We’ve tested the best bone conduction headphones of 2022 for swimming, running, cycling, and the gym so you can listen to music and stay aware at the same time
The best bone conduction headphones aren’t designed to drown out the world. Instead, they allow you to listen to music or podcasts and remain aware of the sounds in your environment. They’re perfect for anyone who doesn’t want to block up their ears with earbuds but still wants to enjoy music on the move. That’s why the best bone conduction headphones are a great option in busy environments, for outdoor activities, like running and cycling or for anyone with sensitive ear canals. But if they don’t go in your ears, how do bone conduction headphones work? Essentially, they rely on a method that uses transducers to send vibrations through your cheekbones and jaw towards your inner ear. Your brain then processes the vibrations, turning them into the content that streams through the headphones. While we recommend bone conduction headphones for fitness folk who want to be more aware of their surroundings, they can also be useful in any scenario where you’d benefit from hearing a mix of your own music and any background noise, like walking on a busy street or working at home while needing to listen out for family members or the doorbell. We’ve tested many of the best bone conduction headphones you can buy right now for swimming, running, and more. Read on for our top picks. Usually, opting for bone conduction headphones means compromising on sound quality, but thanks to the Shokz OpenRun Pro, that’s no longer the case. These headphones contain a set of new bass transducers, which deliver far richer sound than any other bone conduction headsets we’ve tested so far, which is a real advantage for activities like running where a solid beat can drive you on. You can even tweak the EQ settings in the new Shokz app to optimize the sound for music or audiobooks. In terms of design, the OpenRun Pro are very similar to the original OpenRun (below), but Shokz has made a few thoughtful design tweaks including repositioning the charging port so it’s now easier to access, and increasing the size of the volume/power buttons. The headset is still light and comfortable to wear, even for the longest training runs, and the quick-charge function gives you an hour and a half of playtime on just a five-minute charge. The only downside is that those new bass transducers sometime feel a little tickly against your cheekbones, but that’s a minor gripe. The OpenRun Pro are the best bone conduction headphones you can buy right now, and prove that opting for safety doesn’t have to mean compromising on sound quality. Read our full Shokz OpenRun Pro review The Shokz OpenRun (originally called the AfterShokz Aeropex before the company rebranded itself in December 2021) is a flagship headset that offers the smallest and lightest design, plus a slight step up in sound quality over rival bone conduction headphones. They’re 30% smaller and 13% lighter than the company’s Trekz Air headphones, and offer an IP67 water-resistance rating, making them an excellent option for exercise and use in the rain. Despite their slender frame, they include two physical buttons to control volume, and the move to a proprietary charging setup helps them to offer an improved water-resistance rating.
