Best Bone Conduction Headphones for Working Out

1. New Waterproof Open

We put the “New Waterproof Open” headphones through their paces during a particularly sweaty gym session. The open-ear design is a definite plus for situational awareness, allowing you to hear your surroundings, which is crucial when navigating busy gym floors or running near traffic. The fit was generally secure, staying put during moderate cardio, though I did notice a slight tendency to shift during more vigorous movements.

Audio quality is decent for spoken word and podcasts, but music can sound a bit thin, lacking the punch you’d expect from traditional earbuds. The controls, located on the band, are a little fiddly and took some getting used to, especially with sweaty fingers. They are a reasonable option if your primary concern is safety and you’re not an audiophile.

This product is best suited for casual exercisers who prioritize awareness and basic audio playback over immersive sound. If you need headphones for intense, high-impact workouts where a secure fit is paramount, you might want to look elsewhere.

2. Bone Conduction Headphones, Open Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphones

During our testing, these “Bone Conduction Headphones” offered a solid balance of features for the price point. The 8-hour playtime is certainly a highlight, easily lasting through multiple workouts or a full day’s use without needing a recharge. The Bluetooth connection was stable, with no noticeable dropouts during our runs and cycling tests. The open-ear design worked as advertised, letting in ambient noise which is a significant safety advantage.

The sound quality for podcasts and calls is clear, but music playback can be somewhat tinny, especially at higher volumes. I found the pressure on my cheekbones to be noticeable after about an hour of continuous wear, which might be an issue for some users. The build feels a bit generic, lacking a premium touch, and the buttons are quite small.

These are a good choice for budget-conscious individuals who need reliable wireless audio for their workouts and value long battery life. However, if you’re sensitive to sustained pressure or demand rich, dynamic music reproduction, these might not be the ideal fit.

3. Boytond Ultra Open Ear Earbuds

The Boytond Ultra Open Ear Earbuds aim to provide a comfortable and safe listening experience, and for the most part, they succeed. We tested these during a brisk morning jog, and the open-ear design proved invaluable for hearing approaching cyclists and traffic. The fit was surprisingly secure, hugging the ear without feeling intrusive, which is a common challenge with bone conduction technology. The overall design is sleek and unobtrusive, making them easy to forget you’re wearing them.

While they excel at situational awareness, the audio quality for music can be a bit lacking in bass response, making energetic tracks sound less impactful. I did notice that at higher volumes, the sound could leak out, potentially disturbing others nearby. The charging port felt a little flimsy, and I worried about its long-term durability with frequent use. These are among the best bone conduction headphones for working out if your priority is safety and basic audio.

These are a strong contender for runners, cyclists, and anyone who needs to maintain awareness of their surroundings while exercising. If you’re an audiophile seeking deep bass and a truly immersive music experience, you should probably look elsewhere.

4. Shokz Openrun Pro 2

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 represents a significant step forward in bone conduction technology. We found the audio quality to be noticeably improved over previous generations, with a richer, more defined sound profile for both music and calls. The comfort is exceptional; the lightweight design and flexible titanium band make them easy to wear for hours without discomfort. The fit remained secure even during high-intensity interval training, a testament to their engineering.

However, even with the improvements, there’s still a slight vibration felt on the cheekbones during particularly bass-heavy tracks, which can be a minor distraction. The controls are well-placed and tactile, but the proprietary charging cable is an annoyance; carrying a specific cable when traveling can be inconvenient. These are fantastic for dedicated athletes who demand premium performance.

This model is ideal for serious athletes, runners, and cyclists who want top-tier audio performance and a secure, comfortable fit for demanding workouts. If you are on a tight budget or dislike any form of vibration, these may not be the best choice for you.

5. Shokz Openrun Bone Conduction Open

We extensively tested the SHOKZ OpenRun Bone Conduction Open during various outdoor activities, and they consistently delivered on their promise of situational awareness. The open-ear design is paramount for runners and cyclists who need to hear their surroundings, and these headphones excel in that regard. The sound quality is clear and distinct for spoken word, and music is enjoyable, though it lacks the deep bass you’d get from traditional in-ear headphones. The fit is very secure, hugging the contours of the ear without slipping, even during intense workouts.

While generally comfortable, I did notice a slight pressure on the jawline after prolonged use, which is a common characteristic of bone conduction. The buttons on the side are small and can be a bit tricky to find by feel alone, especially when you’re focused on your exercise. They are a great option for safety-conscious athletes.

These are an excellent choice for runners, cyclists, and anyone who prioritizes safety and a secure fit during their workouts. If you are looking for an immersive, bass-heavy music experience, or have a very sensitive jawline, these might not be the best fit for your needs.

6. Shokz Openrun Pro

We’ve put the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro through its paces during several intense gym sessions and long outdoor runs. The sound quality is surprisingly robust for bone conduction, offering a clear distinction between music and ambient sounds, which is paramount for safety when running near traffic. The titanium build feels premium and incredibly lightweight, making them easy to forget you’re even wearing them.

During a particularly sweaty HIIT class, I appreciated how securely the OpenRun Pro stayed in place, without any slipping or adjusting needed. The battery life is also a strong suit, easily lasting through multiple workouts before needing a recharge. The physical buttons are well-placed and tactile enough to operate even with gloves on.

However, the higher frequencies can sometimes sound a bit tinny, especially at higher volumes, which might be a minor annoyance for audiophiles. Also, the charging cable is proprietary, meaning you’ll need to keep track of it specifically for these headphones.

This is specifically for the dedicated runner or cyclist who prioritizes situational awareness and comfort during extended periods of activity. If you’re someone who needs to hear your surroundings clearly while still enjoying your tunes or podcasts, these are a strong contender.

7. Shokz Openmove

The SHOKZ OpenMove offers a compelling entry point into the world of bone conduction, and we found them to be a reliable companion for general fitness activities. They provide a decent audio experience, allowing you to stay aware of your environment, which is crucial when searching for the best bone conduction headphones for working out. The fit is comfortable and they don’t press on the ears, a welcome change from traditional earbuds.

I found the OpenMove to be great for casual jogs and bike rides where I needed to be mindful of traffic. The battery life is adequate for most single workout sessions, and the overall design is simple and functional. The controls are intuitive, making it easy to adjust volume or skip tracks without breaking stride.

The main drawback we noticed is the bass response, which is quite lacking, leading to a somewhat thin sound profile for music. Additionally, the plastic construction, while lightweight, doesn’t feel as robust as some higher-end models, and I worry about its long-term durability with heavy use.

These are best suited for the budget-conscious fitness enthusiast who wants basic bone conduction functionality without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for a secondary pair of headphones for lighter workouts or just want to try out the technology, the OpenMove is a solid choice.

8. Ortizan Open Ear Headphones

We tested the Ortizan Open Ear Headphones during a variety of gym routines, and they certainly offer an interesting alternative in the open-ear headphone market. The Bluetooth 5.3 connection was stable throughout our testing, and the sound delivery, while not as bass-heavy as traditional headphones, was clear enough for podcasts and spoken word content. The lightweight design makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods.

During a long treadmill session, I found the fit to be quite secure, and they didn’t cause any ear fatigue, which is a significant plus. The battery life was also impressive, easily lasting through several workouts on a single charge. The charging port is standard USB-C, which is convenient for compatibility with other devices.

However, the audio leakage is quite noticeable at moderate to high volumes, meaning people around you might be able to hear your music. Also, the touch controls can be a bit overly sensitive, leading to accidental pauses or track skips when adjusting the fit. The overall soundstage feels a bit narrow compared to other options.

These are a good option for those who prioritize comfort and battery life for activities like walking, cycling, or light gym work, and don’t mind a bit of sound leakage. If you primarily listen to podcasts or audiobooks during your workouts, these could be a suitable choice.

9. Psier Bone Conduction Headphones

We took the PSIER Bone Conduction Headphones for a spin during outdoor cycling and trail running. The upgraded Bluetooth 6.0 connectivity proved to be very stable, maintaining a solid connection even in areas with some interference. The sound quality is a step up from some other budget bone conduction options, offering a reasonably full audio experience that doesn’t sound too hollow.

I found the fit to be quite snug and secure, even during more vigorous movements, which is essential for any workout headphone. The battery life was also a pleasant surprise, easily handling multiple training sessions before needing to be plugged in. The physical buttons are distinct and easy to find by feel.

One point of contention is the vibration feedback; at higher volumes, the bone conduction can feel a bit intense and distracting, almost like a mild buzzing against the cheekbone. Furthermore, the microphone quality for calls was mediocre, with callers reporting I sounded somewhat distant.

These are best suited for the active individual who demands a stable connection and a decent audio experience for their workouts, especially if they are prone to losing or damaging earbuds. If you’re looking for a reliable pair for outdoor adventures where situational awareness is key, these are worth considering.

10. Raycon Bone Conduction Headphones

We’ve tested the Raycon Bone Conduction Headphones across various fitness scenarios, from gym workouts to brisk walks. The Bluetooth connectivity is reliable, and the sound is clear enough for podcasts and music playback, allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings. The design is minimalist and lightweight, contributing to overall comfort during extended wear.

During a long outdoor hike, I found the Raycons to be quite comfortable and they stayed in place without much fuss. The battery life is respectable, generally lasting through a full day of intermittent use. The charging case is compact and easy to slip into a pocket.

However, the bass is noticeably absent, leading to a rather flat audio profile that might disappoint music enthusiasts. We also found the build to feel a bit less premium than some competitors, with some plastic components feeling slightly flimsy. The charging mechanism within the case can sometimes be a bit finicky to get a solid connection.

These headphones are best for individuals who prioritize a comfortable, unobtrusive fit and reliable connectivity for casual workouts and daily commutes. If you’re not overly concerned with deep bass and value ease of use, the Raycons could be a decent option.