greatest bone-conduction headphones are fantastic. They let you listen to music and pay attention to your surroundings. Bone conduction headphones employ small transducers to convey sound by vibrating your bones to your ears, allowing you to hear what’s going on around you.
Unlike many of the best wireless or over-ear headphones, certain bone-conduction headphones are waterproof, making them a great choice for swimmers. Our finest waterproof headphones include several of the best bone-conduction headphones.
To help you choose, we’ve tested most of the top bone-conduction headphones in the pool while jogging, and in a busy workplace. Here are the finest bone-conduction headphones for working out, swimming, jogging, and budget shoppers. top bone conduction headphones provide quality sound via the temporal bone and were our favorites. View the whole list.
Table of Contents
Out Top Picks
[amazon bestseller=”bone conduction headphones” items=”10″ template=”table”]Best Bone Conduction Headphones We Tested Most Loved
1. SHOKZ OpenSwim Swimming MP3
Why We Picked It
SHOKZ OpenSwim Swimming MP3 – Bone Conduction MP3 Waterproof Headphones for Swimming, Open-Ear Wireless, No Bluetooth, with Nose Clip and Earplug. Listen to music while swimming with these bone-conduction headphones. The Openswim offers numerous advantages over other waterproof earphones for swimmers.
The Openswim is a bone-conduction headset with a built-in MP3 player that you load with your music to avoid Bluetooth issues in water. Untether from your phone. We loved Openswim so much we produced a list of the best waterproof headphones for swimmers this year.
What we like
- Open-Ear Comfort – Our bone conduction-powered open-ear design provides all-day, bud-free listening. SHOKZ nose clip. (AfterShokz Xtrainerz rebranded)
- Internal Music Storage – OpenSwim Swimming MP3 stores up to 1,200 tracks for instant playback. Device-free MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, and FLAC support. No Bluetooth
- IP68 Waterproof Rating – OpenSwim swimming MP3 may be immersed in two meters of water for two hours.
- 8-Hour Music – Play, skip, stop, and back a track with 8 hours of battery life.
- Secure Fit – OpenSwim swimming MP3 fits under swim caps and helmets and weighs a little over 1oz for all-day comfort.
What we don’t like. – No Bluetooth, unable to link with the phone.
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Product information:
- Brand SHOKZ
- Color Black
- Recommended Uses For Product Water Protection
- Style Uncorded
- Package Dimensions 6.61 x 5.39 x 2.72 inches
- Item Weight 1.06 ounces
- ASIN B09CGP8MVH
Verified Purchase. Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2023
Sounds so good underwater! Color: Black, I was skeptical about this but so wanted to listen to music while doing laps so gave it a try! It was easy to load music on via the app on my computer, easy to operate, and comfortable to wear! I just used it for the first time today so can’t speak to battery/charging but am very happy with how it worked for my swim!!
2. SHOKZ OpenRun (AfterShokz Aeropex)
Why We Picked It
SHOKZ OpenRun (AfterShokz Aeropex) Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones – Sweat-Resistant Wireless Earphones for Workouts and Running Built-in Mic, Headband, Shokz Openrun varies from a pro in many aspects. While it lacks the newest specs, it may be the greatest value. Despite the 8-hour battery, you get a quick charge. The Pro has IPX55 water resistance, while the Openrun has IPX67.
The old Aeroplex model made our best-running headphones list last year, and these are the same fantastic model with a new moniker. They’re stylish and comfy. Small and big sizes feature different-sized neckbands for better fit while active. The great middle and powerful bottom make for great sound.
What we like
- Open-Ear Comfort – OpenRun’s lightweight wraparound frame and wireless, open-ear fit provide pleasant, earbud-free listening. Headband included.
- Safety & Connectivity – Our 8th-generation bone conduction technology keeps you alert and motivated throughout workouts. For maximum safety, OpenRun offers high-quality music while leaving your eardrums exposed.
- IP67 Waterproof Rated – For jogging, fitness, and sweating. Safe charging with moisture alarm. (Not swimmable.)
- Bluetooth headphones provide eight hours of music, calls, and podcasts. A 10-minute rapid charge gives OpenRun 1.5 hours of battery life. Quick-Charge Aftershokz Aeropex
- Bone conduction technology sends sound via your cheekbone to your inner ear for excellent audio.
Product information:
- Brand SHOKZ
- Model Name OpenRun
- Color Black
- Form Factor On-Ear
- Connectivity Technology Bluetooth
- Wireless Communication Technology Bluetooth
- Special Feature Noise Cancelling, Sweat Resistant, Waterproof
- Included Components Headband
- Age Range (Description) Adult
- Specific Uses For Product Sports and Exercise
- ASIN B09BW1QVVT
Verified Purchase. Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars – Size: MiniColor: Black, So comfortable. I can hear my music and surrounding sounds. But sometimes at the gym, I don’t want to hear surrounding sounds so I wear these and regular earplugs and basically, noise canceling. I haven’t worn them outside running but am excited to hear music and if a bike is ringing the bell to pass and won’t be surprised. Buy these. Don’t buy the cheap ones they aren’t the same.
3. SHOKZ OpenRun Mini (AfterShokz Aeropex Mini)
Why We Picked It
The innovative design of the SHOKZ OpenRun Mini (AfterShokz Aeropex Mini) -Bone Conduction Open-Ear Bluetooth Sport Headphones – Waterproof Wireless Earphones for Workouts and Running – Open-Ear Comfort, allows for comfortable, earbud-free listening thanks to its lightweight, wraparound frame and wireless, open-ear fit. Included are Shokz ear muffs. Including Microphone, Secure Headband, and Reliable Connectivity – With the latest 8th-generation bone conduction technology, you can stay alert and motivated during any exercise. OpenRun Mini provides high-quality sound without blocking out ambient noise, ensuring your safety in any situation.
What we like
- Safety & Connection: 8th-generation bone conduction technology keeps you alert and motivated throughout workouts. For maximum safety, OpenRun Mini offers high-quality music while leaving your eardrums exposed.
- OpenRun Mini features a.83-inch shorter band than OpenRun. OpenRun mini is best for heads under 9.25 inches.
- Waterproof IP67 For jogging, fitness, and sweating. Safe charging with moisture alarm.
- Bluetooth headphones provide eight hours of music, calls, and podcasts. A 10-minute rapid charge gives OpenRun Mini 1.5 hours of battery life.
- Bone conduction technology sends sound via your cheekbone to your inner ear for excellent audio.
Product information:
- Brand SHOKZ
- Model Name OpenRun
- Color Black
- Form Factor Open Ear
- Connectivity Technology Wireless, Bluetooth 5.1
- Wireless Communication Technology Bluetooth
- Special Feature Wireless, Microphone, Sports-and-exercise, Water-resistant
- Included Components Headband
- Age Range (Description) Adult
- Specific Uses For Product Sports and Exercise
- ASIN B09F3JTFH5
Verified Purchase. – Reviewed in the United States on April 7, 2023
Happy happy happy, Size: MiniColor: Black, So comfortable. I can hear my music and surrounding sounds. But sometimes at the gym, I don’t want to hear surrounding sounds so I wear these and regular earplugs and basically, noise canceling. I haven’t worn them outside running but am excited to hear music and if a bike is ringing the bell to pass and won’t be surprised. Buy these. Don’t buy the cheap ones they aren’t the same.
4. Aftershokz Aeropex (Rebranded as Shokz OpenRun)
Why We Picked It
Recently rebranded from AfterShokz Aeropex Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones, the Shokz OpenRun is a premium headset with a compact, lightweight design and slightly higher sound quality than other bone conduction, Sweat Resistant Wireless Earphones for Workouts and Running. Welcome to SHOKZ, and we hope you enjoy your stay!
They’re 30% smaller and 13% lighter than the Trekz Air headphones and IP67 water-resistant, making them ideal for workouts and rainy days. They include two physical volume buttons and a custom charging system to enhance water resistance despite their slim chassis. While taking calls, dual noise-canceling microphones are available. Shokz’s new headphones boost bass and reduce vibration and sound leakage. The OpenRun’s enhanced bass and clarity, eight-hour battery life, and Trekz Air-like quick-charge capabilities make them among the finest bone-conduction headphones.
What we like
- Innovative open-ear bone conduction headphones offer quality audio via the cheekbone. Aeropex doesn’t isolate you like over-ear headphones.
- Comfy & Lightweight Our most lightweight, pain-free athletic headset offers all-day comfort.
- 8-Hour Music & Calls – Enjoy 8 continuous hours of music or podcasts and crystal-clear calls with twin noise-canceling microphones.
- IP67 Waterproof Rating – Sweat-proof earbuds for training and jogging. Safe charging with moisture alarm. (Not swimmable)
- Simple multipoint Bluetooth connecting with iOS and Android Bluetooth-ready devices. One-click plays, stop, skip, activate voice assistant, answer calls, etc.
Product information:
- Brand Aftershokz
- Model Name AfterShokz Aeropex Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones with Sport Belt, Blue Eclipse
- Color Blue Eclipse
- Form Factor Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology Bluetooth
- Wireless Communication Technology Bluetooth
- Special Feature Wireless, Sports-and-exercise, Water-resistant, Lightweight, Noise-Canceling
- Age Range (Description) Adult
- Specific Uses For Product Sports and Exercise
- Noise Control Active Noise Cancellation
- ASIN B07RQLRTR4
Verified Purchase. – Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2023
Very good sound, Color: Cosmic BlackVerified Purchase, Listening to music and keeping track of everything around you is great, however, if you are using a weed eater, lawn mower, or other power equipment or are just around really loud noises, they are not great!
5. Aftershokz Air Bone Conduction Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
With the current rebranding, Aftershokz is now Shokz. SHOKZ Air Bone Conduction Wireless Bluetooth Headphones—The Future of Sound. If you want cheaper headphones with equal functionality and sound quality as the OpenRun headphones, try the Shokz Trekz Air. Trekz Air’s IP55 rating protects them from sweat, but they’re heavier.
Its titanium wraparound frame evenly distributes its 30g weight, making it comfortable to wear all day without slipping off. The headphones include a mute button and volume adjustments for loud environments and conversations without taking them off. They use Bluetooth. Bone-conduction headphones sound good but struggle to cut through surrounding noise. They may tickle like bone conduction at high intensities, so use them moderately. Trekz Air offers a six-hour battery life and quick charge.
What we like
- 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.
- 6-Hour Battery Life – 6 hours of continuous music and calls on a single charge.
Product information:
- Brand Aftershokz
- Headphones, Slate Grey,
- Color Slate Grey
- Form Factor Over-Ear
- Connectivity Technology Wired
- Wireless Communication Technology Bluetooth
- Special Feature Microphone
- Included Components AfterShokz Trekz Air Open Ear Wireless Bone
- Age Range (Description) Adult
- Material Titanium
- ASIN B075FMK7SD
Verified Purchase. Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2023
These Ear Bud/Headphones Rock, Color: Slate GreyVerified Purchase, These don’t block outside sound since they don’t go into your ears, but we have bought several pairs for family and friends because they sound great, and are never going to fall off when doing physical activities, such as running or biking.
Choose the finest bone-conduction headphones
We recommend bone-conduction headphones for fitness enthusiasts who want to be more aware of their surroundings, but they can also be useful in any situation where you’d benefit from hearing a mix of your own music and background noise, such as walking on a busy street or working at home while listening for family or the doorbell.
- But, too many options might be overwhelming, so we’ve done the hard work (swimming, running, and commuting) for you.
- We examined the finest bone-conduction headphones you can purchase for training, beating your 10k, and more.
- Bone-conduction headphones are scarcer than conventional wireless headphones. There are several considerations.
- If you’re considering buying bone-conduction headphones for exercise, check the IP (ingress protection) rating to see how well they’ll resist sweat and water.
- Moreover, headphones with built-in controls and a microphone are ideal for callers who don’t want to use their phones.
- Design, fit, and price are further factors. Check out 2023’s best bone-conduction headphones. to find out more.
Testing bone-conduction headphones: how?
TechRadar reliability We spend hours evaluating every product or service we evaluate so you can get the best. Learn about testing. Throughout the years, we’ve evaluated hundreds of bone-conduction headphones, so we can choose our best for this guide.
We evaluated every pair above. We allow each product plenty of time to operate before assessing its sound quality across a range of music genres, games, movies, and podcasts from many sources versus category leaders. While traveling, TechRadar prioritizes sound quality.
We also assess how comfortable and secure the design is for long periods, the settings the device best fits (running, gaming, audiophile hi-res listening), and any unique features given at the level.
Voice assistant integration, on-device touch controls, companion app depth, and other features are considered when comparing bone conduction headphones. To accurately predict their usual lifespan, we also assess battery life claims. We want a product you love. We hope to assist.
Instructions for using bone-conduction headphones are provided.
Tell me about how bone-conduction headphones function.
Bone-conduction headphones deviate from the norm in many key respects. Although both aim to reproduce sound, their respective technologies take quite different approaches. You most likely listen to music through headphones, which employ a conical diaphragm or armature to accurately reproduce the sound wave and transmit it to your eardrums. Air conduction describes this phenomenon.
Bone conduction headphones, on the other hand, are attached to a bony part of your face (often your cheekbone or jaw) and vibrate to transmit sound to your cochlea, which is then processed by your brain. Bone-conduction headphones are discussed in further detail, as well as their unexpected connection to one of the greatest artists of all time and their involvement in the capture of Osama bin Laden, in this entertaining piece.
Bone-conduction headphones’ advantages?
- Bone-conduction headphones can change how many people listen. This technology can save lives when used with conventional headphones.
- Situational awareness is best. Bone-conduction headphones provide air-conduction hearing. Nothing conceals them, so you can hear everything.
- Sportspeople love bone-conduction headphones. These are the ideal headphones for jogging, cycling, and other outdoor activities.
It lets you hear your surroundings. Cyclists and runners on the road can hear cars coming, drillers can hear instructors, and if you work out with a partner, you can talk without taking your headphones off. They’re also really comfy. Bone-conduction headphones solve both earbuds and headphone difficulties. A neckband holds them on your cheek.
Best bone conduction headphones we tested most loved: FAQs
Q. Which bone-conduction headphones have the best battery life?
The Shokz OpenRun Pro has the best battery life for bone-conduction headphones. Most bone-conduction headphones last anywhere from 6-8 hours but the Shokz OpenRun Pro lasts 10 hours on a single charge, which is two hours longer than the standard OpenRun.
Q. What are the best bone-conduction headphones for construction?
The best bone-conduction headphones are the AfterShokz Aeropex, an IP67 waterproof set with built-in Bluetooth technology. With their traditional over-the-ear design and lightweight build, they earn our vote for the best bone conduction headphones.
Q. Can deaf people listen to music with bone-conduction headphones?
Would these headphones work for someone who’s completely deaf because they’re missing their inner ear bones from brain surgery? Unfortunately, bone conduction headphones get sound to your inner ear by vibrating the bones removed in your surgery, so it’s unlikely they’ll work for you.
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