As you prepare for your fall half or full marathon, bone-conduction headphones are necessary for all your audio needs. Runners love these headphones for their open-ear design, providing a comfortable fit while keeping you aware of your surroundings. But they’re not just for running—they’re perfect for intense gym sessions, outdoor walks, and even swimming.
Outdoor athletes especially appreciate how the open-ear design helps them stay aware of nearby traffic, enhancing safety without compromising audio quality. You’ll still enjoy the full depth of your music, podcasts, or audiobooks. Whether tackling marathon training, pushing toward your summer fitness goals, swimming laps, or hiking new trails, bone-conduction headphones can be your rugged, reliable companion.
Top Bone Conduction Headphones of 2024
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Best Bone Conduction Headphones Overall
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is a top-tier choice for those seeking premium bone conduction headphones, offering significant enhancements over its predecessor. The second generation brings reduced vibrations, extended battery life, and advanced AI-powered noise-canceling microphones with wind resistance, making them ideal for outdoor activities and workouts. With an additional two hours of battery life compared to the original model, users can enjoy up to 12 hours of uninterrupted music or podcasts, perfect for long training sessions, whether running, cycling, or hiking.
In terms of comfort, the OpenRun Pro 2 stands out. These headphones are lightweight and flexible, with a tactile exterior that ensures they remain securely in place without putting pressure on the head or ears. Many users have praised how comfortable they wear for extended periods, even during office hours or marathon training sessions. The design allows for a natural fit, making them feel almost weightless, so there’s no distraction during workouts or day-to-day use. One reviewer highlighted how the fit doesn’t hug too tightly, preventing discomfort around the ears and making it easy to wear them for hours, whether on the track or in the workplace.
One of the critical improvements that Shokz emphasized with this model is the reduction of vibrations—a common issue with bone-conduction headphones. The OpenRun Pro 2 excels in this area, with users reporting a noticeable difference in the comfort level during runs. Previous models sometimes caused slight vibrations around the jawline, which could be distracting during intense physical activities. However, the latest version has effectively minimized this issue, allowing a smooth, comfortable experience without unwanted buzzing sensations near the face.
Regarding sound quality, the OpenRun Pro 2 delivers clear and balanced audio, though it may not be ideal for extremely loud environments. While the headphones offer a decent volume range, users might find that the maximum volume level isn’t sufficient in particularly noisy areas, such as a bustling gym with clanging weights or high-traffic city streets. However, these headphones perform admirably for outdoor workouts, where maintaining environmental awareness is essential. The open-ear design allows listeners to stay connected to their surroundings while enjoying music or podcasts, making them popular with runners and cyclists who prioritize safety.
Beyond fitness, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 has proven surprisingly versatile in other settings, such as the office. Traditional noise-canceling earbuds can isolate users from their environment, which can be inconvenient during interaction. In contrast, the OpenRun Pro 2 allows users to stay engaged with colleagues or ambient sounds while still enjoying their audio. This feature makes them a valuable option for fitness enthusiasts and professionals who want to stay aware of their surroundings without compromising on comfort or sound.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Tech Specs:
Type: Open ear
Wired/Wireless: Wireless
Waterproof Rating: IP55
Weight: 30.3 grams
Battery Life: 12 hours
Shokz OpenSwim Pro: Best Bone Conduction Headphones for Swimming
For swimmers looking to break up the monotony of lap after lap, the Shokz OpenSwim Pro offers a great solution with its comfortable fit, long battery life, and exceptional sound quality. Designed specifically for use in the water, the OpenSwim Pro provides a secure fit that stays in place, even during vigorous swimming sessions. As Matt Miller notes in his review, “As long as you have access to your own saved music files, this headset is a solid option for waterproof beats.”
Unlike typical Bluetooth headphones, the OpenSwim Pro does not connect to a phone or stream from services like Spotify or Apple Music when underwater. Instead, the headphones operate in MP3 mode, meaning users must load their audio files onto the device manually. This process involves connecting the headphones to a computer and transferring music files, making it essential to have a library of MP3s ready for your swimming sessions. This design ensures uninterrupted audio, regardless of the environment, and gives swimmers access to their favorite tunes without worrying about Bluetooth signals cutting out in the water.
The Shokz OpenSwim Pro also benefits from Shokz’s app, which supports standard and swimming modes and offers features like EQ settings, multipoint pairing, physical button customization, and battery status monitoring. The app provides more control over the headphones’ functionality, making it easy to adjust settings depending on whether you’re swimming or engaging in other activities.
One consideration for swimmers is that the design of these headphones does not allow for ear coverage with a swim cap. If preventing water from entering your ears is essential, this could be a minor inconvenience. However, for those focused on enhancing their swimming workouts with music, this slight drawback is outweighed by the OpenSwim Pro’s overall performance and waterproof capabilities.
With an IP68 waterproof rating, the OpenSwim Pro can be submerged in water for extended periods without any damage, making it a reliable choice for swimmers. In addition to their water resistance, these headphones offer up to 9 hours of battery life, ensuring you won’t run out of power mid-session, whether you’re in the pool or at the beach.
Shokz OpenSwim Pro Tech Specs:
Type: Open ear
Wired/Wireless: Wireless
Waterproof Rating: IP68
Weight: 27.3 grams
Battery Life: 9 hours
Shokz OpenFit Air: Best Open-Ear Alternative
For those looking to move away from bone-conduction headphones but still wanting to maintain situational awareness, the Shokz OpenFit Air offers a great solution. Tested thoroughly by Matt Miller, who ran, cycled, rowed, and commuted with these headphones, the OpenFit Air stands out as an open-ear option that delivers comfort and affordability. With improvements in design and price over previous models, the OpenFit Air has become a top choice for users seeking an alternative to bone conduction technology.
One of the critical differences between open-ear and bone-conduction headphones is how they fit. Rather than wrapping around the head, the OpenFit Air hangs on the ears, providing a lightweight, minimalistic design. This makes them ideal for users who find bone-conduction headphones uncomfortable or bulky. Miller praised the stylish design, noting the sleek, thoughtfully crafted appearance of the OpenFit Air, which adds a touch of sophistication without sacrificing functionality.
In addition to the enhanced comfort, the OpenFit Air is more affordable than the OpenFit model, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. Despite the lower price, these headphones offer excellent sound quality and an open-ear design that lets users stay aware of their surroundings during workouts or commutes. Miller even recommends the OpenFit Air over the pricier OpenFit, highlighting the $60 savings and the minimal compromises made to achieve this more affordable option.
However, there are some trade-offs, particularly in battery life. The OpenFit Air provides around 6 hours of playback, less than the OpenFit model. While this might be a downside for those who need longer battery life for extended workouts or travel, it is a reasonable compromise for the lower price and added comfort.
The OpenFit Air is also equipped with an IP54 waterproof rating, offering protection against dust and light water splashes, making it suitable for light outdoor activities or sweaty workout sessions. However, they may not be ideal for more intense conditions or heavy rain.
Shokz OpenFit Air Tech Specs:
Type: Open ear
Wired/Wireless: Wireless
Waterproof Rating: IP54
Battery Life: 6 hours
Mojawa Run Plus Bone Conduction Headphones: Best Shokz OpenRun Pro Dupe
For those seeking a high-quality alternative to the Shokz OpenRun Pro, the Mojawa Run Plus bone conduction headphones provide a comparable user experience at a slightly lower price point. Jack Wallen, who replaced his $180 Shokz OpenRun Pros with the $160 Mojawa Run Plus, expressed his satisfaction with these headphones, noting their strong performance and durability during sweaty workouts. With sound quality similar to the Shokz OpenRun Pro and an IP68 waterproof rating, the Run Plus is ideal for running and swimming.
The Mojawa Run Plus excels in user experience with its intuitive touch controls, which are significantly more prominent and easier to use than the buttons on the Shokz models. This makes them an excellent choice for those who find the Shokz controls too tiny or tricky to manage during workouts. While perhaps not on par with premium audiophile standards, the sound quality is solid enough for most users who prioritize comfort and durability over achieving the absolute best audio experience.
Wallen praised the headphones’ ability to withstand even the sweatiest workouts, an area where other bone conduction models often struggle. For users who regularly engage in intense exercise and aren’t overly concerned with perfect sound quality, the Mojawa Run Plus shines. Additionally, the higher IP68 waterproof rating makes them a superior option for swimmers and outdoor runners compared to the OpenRun Pro, which only carries an IP55 rating.
Many Amazon buyers have echoed Wallen’s positive feedback, noting that the Run Plus outperforms the Shokz OpenRun Pro in comfort, battery life, and sound quality. With a battery life of 8 hours, the Mojawa Run Plus provides plenty of power for extended workouts or long days of activity. The lightweight design (weighing just 0.07 pounds) and compact dimensions ensure that these headphones remain comfortable and discreet at the pool or on the trail.
Mojawa Run Plus Tech Specs:
Type: Open ear
Wired/Wireless: Wireless
Waterproof Rating: IP68
Weight: 0.07 pounds (31.75 grams)
Battery Life: 8 hours
Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.1 x 1.2 inches
Philips Go A7607: Best Bone Conduction Headphones for Outdoor Listening
The Philips Go A7607 bone conduction headphones are versatile, making them an excellent all-around choice for work and leisure activities. Whether you need headphones for office conference calls or plan to transition seamlessly into a gym session or an outdoor run, the Go A7607 is equipped to handle it all. Its open-ear design allows for an immersive audio experience while ensuring that users remain aware of their surroundings, a critical feature for outdoor environments. The IP66 rating adds to its durability by making these headphones resistant to water, sweat, and dust, ensuring they perform well in harsh workouts.
Its ability to balance sound immersion with safety sets the Philips Go A7607 apart from traditional headphones. Jada Jones, who switched from AirPods to the Go A7607 for outdoor walks, appreciated their sense of security, especially when walking alone. The open-ear design lets users stay alert to nearby sounds, such as approaching cars or pedestrians, while still delivering impressive audio that “gets plenty loud.” This makes the Go A7607 an ideal choice for those prioritizing safety without compromising sound quality.
In addition to its practical outdoor advantages, the Go A7607 shines in terms of user-friendly features. The neckband incorporates a bright red LED safety light that enhances visibility, especially during early morning or nighttime runs, ensuring drivers and passersby quickly see you. This thoughtful feature adds an extra layer of security for athletes who prefer to exercise in low-light conditions. The lightweight design, at just 1.3 ounces, ensures comfort during extended wear, making it ideal for long training sessions or day-long adventures.
The Go A7607 also delivers strong battery life, up to 9 hours of continuous playback. This long battery life makes it convenient for users who need headphones that can power through extended periods of use, whether for multiple workouts in a day, a long hike, or simply an entire workday followed by an evening jog. Additionally, many users, including Amazon reviewers, have praised the durable waterproof design, emphasizing its reliability for outdoor activities, rain or shine.
Philips has ensured the Go A7607 is functional but also stylish and comfortable, striking a balance between form and function. The open-ear form factor eliminates the need for earbud insertion, reducing pressure on the ears while ensuring a secure fit. This is especially useful for those who find traditional in-ear designs uncomfortable over time. The headphones fit snugly but do not cause discomfort, even during high-impact exercises like running or jumping.
The audio quality of the Go A7607 is solid for bone conduction technology. While the sound may not rival high-end over-ear or in-ear headphones, it’s more than adequate for most outdoor or gym environments. With crisp highs and solid mids, these headphones provide clear and enjoyable audio, whether streaming music, taking a call, or listening to a podcast. Plus, they deliver great volume control, ensuring you can adjust your audio levels depending on your surroundings.
Philips Go A7607 Tech Specs:
Type: Open ear
Wired/Wireless: Wireless
Waterproof Rating: IP66
Weight: 1.3 ounces (36.85 grams)
Battery Life: 9 hours
Dimensions: 6.65 x 5.31 x 2.72 inches
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: Best Splurge Bone Conduction Headphones
If you’re a runner who values environmental awareness and high-quality sound, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds could be your next favorite running accessory—though their $300 price tag might not be for everyone. These premium earbuds combine bone and air conduction technology, delivering audio that immerses you in your surroundings while still providing Bose’s signature sound quality. The unique design clips around your ears like an earring, ensuring they stay firmly in place no matter how much you move, making them ideal for active users.
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are designed to be worn comfortably in almost any situation. Whether you’re listening to music or not, the earbuds are so discreet that they can remain in place even during everyday activities like grocery shopping, commuting, or long walks. This starkly contrasts traditional in-ear models that many people feel the need to remove when not in use. The open design makes it easy to stay aware of your surroundings, which is particularly helpful when navigating busy environments like subways or crowded stores.
The sound quality of these earbuds is a standout feature, as Bose is known for delivering rich and immersive audio experiences. Combining bone and air conduction allows you to enjoy your music without sacrificing situational awareness—perfect for runners who need to stay alert to their surroundings. Additionally, the earbuds’ dust and water resistance (IPX4 rating) make them suitable for long outdoor runs, providing durability even in sweaty or slightly rainy conditions.
One of the key advantages of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds is how securely they stay in place during movement. Unlike other open-ear or bone-conduction headphones that may shift or feel loose during intense exercise, these earbuds remain firmly clipped to the ear. Whether you’re sprinting, jumping, or shaking your head during a workout, they won’t budge.
However, they aren’t without flaws. One common issue reported by users, including those on Reddit, is that the connection can sometimes be unreliable. Some users have experienced random disconnections, which can be frustrating during an otherwise flawless listening experience. Despite this downside, the sound quality and overall design make these earbuds a strong contender for those willing to splurge on high-performance audio gear.
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds offer an excellent alternative to traditional bone-conduction headphones for fitness enthusiasts and outdoor runners who prioritize sound quality and awareness. While they come with a premium price, the experience they provide makes them worth considering for those who are serious about their audio and comfort.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds Specs:
Type: Open ear/ear cuff
Wired/Wireless: Wireless
Waterproof Rating: IPX4
Weight: 0.01 pounds (4.5 grams)
Battery Life: 7.5 hours
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bone Conduction Headphones
Several vital factors should guide your decision-making process when shopping for bone-conduction headphones. Understanding these elements will help you select a pair that fits your needs and lifestyle.
1. Type of Headphones
Bone conduction headphones come in various designs, including over-the-ear and in-ear styles. Consider how you plan to use them: Are you looking for headphones suitable for swimming, outdoor running in the rain, or casual listening during your daily commute? Different models excel in specific scenarios. For example, some are designed for aquatic environments and have higher waterproof ratings, making them ideal for swimmers. In contrast, others may be engineered for stability and comfort during rigorous activities like running or cycling. If conference calls and casual listening are also on your agenda, look for models seamlessly transitioning between different environments. Knowing your primary activities will help narrow down your options effectively.
2. Sound Quality
While it might seem obvious, sound quality is crucial when selecting bone-conduction headphones. If you’re investing between $100 to $200, the audio experience should meet your expectations—no one wants tinny, muffled sound. Bone conduction technology can sometimes compromise audio fidelity, so reading reviews and testing models known for extraordinary audio clarity is essential. A good pair should provide a balanced sound profile, delivering rich mids and highs while ensuring ambient sounds remain audible. This is particularly important for outdoor activities where situational awareness is critical.
3. Battery Life
Battery life is a significant consideration, especially for active users. On average, bone-conduction headphones offer around 8.5 hours of battery life. Opt for models that provide longer battery durations if you intend to use them for extended workouts, long commutes, or even during travel. A quality pair should comfortably last through several exercise sessions without needing frequent recharges. Additionally, consider how quickly they recharge; some models may offer fast-charging features, allowing you to return to using them sooner.
4. Sweat and Waterproof Rating
For swimmers, a waterproof rating of IP68 is ideal, ensuring durability in aquatic environments. If you’re an outdoor runner who frequently encounters rain or exerts considerable sweat, look for headphones with a minimum rating of IP55. This will help protect your investment from moisture damage and ensure reliable performance during intense activities. Some models also feature corrosion-resistant materials that enhance durability, especially for users who regularly engage in strenuous workouts or are exposed to the elements.
5. Cost
Bone conduction headphones vary widely in price, ranging from around $30 to $200 or more. Generally, you get what you pay for; cheaper models often have shorter battery lives and less durability. While it can be tempting to opt for lower-priced options, investing in a higher-quality pair typically results in better longevity and performance. Consider your budget, but weigh it against the features and durability you need. Additionally, consider the manufacturer’s warranty and customer service; a solid warranty can provide peace of mind and help protect your investment.
6. Comfort and Fit
Comfort is paramount, especially if you plan to wear your headphones for long periods. Look for models with adjustable features, such as flexible neckbands or customizable ear fittings. The weight of the headphones can also affect comfort; lighter models may feel less intrusive during long workouts. Consider user reviews that mention comfort during various activities, as individual preferences vary widely.
7. Additional Features
Some bone-conduction headphones come with extra features that can enhance the user experience. For example, integrated microphones can facilitate hands-free calling, while built-in controls allow for easy management of playback and volume without needing to reach for your device. Features like ambient sound modes or noise cancellation can further improve the listening experience. Additionally, check for compatibility with voice assistants, which can offer convenience for users on the go.
