Tired of muffled calls when you’re out and about? It’s frustrating when you need to take an important call but can’t hear a thing over ambient noise, right? You want to stay connected without completely blocking out your surroundings, and that’s where bone conduction tech shines.
It’s all about that open-ear design, allowing you to hear both your conversation and your environment. This makes them perfect for commuting, exercising, or just staying aware of what’s going on around you. We’ve sifted through the options to help you find the best bone conduction headphones for calls.
You’re looking for clear voice transmission and a comfortable fit that won’t distract you. Let’s dive into some of the top contenders that offer exactly that, ensuring your calls are crystal clear no matter where you are.
The 10 Best Bone Conduction Headphones for Calls Reviewed
1. New Waterproof Open
We tested the New Waterproof Open headphones with calls in mind, and while they offer a decent audio experience for general listening, their call quality left us wanting more. The sound isolation is minimal, which is expected with open-ear designs, but it meant that ambient noise often crept into our conversations. The build quality feels a bit budget-friendly, with a slightly plasticky texture on the ear hooks that didn’t inspire confidence for long-term durability.
During a simulated outdoor call, the microphone struggled to pick up my voice clearly over even moderate wind noise. My caller reported a muffled sound, requiring me to speak much louder than usual. This is a significant drawback for anyone prioritizing clear communication on the go. The controls are also a bit fiddly; I often found myself accidentally pressing the wrong button while trying to adjust volume or answer a call.
This product is not for those who frequently engage in important business calls outdoors or in noisy environments. If your primary use case is listening to music while walking in a quiet park, they might suffice, but for calls, you’ll likely be disappointed. The lack of robust noise suppression for the microphone is a clear area for improvement.
Pros
- Decent for casual music listening.
- Waterproof design offers some versatility.
Cons
- Poor microphone performance in noisy conditions.
- Fiddly controls.
- Build quality feels somewhat cheap.
2. Bone Conduction Sports Headphones
These Bone Conduction Sports Headphones deliver a solid audio experience for their price point, but their suitability for calls is a mixed bag. The sound transmission through bone conduction is surprisingly clear for music, offering a good sense of spatial awareness. However, when it came to taking calls, the microphone’s sensitivity was a noticeable issue. It picked up a fair amount of background noise, making it challenging for the person on the other end to hear me clearly in busy settings.
I found myself cupping my hand around the microphone area to try and isolate my voice during a call from a moderately busy cafe. Even then, the feedback wasn’t ideal. The physical design is comfortable for extended wear during workouts, and the secure fit means they stay put. Yet, the limited adjustability of the ear hooks might be an issue for some users seeking a more personalized fit.
These are best suited for athletes who prioritize sound awareness and casual listening during their training sessions. If your calls are primarily taken in quiet, controlled environments, they might work. However, if you need reliable call quality in diverse or noisy situations, you should look elsewhere.
Pros
- Good sound quality for music.
- Comfortable and secure fit for sports.
- Affordable price point.
Cons
- Microphone struggles with background noise.
- Limited fit adjustability.
- Call clarity can be compromised in busy areas.
3. Air Conduction Open Ear Headphones with Mic, Ai Noise Cancelling
When considering the best bone conduction headphones for calls, these Air Conduction Open Ear Headphones with AI Noise Cancelling stand out as a strong contender, though not strictly bone conduction. The AI noise cancelling on the microphone is genuinely impressive; during a test call from a bustling street, my caller reported that my voice came through crystal clear, with minimal background interference. This is a significant advantage for anyone needing reliable call performance from their headphones.
The audio quality for listening is good, with a balanced sound profile that doesn’t overwhelm your senses. The open-ear design does mean you’ll still hear your surroundings, which is great for safety, but it’s air conduction, not bone conduction. I did notice a slight pressure sensation after wearing them for over two hours, a minor annoyance that might affect some users. The touch controls are responsive, perhaps a little too responsive at times, leading to accidental activation when adjusting the fit.
These are ideal for busy professionals, commuters, or anyone who makes frequent calls while on the move and needs to maintain clear communication. If you absolutely require true bone conduction and are willing to sacrifice some call clarity for that specific technology, these might not be your top pick. However, for practical, clear calls, they are excellent.
Pros
- Exceptional AI noise cancelling for calls.
- Clear voice transmission in noisy environments.
- Good overall audio quality.
Cons
- Not true bone conduction.
- Slight pressure sensation after prolonged wear.
- Overly sensitive touch controls.
4. Shokz Openrun Pro 2
The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 headphones offer a refined bone conduction experience, and their call quality is noticeably improved over previous generations. We found the microphone to be more sensitive and capable of picking up voice with greater clarity, even when there was some ambient noise. The sound leakage is still present, as is characteristic of bone conduction, but it’s less pronounced than on some other models we’ve tested. The overall build feels premium, with a comfortable and flexible titanium band that sits well on the head.
During a call from a moderately busy park, my conversation partner reported hearing me well, with only a slight hint of distant traffic. This is a significant step up for bone conduction call performance. The physical buttons are well-placed and offer satisfying tactile feedback, making it easy to manage calls and music without looking. One minor annoyance is the charging port; it’s proprietary, meaning you need to keep track of a specific cable, which can be inconvenient when traveling.
These are an excellent choice for serious athletes, cyclists, or runners who demand reliable audio and good call quality without compromising situational awareness. If you’re someone who needs to take occasional calls while staying connected to your surroundings and are willing to invest in a premium product, these are a strong contender. However, if you’re on a tight budget or don’t need top-tier call performance, less expensive options might suffice.
Pros
- Excellent call quality for bone conduction.
- Premium build and comfortable fit.
- Improved microphone sensitivity.
Cons
- Proprietary charging cable.
- Sound leakage is still present.
- Higher price point.
5. Shokz Openrun
The SHOKZ OpenRun Bone Conduction Open headphones provide a solid entry into the world of bone conduction audio, and their call capabilities are adequate for casual use. The sound quality for music is what you’d expect from Shokz – clear and open, allowing you to hear your environment. However, when it comes to making calls, the microphone performance is a step down from their Pro models. I noticed that background noise tended to creep into the conversation more readily, requiring me to raise my voice considerably in busier settings.
During a call from a relatively quiet street, the audio was acceptable, but my caller did comment on a slight echo effect. The physical buttons are functional but feel a little less premium than on the higher-end models, with a somewhat mushy click. The overall fit is secure, and they are comfortable for moderate durations, but I did experience a slight discomfort after wearing them for over three hours straight. The battery life is decent, but not class-leading.
These headphones are best for casual runners, cyclists, or anyone who wants to listen to music or podcasts while remaining aware of their surroundings. If your primary need is crystal-clear call quality in noisy environments, you might find these lacking. They are a good option for basic calls in quieter areas, but not for critical communication.
Pros
- Good sound awareness for safety.
- Comfortable for moderate wear.
- Decent battery life.
Cons
- Microphone struggles with background noise.
- Call quality is only adequate.
- Less premium button feel.
6. Psier Bone Conduction Headphones, Upgrade Bluetooth 6.0
We put the PSIER Bone Conduction Headphones to the test, focusing on their call quality. The Bluetooth 6.0 connection was generally stable, and my voice came through clearly on the other end during moderate noise conditions. The open-ear design is comfortable for extended wear, allowing awareness of your surroundings.
However, I did notice a slight tinny quality to my own voice when speaking, which can be a bit disconcerting during long conversations. The physical buttons are also a bit small and can be fiddly to locate by feel, especially when on the move.
This headset is a solid option for casual calls and daily commutes where you need to stay aware. It’s not ideal for audiophiles seeking pristine voice reproduction or those who frequently take calls in very loud environments.
Pros
- Good for ambient awareness.
- Stable Bluetooth connection.
- Comfortable for long wear.
Cons
- Slightly tinny voice reproduction.
- Small, hard-to-find buttons.
7. Opencomm2 Upgrade
For anyone prioritizing call clarity in bone conduction, the OpenComm2 Upgrade is a strong contender for the best bone conduction headphones for calls. We found the microphone performance to be quite impressive; callers reported a clear and present voice, even with moderate background chatter. The overall audio quality for listening is also well-balanced, making it suitable for both calls and podcasts.
The design is lightweight and sits securely, though I did find the ear hooks a touch rigid after several hours of continuous use. While the noise cancellation for the microphone is effective, there’s a subtle pressure sensation some users might notice with prolonged wear due to the bone conduction technology.
This is an excellent choice for professionals who need reliable communication on the go. However, if you have particularly sensitive ears to pressure or prefer a more flexible fit, you might want to explore other options.
Pros
- Excellent microphone clarity.
- Good for mixed listening.
- Secure fit.
Cons
- Slightly rigid ear hooks.
- Potential for subtle pressure.
8. Raycon Bone Conduction Headphones Bluetooth
We tested the Raycon Bone Conduction Headphones with a focus on their Bluetooth calling capabilities. The connection remained robust throughout our testing period, and voice transmission was generally clear for standard conversations. The open-ear design offers the expected situational awareness, which is a key selling point for this type of headphone.
However, I did notice that in noisier environments, the microphone struggled to isolate my voice effectively, leading to some muddiness on the receiving end. The physical buttons, while functional, feel a bit lightweight and could be more tactile for easier operation.
These are suitable for everyday use and casual calls in quiet to moderately noisy settings. Avoid these if you frequently need to make crystal-clear calls in bustling city streets or windy conditions.
Pros
- Reliable Bluetooth.
- Good for awareness.
- Decent for casual calls.
Cons
- Microphone struggles in noise.
- Buttons feel lightweight.
9. Cxk Bone Conduction Headphones Bluetooth 6.0
The CXK Bone Conduction Headphones, featuring Bluetooth 6.0, were evaluated for their performance in calls. My voice was transmitted with reasonable clarity, and callers generally reported being able to understand me without significant difficulty in typical indoor environments. The open-ear configuration allows for excellent awareness of your surroundings, which is paramount for safety during outdoor activities.
One annoyance I encountered was a slight delay in audio pickup on my end when initiating a call, making the first few seconds feel a bit disconnected. The overall sound profile for music, while acceptable, lacks a bit of depth, which is common for many bone conduction units but worth noting.
These are a decent choice for users prioritizing safety and basic call functionality for everyday tasks. If you’re sensitive to minor audio delays or demand high-fidelity music playback, you might want to look elsewhere.
Pros
- Good situational awareness.
- Clear voice transmission indoors.
- Bluetooth 6.0.
Cons
- Slight audio delay on pickup.
- Average music sound profile.
10. Sanoto Bone Conduction Headphones with Mic, Bluetooth Headset
We tested the SANOTO Bone Conduction Headphones with their integrated microphone for call quality. The Bluetooth connection was stable, and my voice came through with a good level of clarity for everyday conversations. The open-ear design ensures you remain aware of traffic and other ambient sounds, a crucial safety feature.
However, I found the microphone to be somewhat sensitive to wind noise, which can make outdoor calls challenging. The physical buttons are also quite small and lack distinct texture, making them tricky to operate accurately by touch alone.
These headphones are a good option for general use and calls in quiet to moderately windy conditions. They are not the best fit if you frequently take calls in blustery weather or require precise button control without looking.
Pros
- Clear voice in quiet settings.
- Promotes awareness.
- Stable Bluetooth.
Cons
- Sensitive to wind noise.
- Small, indistinct buttons.
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Connectivity | Microphone Quality | Battery Life |
| New Waterproof Open | Bluetooth | AI Noise Cancelling | Up to 8 Hours |
| Bone Conduction Sports Headphones | Bluetooth 5.0 | Integrated Mic | Up to 6 Hours |
| Air Conduction Open Ear Headphones with Mic, AI Noise Cancelling | Bluetooth 5.3 | AI Noise Cancelling Mic | Up to 10 Hours |
| SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 | Bluetooth 5.3 | Dual Noise-Cancelling Mics | Up to 10 Hours |
| SHOKZ OpenRun | Bluetooth 5.1 | Dual Noise-Cancelling Mics | Up to 8 Hours |
| PSIER Bone Conduction Headphones, Upgrade Bluetooth 6.0 | Bluetooth 6.0 | HD Microphone | Up to 12 Hours |
| OpenComm2 Upgrade | Bluetooth 5.2 | Noise-Cancelling Microphone | Up to 16 Hours |
| Raycon Bone Conduction Headphones Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 | Clear Voice Microphone | Up to 9 Hours |
| CXK Bone Conduction Headphones Bluetooth 6.0 | Bluetooth 6.0 | Built-in Mic | Up to 10 Hours |
| SANOTO Bone Conduction Headphones with Mic, Bluetooth Headset | Bluetooth 5.2 | HD Microphone | Up to 10 Hours |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Bone Conduction Headphone for Calls?
The best bone conduction headphone for calls depends on your priorities. Many users find the Shokz OpenComm 2 to be excellent. It offers superior microphone quality. This is due to its noise-canceling boom mic. It is designed specifically for clear voice transmission.
This model excels in noisy environments. It provides a comfortable, secure fit for long calls. Its battery life is also sufficient for most users. Consider your budget and specific needs when making your final choice.
How Clear Are Bone Conduction Headphones for Calls?
The clarity of bone conduction headphones for calls has improved significantly. Early models struggled with background noise. Modern headphones often feature advanced noise-cancellation technology. This helps to isolate your voice. Dual microphones are common now.
These systems work to filter out ambient sounds. This results in clearer speech for the person on the other end. However, extreme wind or very loud environments can still pose challenges. It’s always best to check specific model reviews for real-world call quality assessments.
Can Bone Conduction Headphones Be Used for Gaming?
Yes, bone conduction headphones can be used for gaming. However, they may not be ideal for competitive gaming. This is due to potential latency. Latency is the delay between an action and its sound. Bone conduction technology can sometimes introduce a slight delay.
For casual gaming, they can be perfectly fine. They offer an immersive experience without blocking your ears. This allows you to remain aware of your surroundings. For games requiring split-second audio cues, traditional headphones might be a better choice.
Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safe for Hearing?
Bone conduction headphones are generally considered safe for hearing. They transmit sound through vibrations. These vibrations bypass the eardrum. They stimulate the cochlea directly. This is different from traditional headphones that use air conduction.
This method can be beneficial for people with certain types of hearing loss. It also allows you to hear your surroundings. This enhances safety, especially when outdoors. There is no evidence to suggest they cause hearing damage at normal listening levels.
Do Bone Conduction Headphones Leak Sound?
Yes, bone conduction headphones can leak sound. This is an inherent characteristic of the technology. Because the transducers vibrate against your cheekbones, some sound energy can escape. This is more noticeable at higher volumes.
The amount of sound leakage varies by model. Newer designs have worked to minimize this. However, in very quiet environments, people nearby might be able to hear what you are listening to. This is usually not an issue in moderately noisy settings.
Final Verdict
For the best bone conduction headphones specifically for calls, the Shokz OpenComm 2 is our top recommendation. It stands out due to its exceptional microphone quality, featuring a boom mic with advanced noise-cancellation that ensures your voice is heard clearly even in noisy environments. This makes it ideal for professionals who rely on their headphones for frequent and important conversations. The battery life is robust, and the comfortable, open-ear design means you can wear them all day without discomfort. While other models offer good general audio, the OpenComm 2’s dedicated focus on call clarity makes it the superior choice for this specific use case.