Bone conduction headphones are a unique audio device that delivers sound through the bones in the skull to the inner ear bypassing the eardrum. This makes them ideal for individuals with hearing impairments or medical conditions that prevent them from using traditional headphones.
The design of these headphones involves placing them directly on the cheekbones, allowing the user to hear audio while keeping the ear canal open, making them suitable for activities like running, cycling, and more.
Additionally, people who are deaf in one ear can experience stereo sound that traditional in-ears can’t offer. For these individuals, bone conduction headphones provide a valuable sense of hearing that may not be possible with other headphones.
Explore our list of the best bone conduction headphones for a variety of options available in the market.
#1) SHOKZ OpenRun Bone Conduction Sports Headphone
The SHOKZ OpenRun features a lightweight wraparound frame and comfortable earbud-free listening, designed specifically for athletes. With 8th generation bone conduction technology, you can stay aware of your surroundings while working out and stay motivated.
This makes it a perfect alternative for those who experience discomfort with traditional earbuds or fear losing them.
These headphones are rated IP67 waterproof, making them suitable for workouts, fitness, and running, with a moisture detection alert for safe charging. Although not suitable for swimming, you can enjoy up to eight hours of continuous music, calls, and podcasts, with a 10-minute quick charge for 1.5 hours of battery life.
Powered by 8th generation bone conduction, Bluetooth 5.1, and PremiumPitch 2.0+, the OpenRun headphones deliver clear sound, powerful volume, and rich bass. The sound quality is good for music and audiobooks, although it is not audiophile-quality.
#2) H2O Audio Sonar
The H2O Audio Sonar headphones deliver great sound, even underwater, and are designed with a convenient clip that attaches to your swimming goggles.
These bone conduction headphones come with 8GB of memory and support both Bluetooth and MP3 playback, including iTunes songs.
You can stream from your smartwatch or use the built-in MP3 player to play your favorite tunes while swimming laps. The headphones are comfortable and have an IPX8 rating for water submersion up to 12ft, providing the ultimate water experience.
With a battery life of up to 7 hours of continuous music playback, these headphones have a battery level indication and are easy to charge for your next aquatic adventure.
#3) SHOKZ OpenRun Pro
The Shokz OpenRun Pro offers a signature open-ear design with a comfortable fit. The bud-free design eliminates discomfort while providing all-day comfort and earplugs are included to reduce background noise.
The headphones deliver premium audio through Shokz TurboPitch technology, offering clear sound, powerful volume, and rich bass. A lightweight titanium frame keeps the wireless headphones stable and in place during intense workouts.
The battery life is impressive, providing over 10 hours of continuous playback for moderate users, and a 5-minute quick charge for 1.5 hours of battery life.
These headphones are equipped with a dual noise-cancelling microphone for clear calls, and are durable enough to withstand rain, sweat, and other challenging conditions.
#4) MOJO2 Bone Conduction Headphones
The Mojo2 boasts a 3rd generation Maglev-Bass actuator for a deeper and premium bass experience, with tripled vibration acceleration and reduced latency. Its patented noise-cancelling technology reduces echo and external noises by up to 40db. The latest Bluetooth 5.2 chip guarantees clear calls during outdoor workouts.
At only 26g, the Mojo2 has a vertical design that ensures secure placement during extreme sports, made of durable and flexible titanium alloy with soft silicone padding.
With an IPX7 rating and hydrophobic nanocoating, Mojo2 is protected against rain and dust and can even be washed after use. Note that it is not suitable for swimming.
Enjoy up to 8 hours of music, depending on volume levels, and get an additional 2 hours of play time with a quick 5-minute charge using the included magnetic charger.
#5) YouthWhisper Bone Conduction Headphones
YouthWhisper Lite is a high-quality bone conduction headset, perfect for podcasts, audio books, and instructional apps.
It boasts excellent sound pickup and clarity, allowing for clear surround awareness even at full range music fidelity.
This lightweight, comfortable headset weighs just 25 grams and can be worn comfortably with glasses or under a helmet.
With a large capacity battery, a full charge of only 2 hours supports continuous music playback for up to 6 hours, or standby time of up to 480 hours (20 days).
Summary
So, these are a few of the best bone conduction headphones for outdoors, running and swimming that have garnered huge popularity today. However, it is recommended that you buy one after going through the user reviews of each product, to understand which one will suit your specific requirements.
Moreover, it is good to keep in mind that no matter the level of waterproofing marked on them, refrain from experimenting by going beyond and overboard.
One of the main benefits of bone conduction headphones is their ability to provide situational awareness. Because they don’t block your ears, you can still hear important sounds like traffic or people talking around you. This makes them a great choice for outdoor activities like running or cycling.
Another benefit of bone conduction headphones is their comfort. Because they don’t sit in your ears, there’s no pressure on the ear canal or outer ear, making them a good choice for people who find traditional headphones uncomfortable.
Bone conduction headphones are also a good choice for people with hearing loss or other ear-related conditions. Because they bypass the ear canal, they can be a more comfortable option for people who experience discomfort or pain when wearing traditional headphones.
However, one potential drawback of bone conduction headphones is their sound quality. Because they rely on vibrations to transmit sound, they may not offer the same level of audio quality as traditional headphones. Additionally, because they don’t sit directly in your ear, they may not offer as much noise isolation.
In summary, bone conduction headphones offer situational awareness, comfort, and a potentially better option for people with hearing loss. While they may not offer the same level of sound quality as traditional headphones, they can still be a good choice for certain activities and preferences.