Throw out those earbuds and free your ears. Traditional headphones cramping your style-and safety? Bone conduction headphones present a brand-new way of listening. This guide reveals how to find the perfect pair so you can remain connected to audio and surroundings.
Our Selection Criteria
Forget about earbuds! Bone conduction headphones are the go-to pair for safety and sound for the athlete and adventurer. But their capabilities extend far beyond gym applications. Consider clear audio in big-city bustle, because of discreet listening on long shifts, to be asked as well for a new way to hear for those with hearing impairments: so what’s your pairing choice? We eliminate all the noise to bring a definitive guide to finding the perfect bone conduction headphones for your unique needs.
Comfort
You are not alone if you are annoyed with headphones that pinch or squeeze or simply refuse to stay on! Human ears differ from one another, and conventional headphones, whether meant to rest on the ears or inserted into the ears, tend to be uncomfortable with long installations. The bone conduction technology including some cool earbud designs is set to change everything.
Battery Life
Any much-hyped topic for any cordless device is $how long will it last?$ Bone conduction headphones make no exception to the rule, with brands and models having their wide variations in battery life. Are you simply a gym-attender, or are you the ultra-marathon type? For those few torturous minutes on the treadmill, most bone conduction headphones will have no problems keeping up. But when you’re out on the trails for serious mileage, consider staying longer. Look for bone conduction headphones that will organism-wise go for as long as you do. Your ears (and your workout) will thank you.
Compatibility
Wanna change sides in these phone wars? Not a problem! For those who swear on their Androids or have been taken by iOS, the bone conduction headphones are ready to march with you into battle. Ditch the platform but keep the sound-compatibility will not be a problem, no matter whose side you are on.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is subjective, especially for bone conduction headphones. Creating rich sound with bone conduction is tough, and you may find a somewhat compromise-down specimen in the bass department. We compiled this list based on professional reviews and user feedback, but there is no substitute for your own evaluation of what sounds good to you. You have to experience bone conduction headphones firsthand. Opt for dealers that offer a good return policy in order to secure your sonic satisfaction.
Features
Your job originates from being sent choice recommendations. It looks different from company to company-this involves brand names, logos, and store models-provided these recommendations have all the necessities in place.
- Build quality
- On-headphone control buttons
- Multipoint pairing (ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously)
- Companion app
- Adjustable EQ
1. Best Overall: Shokz OpenRun
Price: $129.95
Shokz OpenRuns: Another audio opportunity using Bone-Conduction. Forget everything you thought you knew about open-ear headphones. Shokz’s patented PremiumPitch 2.0+ technology doesn’t just deliver sound-the basslines get resurrected, really giving new life to music and spoken word. Welcome to the future of sound.
Forget bulky headphones: the OpenRun features and sets itself apart. Imagine accidental spills; you sweat all you want, the IP67 waterproof rating ensures the headphone can be submerged for half an hour. Try that on your headphones! But there`s more to it: weighing just 26g, you will not notice it. Feather-light comfort plus advanced technology. Calls will also be crystal-clear, thanks to dual noise cancellation microphones eliminating background noise.
There are a few quirks about the Shokz OpenRun. Turn up the power, and you might be sharing your playlist with bystanders who had no clue what was coming upon them. Blowing, huh? Wind is going to muscle in, getting loud with the listening experience itself. These are just minor stumbles along the way, for the OpenRun really is flexible. Multipoint pairing lets you switch between devices without a hitch, onboard volume control lets you fine-tune sound regardless of the situation, and you have USB-C charging and multifunction buttons for instant convenience. It is simply a good bone-conduction product that merits your attention, really.
2. Best For Active Lifestyles: Anker Soundcore Aero Fit Pro
Price: $169.99
Do your headphones surrender even before your spirit gives out? Anker’s Soundcore Aero Fit Pro open-ear headphones cater to your endless rhythm. Forget cheap plastic these are premium-grade earbuds with titanium hooping which are forged for a lifetime of secure, custom comfort. Running a sweat or a storm is on its way? Thinking of any moisture stuff? The IPX5 rating means moisture stands in the way of laughter from the Aero Fit Pros. Get loud in your workouts and take them on hiking trails in the rain; these headphones are going anywhere with you.
Image Source: Amazon
Aside from their revolutionary open ear concept, one of the remarkable innovations of the Soundcore Aero Fit Pros is a detachable neckband. The wearer positively braves the wildest workouts, betting on strong stability provided by the neckband. Get rid of it when that extra security is not your requirement; simply enjoy an unrestricted life. Now, here’s a bit of a problem-the charging case doesn’t have a slot for the neckband. So, remember to take it with you before hitting the gym. Aero Fit Pros exist for those who demand competitive open-ear audio.
3. Best for Swimming: Zygo Z2
Price: $299
Leave the dry land behind and dive down into the sounds offered by Zygo Z2-the ultimate open-ear headphones made for aquatic delights. Imagine floating on water with your favorite jamming track providing sound for your every stroke, or riding the waves while a podcast serenades your paddle. Whereas Bluetooth signal used to be a bit unstable, Zygo Z2 waves farewell with a revolutionary radio-wave transmitter, transmitting clear signals over 160 feet away. Unlike other waterproof headphones that trap you with pre-loaded MP3s, Zygo Z2 streams directly from your phone. So while you can train in a pool or free-surf on the ocean, an underwater experience awaits you with the only IP68 waterproof bone-conduction headphones that do away with Bluetooth.
Image Source: Zygo
The Zygo Z2 is much more than just a device for streaming the soundtrack to your underwater adventure. Its real killer feature is the transmitter on board, which offers a voice real-time coaching interface. The waters could come alive with your instructor calling out “swim faster, higher knees, keep the elbows tight!” for the zen mind to melt away with sensor feedback integrating every stretch assessing your performance. Inside, the Zygo app unpacks a treasure chest of guided workouts, yet the key to aquatic riches is paid by monthly subscription, of course. The Zygo Z2 comes at a premium price. But the water warriors rarely balk away from spending toward a wise, strong, and connected swimming venture.
Allow me to give you an idea: Lose the expensive headphones for a great summer. Instead, get yourself a waterproof Bluetooth speaker. Tunes by the pool without the fear of any sort of accidents will really get the party started.
4. Best Earbuds: Sony LinkBuds Open
Price: $199.99
Throw out what you think you know about earbuds. Sony has entered and changed the game with LinkBuds Open. There are earbuds in Amazon’s dictionary, although you might find forces enough to justify claiming they are irresistable. It is actually an open portal being slotted into your ear instead of a solid plug. Sony cleverly designed a ring-shaped opening that lets in all the outside sounds. Listen to your music, to your podcast, and to the whooshing sound of a car all at once. This should just redefine everything you ever thought about earbuds.
Image Source: Amazon
Steer away from clunky frames: the Sony LinkBuds Open provide a minimalistic, almost discreet look, perfect for those who like to keep things simple and sober. Just a fair warning: phone call clarity is questionable at best. The open-ring design is artsy, yet comfortable it may not be for everybody. Price-wise, these are quite up there with the highs. But if medium price isn’t a factor for you, then welcome to waterproofing up to IPX4 ratings (shampoo showers beware!) and great voice-assisted compatibility!
5. Best Premium TWS: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Bose’s Ultra Open headphones are indeed a species apart compared to earbuds. Imagine sleek, futuristic arcs clinging to your earlobe like something out of Star Trek. To call them headphones would be unjust; in fact, they would be more akin to ear jewelry that sits west of an open canal in the ears. In a way, it does invite some strange looks but also grants you the liberty to hear your music and the world with great clarity.
Image Source: Amazon
Bose’s Ultra Open Earbuds offer the signature sound of the brand, and therefore, premium pricing comes. These are not your usual-type buds, and their design makes a statement. However, with a random path in on whether that statement becomes a question or not-if the person wearing them is not placing them on correctly! Bose knew this and consequently supplied video instructions to properly place them. Premium-priced and quite possibly a little off in their fit, the Ultra Open Earbuds provide a truly wireless, open-ear listening experience with awesome audio quality.
6. Best for the Office: Shokz OpenComm2
Price: $179.95
Tell that to the opencomm2-embossed earbuds thus the luxury. Think of it as an investment in sanity for all those forever on Zoom night and day. There is little need to think about rushing for a charger come noon; they offer a talk-time marathon of 16 hours and 8 solid hours of musics. Fear of low charge levels? Just cast it away! Just charge them for 5 minutes, and you get 1 extra hour of uninterrupted communication. Sure, that’s great for buying back your time, one crystal-clear call at a time.
Image source: Amazon
Goodbye discomfort, and welcome to the day of conquering. OpenComm2 headphones caress the ears with cloud-like silicone, making those marathon calls mere fun. Need a break from it all? With the flick of a finger, away goes the mic into its hiding spot. But what is truly magical? The USB adapter locks every connection tightly that works in tandem with Bluetooth to set up a fail-proof network so that dropped calls are no longer an issue, but clear conversations are: thanks to the noise-canceling boom mic that simply mutes away distractions. OpenComm2: comfort-first, connectivity-later.
Good to know: whether or not you use bone-conduction headphones, you can easily share your audio with others on Zoom.
7. Best Value: Shokz OpenMove
Price: $79.95
If you got tired with all those tinny, cheap bone conduction headphones, just set down disappointment for a few extra bucks and pick up a Shokz OpenMove instead. This unspoken family would not allow an incremental upgrade; it gives you a leap in audio quality. Imagine having a crystal-clear call due to dual noise-canceling microphones, smoothly transition from device A to device B via multipoint Bluetooth pairing, and having on-board buttons for intuitive control over your phone or computer. Stop settling for less; the Shokz OpenMove gives you a newfound listening experience without burning a hole in your pockets.
OpenMoves do not offer super serious bass typical of premium headphones, nor do they boast an 18-hour battery life, but they are great performers. The polycarbonate frame, although a far cry from titanium in build prowess, makes it featherlight and comfortable. If you seek entry into open-ear listening without the heft of big dollars, Shokz OpenMoves is right on that sweet spot.
Lose no time with those earplugs; embrace the world with the stations. The bone-conduction headphones provide the detail directly to the skull, leaving the ears free to catch any other sound running around. Not up for having that kind of participation? Likewise, if you want to drift to blissful silence, do in the best noise-canceling earbuds. On the other hand, keeping things a little light on the wallet? Then, get your partying going with a bash on these inexpensive headphones.
Image credit: The lightweight and comfortable Bone Conduction by DepositPhotos
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