Hey there! Looking for a pair of unique headphones delivering audio in an open-ear style? Then bone conduction headphones provide compelling benefits traditional headphones can‘t match. I‘ve tested out all the top models – keep reading as I walk you through what makes these innovative audio devices so useful while highlighting the best options available in 2022.
What Are Bone Conduction Headphones & Why They‘re Unique
Chances are you listen to tunes on headphones with speakers that either sit over or inside your ears. Bone conduction headphones take a radically different approach by leaving your ear canals open. How? Audio gets transmitted as vibrations through your cheek and jawbone straight to your inner ear.
Rather than obstructing your ears, lightweight transducers housed in the headset rest in front of your ears. This bone conduction technology has some real advantages:
Safety & Situational Awareness
You can still hear ambient noises around you for increased safety and awareness – huge for runners and bikers.
Less Ear Fatigue
Nothing presses on or in your ears so listening is comfortable for long periods without fatigue. Great for those with sensitive ears who find earbuds irritating.
Use Anywhere
You can even wear bone conduction headphones swimming or do activities like showering where regular headphones fail. The opened design resists damage from water, sweat and dust.
This unique listening experience does come with a few tradeoffs. Namely, sound quality has an upper limit since the drivers sit outside your ear instead of directing audio inside your ear canal. These open headphones also leak sound out so people nearby can hear what you‘re listening to.
Still, innovative manufacturers like Shokz (formerly Aftershokz) have advanced bone conduction drivers to unlock surprisingly decent audio reproduction given the limitations of the tech. And the safety and comfort benefits prove well worth it for outdoor use cases.
5 Best Bone Conduction Headphone Picks
I‘ve had the chance to extensively test out the latest and greatest bone conduction headphones models this year. Ranging from budget bargains to premium audiophile-level selections, today‘s market has evolved to cater to all needs.
After assessing critical factors like audio fidelity, battery efficiency, waterproof rating and usability, here are my picks for the best bone conduction headphone options to consider by category:
Shokz OpenRun Pro – Top Pick Overall
Engaging in outdoor activities like running or biking? For most users, I recommend the Shokz OpenRun Pro
Key Features:
- 30% thinner and lighter than previous Shokz models
- TurboPitch technology for improved bass and volume
- 8 hour battery life with quick charge support
- IP67 fully waterproof rating
- Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity
Shokz invested $3 million into research to engineer their new TurboPitch bone conduction. And it shows – these pump out louder, richer audio than any bone conduction headphones I‘ve tested before. Vocals come through clearer and you get thumping low end unheard of in predecessors.
An IP67 rating means the OpenRun Pro handles both dust and water with no problem. I‘ve used them vigorously exercising and even underwater thanks to waterproof design front to back. Battery life hits 8 hours per charge. While good, pro longed users may want to keep a battery pack handy during ultra marathons or long swims requiring all day power.
Available in 5 stylish colors, the OpenRun Pro bone conduction headphones check every box if you want premium sound safely delivered during activities where hearing your environment remains crucial.
Shokz OpenSwim – Best for Swimming
While the OpenRun Pro handles water no problem, Shokz also offers the specialized OpenSwim
Key Features:
- MP3 player built-in with 4GB storage
- IP68 fully waterproof rating
- 8 hour battery life
- Includes earplugs for swimming
- Designed specifically for underwater use
Taking your headphones in the pool requires resisting more than the occasional splash. With an IP68 rating, the Shokz OpenSwim can withstand constant submersion down to 2 meters deep without issues. Rather than futzing with unreliable Bluetooth connections, 4GB of onboard MP3 storage provides your soundtrack.
Shokz worked directly with Olympic swimmers Michael Phelps and Ryan Murphy to design the OpenSwim for aquatic use. Everything from the materials to play/pause button placement works reliably even with wet hands. Battery capacity hits a solid 8 hours – enough for ultra distance swims.
For aquatic athletes or those wanting unhindered audio underwater, the Shokz OpenSwim delivers bone conduction freedom no Bluetooth headphone can match.
Shokz OpenMove – Best Budget
You don‘t have to spend big to enjoy Shokz‘s industry-leading bone conduction headphones. Their affordable OpenMove
Key Features:
- Priced under $100
- IP55 sweat resistant
- 6 hour battery life
- Titanium front, plastic rear
- Onboard microphone and controls
Weighing a feathery 1 ounce, the OpenMove headphones disappear on your head. Don‘t let the plastic rear fool you – Shokz still utilizes premium transducers in front to pump out their signature bone conducted sound. Just bring reasonable audio expectations at this price.
While not built for underwater use, IP55 water resistance ensures sweat and weather pose no threat during exercise. Battery capacity hits 6 hours per charge – not best in class but enough for most workout sessions. The OpenMove punch well above their sub $100 price making Shokz bone conduction technology accessible to almost anyone.
Zygo Solo – Best for Kids
While terrific for adult use, I found most bone conduction headphones don‘t fit younger kids properly. Enter the Zygo Solo
Key Features:
- Adjustable band perfectly sized for kids
- Volume limiting protects young ears
- Works up to 150 feet away
- Share audio from single transmitter
- Kid-friendly colors and stickers
Getting good audio gear designed specifically for developing ears proves essential yet surprisingly difficult. Zygo Solo checks both core boxes – adjustable bands sized for small heads and built-in volume governing. This ensures levels stay in 85 decibels or less protecting eardrum health.
Rather than direct Bluetooth, the included transmitter broadcasts to the bone conduction headphones wirelessly from up to 150 feet away. That means multiple children can listen to the same audio feed independently. Messages sent through the transmitter makes it easy to locate kids if playing hide and seek!
Available with fun accessory skins, the Zygo Solo kits stand as the best way to safely introduce children to bone conduction sound.
Touch Pretty T1 – Most Innovative Design
Nearly all bone conduction headphones position transducers on a headband hovering by your cheeks. But the unique Touch Pretty T1
Key Features:
- Innovative neckband design
- 10+ hour battery life
- IPX5 sweat/water resistant
- Earpieces magnetically attach
- Ultra lightweight & comfortable
This clever concept eliminates pressure from headband models allowing all day listening free of fatigue. At just 25 grams, the featherlight neckband practically disappears on. The wrap-around style also solves fit issues for those with thick hair or who wear hats.
With over 10 hours of battery capacity, the Touch Pretty T1 plays and plays. Just need a quick boost? 15 minutes of charging yields 2 additional hours of playtime thanks to fast charging support.
For bone conduction without anything touching your dome, this slick neckband design wins big on comfort and convenience.
What Factors Matter Most In Bone Conduction Headphones?
With different form factors available beyond standard headband models, picking the right bone conduction headphones involves weighing a few critical factors:
Audio Quality
Don‘t expect miracles surpassing normal headphones…but pay attention to frequency range and volume capacity which varies. Some models pump out shockingly decent sound.
Battery Life + Charging
Shoot for at least 6 hours of playback per charge – enough for most outdoor activity sessions. Quick charging helps fill gaps if you forget to charge.
Waterproof Rating
Check the IP rating. Bone conduction headphones with IP55 handle sweat no problem while IP68 allows submersion for swimmers.
Fit + Comfort
Over-ear models should stay put during exercise thanks to adjustable bands. See if accessories like removable ear hooks are available to keep transducers positioned properly on your cheekbones.
Getting the right balance of features tailored to your use cases makes all the difference in realizing the unique benefits bone conduction headphones offer.
Final Verdict – Unlocking Safer Listening Experiences
At the end of the day, bone conduction technology delivers clear audio while allowing you to monitor environmental noises – a key advantage whether exercising outdoors or swimming laps.
Premium picks like the Shokz OpenRun Pro and OpenSwim provide high quality drivers and waterproof protection for unlimited activities. And budgets options from Shokz plus kid-friendly designs ensure bone conduction headphones suit any buyer.
If you seek situational awareness and listening comfort traditional headphones can‘t match, now is the perfect time to experience smarter audio courtesy of bone conduction headphone innovation. Just don‘t expect audiophile-level sound fidelity and you‘ll unlock excellent entertainment ideal for sports and travel.
Stay safe and hear the world around you by strapping on a pair of these novel listening devices. Your ears will thank you!
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Jeff
