The Finest Bone Conduction Headphones of 2023

Why You Should Trust Us

While bone conduction headphones are still a minority share of the audio market, we believe that they can be extremely useful for those who prioritize awareness while enjoying music. This includes runners, cyclists, and generally most of the GearJunkie staff.

For every pair of bone conduction headphones we tested, we reviewed them in the field during a number of test runs and bike rides to ensure that they could handle the rigors of indoor and outdoor use, in all types of conditions. For this, we paid mind to the overall comfort of the headphones, as well as how well they provided audio during exercise.

We then ran a series of different audio files through them to gauge their audio quality. While bone conduction headphones aren’t known for their audiophile-pleasing quality, leaps and bounds have been made to better close the gap and improve overall tone. The PremiumPitch 2.0+ technology that Shokz integrates into a number of their headphones has improved bass quality in recent years.

In terms of additional features, we paid attention to integrated microphones, ease of button use, and the water resistance of each headphone when considering them. These features often can make a difference when comparing models against one another, and while many options are similar, some headphones are more premium than others.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Bone Conduction Headphones

Bone conduction headphones are less common than standard headphones, so most people don’t know much about them. However, the benefits of bone conduction are invaluable for all kinds of active use because they allow you to still hear your surroundings.

This article is focused solely on bone conduction headphones. If you’re looking for other styles, check out our Best Workout Headphones and Earbuds.

Runners, skiers, mountain bikers, swimmers, and many others appreciate that bone conduction headphones offer the ability to listen to music or podcasts without drowning out the surrounding world. For this reason, bone conduction headphones offer superior safety and general awareness.

Once you’ve decided to purchase a pair of bone conduction headphones, the next step is deciding which ones to buy. Fortunately, the market is relatively small, and selecting the right pair doesn’t have to feel like sorting through an overly crowded field. Shokz, formally known as AfterShokz, is largely considered the market leader. 

Still, not all of the best bone conduction headphones are created equal. In this handy how-to-choose guide, we thoroughly explain all of the features to consider when shopping for your next pair of headphones.

Bone Conduction Technology

While most sound is transmitted to the eardrum through the air, bone conduction technology transmits these vibrations through the bones of the jaw and into the cochlea. In this way, sound vibrations can bypass the ear canal and leave it open to ambient sound.

Using vibrations to conduct sound isn’t a new technology by any means. By the time he was by-in-large totally deaf, Ludwig van Beethoven would use his conductor’s wand to feel the notes from his piano by biting down on it. This is also the same technology that allows for Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA) to operate.

Today, bone conduction headphones use small transducers that are held just in front of the ear to transmit their sound, and are supported by a band that rests atop the ears and around the head.

Sound Quality

Generally, bone conduction headphones do not provide the same quality of sound that traditional headphones do. Audiophiles, DJs, and audio engineers who are seeking top-level fidelity should choose traditional headphones instead of bone conduction models.

Because bone conduction headphones do not transmit directly into your ear canal, they are not able to deliver the highest level of booming bass or clean sound.

With that said, the headphones we’ve selected on this list are made specifically with active use in mind. For that application, bone conduction headphones offer unparalleled benefits. The headphones with the best audio quality we’ve tested were the Shokz OpenRun.

Also, most users report that a high-quality pair of bone conduction headphones can still generate relatively impactful bass and clear audio. Ultimately, bone conduction headphones aren’t made to fit our sound exactly like traditional headphones. 

Many new users of bone conduction headphones tend to turn up the volume to extreme levels in order to try and recreate the sound-canceling experience of traditional headphones. Remember that because bone conduction headphones do not cover your ear canal, they will never fully cancel out sounding noises.

Be careful when turning up bone conduction headphones to a high volume, as this can result in injury or hearing loss.

Wireless, Bluetooth, and Charging 

For active users, wireless headphones are a common preference. When running, skiing, or biking, a cord may get in the way and become a nuisance. All of the bone conduction headphones on this list are wireless and feature a Bluetooth interface (except the fully waterproof Shokz OpenSwim which does not have Bluetooth connectivity because it uses internal storage). 

The type of Bluetooth connectivity is indicated by a version number. The higher the number the more current the technology is. For example, version 5.3 was released in 2021, whereas 4.0 was released in 2010. Before purchasing a pair of bone conduction headphones check the device you plan to connect them with to ensure they are supported.

The downside of wireless headphones is that they need to be regularly charged. Most of the headphones on this list charge via a Type C USB cable, or a proprietary magnetic induction cable. Generally, the battery life of a fully charged pair of bone conduction headphones ranges from 4 to 10 hours.

Waterproof & Dustproof Ratings

The International Electronics Commission developed a universal rating system for all electronics to grade the effectiveness of resisting the intrusion of dust or liquid. Known as the ingress protection (IP) rating, each electronic is rated for protection against dust and liquids. 

The IP code is comprised of two numerals. The first number indicates protection against solid objects and is rated on a scale from 0 (no protection) to 6 (no ingress of dust). 

In contrast, the second number is protection against liquids and uses a scale from 0 (no protection) to 9 (high-pressure hot water from different angles). An “X” indicates no protection.

Design

Most bone conduction headphones have a few key design characters in common. All of the headphones on our list of recommendations are built with a curved frame that is designed to fit comfortably around the back of the neck. 

Some, such as our “Best Overall” winner the Shokz OpenRun will come in a standard and mini size to accommodate different size heads.  Because bone conduction headphones do not sit in the ear canal, they rely on the neckband for positioning and support.

Other important design traits to consider include the layout and location of buttons and weight. Control buttons will be located on the earbuds or the band that wraps around your head. 

We’ll add that it’s important to read the instructions on how to use the controls, as there were features like skipping songs that we would not have known how to do without reading the instructions. 

Comfort

Depending on your preferences, you may find that bone conduction headphones are more comfortable than traditional headphones. 

The lack of an ear pod or bud inside of your ear canal reduces the potential of in-ear soreness and aches. This boost in comfort is especially noticeable and appreciated during active use.

Durability

Bone conduction headphones that are geared toward active use should be reasonably durable. On this list, we have included various models that can handle the standard abuse of running, skiing, and biking in the outdoors.

In terms of impact and drop-related durability, the Pyle Bone Conduction headphones are our top recommendation.

The general durability of bone conduction headphones can be directly tied to the IP rating. If you plan to use your headphones underwater or in wet environments, be sure to buy a fully waterproof pair. The Shokz OpenSwim are supremely waterproof and are great for laps in the pool.

Price

Bone conduction headphones range in price from around $30 to $200. While the cheaper pairs that we recommend on this list are high quality relative to their price, it is important to realize that there is a reliable relationship between price and overall quality. If you are seeking long-lasting headphones with well-designed features and the ability to hold up to active use and the elements, we recommend investing in the best pair you can afford.

FAQ

Bone conduction headphones take advantage of the fact that sound is simply vibrations, directing them into the bones in your head.

These headphones use plates that sit against the cheekbones to deliver sound vibrations through the jaw and skull bone directly into the cochlea. They leave the ear canal open, which allows outside sound to still get in.

Unlike traditional headphones, bone conduction headphones allow the user to hear what’s happening in their surroundings. This makes this style of headphones a great choice for outside activities where hearing oncoming vehicles or bikes can save lives. They’re also a great option for underwater swimming or for people with in-ear hearing aids.

Basically, it’s like being in a room with music playing, but you’re able to choose the playlist.

Unfortunately, any type of headphones will lead to hearing loss if they are used at an irresponsible volume. Bone conduction headphones still vibrate the cochlea and can damage it just as much as traditional headphones can.

Bone conduction headphones will not deliver the same quality audio as in-ear headphones. For the sharpest, loudest audio quality, headphones or earbuds are better.

But, bone conduction headphones are great for certain applications. They provide a lot of options to still listen to music without sacrificing your situational awareness. And this is extremely valuable while hiking, biking, or even working from home.

Some bone conduction headphones are fully waterproof. On this list, models such as the Shokz OpenSwim are designed to work in wet environments — and you can absolutely swim (or snorkel!) while wearing them.