Best Bone Conduction Headphones 2023
Originally part of Make the Sound Better, this article has been reworked to be more relevant, and the recommendations list has been updated for current recommendations in 2023.
Bone conduction headphones are a niche alternative to your typical in-ear earbuds. These rest directly on the listener’s cheekbones, and then rather than using airwaves to vibrate your eardrum, the vibrations from the bone conduction beelines for the cochlea.
Originally this made them most appealing to people with hearing problems that affect their eardrums. However, bone-conduction headphones have gained the most traction with athletes. The bone conduction design doesn’t block your ears and therefore gives you environmental awareness when you are outdoors.
For road cyclists, bone conduction headphones are the only headphones you should wear as this will allow you to hear the traffic around you. Also, because they wrap around your head, they are not going to fall out and get lost, which TWS earbuds can do.
For runners, you don’t specifically need to wear these; I still prefer in-ear earbuds as I prefer to block out the sound around me (and my heavy breathing). Many others prefer the improved safety that environmental awareness brings. However, bone conduction headphones are the only headphones that are approved for use in road races under the UKA rules of competition. The England Athletics has a partnership with Shoks, formerly Aftershokz, but the rules don’t specifically say this is the brand you need to wear.
Shoks are by far the most popular and best brand on the market for bone conduction, but they have quite a few options to choose from, and there are other brands out there worth considering, especially if you are on a budget.
Best Bone Conduction Headphones 2023 Buying Guide
Below, we are going to take a look at the best bone conduction headphone available in the market. If you are looking for something good, this is the list for you.
Sound Quality
I am adding a note about sound quality at the top because it is important to address. Some of the best bone conduction headphones can sound quite good, but in general, they will never compete with in-ear earbuds. They almost always struggle with bass, and the environmental noise you are letting in has a negative impact on sound quality.
Benefits of Bone Conduction Headphones
Considering how bone conduction headphones work on a different principle to deliver sound, they are inherently different, but they do pose some amount of benefits.
With that out of the way, we can start looking at the benefits below, so you know what you should be going for and what you should be avoiding.
The Situational Awareness Increases
Considering how the bone conduction headphones do not necessarily set on top of your ears, the outside noise and sound is not blocked at all; this means that if you are commuting or you are sitting in a room full of people, or even when you are traveling, these headphones do provide you with the situational awareness.
The same situational awareness is more or less absent from the standard set of headphones available in the market, and that is why, this is an important factor that you should not really overlook because it is actually really good.
Comfortable for a Lot of People
Just like sound, comfort is extremely subjective for most people when you are talking about headphones in general.
However, the thing is that if you get tired of having something inside your ears for longer periods of times, or you are just tired of having something sit on top of your head for extended period of time, then going for bone conduction headphones is definitely a good idea and should not disappoint you in any way whatsoever.
That being said, if you are looking for something comfortable, these headphones definitely take the cake as they are among the more comfortable alternatives available in the market. But again, this is something that is largely subjective because not everyone feels that way.
A Different Listening Experience
Another thing about these headphones is that they are offering a different listening experience, and that is what some people actually look forward to. You are not going to have to worry about any issues that might come in your way, and you will be able to enjoy the music really, really well, too.
However, before you go ahead and splurge on these headphones, we would highly advise you that you test these headphones out because that is one of the most important things.
Who Needs Bone Conduction Headphones
Now that you are aware of just who is going to benefit from these headphones, the next step is to start looking at just who is going to need these headphones, in the first place.
This is technical for a lot of people because headphones are largely subjective. Still, we are going to take a look at these factors because it is an important thing that we look at these things so we can have a better understanding about it at the same time.
Below, we are going to talk about a few instances where bone-conduction headphones can be really, really useful for you.
People With an Active Lifestyle
If you are someone who generally leads an active lifestyle, then going for these headphones might be the right thing to do.
Whether you go for a jog every morning, or you are working out in the gym, having spatial awareness is one of the most important things that you will have to go through.
And the best part is that you can easily distinguish between the sounds from outside as well as the sound that is coming from the headphones. Allowing you to run or work out without any fear of running into some issue.
As previously mentioned, bone conduction headphones are the only headphones that are approved for use in road races under the UKA rules of competition.
Just for safety, bone conduction headphones are the only thing you should wear when cycling on the road.
People Who Commute Often
Another use of these headphones is for people who commute or travel often. Taking your headphones off every time there is an announcement, or every time you have to cross the road, or something similar to that is a nuisance that not many people are fond of.
However, with bone conduction headphones, you do not have to worry about that as you can just wear them and forget that they were there in the first place because you will be able to hear everything.
People That Struggle Finding Comfortable Carbuds
The previous guide suggested these for people that wanted something different. While that is technically true, I think most people in general are better off with in-ear earbuds.
However, some people find them very uncomfortable, they may find them too intrusive or perhaps their ear shape makes it difficult for them to stay in. This is true for my partner, and she will often wear some Shokz OpenRun when just going for a walk.
Best Bone Conduction Headphones 2023 Review Guide
1) Shokz OpenRun Pro:
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Best Bone Conduction Headphones 2023
Shokz, formerly AfterShokz are without a doubt the best bone conduction brand on the market and the Shokz OpenRun Pro is their flagship product. So these are inevitably the best bone conduction headphones you can buy.
Bone conduction headphones often have a somewhat unpleasant sensation due to the vibrations they generate, especially at higher volumes and when the bass intensifies.
However, when I reviewed the Shokz OpenRun Pro, dialling up the volume on my Pixel 6 to around 70%, I didn’t feel any vibration or discomfort while listening to music that primarily consists of mid and high frequencies. Only a faint vibration is noticeable when the bass kicks in.
Although the bass quality is good, it can’t match the performance of in-ear headphones. There is a slight distortion at higher volumes or with extremely low frequencies. As a result, individuals who prioritize heavy bass might not consider these headphones suitable for daily use.
On the other hand, the mid and high frequencies are excellent. Vocals, in particular, are crystal clear, and overall, the performance is comparable to that of in-ear options.
Overall, these are the best sounding bone conduction headphones I have used and the closest you will get to the quality of in-ear earphones.
Pros
- Best sound quality for any bone conduction headphones
- IP55 rating
- 10 hour battery life should last most sporting events
Cons
- Expensive
- Proprietory charger
![SHOKZ OpenRun Pro, [England Athletics Recommended] Bone Conduction Headphones, Open-Ear Sports Earphones with Mic, IP55 Waterproof Bluetooth Wireless Headset for Running Workout Driving(Swift Black)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/21v8mOKlyGL._SL160_.jpg)
- Open-Ear Design for Comfort & Safety: Experience the superior fit of OpenRun Pro—say goodbye to in-ear discomfort with our bud-free design. The open-ear design allows users to remain connected to their surroundings for safety and ensure uninterrupted performance.
- Premium Sound Quality: Powered by 9th generation bone conduction technology, OpenRun Pro delivers an immersive stereo audio experience, letting you enjoy every note, beat, chorus, and booming bass. Experience the redefined era of open-ear listening for yourself.
- Secure Fit & IP55 Water-resistant: The ergonomic, lightweight design of OpenRun Pro ensures stability during intense activities. Its IP55 rating protects the Bluetooth headsets from sweat, splashes, and rain, making it an excellent choice for sports headphones.
- 10 Hours of Playtime & Quick Charge: Enjoy a seamless 10-hour experience of music, calls, and podcasts with OpenRun Pro. A quick 5-minute charge adds 1.5 hours of battery life for uninterrupted enjoyment. Ideal for running, cycling, remote work, gaming, and workouts.
- Noise-Cancelling Mic & APP Control: Never miss a call during your workout with OpenRun Pro. Featuring dual noise-Cancelling microphones, it ensure crystal-clear calls on both ends. Download the Shokz App for easy pairing, personalized listening, and EQ settings (Standard or Vocal Booster).
2) Shokz OpenMove
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The Shokz Openmove are the most affordable bone conduction sports headphones they do. For around $85/£80, these would be my recommendation as the best affordable bone conduction headphones available (but there are plenty that are much cheaper).
Even though they are affordable for Shokz, I found that the sound quality was good with a decent level of bass.
Vocals are surprisingly good, with decent clarity. It is perhaps the highs that suffer the most, sometimes being drowned out by the bass or sounding a little sharp.
I found these sound quite good at higher volumes, the bass doesn’t bottom out, and voices and mids stay clear without becoming harsh and unpleasant.
One big difference between these and the more expensive models is that I could feel the that sense of vibration much more, which feels a bit weird.
Pros
- Good performance for the price
- USB-C Charging
Cons
- More vibration than the more expensive Shokz
![SHOKZ OpenMove Wireless Headphones, [England Athletics Recommended] Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sports Headset with Mic, 6 Hour Playtime & IP55 Waterproof for Running Workout Cycling (Grey)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31U8MJAdYHL._SL160_.jpg)
- PREMIUM SOUND & SITUATIONAL AWARENESS – Powered by patented 7th Gen bone conduction technology and PremiumPitch 2.0, these bone conduction headphones deliver rich stereo sound and deep bass. The open-ear design helps you stay aware of traffic and surroundings while running, jogging, or commuting. Featuring advanced Bluetooth 5.1 for a stable, seamless connection, ensuring an enjoyable music experience for all bone conduction users who prioritize safety and sound quality.
- ULTRA-LIGHT OPEN-EAR COMFORT – Designed for all-day wear, our open-ear headphones weigh only 29g, resting gently in front of your ears without pressure. lightweight design is perfect for glasses wearers, office workers, and telecommuters who need comfort during remote work, commuting, or intense workouts. Enjoy balanced audio with zero fatigue.
- Secure Fit & Safety for Active Users: Ergonomic open-ear design prevents slipping or falling off during running, cycling, hiking, or street workouts. Stay aware of traffic, pedestrians, and surroundings on busy roads or rugged trails while enjoying music. Perfect for runners and safety-conscious users.
- RELIABLE POWER & FAST CHARGE – Tailored for office workers and travelers, these headphones deliver 6 hours of playback to power through long web conferences, telework, or workouts. With 10-day standby, they stay ready for spontaneous commuting, dog walks, or business trips. Efficient charging ensures a quick top-up, keeping you connected from morning meetings to evening training with zero downtime.
- IP55 WATER & DUST RESISTANCE – Built for durability, these headphones feature an IP55 rating to withstand sweat, rain, and dust. Whether you're running in heavy rain or hiking rough terrain, they deliver consistent sound. Don't let weather stop you; our design protects against the elements for all outdoor activities.
3) Shoks Openswim (Formerly Xtrainerz)
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I promise I am not a Shokz shill and this is the last pair I am recommending on this list. I thought these deserved a placement because they are unique in the fact they are not Bluetooth headphones but an MP3 player that is equitable for swimming or other watersports.
There is 4GB of storage and they supports MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, and FLAC for device-free listening.
When using them in water, you can use the swimming earplugs which will significantly improve the sound quality (this also works for bone conduction headphones in general, in or out of water).
As you’d expect for swimming headphones, these are IP68 rated for full water ingress protection.
Pros
- Designed for swimming and water sports
Cons
- Not Bluetooth headphones
- [No more ear pain] Unlike in-ear headphones, OpenSwim wireless earphones are equipped with an open-ear design powered by bone conduction technology, ensuring bud-free and comfortable listening all day, in or out of the water.
- [IP68 waterproof] OpenSwim bone conduction waterproof headphones withstand total submersion in up to 2 metres of water. Fully waterproof and submersible so you can swim, run, cycle, or train harder than ever before.
- [Excellent Underwater sound quality] Boosted by 7th generation bone conduction technology, OpenSwim waterproof MP3 gives you a clear and consistent sound quality throughout all strokes and turns.
- [Versatile And Secure Fit] OpenSwim bone conduction earphones are compatible with swim caps, goggles, and earplugs. OpenFit titanium design equipped with wraparound flexibility for reliable stability throughout all strokes and turns.
- [4GB of MP3 Storage & 8H of music] NOT BLUETOOTH COMPATIBLE. With up to 8-hours powerful battery life and built-in storage for 1200 songs, you can continuously enjoy the extraordinary underwater sound quality.
4) Mu6 Ring Open Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones
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Ok, so these aren’t actually bone conduction headphones but I think they are worth considering depending on why you were looking at bone conduction headphones in the first place.
Mu6 calls these air conduction headphones which basically just means it is a speaker that sits a bit in front of your ear with the drivers facing back towards your ear.
So these don’t use vibrations to bypass your eardrum and are therefore no use for anyone looking for that specific feature. However, it is a similar design, and you get the same sort of situational awareness as bone conduction headphones.
I personally found that the sound quality was generally better than most bone conduction headphones and you didn’t get that annoying vibration from the drivers.
The main downside of this is that they are quite audible at moderate volumes, and because of the sound leakage, the maximum volume you can turn these up to is quite limited. It is fine for general use and fitness, but wind noise will quickly drown out the audio if you are moving too fast, or if it is just very windy.
Another big plus point is that these are cheap at around £40/$52.
Pros
- Good sound quality with pleasant bass
- Cheap
- No vibration
Cons
- Not bone conduction, therefore not suitable for some buyers
- Sound leakage and limited volume
- 【Comfort & Safe Design】Ring adopts an open-ear design, which doesn't go in or cover your ears, features comfortable wear, protects your hearing from long usage. This ergonomic design allows you to listen to the surrounding sounds while enjoying music, ensures the safety and normal conversations with others.
- 【Air Conduction】Ring is powered by air conduction, which will not cause any discomfort to the original sound compared with bone conduction headphones, helps normal individuals hear the tone better. If you have no hearing loss and seek open-ear comfort, Ring will be the best choice for you.
- 【Bluetooth 5.0 Connectivity】Ring comes with the advanced Bluetooth 5.0 chip, enhances the signal strength, and greatly improves transmission speed. Combined with the built-in microphone, providing you with a low-latency quality sound and clear call experience.
- 【Excellent Sports Headphones】Ring weighs 35 grams, lightweight, and no burden on your ears. IP55 waterproof ensures that you will not be affected by sweat during exercise. 9 hours of playtime allows you to get continuous use when you are outdoor, traveling, running, and gym.
- 【100% Satisfaction Guarantee】Your satisfaction is our top priority. We promise all of our products against defects. If you have any problems during your usage, please feel free to contact our 24 hours online support. We have a free return/replacement policy to guarantee you the BEST purchase experience.
5) 9 DIGITAL Lite Bone Conduction Headphones
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I haven’t reviewed these but they are about the best-reviewed none-Shokz budget bone conduction headphones I can find. At around £45, you can’t complain at the price. They are IP54 rated, which is fine for running and cycling, just don’t go swimming with them. They are rated for 6.5 hours of playtime.
I’d recommend these for anyone that only wants to occasionally wear bone conduction headphones, for example just for running events.
Pros
- Great price
Cons
- Sound quality won’t be as good
- IP54 is lower than competing options
- Bone Conduction Technology - This bone headphones adopt advanced Bone conduction technology that delivers sound through bone, maintaining the fidelity of the sound to the greatest extent.
- Amazing Stereo Playback - Bone conduction headphones are ideal for phone calls, music, and entertainment;
- Waterproof and Lightweight - IP54 waterproof and sweatproof, don't worry about the damage to the headphones when running, cycling, fitness, gym, yoga, dancing, jump
Conclusion
If you’d hadn’t guessed, my personal preference would definitely be anything from Shokz. The Shokz OpenRun Pro are the best bone conduction headphones you can buy, they are superb, but the Shokz OpenMove are well worth it if you are limited by budget.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
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