Best Bone Conduction Headphones In 2022
In today’s review guide, we are looking a hotly contested product category, that of the bone conduction headphone. For those of you not quite sure what they even are, in a nutshell, they enable the wearer to listen to music transmitted through the cheekbone, rather than the ear canal. What that means is that the wearers’ ears remain alert and open to the other ambient sounds and environmental noises around them. While traditional headphones send audio through your eardrums, with this new breed of bone headphones, those vibrations are instead transmitted through the bones of your skull and particularly your cheekbones. The benefit of that being your eardrums are still free to take in your surroundings including conversation, traffic and noise alerts, which could end up being a lifesaver if you enjoy road running. The sensation can take some getting used to as it’s a little bit like having your own auditory superpower! You can be listening to your music, totally immersed in your sporting activity, yet still entirely connected to your surroundings. You don’t need to be hearing impaired to enjoy the benefits of bone conduction headphones but certainly, if you are, then you will definitely enjoy their advantages. So let’s take a look at our top picks below of the best bone conduction headphones.
The Bone Conduction Headphone
1AfterShokz Trekz Air Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones
You can’t tackle the best bone conduction headphones without giving AfterShokz a mention as they practically dominate the category so it will come as little surprise that we’ve selected a couple options from their range to feature on today’s “best of” review. We’re starting out with their Trekz Air which are a popular option and our Best Choice recommendation.
They’re lightweight and comfortable and offer an excellent and safe alternative to the traditional sport headphones or earbud designs. With this new bread of open ear, bone conducting headphone, you get access to premium music quality and crystal clear calling in a sweat proof and secure design that still allows you to hear your surroundings. The Trekz Air is their latest headphone in a new wrap around style that is 20% lighter than its counterpart, the Trekz Titanium which we’re reviewing next. This makes it an excellent choice for longer audio sessions, delivering undetectable all-day comfort with up to 6 hours of continuous use.
Using wireless connectivity via Bluetooth V4.2, they can provide multipoint pairing and are compatible with a range of iOS and Android devices. The feature AfterShokz patented and premium sound technology to deliver a top notch on the go audio experience. They’re available in from different color option and comes with reflective strips, so you will always be seen if you are running at night and wear them as running earphones.
Open Fit headphone design supplied with pack of brilliant reflective strips
Comfortable, lightweight and sweat proof so perfect for long time wear
Bluetooth V4.2 connectivity with multipoint pairing for iOS and Android
Combine PremiumPitch with LeakSlayer for maximum sound and minimum leakage
Visible up to 500 feet away at night
- BrandAfterShokz
- ModelAS650MB-BR
- Weight1.06 oz (30g)
2Vidonn F1 Titanium Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones
Like the Genso we just reviewed, out next best bone-conducting headphones come in reasonably priced and are currently on offer at sub $50. These Vidonn F1 Titanium headphones once again feature that open ear bone conduction technology which makes them so suitable for sports with running and cycling where automotive and pedestrian awareness can be so critical to your overall safety. They’re comfortable to wear and have been ergonomically designed on a lightweight wraparound Titanium headband which weighs less than 38grams. Don’t let that fool you though. These F1 Titanium’s from Vidonn are flexible and strong, durable as well as portable and have been anti-drop tested.
They deliver excellent sound quality as well as wireless clarity up to 10 feet away and feature a built-in microphone for calling answering. They’re operated and recharged via the one larger style but in 180mAh Lithium battery which delivers up to 6 hours of continuous play time. Recharging should take around 2 hours, and they come fitted with convenient and easy to operate controls. There’s a built-in mic along with in-line buttons which can be used to control your music as well as phone, increasing and decreasing the volume, answering and hanging up, as well as playing, pausing and moving on to the next track. Available in your choice of three colors, if you love exercising outdoors and your safety is more important than the overall sound quality, then these Vidonn F1’s are a budget-friendly and comfortable choice. Love this product? Check out our review of the best gaming speakers for our top picks.
Utilizing Bluetooth 4.0 pairing technology
Provide a stable connection up to 10ft away
IP55 waterproof to light rain and sweat resistant
Ergonomic, comfortable and lightweight headband design
2-hour full charge delivers 6 hours continuous run time
- BrandVidonn
- ModelVidonn F1
- Weight1.28 ounces
3AfterShokz Bluez 2S Wireless Open Ear Headphones
Having tested most of the bone conduction headphones available, we’re still pretty enamored with what AfterShokz has released, and so once again, we’re taking a look at another superb pair from their extensive range. This time we’ve taken the budget down but not the functionality as we look at what their Bluez 2S have in store for the listener. Available in four stylish colors, these headphones feature that classic OpenFit design to deliver external ambient sound awareness but with extended wearer comfort. With nanotechnology too, they help repel sweat and wick moisture while you’re working out.
These Bluez 2S wireless headphones come with dual microphones that can deliver clear audio communication even when the environmental background is noisy alongside pattered dual suspense transducers for fantastic PremiumPitch audio. The patented design is exceptionally comfortable and exceptionally lightweight, so much so, that you will probably forget that you’re even wearing them. They come with a long lasting rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery that can provide 6 hours of continuous play and charges in just two hours. They also come with a micro-USB charging cable as well as a breathable pouch. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best noise cancelling headphones.
OpenFit design in choice of different colors
Exceptionally lightweight and comfortable to wear for long periods
Powerful Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery delivers 6 hours continuous run time
Nanotechnology repels moisture and sweat
Clear communication even in a noisy environment
- BrandAfterShokz
- ModelAS500G
- Weight1.44 ounces
4AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Mini Bone Conduction Headphones
We’re back with AfterShokz, and back to their popular Trekz Titanium series only this time we’re looking at a mini version of their popular headphones which are 3cm smaller than there regular Trekz Titanium. They still feature all the same fabulous bone conduction technology with that great OpenFit design and come in four different color options. They’ve been specially designed for long term wear which is why they are so lightweight and flexible, and that smaller style makes them perfect for the tween in the family or just for anyone more on the petite side.
Trekz Titanium Mini still feature all the same features and functionality including being multipoint Bluetooth v4.1 compatible and ready to automatically pair with smartphones and tables plus various computers and laptops. They also deliver a premium audio experience with rich, deep bass and LeakSlayer technology to minimize that natural sound leakage. Sweat, dust and moisture repellent, they’re an excellent choice for anyone who loves to exercise outdoors, listen to music, take calls and generally ensure they’re still “in the zone! Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best bluetooth earpieces.
Open Fit headphone design in four attractive colors
Smaller style Titanium headband for ultimate comfort and flexibility
Comfortable, lightweight and sweat proof so perfect for long time wear
Bluetooth v4.1 connectivity with multipoint pairing
Combine PremiumPitch with LeakSlayer for maximum sound and minimum leakage
Visible up to 500 feet away at night
- BrandAfterShokz
- ModelFBA_AS600MINI-SG
- Weight8.8 ounces
5Softrock Titanium Bone Conduction Headphones
The final bone condition headphones that we’re reviewing in our guide today have a built-in mic and come smartphone-enabled. They’re the Softrock Titanium Earphones ad they boast an anti-leakage sound patent which means you can listen to your favorite tunes while working out but also keeping safe and a watchful eye and ear on your surroundings.
They come with built-in Bluetooth, support HiFi music and even have CVC noise-canceling technology to deliver both a tremendous acoustical experience as well as a clear voice when you’re making calls. They’re comfortable to wear for more extended sessions as the titanium headphones adapt to your head shape and with their ergonomic yet secure design, you can run free without fear of your bone-conducting headphones slipping out of place. They’re also IP55 waterproof and resistant to rain as well as sweat which is, of course, a must have if you want to wear them for all your outside exercise. Give the accessible price, these really are a superb choice. For more quality audio devices, check out our guide to the best wireless earbuds.
OpenFit design helps provide maximum awareness
Ergonomic and comfortable design perfect for stable performance
Built-in Bluetooth and sensitive Microphone
IP55 waterproof and can resist rain as well as sweat
Anti-sound leakage patented technology
- BrandSoftrock
- Weight1.28 ounces
6AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones
Another pair of Trekz for you up next and these Titaniums have had a bit of a makeover. They feature a robust but lightweight titanium band with a flexible but durable silicon coating. These Trekz Titanium headphones also feature brilliant reflective stripes so that you can be safely seen up to 500 feet away at night. They’re certified to IP55 standards to be protected from sweat and exposure to inclement weather. They also feature noise-canceling mics which enable you even to make and receive calls, hands-free, while reducing the sound of static and wind. We love the stylish and futuristic looking wraparound design and particularly how lightweight these headphones are plus they also come in five attractive color options.
They’re functional and have relatively long battery life at 6 hours plus they are compatible with iOS and Android devices and utilize Bluetooth v4.1 connectivity with multipoint pairing. From a sound perspective, they combine Premium Pitch technology which ensures a rich bass with a wide dynamic range along with LeakSlayer technology which also helps eliminate natural sound leakage common with bone conduction style headphones. They’re comfortable to wear in a wide range of environments, so much so, that once you’ve spent a couple of days getting used to how they fit, you won’t even realize you’re wearing them! Make sure you also check our guide to the best open back headphones.
Open Fit headphone design supplied with a pack of brilliant reflective strips
Comfortable, lightweight and sweat proof so perfect for long time wear
Bluetooth v4.1 connectivity with multipoint pairing
Combine PremiumPitch with LeakSlayer for maximum sound and minimum leakage
Visible up to 500 feet away at night
- BrandAfterShokz
- Model5962917879
- Weight1.27 oz (36g)
Bone Conduction Headphone Buying Guide & FAQ
How We Chose Our Selection Of Bone Conduction Headphones
Reviews - A pair of bone conduction headphones really only come into their own once they’re being used! If you’re out running and you can still hear the gentle drumming of the traffic in the background but your music is motivating you to run further, and for longer today, then you know your headphones are doing their job. That’s why we carefully consider all the reviews we can get our hands on to ensure that our experience and that of the 100’s of consumers who’ve bought the same product before you are representative of the audio outcome you can expect to enjoy when wearing the same headphones.
Price - As always we appreciate that our readers all have varying levels of budget and disposable income and we want to present something for everyone so you will find a full range of prices to hopefully suit everyone.
Features To Look For In Bone Conduction Headphones
There are plenty of features to be aware of when selecting that new pair of bone conduction headphones. We’re going to take a quick look below at some of what we believe to be the most important criteria for your consideration.
Sound Quality - Definitely, one of the most important factors to consider when you’re shopping for any new pair of headphones is the sound quality they deliver. The better the audio experience, the more you will enjoy and appreciate the sensation of wearing them. Since bone conduction headphones are never going to be able to deliver the same clarity and quality of sound as a conventional in or over-ear headphone, this is even more important. We urge you to invest in the best quality you can afford within your budget. The higher quality the headphones and sound they deliver, the better the quality of music you will be able to hear, despite those vibrations having to travel through your facial bones to reach your ear.
Fit - Look out for a flexible but durable titanium headband which is going to hold securely in place so that it won’t fall off when you are exercising but which is comfortable and fits well. Most will have been ergonomically and anatomically designed to provide a nice, snug feel around the face.
Battery - It’s standard for most models we’ve reviewed, especially the wireless kind, to provide 6 hours of continuous play from one charge. Typically they come fitted with a high-quality rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery that should take 2 hours to recharge fully. If you think you need more than that, do your research and look out for these key stats.
Grip & Comfort - Comfort and grip are both important. They need to fit snugly so that they don’t become dislodged while you are exercising but also you don’t want them to feel uncomfortable and be distracting.
Water Resistance - Pretty much all of the headphones we’ve reviewed today are compliant to IP55 waterproof standards which means you can comfortably and confidently wear them outdoors come rain or shine plus they are for the most part also going to be sweat and dustproof too.
Bone Conduction Headphone FAQ
Q: Are bone conduction headphones safer?
A: There are plenty of reasons why you might be a fan of bone conduction style headphones, the safety benefits being one of those. They’re a viable option for those of you who are hard of hearing but also for anyone who still wants to be familiar with their surroundings when listening to music, especially if you enjoy outdoor exercise and recreational activities. Since bone conduction headphones don’t seal the ear, they allow the wearer to still hear passing vehicles, other pedestrians and potential hazards that might otherwise go unnoticed until it’s too late. Bone conduction earphones can deliver a sense of hearing that might otherwise not be available to someone wearing a hearing aid or who might be deaf in one ear. The downside is that because they don’t entirely block that outside noise, their sound quality won’t be either as crisp or as loud, but when it comes to safety, they certainly can help increase that level of periphery alertness.