The best bone conduction headphones of 2023
The best bone conduction headphones of 2023
You may have heard that headphones and earbuds are not the greatest for hearing health, but how else can we listen to our favorite podcasts or music? Aside from over-the-ear headphones and earbuds, there are also bone conduction headphones, which may be the best option for your hearing.
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Bone conduction headphones may not be as well-known as other traditional forms of headphones, but they are some of the very best. Since the headphones emit vibrations to your inner ear, you can feel each note and every beat for a new way of enjoying your favorite content.
We’ve rounded up the best bone conduction headphones to listen to music in a new way.
Also:
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- The best headphones for workouts and running
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- The best headphones for sleep
- Comfortable and secure fit
- IP67 rating
- Decent battery life
- Slow charging
AfterShokz Aeropex tech specs: Waterproof rating: IP67 | Weight: 1.06 oz. | Battery life: 8 hours
The AfterShokz Aeropex is a pair of on-ear bone conduction headphones featuring a comfortable open-ear design. They are lightweight and skip the in-ear buds of many other headphones. For connectivity, they employ Bluetooth 5.0 technology, and there is a single button to control your music and use your voice assistant.
There is an eight-hour battery life, plus an IP67 waterproof rating that allows you to take them to the pool or beach with you. Your charger will even let you know if it detects moisture when charging.
Read the review: AfterShokz Aeropex review: Impressive bone conduction headset with long battery life, solid performance
- Noise-canceling boom microphone
- Long battery life
- Bluetooth 5.1 technology
- Some pairing issues
- Pricey
Shokz OpenComm UC tech specs: Waterproof rating: IP55 | Weight: 1.16 oz. | Battery life: 16 hours of talk time and 8 hours of listening time
For remote workers on calls all day, these bone conduction headphones from Shokz are a great alternative to earbuds or over-the-ear headphones that will provide you with all-day comfort. The mic here is what really shines: an adjustable DSP noise-canceling boom microphone blocks outside noise while you speak, making it ideal for use in a range of workplace environments.
These headphones also use Bluetooth 5.1 technology, meaning you can stay connected up to about 328 feet away. However, you can also use the Loop 100 USB-A wireless adapter, the headset and the computer can establish a more stable and continuous connection between your PC and the headset, so you can be sure no work calls will drop.
The Shokz OpenComm UC can also quick charge if needed: a five-minute charge can last you up to two hours of talk time. In comparison, a full charge will take you one hour.
- Built-in 8GB of storage
- Extremely waterproof
- Secure fit to stay on even underwater
- Bluetooth connection doesn’t work well in water
H2O Audio TRI Multi-Sport Waterproof Bone Conduction Headphones tech specs: Waterproof rating: IPX8 | Weight: 1.13 oz. | Battery life: 9 hours
These bone conduction headphones from H2O Audio are rated IPX8, meaning that they are water resistant up to 12 feet/3.6 meters of water. They are also super comfortable to wear—both underwater and above it.
Aside from their waterproof rating, what makes these bone conduction headphones stand out is their built-in MP3 player that can store up to 8GB of music. Transferring music from your computer to these over-ear bone conduction headphones is easy with the micro-USB cable provided.
Read the review: These $99 bone conduction headphones work underwater — and when you don’t have your phone
However, you can still connect these headphones to your smartphone or other device to listen via Bluetooth, but keep in mind the Bluetooth range is only 4 inches when underwater.
You can expect up to nine hours of battery life with these headphones, but this varies depending on volume level and whether you are listening via MP3 or Bluetooth mode.
- Immersive sound
- Quick charge support
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Limited to IP55
Shokz OpenRun Pro tech specs: Waterproof rating: IP55 | Weight: 1.02 oz. | Battery life: 10 hours
Shokz OpenRun Pro also shares an open-ear design, skipping the in-ear buds so common with other types of headphones. To help them stay in place during your workout, there is a Shokz headband included with your bone conduction headphones.
Shokz TurboPitch engineering and Shokz ninth bone conduction technology mean excellent sound with fantastic clarity and bass for a listening experience that is far from jeopardized by your workout. The titanium frame simply wraps around your head for a lightweight fit that is easy to wear when you are most active.
Read the review: Shokz OpenRun Pro review: Outstanding bone conduction headset for safe training
- Extremely lightweight
- Rated for swimming
- Great clarity
- No Bluetooth
- On the pricier end
Shokz OpenSwim tech specs: Waterproof rating: IP68 | Weight: 1.06 oz | Battery life: 8 hours
Here we have another option from Shokz with its OpenSwim bone conduction headphones. These open-ear headphones skip the in-ear buds and incorporate excellent IP68 waterproofing, so these are ideal for swimming and other water activities. A SHOKZ nose clip comes included.
These are also unique in that they include internal MP3 storage with room for up to 1,200 songs, so you can have all your favorite tunes during your swim. Simply use your bone conduction headphones to control your music, whether it is skipping a song or hitting the pause button.
Philips Go A7607 tech specs:Waterproof rating: IP66 | Weight: 1.3oz | Battery life: 9 hours
These bone conduction headphones are ideal for someone looking for a pair of headphones to take from the office to the gym. They have an IP66 rating, making them water-resistant and sweatproof. They’re open-ear headphones, making them a great choice for someone who wants to hear their surroundings.
Read the review: Why these bone conduction headphones are my go-to for outdoor listening
On the neckband of the Philips A6707 is a bright red LED light that can be controlled via the Philips Headphones app. This LED light helps you stay visible to cars and people if you’re exercising at night.
What are the best bone conduction headphones?
The best bone-conduction headphones are the AfterShokz Aeropex, an IP67 waterproof set with built-in Bluetooth technology. With their traditional over-the-ear design and lightweight build, they earn our vote for the best bone conduction headphones.
To see how they stack up, here is an overview of my picks.
| Name | Price | Where to Buy | Waterproof Rating | Weight | Battery Life |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AfterShokz Aeropex | $136-140 | Walmart, Amazon | IP67 | 1.06 oz. | 8 hours |
| Shokz OpenComm UC | $200 | Amazon, Best Buy | IP55 | 1.16 oz. | 16 hours talk, 8 hours listening |
| H2O Audio TRI Multi-Sport | $100 | Amazon | IPX8 | 1.13 oz. | 9 hours |
| Shokz OpenRun Pro | $180 | Amazon, Best Buy, B&H Photo | IP55 | 1.02 oz. | 10 hours |
| Shokz OpenSwim | $150 | Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart | IP68 | 1.06 oz. | 8 hours |
| Philips Go A7607 | $200 | Amazon | IP66 | 1.3 oz. | 9 hours |
Which bone conduction headphones are right for you?
If you’re still having trouble deciding which bone conduction headphones to buy, follow this decision tree:
|
Choose these bone conduction headphones… |
If you want… |
|
AfterShokz Aeropex |
Performance and value. The AfterShokz Aeropex is a premium pair of bone conduction headphones that provides excellent sound quality while keeping you aware of your surroundings. With its IP67 rating, the headphones are waterproof and sweat-resistant, making them perfect for outdoor workouts. The headphones feature Bluetooth 5.0 technology and provide up to 8 hours of battery life. While the charging time is a bit slow, the headphones are still a great choice for their comfort, secure fit, and impressive performance. |
|
Shokz OpenComm UC |
Bone conduction headphones to make work calls. The Shokz OpenComm UC is a fantastic choice for those who spend a lot of time on work calls. The headphones feature a noise-canceling boom microphone that blocks out external noise, ensuring that you can hear and be heard clearly. They have an IP55 rating, making them resistant to sweat and moisture. The headphones use Bluetooth 5.1 technology and provide up to 16 hours of talk time and 8 hours of listening time. |
|
H2O Audio TRI |
Affordable waterproof bone conduction headphones. The H2O Audio TRI is an affordable option for those looking for waterproof bone conduction headphones. With its IPX8 rating, the headphones can be submerged in up to 12 feet of water, making them perfect for swimming and other water activities. The headphones also have built-in 8GB of storage, allowing you to store up to 1200 songs. While the Bluetooth connection doesn’t work well underwater, the headphones are still a great choice for their secure fit and sound quality. |
|
Shokz OpenRun Pro |
Bone conduction headphones keep up with your workout. The Shokz OpenRun Pro is an excellent choice for those who need bone conduction headphones that can keep up with their workouts. The headphones come with a Shokz headband that keeps them in place during physical activity. With the Shokz TurboPitch engineering and ninth bone conduction technology, you get an immersive sound experience with excellent clarity and bass. The headphones have an IP55 rating, making them resistant to sweat and moisture. They also have quick charge support, providing up to 10 hours of battery life. |
|
Shokz OpenSwim |
A pair of bone conduction headphones for swimming. The Shokz OpenSwim is a unique pair of bone conduction headphones designed for swimming. With its IP68 rating, the headphones are fully waterproof and can be submerged in up to 10 feet of water. They come with an internal MP3 player that can store up to 1200 songs, allowing you to listen to your favorite tunes while swimming. The headphones are extremely lightweight and come with a SHOKZ nose clip to ensure a secure fit. While they don’t have Bluetooth connectivity, the headphones are still a great choice for their clarity and suitability for swimming. |
| Philips Go A7607 |
The Philips Go A7607 is a versatile pair of bone conduction headphones that can be used for outdoor listening. The headphones have an IP66 rating, making them water-resistant and sweatproof. They’re open-ear headphones, allowing you to hear your surroundings while listening to music. The headphones feature a bright red LED light on the neckband that can be controlled via the Philips Headphones app, making it easy to stay visible while exercising at night. The headphones provide up to 9 hours of battery life, making them perfect for all-day use. |
How did I choose these bone conduction headphones?
To find the best bone conduction headphones, these are some of the factors I considered.
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Type: There are many different types of headphones, such as over-the-ear or in-ear bone conduction headphones. Everyone has a preference, so it all depends on the style of headphones you want and how you intend to use them.
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Battery life: It is important to consider the battery life of bone conduction headphones, so you know how long to expect each set to last before requiring a charge.
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Waterproofing: If you are a swimmer, you may want to consider a pair of bone conduction headphones that are rated for water resistance or waterproofing, so you do not risk damaging them.
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Cost: We chose bone conduction headphones that meet a variety of different budgets to help ensure that there is something for everyone.
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. This technology was first developed for military and medical use but has since been adapted for consumer use.
These headphones typically sit on the cheekbones and use a small transducer to send vibrations through the bones of the face to the inner ear. This allows users to hear the audio clearly, while still being able to hear their surroundings. This can be useful for people who work in noisy environments or for those who are hard of hearing. They also can be used for people who are unable to wear traditional headphones due to physical conditions.
Are bone conduction headphones waterproof?
Not all bone conduction headphones are waterproof, so it is important to check the waterproof or water-resistant rating on a set before making a purchase.
How much do bone conduction headphones cost?
Bone conduction headphones can vary significantly in price, depending on the manufacturer and model that you choose. Our picks for the best bone conduction headphones range in cost from $100 to more than $200 each.
Are there alternative bone conduction headphones worth considering?
Outside of these five bone conduction headphones, there are also a handful of others that caught our attention. Brands like AfterShokz and Pyle Bone make great alternative choices.
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