10 Best Bone Conduction Headphones 2025

The problem with typical headphones and earbuds is that they aren’t designed for exercise. Plus, they make it harder to hear what’s occurring in your surroundings, which is a safety hazard, especially for joggers, bikers, skiers, and the like.

Bone conduction headphones are an eloquent solution to a long-standing problem, and in this guide, we look at the best bone-conduction headphones you can buy.

SHOKZ OpenComm – Bone Conduction Open-Ear Stereo Bluetooth Headset – Best Overall

The SHOKZ OpenComm – Bone Conduction Open-Ear Stereo Bluetooth Headset is an impressive piece of kit, featuring a DSP noise-cancelling boom mic, Bluetooth 5.1 technology, and up to eight hours of listening time or up to 16 hours of talk time.

Despite their flimsy-looking appearance, their titanium construction suggests the SHOKZ OpenComm headphones can take a beating and keep moving.

The included charging cable is magnetic. While it is proprietary (proprietary cables can be a bit of a pain, given that they can be harder to replace), in this case, it works very nicely and is hard to hate.

One thing that is noticeably missing from the SHOKZ OpenComm package is a Bluetooth adapter. That should not prove much of a problem if you’re using the headphones with smartphones, tablets, or laptop computers, but it can be a bit of a roll of the dice with desktop machines.

For maximum compatibility, a Bluetooth adapter would have been a nice touch.

The OpenComm headphones come with two volume buttons. The “increase volume” button is also used for Bluetooth pairing. Pairing with OpenComm is almost effortless thanks to the onboard Bluetooth 5.0 technology.

The headphones do have an IP55 water-resistant rating, and while they may hold up to a light shower, we still wouldn’t recommend full submersion (and that goes for most headphone entries covered in this guide).

The OpenComm headphones do boast impressive sound quality. They’re not going to replace conventional headphones in this regard, but if you’re not expecting audiophile quality (and why would you?), you should be quite pleased with how these babies sound.

Just as the name OpenComm would suggest, however, where these headphones truly shine is in streamed conversations. For office and work use, this headphone solution is well worth considering.

Overall, these are comfortable headphones with good sound quality. Some reviewers, however, said the charge did not last as long as they hoped it would.

For those who are constantly on the phone, or are regularly attending video conferences, the SHOKZ OpenComm headphones are certainly worth a look.

AfterShokz Air Bone Conduction Wireless Bluetooth Headphones – Premium Option

The AfterShokz Air Bone Conduction Wireless Bluetooth Headphones feature a sweat-proof, open-ear design, a wraparound titanium frame, a multi-function button, and six hours of continuous battery life.

For those who love color options, these headphones come in midnight blue, canyon red, forest green, and slate grey. The Air headphones are very easy to grip, thanks to their rubberized construction. The lightweight but durable band can be bent any which way, without damaging the solid titanium frame.

These headphones offer IP55 dust and water resistance, making them a great choice for working out. You may still need to clean the frame now and then, though, as dust will cling to the coating.

As with all AfterShokz headphones, Air features two volume buttons and one multi-function button. The only downside to this design is the fact that every time you press a button, you will hear a loud beep.

The headphones do feature three distinct EQ settings, but the only feedback you will receive when cycling through different settings is “Equalization changed,” so you won’t necessarily know what setting you’re on.

The Air headphones do feature a competent sound, though you may notice the absence of sub-bass. At this price point, though, that is hardly surprising, and you should not expect much bass from bone conduction headphones in general.

Buyers found these headphones to be comfortable and lightweight. They enjoyed their long battery life and solid sound quality as well. We chose these as our premium selection, though in an increasingly competitive market, you may be able to find more for less.

PYTOO Bone Conduction Headphones – Best Budget Option

The PYTOO Bone Conduction Headphones are the perfect product for anyone on a tight budget but who is nevertheless interested in a pair of solid bone conduction headphones.

The PYTOO headphones come with an open-ear design, Bluetooth, a built-in mic, and seven to 10 hours of continuous battery life. Plus, they are very lightweight.

The kit comes with headphones, earbuds, a Type C charging cable, and instructions.

PYTOO is either a startup, a subsidiary of a larger company, or a no-name brand, a company with relatively little online presence (and you will find several more brands like this in this guide).

But overall, the comfortable PYTOO Bone Conduction Headphones feature good sound quality and solid battery life for a nominal cost. It’s a shoo-in for our best budget selection.

AfterShokz Aeropex – Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones

The AfterShokz Aeropex – Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones feature a lightweight, open-ear design, up to eight hours of continuous use, an IP67 waterproof rating, and of course, Bluetooth technology for pairing with Android and iOS Bluetooth-enabled devices.

With just three buttons, the Aeropex headphones are very easy to use. While they do tend to accumulate dust and oils (especially when used during exercise), their IP67 rating means you can safely rinse the headphones under water any time they’re getting a little too grimy.

As is the case with most if not all AfterShokz (now Shokz) headphones, pressing any of the buttons (volume up, volume down, and multi-function) will emit a loud beep. Not the most flattering aspect of their design.

These are great headphones for working out, with the caveat that some exercises, such as bench presses, should be avoided while in use. They are generally great for walking, hiking, running, cycling, rock climbing, skiing, and similar activities.

The Aeropex headphones connect via Bluetooth 5.0, though they do not support high-quality audio streaming. But they do come with Bluetooth multipoint, which allows you to connect to two devices at the same time.

The headphones should give you up to eight hours of continuous use, though charging requires the use of their proprietary magnetic cable. It’s a nice design, but you do need to avoid misplacing the cable, or you will need to buy another from Shokz.

Customers found the Aeropex headphones very comfortable, to the point where they wear them everywhere they go – driving, biking, playing golf, and more. They also loved the lightweight design, solid sound quality, and long battery life.

Rumatas X7 Bone Conduction Headphones

The Rumatas X7 Bone Conduction Headphones feature an open-ear, waterproof design. Rumatas even calls them “swimming headphones,” although we’d still be cautious about bringing any electronics into a pool or lake unless you’re interested in flushing your money down the drain.

(That isn’t to say swimming bone conduction headphones don’t exist, however, we’re just not sure if they’re reliable at this price point.)

The X7 headphones also come with Bluetooth, 32 GB of memory, and up to six to eight hours of continuous use.

The package comes with headphones, a magnetic charging cable, an adjustment strap, sponge earplugs, and a storage bag.

Overall, the Rumatas X7 headphones boast excellent sound quality, and they are reasonably comfortable too. Even better, you should not expect to spend an arm and a leg to purchase them.

SHOKZ OpenMove – Open-Ear Bluetooth Sport Headphones

The SHOKZ OpenMove – Open-Ear Bluetooth Sport Headphones come with a lightweight, open-ear design. SHOKZ says they offer a secure fit for commutes, light jogs, and an array of other applications. Plus, you should get up to six hours of music and/or phone calls.

The OpenMove headphones are also available in multiple colors – blue, grey, pink, and white.

Typical of Shokz headphones, the OpenMove bone conduction headphones come with three buttons for controlling volume levels, playback, and calls. Thanks to proper separation, it is possible to control the volume, even with gloves on.

The only downside to the controls is that – and sing along if you know the song already – a loud beep can be heard every time you press a button.

The OpenMove headphones are great for exercise and workouts, but of course, there are some exceptions. In situations where your head is bopping a lot, your workout can affect the position of the headphones.

Additionally, these headphones can be challenging to wear with a helmet. Good luck if you’ve got glasses, a mask, and a ponytail too.

Weightlifting exercises where you remain upright are okay, though, for any exercises requiring you to lay down (such as with bench presses), the headphones can shift and slide on your face in undesirable ways.

OpenMove utilizes Bluetooth 5.1 technology, and unlike some of the other Shokz headphones, supports USB-C for charging.

The headphones sound quite good thanks to PremiumPitch 2.0, which enhances midrange and treble frequency response. Bass frequencies aren’t anything to write home about, though.

Most customers found these headphones to be comfortable, lightweight, and of excellent value, with good sound quality.

Guudsoud Lite Bone Conduction Headphones

The Guudsoud Lite Bone Conduction Headphones feature a slick, matte black design. These open-ear bone conduction headphones come with wireless Bluetooth technology, a built-in mic, and a waterproof design.

Guudsoud says the headphones are ideal for hiking, jogging, running, cycling, climbing, skiing, and just about any indoor or outdoor sport.

Within the package, you should expect to find the headphones, sponge earplugs, USB charging cable, and a manual.

Customers found the headphones easy to set up and comfortable to wear. They also found them unfussy and said they worked right out of the box.

While the Guudsoud headphones probably can’t compare to higher-priced models in terms of sound quality, if you’re not working with a big budget, you will probably appreciate the value of these.

ECOAMICA HS3 Bone Conduction Headphones

The ECOAMICA HS3 Bone Conduction Headphones come with an open-ear design, up to 20 hours of battery life, a 10-minute quick recharge feature (giving you up to one and a half hours of battery life), and a three-year warranty.

Lightweight and durable, these headphones are made of memory titanium alloy and soft silicone material.

Naturally, they come with Bluetooth connectivity in addition to LED indicators for Android phones and iOS devices.

In total, customers found these headphones very comfortable. They found the sound quality decent to so-so. Some found the build quality and design a little lackluster.

At this price point, however, you can’t expect too much.

Siniffo Bone Conduction Headphones

The Siniffo Bone Conduction Headphones are popular and affordable. Featuring an open-ear, bone-conduction design, these headphones will send audio vibrations through your cheekbones, which allows you to enjoy your music while remaining mindful of your surroundings.

Designed with running in mind, these waterproof headphones should make for the perfect exercise companion and should even hold up to a beating (which isn’t to say you should subject them to one).

Worried about battery life? Siniffo claims these headphones should last up to eight hours and they even have a 10-minute quick charge option for up to one and a half hours of battery life.

The wireless, Bluetooth headphones also come with a built-in mic for hands-free calls and video conferences.

In total, the Siniffo Bone Conduction Headphones come with a charging cable, sponge earplugs, a manual, and a 30-day refund policy.

All in all, the Siniffo Bone Conduction Headphones are a great, affordable solution for anyone who’s just starting to explore bone conduction technology.

GUGTTR Bone Conduction Headphones

The GUGTTR Bone Conduction Headphones feature an open-ear design that allows you to hear what’s in your surroundings while listening to your favorite music or podcasts.

The lightweight and waterproof headphones come with Bluetooth technology and allow for up to seven hours of continuous use.

Reviewers are almost unanimous in their love of the GUGTTR Bone Conduction Headphones, citing sound quality, comfort, and their waterproof design as pros.

Their price point should go easy on your pocketbook too.

What To Look For In Bone Conduction Headphones

Bone conduction is not a new technology (and is therefore considered very safe). But it comes in handy in an array of situations.

Let’s say you frequently exercise outside, especially in busy environments. I think you’d agree that not being able to hear what’s happening around you could be dangerous. You never know when a car might be jumping a curb.

Since bone conduction headphones sit on your cheekbones, or next to your ears (not inside your ears), they allow you to hear noises in your surroundings while you’re listening to music, podcasts, or even taking a call.

Most of the sound translates through the air into your eardrums, and not vibrations, but the combination is what makes them special.

Bone conduction headphones can potentially be a godsend for those who have lost or have been losing their hearing as well. Since the technology sends vibrations through one’s cheekbones (rather than relying on one’s ears), the auditory information can still be picked up by those who are hard of hearing.

And though it may sound unusual, bone conduction technology is considered safe. As with any earbuds or headphones, listening to loud music for long hours is discouraged, and may result in hearing loss. Fortunately, most bone conduction headphones don’t get that loud.

Now, if you’re looking for high-quality audiophile headphones and love listening to music, bone conduction headphones probably won’t appeal to you.

But if you’re looking for headphones that you can take on your jog, commute, and even around the office or at home, then you will enjoy the benefits of being able to pick up sounds in your surroundings without interrupting your music or podcasts.

Fundamentally, bone conduction headphones come in handy in very specific situations.

There are many bone conduction headphone products available, most of them relatively inexpensive (though as with anything, higher-priced models also exist). There are different products suited to different situations too – work, exercise, commuting, etc.

But even with some of this being a known quantity, it can still be a little hard to know which product to choose.

So, if you’re a little lost, don’t worry. We’ve determined the main buying criteria you should be considering, which are as follows:

• Application
• Sound quality
• Microphone
• Comfort / fit
• Design
• Battery life
• Connectivity
• Durability
• Water resistance
• Safety
• Budget

Let’s talk about each in more detail.

Application

By “application” I mean how you plan to use the headphones.

If you’re considering bone conduction headphones because you’re active and love the outdoors, you’re on the right track.

Bone conduction headphones are perfect for runners. For best results, choose a pair with a titanium build to ensure a good fit and prevent ear fatigue.

It might be a bit of a different story for swimmers. Almost every bone conduction product has an IP rating, but that doesn’t mean they’re all fully waterproof and suitable for swimming.

There’s a brand called Zygo that specializes in swimming bone conduction headphones, and you may want to consider their solution if swimming is your passion.

We also looked at the Rumatas X7 headphones earlier in this guide, and they claim to be suitable for swimming, though we can’t confirm or deny this.

Likewise, triathletes should endeavor to find a set of headphones that are fully waterproof to avoid complications, especially during the swimming section.

If you’re looking at bone conduction headphones because your hearing isn’t what it used to be, you’re on the right track.

Although there is no guarantee that bone conduction technology will work for all deaf people or the hard of hearing, it could be worth a try. Some hearing-impaired consumers have reported success with bone conduction headphones.

If you’re considering bone conduction headphones for work or the office, some models are suitable for this application (and they usually come with microphones – also see our section later titled Microphone).

Those commuting to and from work can also benefit from bone conduction headphones, especially those who like to ride their bike everywhere they go. Bone conduction headphones are also advertised as being safe for driving, though we make no guarantees here.

But if you’re thinking about buying bone conduction headphones for listening to music, while it might be a fun little experiment, a standard pair of headphones might suit you better, as bone conduction technology cannot compete with quality audio listening solutions.

Also, see the next section on Sound Quality.

Sound Quality

As already noted, you’re not generally buying bone conduction headphones for their impeccable sound quality. If sound quality is what you’re chasing, then you should be looking into Hi-Fi, audiophile, premium options, whether headphones, speakers, or otherwise.

Bone conduction headphones are generally missing something in their frequency response, especially in the low end. Then again, you don’t expect earbuds to have incredible frequency response either, so if that’s the comparison you’re making, you’re more on point.

Just because bone conduction headphones aren’t all about sound quality doesn’t mean they should sound horrible, though, right?

Right. You can certainly find bone conduction headphones with decent sound quality, especially if you’re willing to spend a little more.

In an ideal world, you’d be able to head down to the local electronics store and try out a few models or take your friend’s headphones for a test drive before deciding. Nothing compares to real-life experience.

If this is not an option, however, the reviews are what you must go on. So, it’s worth spending some time in research before deciding how important sound quality is to you, as well as what you will be satisfied with.

It is also important to remember that bone conduction headphones have been designed for you to be able to hear what’s in your environment.

So, as much as you might enjoy listening to your music or podcasts, the headphones are not doing their job if they don’t help you stay mindful of your surroundings.

Additionally, most headphones allow you to take calls, though some products certainly appear to handle calls better than others.

It’s not entirely unusual that some headphones handle calls better than music, or handle music better than calls. So, doing some research in this regard is also par for the course, depending on your anticipated needs.

In most cases, though, calls should be handled in quiet environments. That means minimal wind, street noise, chatter, etc. This allows you to hear the caller and be heard by the caller as well (something we’ll talk more about in a moment).

For the best possible listening experience, sound quality is always going to be a factor. That said, it certainly isn’t the only factor when it comes to bone conduction products. So, let’s talk about…

Microphone

Many bone conduction headphones have built-in microphones for taking calls and attending video conferences. If you want to be able to take calls or join video conferences, then ensure you are buying a model that has this option.

The quality of the microphone will almost certainly differ from one headphone product to another, and there is no way to know for sure without testing or doing a bit of research.

With most microphones, there will be a significant degradation in sound if you are in noisier environments. The mic will pick up wind, traffic, background chatter, and the like. That can sometimes make it difficult for callers to hear you properly.

The best practice is to take your calls in quieter environments, as much as possible, though we know this isn’t always practical.

Some microphones will help eliminate background noise, so if you anticipate taking many calls outdoors, find a mic that will offer the best sound quality possible.

Put some time into researching this if the microphone component is an important consideration for you.

Comfort / Fit

Comfort is another key factor when it comes to purchasing bone conduction headphones, especially since you are probably planning to use them while exercising.

Since bone conduction headphones don’t require you to jam anything into your ear, this can make wearing them more comfortable than earbuds, even for long hours. And many users have enjoyed these benefits.

Further, most bone conduction headphone bands are made of solid and flexible titanium, which you can adjust to meet your personal needs. Some models even allow for quite a bit of bending and twisting, as required.

Overall comfort levels can still be impacted by grime, which may build up on the coating. Fortunately, you should be able to wash most headphones under running water. We still don’t suggest full submersion though and do recommend being careful when using water to clean electronics at all.

If a specific model’s manual says not to expose it to water, then please follow the instructions.

Despite all the upsides, some product models can still be more comfortable than others, so check the reviews to ensure optimal fit. Also look into different designs, because there are multiple options available.

Design

Bone conduction headphones all tend to look alike, but they aren’t necessarily created equal. There are different designs for different people and uses, which will almost certainly affect comfort and fit.

If you’re not aware of the design types available, then it’s worth spending some time googling this topic.

The bottom line, though, is if something doesn’t work for you, then there’s no reason to force a square peg in a round hole. Study the design of the headphones before purchase to ascertain you’re getting the product you need.

Battery Life

Most people want their electronics to last as long as possible without having to be plugged in all the time.

Most bone conduction headphones offer six to 20 hours of continuous use depending on whether you’re listening to music or making calls.

Practically speaking, though, you should not expect more than six to eight hours of battery life, even with the higher-priced models. Anything above that should be considered icing on the cake, though it’s not unheard of.

To me, six to eight hours sounds plenty. But some consumers have said even 10 hours is sometimes not enough for them, which makes me wonder exactly how they’re using their headphones. They must be wearing them everywhere they go.

Either way, don’t forget that you can charge your headphones in between use.

Assuming you keep to a regular charging schedule, your use should not be interrupted much, and in most cases, charging overnight should prove the optimal habit.

The main point is that when you’re shopping for bone conduction headphones, you should pay attention to battery life and seek to match up a model with your usage needs. Everyone’s a little different in this regard, so find what works for you.

Connectivity

Most if not all bone conduction headphones use Bluetooth technology. Of course, the exact version of Bluetooth as well as codecs and other options can vary from one product to another.

And while we don’t expect any pairing issues with Bluetooth-enabled devices (most smartphones, tablets, and laptop computers now are), it’s always worth checking to see if the device you’re planning to use with your bone conduction headphones is compatible.

It wouldn’t be much fun to purchase a brand-new set, only to realize it doesn’t work with your preferred device.

Finally, we do recommend checking product descriptions or the manufacturer’s website to determine how close your device should be to your headphones while they are in use.

We can’t imagine too many situations where you won’t have your device with you as you’re listening to your favorite music, but in case you’re expecting your headphones to work even with greater distances between your headphones and device, you should check into range first.

Most bone conduction headphones do not have an impressive range.

Durability

Bone conduction headphones tend to be relatively inexpensive and are often made of long-lasting material.

Even so, you’d probably prefer a pair that holds up to some wear and tear versus a pair that easily falls apart with repeated use. This is especially true for those running, biking, skiing, and so on.

We have it on good authority that the IP rating of a product ties in directly with its overall durability. So, if you’re wondering whether a specific product is going to do the trick for you, it’s well worth investigating its IP rating.

You can also check customer reviews to see how a product has held up over time.

Water Resistance

Almost all bone conduction headphones have an IP rating, indicating how water-resistant or waterproof they are.

This is good news since many of those taking advantage of bone conduction headphones are likely to be using them while exercising or doing physical activity. Plus, you might need to wash off the grime now and then.

While some models may claim to be completely waterproof and “swimming ready,” in most cases we do not recommend full submersion of any electronic equipment. If you’re looking for truly waterproof headphones, keep reading.

Either way, it’s well worth looking into IP rating to find a model that’s well-matched to your needs.

Safety

One of the main arguments for bone conduction headphones is the fact that they make it possible for you to hear what’s happening around you (inside or out) while you’re enjoying your favorite music and podcast content.

From the cheapest to most expensive options, all bone conduction headphones offer these benefits. Of course, some do it better than others, as sound quality (and other factors) varies from one model to the next.

But if you want to ensure you’re staying safe, no matter whether you’re going for a walk, driving to work, or rock climbing, you should enjoy bone conduction technology.

Budget

The cost of the product is always a consideration, no matter the buyer.

Thankfully, most bone conduction headphones are very budget-friendly. Unless you’re seeking out lesser-used premium options, you should not expect to spend more than $20 to $250 on a good piece of kit.

Chances are you already have a smartphone and other Bluetooth-enabled devices, so you shouldn’t have to spend extra on other gear either, perhaps save for some low-cost accessories.

We still like to remind our readers to be cautious of overspending and advise against going into debt for a purchase such as this. Thank you for spending responsibly.

Best Bone Conduction Headphones Brands

The bone conduction headphone market is rife with startups and no-name brands (we assume some of them are offshoots of primary brands). As such, there aren’t many established brands with proper websites and documentation.

We have a feeling this will change, especially as the market opens. And some brands are very passionate about bone conduction technology. As of today, the following are the best bone conduction headphone brands.

Shokz Official

Established in 2004, AfterShokz, now simply Shokz (or Shokz Official) has a chokehold on the bone conduction headphone market, and we suspect they plan to stay that way, either by pumping out more products (something they’ve excelled at) or by investing more heavily into marketing.

Shokz has noticed how people are increasingly getting distracted by their devices no matter where they go. Not only does this tend to reduce the number of interactions we have in a day (loneliness is an epidemic), but it is also quantifiably unsafe (many have lost their lives to Pokémon Go).

Shokz envisions a future where people can be more mindful of their environment and even communicate with others – thus their interest in bone conduction technology.

So far, Shokz has applied for over 2,800 patents worldwide and has been granted over 950. Their products are available in 60 countries and regions, and they’ve served over seven million customers to date. They’re quite proud of this fact too.

Shokz manufactures an array of products for different uses, including mobile, work, and exercise. They also make accessories.

Their latest product ranges include OpenFit, OpenRun, OpenRun Pro, OpenMove, OpenSwim, and OpenComm2 UC.

Shokz is a go-to because they’ve set themselves up to be.

H2O Audio

Founded in 2003 by Kristian Rauhala, H2O Audio was established in San Diego, California. Specializing in waterproof products suited to pools and oceans, their headphones are designed by athletes for athletes.

H2O Audio prides itself on creating and offering quality products to runners, swimmers, triathletes, and watersports lovers alike.

H2O Audio primarily manufactures headphones, goggles, and watches. Those interested in their bone conduction headphones will want to explore their TRI Multi-Sport Headphones.

YouthWhisper

YouthWhisper specializes in the manufacturing of bone conduction products. As a relative newcomer to the market, they don’t have much of a history to speak of, but so far, their products have been received well by consumers.

YouthWhisper offers an array of colorful bone conduction headphones solutions and offers models with built-in microphones as well. Their product range is quite affordable, so if you’re on a budget, they may be worth exploring further.

Zygo

Zygo was established in 2017 by Charlie and Sheera, who were once high school classmates. Their mission and products revolve around swimming, as they had felt it was one sport that had been left in the dust with the lack of suitable audio technology.

Zygo has also added an app to its portfolio, which supplies users with workouts, a tempo-trainer, and more.

Zygo might have one of the best-looking brand websites we’ve seen, and their main (mid-tier) bone conduction offer is the Zygo Solo, which comes with a transmitter, stand, charging case, earplugs, and microfiber cloth.

But they also supply accessories and swag, including transmitters, cases, swim caps, earplugs, hoodies, beanies, and so on.

Top Bone Conduction Headphones, Final Thoughts

Bone conduction headphones are perfect for those who are always on the go. If you love the outdoors and want to ensure that all your excursions are fun and exciting, you will love the technology.

It is also an amazing development for anyone hard of hearing who wants to enjoy music and podcast content.

We’ve presented several viable options above. We hope you found what you were looking for!