Exercise lovers often agree on the importance of audio to pump up their training sessions. However, regular headphones may pose some challenges for those who enjoy sports outdoors, potentially hindering their awareness of the surrounding environment.
Consequently, bone conduction headphones have emerged as a solution for these outdoor fanatics, combining environmental awareness and audio enjoyment in a single device.
For this reason, we have dived deep into the bone conduction market and selected 5 premium providers to explore the potential of this innovative technology and provide a definitive answer to a frequently researched query online, "What are bone conduction headphones?".
Best bone conduction headphones 2024: shortlist
- Shokz — best-sounding bone conduction headphones
- CXK — best budget bone conduction headphones
- Rythflo — best Bluetooth bone conduction headphones
- Mojawa — best comfort in bone conduction headphones
- Feico — best battery in a bone conduction headphones device
Your well-being is our top priority. Our in-house Research team and expert fact-checkers diligently review every content piece, ensuring you receive accurate, safe, and up-to-date health information to support your health decisions. Get an inside look at our thorough testing framework.
How did we choose the best bone conduction headphones?
Bone conduction headphones are the newcomers to the sound market, gaining momentum due to their perfect balance between sound, comfort, and convenience.
Consequently, we have embarked on a mission — curating the best bone conduction earbuds for you, ranking them based on the following criteria:
| Price | Ingress protection | Battery | Sound quality |
| $61.99–$129.99 | From IPX6 | Play-time of at least 8 hours | Improved performance in sound |
- Price. Due to the recent popularity of bone conduction earphones, many brands are now entering the market, often charging astronomical numbers for these products. For this reason, we have looked into various providers and delivered top-notch providers for various budget profiles.
- Ingress production. It indicates the level of protection of your headphones. The higher the number, the more protected the device is against external factors such as sand, water, or dust. Given that bone conduction headphones are often used for outdoor exercise, we have selected devices with a higher IP number.
- Battery. Battery is a key element in headphones, especially for those who enjoy listening to music everywhere they go. Consequently, we have selected products with a long battery life that surpasses at least the 8-hour mark.
- Sound quality. Sound quality plays a crucial role in headphone usage, therefore, we strived for those products that provide a high-quality audio performance.
Overview of the best bone conduction headphones in 2024
Headphones are a highly personal choice for many individuals, often with specific preferences and criteria in mind when choosing that perfect match. A quick glimpse online can confirm these specific preferences, with queries such as “best bone conduction headphones with microphone” or “best-sounding bone conduction headphones,”, indicating a diverse array of preferences.
Consequently, we have selected five of the best bone-conduction headphones on the market, each with distinct features to appeal to many individuals, whether they are into sound quality, comfort, wireless technology, or IP number:
1. Shokz — best sound in bone conduction headphones
As the popularity of bone conduction headphones continues to grow, some may still be skeptical about their usage due to low sound quality reports. For this reason, Shokz has emerged as an optimal solution for music lovers, delivering a rich audio system to promote clear sound, powerful volume, and rich bass.
Conduction headphones are a great match for those who enjoy exercising outdoors, as they allow the eardrum to be open to surroundings, helping to be aware of potential risks. Moreover, the Shokz device also boasts a high ingress protection — IP67 — making it resistant to moisture and dust, ideal for those who enjoy an intense workout session.
Priced at $129.95, this wireless and lightweight device includes an induction charger, a carrying bag, a user guide, and a headband.
2. CXK — most affordable bone conduction headphones
For beginners in the bone conduction landscape, CXK Bone Conduction Headphones provide a unique and easy-to-use experience. Boasting large 15 mm (0.59 inches) speaker drivers, the device delivers increased sound performance — immersing users in rich audio while keeping their ears receptive to their surroundings.
This device features a straightforward and intuitive design, with a built-in microphone that allows calls or audio messages amidst a light or intensive exercise routine. Additionally, it provides uninterrupted audio for up to 8 hours, making it a convenient device to take on the go.
CXK’s design is not only a standout in sound but also comfort. Engineered with lightweight and flexible material, the product is convenient to wear for long periods, whether you are exercising, walking, or working from home. Moreover, it features IPX6, making it a good choice against moisture.
The headphones are available for $61.99 and feature two colors — black and light black.
3. Rythflo — best bone conduction headphones with Bluetooth functions
While several bone conduction headphones are crafted to prevent moisture and dust build-up, not many models are built for a complete waterproof experience. Rythflo aims to break down this barrier, uniting water and earth in an IPX67 device — especially directed for swimmers, runners, and cyclers.
These headphones have remarkable customization options — from dual Bluetooth and MP3 functions to a personalized fit to enjoy exercise without headphone shift. Moreover, it also includes 8 hours of playtime with 32 GB of internal storage, so you can enjoy audio during long training sessions.
The device also includes a built-in light bar for enhanced visibility, which can be an optimal feature for those who enjoy late-night sports. It is priced at $129.99 and includes conduction headphones, earplugs for swimming, a magnetic charging cable, a storage box, and a user manual.
4. Mojawa — most comfortable bone conduction headphones
Mojawa delivers an outstanding audio experience for outdoor exercise lovers, including swimmers, runners, and cyclists. The device is particularly engineered for those who enjoy cycling, as it conveniently adapts to helmets and glasses for unparalleled audio quality without sacrificing comfort.
Counting 9 years of experience and certification by Carbonfree, the brand holds stringent standards in their manufacturing and production practices, delivering high-quality headphones for a long-lasting sound experience.
This device is lightweight and highly versatile, supplying up to 8 hours of playtime outside the water and 2 hours of battery underwater. Moreover, it is constructed with an IP68 waterproof rating for safe water immersion.
It is available for $119.99 in 4 colors — black, blue, gray, and orange — and includes a 2-year warranty.
5. Feico — most durable battery in bone conduction headphones
Cyclists, hikers, and campers have one thing in common — their frustration when headphones run out of battery. Feico introduces a solution for these outgoers, with a battery that lasts up to 10 hours, so they can enjoy their favorite music while staying connected to nature and surroundings.
These headphones have an IP68 waterproof rating and feature noise reduction, making them the perfect match to enjoy audio while exercising outdoors, indoors, or even underwater. Furthermore, its lightweight and ergonomic design allows a comfortable fit for extended periods, with 32 GB of memory to add your favorite tunes.
It is available for $129.99 and includes a product manual, earplugs, accessories packaging, earplugs, accessories bags, and inner box packaging.
Comparing best bone conduction headphones
| Product | Price | Ingress protection | Battery | Waterproof | Best for | Sound quality |
| Shokz | $129.95 | IP67 | 8 hours | Not completely | Running | High |
| CXK | $61.99 | IPX6 | 8 hours | Not completely | Hiking and walks | Medium |
| Rythflo | $129.99 | IPX67 | 8 hours | Yes | Running, cycling, and swimming | High |
| Mojawa | $119.99 | IP68 | 8 hours | Yes | Running, cycling, and swimming | High |
| Feico | $129.99 | IP68 | 10 hours | Yes | Running, hiking, cycling | High |
What are the benefits of using bone conduction headphones?
Bone conduction headphones have stormed the market as an optimal solution for many exercise lovers. However, due to their novelty, further research is needed to understand their safety and long-term effects.
Nonetheless, we have embarked on a mission to discover their properties and benefits:
- Physically active individuals. Bone conduction headphones may be an optimal match for individuals who enjoy exercising outdoors, as they combine audio with the immersive experience of nature. Moreover, they may be a match for those who stroll through populated cities or busy roads, as these headphones do not cover the ear, making them receptive to surroundings without sacrificing sound enjoyment.
- Driving. A research study from 2018 investigated the use of bone-conduction headphones while driving and suggested that their usage did not impair driving performance. However, there were no significant differences between bone conduction and air conduction through regular speakers.
- Hearing difficulties. Bone conduction headphones have been suggested as a potential fit for those with hearing difficulties, as they transmit vibrations through bones in the skull rather than the ear canal. Moreover, some research has analyzed the potential of bone conduction to support hearing difficulties, delivering positive outlooks in military applications and conditions such as tinnitus.
- Comfort. Bone conduction headphones may be a solution for those who often experience pressure or fatigue with regular headphones. These devices do not pose pressure on the ear, preventing wax build-up and allowing long-term use without potential discomfort.
In any case, it is important to note that bone-conduction headphones, even though suitable for outdoors, are not a guarantee of complete safety. Those passing through busy environments, especially with traffic, should prioritize attention instead of headphone usage.
How to choose the best bone conduction headphones?
Choosing the best bone conduction headphones may be daunting for many, who often find themselves jumping from website to website analyzing each design and each feature, wondering, “What are the best bone conduction headphones?”.
This decision-making process is entirely natural, as opting for a new headphone set is crucial to enhancing exercise routines, enjoying nature hikes, or simply unwinding after a long day at work. For this reason, we have compiled some key factors to consider when buying headphones:
- Ingress protection. It is crucial to seek high ingress protection, as the higher the number is, the more protected the device will be from external factors. This rating also determines the waterproof nature of the headphones, which is a key feature for swimmers and surfers.
- Playtime. While some headphones allow a playtime of 6 hours, others may have up to 10 hours of battery life. For outdoor enthusiasts, prioritizing a high playtime becomes essential to prevent running out of sound during the day. Additionally, it is important to note that the battery may be different in waterproof devices, which often include two different playtimes for outside and underwater.
- Memory. Bone conduction headphones are mostly enjoyed by exercise lovers, who may not always have access to the internet. For instance, hikers or swimmers often rely on the memory of the headphones. For this reason, it may be important to consider the overall MP3 memory.
- Comfort. While factors such as sound quality or battery life are the most sought-after, comfort is indispensable for constant and enjoyable usage. Flexible and hypoallergenic materials are key to providing comfort to various users and ensuring their long-term use.
Final thoughts on best bone conduction headphones
The headphone universe is constantly shaping the new demands of its users, striving to create enjoyable and immersive audio experiences. Bone conduction headphones have stormed the market as an ideal solution for exercise lovers who want to enjoy their favorite audio while still staying aware of their environment.
While further research is needed to elucidate the overall safety and efficacy of these headphones in those with hearing difficulties, some evidence has shed light on their potential in this area — making them a promising candidate for both exercise lovers and those who cannot use regular headphones.
Combine bone conduction headphones with other wellness devices
The best red light therapy devices for pain relief may help to revitalize the body after working out.
Stay on top of your health with some of the best smart rings available on the market.
Enjoy the comfort of wrist blood pressure monitors to monitor your health wherever you go.
Unwind daily stress and calm your senses with vagus nerve stimulation.
FAQ
Do bone conduction headphones sound good?
Depends. Bone conduction headphones combine music or other audio with background noise. For this reason, it may not be the best fit for those wanting to be fully immersed in their music. However, they can be an optimal match for those who do not want to disconnect from their surroundings.
How does bone conduction work?
Unlike traditional headphones that deliver sound through the ear canal, bone conduction converts audio into vibration that travels through the bones to the inner ear, continuously sending auditory information to the brain.
What are the disadvantages of bone conduction headphones?
Mainly sound quality. For first-timers, these devices may not be as immersive as with traditional headphones since they don't cover the ear. However, audio quality can be improved by opting for devices that prioritize high-quality sound performance.
Can other people hear my bone conduction earphones?
Depends. While some users report leakage of audio, especially when others are near, some others express that their music is not audible to others. This will highly depend on the device and the volume used to listen to the audio.
3 resources
- Proceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting A Usability and Safety Study of Bone-Conduction Headphones During Driving while Listening to Audiobooks.
- Trends in Hearing. Hearing Through Bone Conduction Headsets.
- Hearing Research. The effect of sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus on speech recognition over air and bone conduction military communications headsets.
Your email will not be published. All fields are required.