The Best Bone Conduction Headphones of 2024

Bone conduction headphones just keep getting better, and after a solid summer in the Colorado alpine with these, we’re convinced that the Shokz OpenRun Pro ($180) is the best effort from the brand so far. Here’s the low-down on why the OpenRun Pros are the best available today: superior audio quality and a battery life that is not only class-leading but tacks on an hour and a half of play-time in just 5 minutes of charging.

Now in its ninth iteration, Shokz’s new ‘TurboPitch’ tech bumps up the bass, and while it’s not a groundbreaking shift, comparing audio quality between these and the OpenRun is noticeable to most. The low end is typically what audiophiles find the most lacking when it comes to these types of headphones, so the effort is appreciated. Across the board, we find Shokz consistently hitting the mark with sound quality, with Suunto a close second.

The battery life on the OpenRun Pros is the other big deal, and a run time of 10 hours is enough to sneak in a 50-miler if you’re quick. For the rest of us, it’s enough to work out with and only need to charge once a week or so. These headphones don’t mate with a portable power bank like some of the others we’ve tested, but the quick-charge functionality takes care of that handily: in our testing, we confirmed 1.5 hours gained for 5 minutes of charging — a testament to rapidly advancing battery tech.

We stuck these headphones on Ian Atkinson, an ultra runner out of Colorado who has had difficulty in the past finding a set of exercise headphones that don’t make his ears go numb after a few hours. “I took my OpenRun Pros out on some big 10+ hour days in the alpine this summer, and was surprised to find myself wearing them from start to finish,” Atkinson said. “This newest iteration is 20% smaller than previous models and fits my head perfectly as a 6’0” human.”

Surprisingly, the only thing non-pro about the OpenRun Pros is the water resistance, which at IP55 is solidly sweatproof but not ready for laps in the pool. If you’re a triathlete or plan on often swimming in your bone-conduction headphones, we recommend swinging for the H2O Audio Tri Pro Multi-Sports, an IPX8-rated option that can load playlists from your streaming services for phone-less swimming. For most of what we use these types of headphones for, however, sweatproof is typically sufficient.

If you’re after a no-nonsense, simply-going-to-work pair of bone conduction headphones, Shokz has certainly put its best ear forward with the OpenRun Pros. We greatly appreciate that the brand continues to push the quality envelope when it comes to audio quality, and shoehorning in even more battery life.

At $40, the YouthWhisper Lite were by far the best price-to-performance headphones we tested. The Bluetooth connection was quick, the fit good, and they worked well from the get-go. The audio quality, while not the best in our review, was good enough to warrant all-day use, and once we got used to the audio prompts (a bit bass-heavy), the sound quality was pretty good for such a budget price.

Once running, they worked great. The button action was easy to use and navigate. In terms of comfort, they are somewhat firm as compared to the Shokz OpenRun Pro, but not so much that we wanted to take them off. It’s worth noting that these are only sweatproof, not waterproof, though the headphones recently got an upgrade in this regard, and are now IP65 sweatproof.

On a full two-hour charge, the YouthWhisper headphones can last up to 6 hours, which, while its a bit limited compared to the 10 hours the Shokz OpenRun Pro and Suunto Wing can accomplish, is still decent enough to cover a weekday workout or two, or most of a weekend adventure. Now a few years into use with these headphones, we have noticed the total run-time has been a bit foreshortened as the battery has worn out. For the price, however, it’s a fair tradeoff.

Impressively, these headphones also offer multipoint pairing — allowing you to connect to multiple devices, such as your phone and watch, to both listen to audio and head direction prompts. This is functionality not typically seen at this price point, so it’s an outsized value, considering.

In our past experience testing headphones, all the budget options will have a shorter lifespan than the more expensive ones. That being said, the YouthWhisper Lites are more than $140 cheaper than our top pick, and if you need a set you won’t worry about losing (or crunching), these can make a lot of sense.

If you don’t need the longest-running or hottest thing on the market, the Shokz OpenRun ($130) has been a dependable standby that still impresses in our testing, even as newer models take the field. For those who run for fitness, they also have just about everything you’ll need to stay alert in the city or out on the trail.

Now offered as the mid-tier option from Shokz, the OpenRun headphones are the OG when it comes to quality, and still pack in a good bit of tech. The PremiumPitch 2.0+ technology is only one generation behind at this point, but still delivers a higher quality sound than other products, and paired with a new angle on the transducers, this creates the potential for louder volume with less vibration.

One of the biggest complaints about bone conduction headphones is the vibration, where louder volumes can produce an uncomfortable tingling on your cheekbones. So, we were excited to see this addressed with the OpenRun, and in practice we found the hype to be real. No tingle here!

The OpenRun weighs just 26 g, and it has an impressive 8-hour battery life and a fully waterproof design. It takes about 2 hours to reach a full charge. These headphones are sweatproof and waterproof, but they’re not meant for swimming. If you’re looking for a fully submersible option, read on.

In terms of feature set, these headphones compare well to the Mojawa Run Plus, another all-around option that, while a little heavier (32 g vs. 26 g), does offer a unique touchpad for control. This method of control was a bit controversial in our testing — you either loved it or could leave it. It’s for this reason that we think the OpenRun is a more well-rounded set for running: buttons never go out of style.

While you’ll certainly pay for them, the overall combination of ergonomics and high-end technology made the Shokz OpenRun our choice as the best bone conduction headphones to use while running. If you don’t need the bleeding-edge stuff tucking into the Pro version, these are our recommendations for most folks.

You can hear the sound quality immediately with the Suunto Wing ($200). And you can hear it for a wildly long time, with the 10 hours of battery life the best in class for the space, and a highly portable power bank allowing an extra 20 hours of charge when away from power. And with a 10-minute charge adding another three hours of play-time, the Wing is the most battery-forward option on the market.

The strong, full sound offered by the Wing is the best audio option in the range and that gives the battery life extra meaning. Sure, you’re still dealing with the less-than-ideal sound of bone conduction — in the case of the Suunto it comes a bit tinny, but not as hollow as the Mojawa — but you can physically feel the bass when the volume pumps, and it offers the strongest sound overall.

With an IP67 rating, you don’t need to worry about slight water immersion and certainly don’t have to fret about sweat, dust, or rainstorms. And while a slightly looser fit than the Mojawa, the lightweight design still has good stability and fit and the materials are streamlined and of decent quality.

In a feature also prominent on the Philips Go, Suunto adds three LED lights on the side of the band, which we found ideal for running on roads at dusk. The lights can be managed either within the Suunto app or with a small button on the device. The app also allows users to play with sound modes.

The biggest downfall of the Suunto Wing is the small buttons, whether the multi-function button, the light button, or the separate volume button, which could easily be the smallest on the market. The ease of use is hurt by the difficulty in quickly using the small buttons. As one of the most expensive options, we’d liked to have seen a more streamlined user experience, but can’t argue with the incredible quality of the sound and battery life.

If you’re after battery life (and a high-quality audio experience) above all else, the Wing has our vote. These headphones perform dang-near on par with our top pick, just for a bit more out of pocket.

For triathletes heading into the water, the H2O Audio name isn’t just a clever ruse. The TRI Pro Multi-Sport headphones ($160) were designed specifically to transition from water to bike to run, making this option ideal for someone hitting a variety of disciplines in one outing (or someone who doesn’t want to purchase a mixture of headphones for the variety of activities they engage in).

The fully waterproof headphones — IPX8 rated — have a Bluetooth connection, but keep in mind that Bluetooth only works a few inches — we’re talking about 4 inches tops — when underwater. So while H2O Audio suggests clipping your smartwatch to your goggles, that may be a stretch for some. Still, the waterproof technology withstands 12 feet of depth. That’s why the Tri Pro has an 8GB MP3 player embedded in the 32 g device, a handy feature for dealing with underwater Bluetooth issues or for those who don’t enjoy running with a mobile phone.

And with many today utilizing music streaming services exclusively, H2O Audio came up with something truly novel in its Playlist+ technology, allowing users to make playlists from their streaming service of choice and load them into the 8 GB of MP3 player memory, all for listening without a phone nearby. Users can select to load up songs or streaming playlists, giving them control over the offline — and underwater — audio choices.

The comfort is decent for the Tri Pro with a behind-the-neck fit. The sound quality is average or better for a bone conduction option. The charging cable is a simple magnetic cord, which is easy to use but may be a drawback for those who don’t like having device-specific cables. On the downside, the controls are a bit clunky, with the three small buttons on the right side of the unit difficult to navigate. The device’s battery life is marketed as 4-6 hours, but on lower volumes, the device can stretch beyond 6 hours.

Made for long-haul endurance events where you might be in and out of the water, the H2O Audio TRI Pro Multi-Sport headphones are the best option for those hitting multiple disciplines in a day — we only wish the battery life was a bit better. The Shokz OpenSwim is another to consider swimming in, but we find the Playlist+ tech tough to give up.

Another pair of completely waterproof, IPX6-rated, bone conduction headphones, this set by Pyle clocks in at a reasonable price point. And if you’re someone who doesn’t take well to brittle objects, then Pyle’s Bone Conduction Headphones ($70) may be the right fit for you. While these headphones suffer a bit in other metrics, durability isn’t one of them.

If your gym bag is where headphones go to die, giving up a bit in the audio and battery-life departments can make a lot of sense. More than any other option we’ve tested, these headphones could take a drop or two without worry. The thicker headband feels robust in the hand, and the thick transducers don’t have the fragile feel that some others sport.

This pair will play full volume for up to 3 hours, which is just about the shortest we’ve tested — but arguably long enough for a solid workout. This will mean that you’ll likely need to recharge these headphones daily if you plan on using them every day. The Bluetooth connection, too, isn’t cutting edge, but it is a reliable version still, and we had no issue getting both Apple and Android phones to connect to it.

These Pyle headphones are the heaviest option listed here, and the sound quality doesn’t reach that of Shokz. But they are highly durable and come with a one-year warranty, meaning even those with heavy hands will be able to enjoy them long down the line. We see these as a viable option for anyone who knows that the gym is the only place they’ll be using them.

The plus in the Mojawa Run Plus ($160) name certainly includes swimming. The IP68 rating on the sports headphones gives more protection than the range of IP67 options on this list and allows for deeper submersion in water. But that’s not all that the Mojawa Run Plus offers up.

What helps set the Mojawa apart from nearly every other brand on this list is the fit, material quality, and ease of use. The fit is spot-on, and however we tried to knock the device off our head, we struggled. The quality materials are also comfortable and feel durable. But it’s the design that sets it apart, with a large easy-to-use multi-function button to handle skipping tracks, playing, pausing, and answering calls. Another trackpad-style button allows volume adjustments with a swipe. As a whole, the controls were super slick and easy to use.

To add to the waterproof options, the device features 32 GB of built-in storage — far superior to the 8 GB of the H20 Audio TRI Pro or 4 GB of the Shokz OpenSwim — which means you can bring your Mojawa into the water without a phone or simply decide to listen to audio on a run or bike without a phone nearby. Simple switching between Bluetooth and MP3 gives you options.

Mojawa claims to have developed the first dual-suspension anchor system for a bone conduction device, all geared toward increasing the bass in the audio. While the Mojawa audio certainly nears the top of the list, it still falls just shy of the Suunto Wing. That said, for the price tag, the Mojawa’s audio is impressive within a headphone style not known for audio quality (think full and distinct sounds, but still slightly hollow).

So why doesn’t the Run Plus rank higher in our lineup? The trackpad button, namely, which was either a hit or a swing and a miss in our testing. Some loved the easy-to-manipulate style, while others found it a bit too easy and had trouble dialing it in while running. Audio quality, too, is a bit lacking compared to higher-end Shokz or Suunto models.

Still, when stacked up next to other mid-tier options like the Shokz OpenRun, the Run Plus ticks many of the same boxes, just at a higher price (though the Mojawa’s are almost always on sale). If you’re after a mid-tier option and want the added ability to swim in your headphones, these can make it happen.

A focus on sound quality and functionality has put the Kaibo Flex ($120) into a different category as one of the newer players in the bone conduction headphone space, and while they don’t excel at much, they offer a dependable option for those who want off-grid charging.

Originally launched as a Kickstarter project, the Kaibo Flex has a less expensive price than other models sporting some similar features. With about average sound quality — and a 1-year warranty — the comfort of the Kaibo Flex combines with the ease of use and sound to offer a new and attractive option.

The titanium build of the device brings with it sturdiness without getting too weighty — it comes in at 32 g. And like the Mojawa Run Plus, the Flex sports touch-enabled buttons allow users to easily change volume, play and pause songs, skip songs, and toggle between music and calls.

The device will also automatically pause playback when removed. With the dual microphones for active noise canceling, Kaibo has also put a premium on audio for voice calls, billing the device as a lifestyle option and not just a sport design.

A key feature of the Kaibo Flex is the wireless charging dock. Already equipped with an 8-hour battery life with a 1-week standby, the dock adds an additional 20 hours of battery life. Unfortunately, there is no way to charge the headphones quickly without the dock, so you’ll want to keep tabs on it. Included in the box is the device, the charging dock, a USB-C cord for charging the dock, earplugs, and a carrying bag.

Once up and running, the Flex offers average performance that’ll work for most, from the gym to the trail. While they don’t quite have the longevity to claim the Best Battery-Life award from the Suunto Wing, the added power bank is a novel feature that will appeal to those who are away from the cord for extended periods of time.

The Philips Go A7607 Headphones ($95) offer up a mid-range option in the bone conduction space. With a mid-range price, customers will get a mid-range scope of features, except for the strong push for LED lights to increase visibility. It’s this functionality that makes the A7607 our recommendation for runners on a tighter budget.

Those LED lights run across the rear band and provide just enough of a visual cue to alert drivers and cyclists to your presence. With control of the lights offered through the app, runners will certainly appreciate that this function makes it the most visible bone conduction headphone on the market (the Suunto Wing also features LED lights, but they only appear on the sides).

The app also allows you to tune the audio levels and create listening styles. That said, don’t expect a strong sound from the Philips, but one that is certainly passable for bone conduction. The quality-feeling materials are superior to some of the budget models on this list, such as the YouthWhisper, but come a bit bulkier and less form-fitting than the higher-end models like the Mojawa or Suunto. The fit of the Phillips isn’t as snug as we’d like — although it didn’t fully come off, it was a bit jigglier than we’d like when running.

The looser fit matched the slightly larger body, but the functionality was certainly adequate. The device features separate volume buttons, a separate power button, and then a multi-touch button to control song skips, take calls, and the like. We do appreciate the 9 hours of playtime and how a 15-minute charge with the magnetic charging cable offers a quick hour of use (it takes 2 hours to charge fully).

For a mid-range option, we appreciated Philips’ ability to create decent sound out of the A7607 Headphones. We would like to see the fit streamlined, but the addition of the LED lights across the rear band was a stand-out touch. If the Suunto Wing is outside your price range, consider these options.

Don’t let the 26 g weight throw you off, the Mojawa Run Air ($140) bone conduction headphones offer above-average sound quality, clever functionality, and durable comfort all at the light weight. Unfortunately, newer technology has overshadowed these headphones, but we still see them as worthy for those not on Team Shokz.

The Run Air fits well and offers a comfortable feel with the titanium design, but it could be the clever controls that make it even better. Instead of mashing hard-to-press buttons, the touch-enabled buttons on the Run Air allow for functionality with clicks. In a rarity for the category, finger swipes allow for the changing of volume, a nice feature from Mojawa. With a full IP67 waterproof rating, the sleek design is more than ease of use, allowing a worry-free element. The 1-year warranty is a bonus.

Inside the box, the device comes along with earplugs, a carrying bag, and a charging cable. To keep with the waterproof capability, the cable is an easy-to-use magnetic connector, which, while slick to employ, will not be the darling of anyone not stoked on a new device-specific cable to keep track of. Also, don’t expect to exceed the advertised eight hours of playability, as some of our tests struggled to reach that mark.

The titanium and silicone device fits well, and the neckband proved comfortable and even after running on some tough trails, stays securely in place no matter the activity. While searching for negatives to the $140-priced unit, we found that the deep sound quality may not match that of the highest-end Shokz devices, but that’s a nit-picky item from an otherwise quality headphone.

The Mojawa Run Air offers a comfortable sport-enabled bone conduction headphone with durability and an ease of use not always found. However, we find that if you’re going to divert from Shokz for a mid-tier option, the Mojawa Run Plus is likely the better pick, as it opens up device-less swimming with its onboard music storage.

The Shokz OpenMove ($80) brings many of the same benefits and features that the OpenRun has, but it does so at a slightly lower price. The OpenMove still utilizes LeakSlayer and PremiumPitch technology to optimize the sound with low natural sound leakage levels, but it did provide a slightly lower quality audio experience versus the OpenRun.

They are also IP55-rated for sweat and dustproof use, making them great for workouts. The Bluetooth V5.1 technology ensures quick pairing without the hassle of connecting every time you put them on. They weigh in at 36 grams, which is a bit heavier than some other models, and the battery will run for 6 hours with each full charge.

The OpenMove comes in both a slim and normal fit for different head shapes and sizes. The titanium band is secure, durable, and comfortable to wear, but it’s a good idea to try these on before purchase. The different sizes can either make them form perfectly to your head or make them an uncomfortable nuisance to wear.

The main difference between this model and the higher-priced Shokz is decreased sound quality and increased weight. This isn’t to say that these headphones don’t get the job done — they certainly do — and if you don’t mind a few extra grams and marginally lower audio quality, the OpenMove is a great value.

These affordable bone conduction headphones from Tayogo ($30) are significantly cheaper than any of the other options on this list. While not feature-packed or waterproof, they’re solid and reliable headphones at an approachable price. Through our testing, we ended up recommending the YouthWhisper Lite as a better budget pick, but these are still an affordable set with some appeal.

We appreciated how these headphones stay securely in place while running or exercising. The sound quality and balance are generally good, though they may generate a slight tickling sensation when used at high volume. On a full charge, these can last up to 6 hours, which is only a few hours less than far more expensive options.

While some bone conduction headphones don’t offer comfortable compatibility with glasses, these have been designed with glasses wearers in mind. The volume and power buttons are easy to access and simple to use.

While these couldn’t be called high-end, Tayogo has created a reliable pair of affordable headphones that offers the perks of bone conduction technology without the hefty price tag. You’re likely better off springing the extra $15 to snag the YouthWhisper options we’ve reviewed above, but for an option you likely won’t cry over if you lose them, these are solid.

While not the best swimming bone conduction headphones we’ve tested to date, the Shokz OpenSwim ($150) is a solid option for users who spend more time in the pool than anything else. The puzzle of how to bring tunes into your lane with you has been figured out in a few different ways now, and Shokz has put together

Compared to the H2O Audio TRI Pro Multi-Sport headphones, the OpenSwims have got them properly licked when it comes to battery life, but not much beyond that. We preferred the ability to load up music from our streaming services with the Playlist+ tech on the H2O option, compared to the 4 GB of internal storage space offered on these headphones. That’s still 1,200 songs of device-less listening, but the rigmarole of using a computer to manage our music feels dated.

The 8-hour battery life, however, is head and shoulders above the 4-6 hours you’ll get out of the TRI Pros, so if forgetting to charge your kit is an average occurrence for you, Shokz has got you covered in that regard. The fit and finish on these headphones is all as high-standard as the rest of the Shokz line, and the tight titanium band around the head ensures a snug fit, so you won’t be diving to the bottom of the deep end to retrieve this pair.

A set of three buttons on the underside of the band control the commands for the OpenSwim, allowing you to play, skip, pause, and rewind a track. You’ll have to be your own DJ before you hit the pool and set your own playlist, but once you’re in your lane it’s easy enough to manage.

We recommend pairing these with earplugs, which create a clearer sound by removing the sound of water rushing through your ears. For swimmers who after a set of bone conduction headphones that’ll play for an extended length, these can be a great option.