Wide-Ranging Insights on the Best Bone Conduction Headphones
Bone conduction headphones are revolutionizing the way we listen to music while maintaining awareness of our surroundings, making them ideal for diverse activities like weightlifting, swimming, hiking, and even office work. Here's an in-depth analysis of the best options on the market today.
Top Picks for Bone Conduction Headphones
| Model | Cost | Battery Life | Waterproofing | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| H2O Audio Tri 2 | $180 | 9 hours | IPX8 | .08 pounds |
| Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 | $180 | 12 hours | IP55 | .07 pounds |
| Philips Go A7607 | $140 | 9 hours | IP66 | .49 pounds |
| Shokz OpenSwim Pro | $180 | 9 hours | IP68 | .06 pounds |
| Mojawa Run Plus | $160 | 8 hours | IP68 | .07 pounds |
| Bose Ultra Open | $300 | 7.5 hours | IPX4 | .01 pounds |
| Shokz OpenFit Air | $120 | 6 hours | IP54 | .16 pounds |
Note: IPX ratings refer to water and dust resistance. IP ratings (e.g., IP55, IP68) detail water resistance, with higher numbers indicating better protection.
Detailed Reviews of Our Top Picks
H2O Audio Tri 2
The H2O Audio Tri 2 stands out for its nine-hour battery life, rich bass, loud sound, and a durable waterproof rating (IPX8) suitable for all weather conditions. They offer a Memory mode, allowing you to download music and enjoy phone-free listening sessions. These headphones excel in delivering high-quality sound while keeping you aware of your surroundings, making them ideal for various activities including swimming.
Pros:
- Waterproof up to 12 feet
- Rich in bass
- Memory mode for phone-free listening
Cons:
- Buttons for song-skipping aren't intuitive
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones offer an impressive 12-hour battery life, AI-powered noise-canceling, and wind-resistant microphones. They feature reduced vibration for a more comfortable experience and are suitable for long workouts or office use. These headphones strike a balance between comfort, functionality, and battery life.
Pros:
- Reduced vibrations
- Long battery life
- Comfortable fit
Cons:
- Volume could be louder
Philips Go A7607
Philips Go A7607 headphones offer excellent versatility with their IP66 rating, making them both water-resistant and sweatproof. Their open-ear design keeps users aware of their surroundings, making them a secure choice for outdoor activities. A unique feature is the integrated LED light on the neckband for nighttime visibility.
Pros:
- LED indicator for visibility
- Comfortable fit
- Sweat-resistant
Cons:
- Mediocre audio output
Shokz OpenSwim Pro
The Shokz OpenSwim Pro is tailored for swimmers, featuring one of the highest waterproof ratings (IP68) and a comfortable fit that stays secure in the water. The headphones operate in MP3 mode, requiring users to load audio files through a computer. While not Bluetooth compatible, they excel in delivering clear sound underwater.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Rated for swimming
- Long battery life
Cons:
- Doesn't support subscription services like Spotify
Mojawa Run Plus
The Mojawa Run Plus headphones provide a robust IP68 waterproof rating, perfect for intense workouts or swimming. They feature intuitive touch controls and excellent sound quality. They are an excellent alternative to the Shokz OpenRun Pro, especially for users who prioritize ease of use and durability.
Pros:
- Truly sweat-proof
- Big, responsive touch controls
- Sound on par with Shokz OpenRun Pros
Cons:
- Sound quality may vary
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
At the luxury end, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds offer exceptional sound quality and environmental awareness through a unique ear cuff design. They provide comfort for all-day wear and withstand dust and water. They are ideal for users willing to invest in premium sound while maintaining situational awareness.
Pros:
- Excellent aware sound
- Innovative ear cuff design
- Comfortable for extended wear
Cons:
- Pricey
- Occasional Bluetooth disconnections
Shokz OpenFit Air
The Shokz OpenFit Air headphones are a great bone conduction alternative. They offer remarkable audio quality and comfort at a lower price compared to their predecessors. Their design is perfect for users who want to stay aware of their surroundings without the typical ear pressure of traditional headphones.
Pros:
- More comfortable than the previous model
- Outstanding audio quality
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Less battery life than the previous model
Choosing the Right Bone Conduction Headphones
Selecting the perfect pair of bone conduction headphones depends on personal preferences and specific requirements. Here’s a guide to help you find the best fit:
| Choose these bone conduction headphones... | If you want... |
|---|---|
| H2O Audio Tri 2 bone conduction | The best bone conduction headphones with the second highest battery life on this list, bass and sound you can feel, and a remarkably high waterproof rating that withstands swimming or sweaty workouts. |
| Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 | Bone conduction headphones with Bluetooth 5.3 and a 12-hour battery life. These bone conduction headphones have the longest battery life on this list. |
| Philips Go A7607 | A versatile pair of bone conduction headphones with more water resistance than the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2. They're the heaviest option on this list, however. |
| Shokz OpenSwim Pro | A pair of bone conduction headphones for swimming with one of the highest waterproof ratings on this list from one of the most notable bone conduction brands. |
| Mojawa Run Plus | An OpenRun Pro dupe with an IP68 rating for those high intensity, sweaty workouts or swimming sessions. Many reviews say that these work even better than the OpenRun Pro, for $20 less. |
| Bose Ultra Open | The most expensive bone conduction headphones on this list. The Bose Ultra Open earbuds offer up a unique design that stays fit in your ear and delivers amazing sound while keeping you aware of your environment. The earbuds offer all-day comfort and a form factor that makes it easy to clip in your ears, even when music is turned off. |
| Shokz OpenFit Air | A pair of open-ear headphones that offer amazing sound, a decent battery life, and a price point that’s $60 cheaper than its older model. |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bone Conduction Headphones
Several key factors should guide your choice of bone conduction headphones:
- Type: Determine if you need over-the-ear or in-ear bone conduction headphones based on your activities.
- Sound quality: Ensure your chosen headphones provide clear sound without distortion.
- Battery life: A longer battery life is crucial for extended use. Aim for headphones lasting over 8 hours.
- Sweat and waterproof rating: High waterproof ratings (IP68) are essential for swimmers and heavy sweaters.
- Cost: Balance your budget with the features you need. More expensive headphones offer better durability and sound.
How We Test Bone Conduction Headphones
Our team conducts hands-on testing in various environments before recommending any product. We focus on aspects like performance, user experience, customer reviews, longevity, and battery life to ensure you invest in the best technology available.
FAQs on Bone Conduction Headphones
What are bone conduction headphones and how do they work?
Bone conduction headphones use vibrations to transmit sound waves directly to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrum. They sit on the cheekbones and use a transducer to send vibrations through the face bones to the inner ear, allowing users to hear audio clearly while remaining aware of their surroundings. This technology is useful for those in noisy environments or who have hearing impairments.
Who should use bone conduction headphones?
Bone conduction headphones are ideal for marathoners, cyclists, and anyone who requires both good sound quality and environmental awareness during their activities. They are also suitable for those who find traditional in-ear headphones uncomfortable or who need to keep their ears open for safety reasons.
Are bone conduction headphones worth it?
Yes, especially if you need an open design that enhances hearing health and environmental awareness. They offer a balanced listening experience without fully isolating the user from their surroundings, making them a preferred choice for athletes and individuals who prioritize safety.
Are bone conduction headphones waterproof?
While not all bone conduction headphones are waterproof, many models, such as those with IP68 ratings, are designed to withstand swimming and heavy sweating.
