A bone conduction device is one that transmits sound through vibrations or pressure on the cheekbones or teeth.
The most common example of bone conduction headphones is an adult hearing aid.
Bone conduction headphones are just like normal headphones except that instead of covering your ears, the hard plastic rests against your cheekbone.
It has become increasingly common to wear bone conduction headphones while exercising, such as running and cycling.
Hence we have put forth a guide on the best bone conduction headphones.
Table of Contents
Buying Guide
Design:
The first thing you should look for is design. If you’re looking for something to use at the gym, you want something that will protect the headphones from sweat and moisture.
If you prefer to use bone conduction headphones while swimming or working out, then they must be waterproof.
They should also be comfortable; less pressure on the bones means more comfortable. The headphones should feel stable on your ear even when running or cycling around.
If you’re looking for something to use at other times, then a pair of headphones that can be worn discreetly under your hair or hat is a great idea.
Sound Quality:
The quality of the sound from bone conduction headphones is directly related to the fit of the headset. If they don’t fit snugly against your cheekbone, they will not produce good noise cancellation.
Budget:
The budget you’re willing to spend will determine what you can afford. The higher the price, the more likely it will be that you get good sound quality and the best bones (cushion) for your headset.
5 Best Bone Conduction Headphones
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1. AfterShokz Aeropex – Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones – Sweat Resistant Wireless Earphones for Workouts and Running – Built-in Mic – with Sport Belt
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The Aeropex features a stainless steel stem that goes into your cheekbone and has its own microphone built into it. The sound it produces is truly amazing; you get an immersive 3D sound experience like you would get from a real pair of bone conduction headphones.
Pros:
- The sound is very clear and you can even listen to music while using them. The headphones have a great range and pick up the details of your music.
- The fit is very secure and sturdy, which means that it will not fall off during a workout. The headphones are designed specifically to be worn around the head.
- You get an amazing level of noise cancellation even when you’re out in the middle of a crowded street . They give you peace and quiet even in noisy environments.
Cons:
- The only drawback is that they don’t come with extra tips or covers so you could lose them while traveling.
2. AFTERSHOKZ Air Open Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones, Slate Grey, AS650SG
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The Aftershokz Air Open-Ear is a fantastic pair of bone conduction headphones that let you enjoy your music without covering your ears. They’re also completely wireless, which makes them easy to use when you’re on the move or working out.
Pros:
- The headphones are lightweight and very portable, which makes them comfortable to wear while traveling. You can easily carry them in a backpack . They fold up nicely for storage in a small space.
- The sound quality of the Aftershokz Air Open-Ear is also impressive; you can hear sharp and clear.
- The headphones are very lightweight and comfortable to wear. They don’t feel too sticky or heavy on your head. You can listen to music or use the built-in microphone without feeling the need for earplugs.
Cons:
- The sound quality is not as good as the AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Bone Conduction Headphones, so if you’re looking for something with a more powerful bass, then this may not be the right choice.
3. Bone Conduction Headphones Bluetooth 5.0 Vidonn F1 Titanium Open Ear Wireless Sports Headset Stereo Sweatproof with Mic for Running (Yellow)
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The Vidonn F1 Titanium is one of the best-selling bone conduction headphones out there. It has a lightweight and flexible design that fits comfortably onto the head without causing any pressure to your ears. You can wear this pair of bone conduction headphones for hours without feeling jaded or tired.
Pros:
- The sound quality is very good with high definition stereo quality. You can use them even in noisy rooms without losing clarity . It’s very clear when you’re listening to music.
- The headphones are very light and you can adjust the size to fit your head. You can also bend them so they can be worn comfortably even when doing strenuous exercise .
- They fit well and don’t fall off while running or cycling. The bass quality is also high because it feels like you’re really listening to the song.
Cons:
- The sound quality isn’t comparable to that of AfterShokz headphones and it’s not as clear and sharp.
4. Bluetooth Bone Conduction Headphones – Open Ear Stereo Sport Running Headset w/ Revolutionary Bone Induction Technology for Smart Cycling and Sports, Wireless Bluetooth Audio
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These Headphones are great for sports enthusiasts, as they’re designed with a heavy-duty build and high-quality sound. The audio quality is incredible for this price point. With sweat-resistant properties and a waterproof design, they definitely accommodate casual workout sessions and running, as well as the gym.
Pros:
- The sound quality is extremely clear and crisp and you can listen to your favorite music or podcasts with one of the best bone conduction headphones on the market.
- The headphones are very comfortable. You feel no pressure on your head, which means you can use them for extended periods without discomfort.
- The audio quality is very clear and you can listen to podcasts or audio books without struggling to hear the dialogue.
Cons:
- Although this is a good pair of bone conduction headphones, it’s not as good as the AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Headphones.
5. QX Bone Conduction Headphones, Open Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones/Earphones, Stereo Lightweight Sports Headset with Microphone and Volume Control
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These headphones are lightweight and small enough to fit into any bag or pocket, making them very portable. They’re also sweatproof and very comfortable to wear, which makes them excellent for casual use.
Pros:
- The sound quality is very good with clear vocals and crisp treble. You can also use them for listening to podcasts or audiobooks without struggling to hear the speech.
- You can easily bend the headphone without damaging the sound quality and you can adjust it according to your needs. The headphones are very flexible and comfortable to wear.
- The headphones don’t feel too sticky on your head, which means you can wear them for long periods of time without feeling uncomfortable.
Cons:
- The sound quality is not as good as the AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Bone Conduction Headphones; it’s not sharp and clear.
Conclusion:
Bone conduction headphones are lightweight, flexible and high-performance headphones that you can use to listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks without having to plug in any cords. With earbuds, they’re also convenient for running, jogging or cycling.
They are capable of dramatically reducing the hearing loss that can affect our ears due to loud noises or prolonged exposure.