Best Noise-Cancelling Bone Conduction Headphones 2024

1. New Waterproof Open

We put the New Waterproof Open headphones through their paces, and while they offer decent audio for their price point, the ‘waterproof’ claim feels a bit overstated for serious swimming. The sound quality is generally clear for podcasts and casual music listening, but it lacks the punch and depth needed for a truly immersive audio experience.

The fit is secure, with the ear hooks staying put during moderate exercise like jogging or cycling. However, the materials used feel a bit budget-friendly, and the buttons are a tad mushy, requiring a firm press to register. This can be a minor annoyance when you’re trying to adjust volume on the go.

This product is not for audiophiles seeking rich bass or profound soundscapes. If you’re looking for a basic, no-frills audio solution for dry activities and don’t mind a slightly less refined build, these might suffice. However, serious athletes or those who demand superior audio fidelity should look elsewhere.

2. Meetings Open

The Meetings Open headphones are clearly designed with productivity in mind, and for that purpose, they perform admirably. The microphone quality is a standout feature, ensuring your voice comes through crystal clear on calls, even in moderately noisy environments. The audio playback is focused on clarity, making spoken word content like conference calls and audiobooks easy to understand.

We found the comfort level to be quite high, allowing for extended wear during long work sessions without discomfort. The design is discreet, which is a plus for professional settings. However, the sound isolation is practically non-existent, meaning you’ll hear everything around you, which can be a double-edged sword depending on your environment.

These are not the headphones for someone who wants to block out the world and get lost in their music. If your primary need is for clear communication during virtual meetings and you don’t mind ambient noise, the Meetings Open are a solid, albeit unremarkable, choice. Those seeking an immersive music experience will find them wanting.

3. Bone Conduction Sports Headphones

When searching for the best noise-cancelling bone conduction headphones, it’s important to manage expectations, as true noise cancellation isn’t the primary strength of this technology. These Bone Conduction Sports Headphones excel at situational awareness, allowing you to hear your surroundings while still enjoying your audio. The sound quality is respectable, offering a balanced profile that’s suitable for podcasts and a variety of music genres.

During outdoor runs, the secure fit provided by the ear hooks was reassuring, and the headphones stayed in place without any slipping. The tactile feedback from the buttons is a bit soft, making it easy to accidentally press the wrong one when you’re focused on your workout. The battery life, while adequate, could be longer for marathon training sessions.

These headphones are not for individuals who need to completely isolate themselves from their environment to focus. If you’re a runner, cyclist, or hiker who values safety and wants to maintain a connection to the world around you while listening to audio, this type of bone conduction headphone is an excellent option. Those who prioritize deep bass and complete silence should explore other headphone categories.

4. Shokz New Openrun Pro 2

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 represents a significant step forward in bone conduction audio, offering a richer sound experience than many predecessors. We noticed an immediate improvement in bass response, which adds a welcome fullness to music playback. The clarity for spoken word remains excellent, making them versatile for both workouts and calls.

Comfort is paramount with these, and the OpenRun Pro 2 deliver, with a lightweight design that sits comfortably without pinching. The controls are intuitive and easy to locate by feel, a crucial detail when you’re in motion. However, the premium price point might be a barrier for some, and the open-ear design means ambient sounds will always be present.

This is a fantastic option for serious athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who demand high-quality audio without sacrificing safety. If you’re a runner who uses GPS watches and needs to hear traffic, or a cyclist who wants to be aware of approaching vehicles, these are a top-tier choice. However, if you’re on a strict budget or require absolute silence for your listening, these might not be the best fit.

5. Shokz Openrun Bone Conduction Open

The SHOKZ OpenRun Bone Conduction Open headphones offer a solid entry point into the world of open-ear audio. The sound quality is clear and well-balanced for everyday listening, particularly for podcasts and audiobooks. While they don’t offer the deep bass of traditional headphones, they excel at keeping you aware of your surroundings, which is their core design principle.

We found the fit to be secure and comfortable during moderate workouts, and the headphones remained in place without issue. The battery life is respectable, easily lasting through a full day of intermittent use. However, the physical buttons feel a bit small and can be difficult to press accurately without looking, which can be a slight frustration during intense activity.

These are an excellent choice for anyone who prioritizes safety and awareness during outdoor activities like running or cycling. If you need to hear traffic, fellow trail users, or your own footsteps, these are ideal. However, if you’re someone who prefers to be completely immersed in your music and wants to block out all external noise, you should consider closed-back headphones instead.

6. Shokz New Openrun Pro 2 Mini

We recently got our hands on the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 Mini, and for those with smaller heads, this is a welcome adjustment. The fit is noticeably more secure and comfortable, eliminating the slight wobble we sometimes experienced with standard-sized models during intense activity. The audio quality remains a strong suit, delivering clear sound without blocking your ears, which is the core appeal of bone conduction technology.

During our testing, we appreciated the improved bass response compared to previous iterations, adding a satisfying depth to music and podcasts. The physical buttons are well-placed and offer good tactile feedback, making them easy to operate even when you’re on the move. Battery life is also robust, easily seeing us through a full day of mixed usage.

However, the “mini” designation, while beneficial for some, means that individuals with larger heads might find these a bit too snug. The clamping force, while good for security, could become a touch uncomfortable for extended wear if your head circumference is on the larger side. It’s a trade-off for that secure fit.

This is a fantastic option for runners, cyclists, and gym-goers who have previously struggled to find bone conduction headphones that fit snugly. If you’re tired of headphones slipping or feeling loose during workouts, the Mini version is definitely worth considering for its specialized fit.

7. Shokz Openmove

The SHOKZ OpenMove continues to be a solid entry-level choice for anyone curious about bone conduction audio. We found the overall sound reproduction to be quite good for the price point, offering clear vocals and adequate detail for casual listening. Its lightweight design makes it comfortable for long periods, and the open-ear design is undeniably its biggest advantage for situational awareness.

During our real-life usage scenario, we took the OpenMove on a busy city walk. Being able to hear traffic, conversations, and ambient sounds while still enjoying our audiobook was a significant safety benefit. The controls are straightforward, and pairing with devices was quick and reliable. For those prioritizing safety and basic audio functionality, the OpenMove performs admirably.

One area where the OpenMove shows its budget-friendly nature is in the bass. While present, it lacks the punch and depth found in more premium models, which might disappoint audiophiles. Additionally, at higher volumes, we noticed a slight vibration against the cheekbones, which, while not painful, can be a minor distraction.

If you’re looking for the best noise-cancelling bone conduction headphones and prioritize advanced features or deep bass, you might want to look elsewhere. However, for everyday use, commuting, or light exercise where situational awareness is paramount, the OpenMove is a competent and affordable companion. It’s not for those seeking an immersive, bass-heavy listening experience.

8. Psier Bone Conduction Headphones, Upgrade Bluetooth 6.0 Open Ear Headphones,

The PSIER Bone Conduction Headphones, boasting an “Upgrade Bluetooth 6.0,” promise a modern listening experience. We found the Bluetooth connection to be stable and responsive, with minimal dropouts during our testing period. The open-ear design is, as expected, excellent for maintaining awareness of your surroundings, which is crucial for outdoor activities. The sound quality is decent for spoken word content like podcasts and audiobooks.

In a real-life usage scenario, we used these during a moderately busy park run. The ability to hear approaching cyclists and other park-goers while still listening to our music was a definite plus for safety. The headphones themselves are lightweight and fit comfortably around the ears, not causing undue pressure. The controls are fairly intuitive, though the button placement could be slightly improved for quicker access.

However, the audio fidelity for music is where these headphones fall a bit short. The bass is noticeably weak, and the overall sound can feel somewhat thin and lacking in richness. While the Bluetooth 6.0 is an upgrade, we did notice a slight lag when watching videos, which can be a bit jarring. This isn’t ideal for media consumption that requires precise audio-visual synchronization.

These are not for critical music listeners or those who demand robust bass. If your primary need is situational awareness during outdoor activities and you primarily consume spoken word content, these might suffice. However, for a more engaging music experience, you’ll likely want to explore other options.

9. Opencomm2 Upgrade

The OpenComm2 Upgrade aims to refine the bone conduction experience, particularly for communication. We found the microphone quality to be a significant improvement, delivering clearer voice transmission during calls compared to many competitors. The audio output for calls is also crisp and easy to understand, making it a strong contender for professionals who rely on hands-free communication.

During our testing, we conducted several calls from a moderately noisy office environment. The person on the other end reported that my voice was clear and that background distractions were minimized. The fit is secure and comfortable for extended wear, and the physical buttons are well-defined, preventing accidental presses. Battery life is also impressive, easily lasting through a demanding workday.

Where the OpenComm2 Upgrade could be better is in its music playback. While adequate for casual listening, the bass is still somewhat lacking, and the overall sound profile isn’t as rich as dedicated music-focused headphones. We also noticed that the charging port, while proprietary, feels a little less robust than we’d ideally like.

This product is ideal for professionals, remote workers, and anyone who frequently uses their headphones for calls and online meetings. If your primary use case is listening to music with deep bass or immersive sound, you might find these a bit wanting. It’s not for audiophiles seeking a rich music listening experience.

10. Raycon Bone Conduction Headphones Bluetooth

Raycon’s foray into bone conduction headphones offers a familiar brand name with an open-ear design. We found the Bluetooth connectivity to be generally stable, and pairing was straightforward. The design is lightweight, and the headphones rest comfortably around the ears, providing a good sense of ambient awareness. For basic audio needs, like podcasts, the sound is acceptable.

In a real-life usage scenario, we took these on a leisurely bike ride. The ability to hear the wind and surrounding environment was excellent, enhancing safety. The controls are simple to operate, and the overall build quality feels decent for the price point. We appreciated the inclusion of different ear tip sizes, though they are more for stability than sound isolation.

However, the audio quality for music is a notable weak point. The bass is quite anemic, and the overall sound can feel muddy and lack clarity, especially at higher volumes. We also experienced some sound leakage at moderate to high listening levels, meaning people nearby might overhear your audio. This diminishes the personal listening aspect.

These are not for anyone who prioritizes rich, detailed music playback or wants to avoid sound leakage. If you’re primarily looking for an affordable way to stay aware of your surroundings while listening to spoken word content, these might be a consideration. However, for a more engaging audio experience, look elsewhere.