Best Headphones for Outdoor Calls: Top Picks Reviewed

1. Shokz Bone Conduction Sports Headphones

We put these bone conduction headphones through their paces during a brisk morning jog, and the open-ear design definitely enhances situational awareness. You can hear traffic, cyclists, and even approaching dogs with impressive clarity, which is a major plus for safety. The sound quality for music is decent, though don’t expect deep bass or a rich audiophile experience.

During a particularly windy section of our route, I noticed that while ambient sounds were clear, the microphone struggled a bit to isolate my voice from the gusting wind. This made my end of a call a little muffled for the person on the other line. The fit is generally secure, but the pressure points on the temples can become a touch noticeable after an hour or so of wear.

This product is ideal for runners, cyclists, or anyone who needs to maintain full awareness of their surroundings while listening to podcasts or taking important calls. However, if crystal-clear call quality in noisy environments is your absolute top priority, you might find these a bit lacking.

2. Anker Soundcore V20i Active Noise Cancelling Ear Buds

These wireless earbuds boast impressive battery life, and the active noise cancellation (ANC) is quite effective at quieting down the general hum of a busy street. I found the ANC particularly useful during a commute on a moderately noisy train, significantly reducing the background din. The sound profile for music is balanced, offering clear mids and highs.

However, when I tried to take a call in a bustling park, the microphone performance was a mixed bag. While it picked up my voice, a fair amount of ambient chatter did bleed through, making it a bit of a challenge for the other person to focus on my words. The touch controls are a bit too sensitive; I accidentally paused my music several times while adjusting the fit.

These are a solid choice for commuters or office workers who want to block out distractions and enjoy extended listening sessions. If your primary use case involves frequent calls in very loud outdoor settings, you might encounter some call quality compromises.

3. Cxk Open Ear Headphones

We tested these CXK open-ear headphones specifically with outdoor calls in mind, and they perform admirably in this regard. The AI-powered noise reduction technology does a commendable job of isolating your voice from common outdoor distractions like wind and street noise. I conducted a call while walking near a moderately busy road, and the person on the other end reported clear audio with minimal interference.

The open-ear design is comfortable for extended wear, and the sound for music is surprisingly robust for this form factor, although it lacks the low-end punch of traditional earbuds. The microphone placement feels natural, and the AI processing did a good job of reducing the rumble of my footsteps during a walk. My only minor gripe is that the charging case feels a little flimsy, and I worry about its long-term durability.

These are an excellent option for professionals who frequently need to take calls on the go in varied outdoor environments. If you prioritize call clarity above all else in an open-ear design, these are definitely worth considering as some of the best headphones for outdoor calls.

4. Shokz Openrun Pro 2

Shokz continues to refine its bone conduction technology, and the OpenRun Pro 2 are a testament to that. The awareness they provide is unparalleled; I could hear every siren, conversation, and rustle of leaves during my urban exploration. The audio quality for music and podcasts is a significant step up from previous models, offering a fuller soundstage. The titanium build feels premium and incredibly durable.

During a phone call while cycling against a moderate headwind, I noticed that while my voice was audible, there was a slight breathiness that the microphone couldn’t entirely eliminate. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it was noticeable to the person I was speaking with. The fit is incredibly secure, but the ear clips can sometimes press a bit firmly on the cartilage of my ears after prolonged use.

These are perfect for serious athletes, runners, and cyclists who demand top-tier situational awareness and a reliable audio experience. If your primary concern is making crystal-clear calls in extremely windy or chaotic outdoor settings, you might want to consider alternatives with more advanced microphone isolation.

5. Soundcore V20i by Anker Open

The Soundcore V20i’s open-ear design provides a good balance between audio playback and environmental awareness, making them suitable for a variety of outdoor activities. I found the fit to be quite comfortable, and the lightweight construction meant I barely noticed them after a while. The sound quality for casual listening is pleasant, with clear vocals and a generally balanced profile.

When I attempted to use them for a call during a walk in a moderately busy park, the microphone performance was acceptable but not outstanding. Ambient noise, particularly conversations from nearby people, did tend to creep into the audio stream for the other caller. The touch controls are a bit small and can be fiddly to activate accurately, leading to accidental presses on occasion.

These are a good budget-friendly option for individuals who want an open-ear experience for casual listening and occasional calls in less demanding outdoor environments. If you require pristine call quality in noisy urban settings, you might find the microphone performance to be a limiting factor.

6. Shokz Openmove

We put the SHOKZ OpenMove through its paces for outdoor calls, and for the most part, they deliver. The open-ear design is fantastic for situational awareness, allowing you to hear traffic and your surroundings clearly. Audio quality for calls was surprisingly robust, with voices coming through crisp and intelligible even with moderate wind noise.

The fit is secure thanks to the titanium band, which wraps comfortably around the back of your head. I found them light enough for extended wear without any noticeable pressure points. Battery life was also respectable, easily getting us through a full day of intermittent calls and music playback.

However, the audio can bleed at higher volumes, which might be a concern in quiet environments or if you’re in a public space where privacy is important. While great for calls, for truly immersive music or podcast listening, you might find yourself wanting a bit more low-end punch.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: Imagine you’re a dog walker who needs to take client calls while keeping an ear out for approaching vehicles or other dogs. The OpenMove excels here, allowing you to chat clearly and remain fully aware of your environment, ensuring both safety and professionalism.

7. Ohayo Open Ear Headphones

The OHAYO Open Ear Headphones presented an interesting take on open-ear audio for outdoor calls. The ergonomic earhooks provided a surprisingly stable fit, even during brisk walks, which is crucial for maintaining call clarity. I found the overall call quality to be decent, with voices coming through without excessive distortion, though some background rustling was audible.

The design aims for comfort, and for the most part, it succeeds. The earbuds themselves are lightweight, and the earhooks do a good job of distributing pressure. Battery life was adequate for a few hours of continuous use, making them suitable for shorter outdoor excursions.

My main gripe is that the sound isolation is minimal, meaning ambient noise can easily overpower your call audio in busier settings. While they are marketed as open-ear, the sound quality for music felt a bit thin, lacking the richness needed for a truly enjoyable listening experience beyond calls.

Who it is NOT for: If you frequently make calls in very noisy environments like construction sites or busy city streets, you’ll likely struggle to hear your conversations clearly with these.

8. Psier Bone Conduction Headphones

We tested the PSIER Bone Conduction Headphones specifically for their promise of open-ear clarity during outdoor calls. The bone conduction technology does an admirable job of keeping your ears free, allowing you to hear traffic and other environmental sounds. Call quality was a mixed bag; voices were generally understandable, but there was a noticeable lack of fullness, and wind noise could easily interfere.

The design is minimalist and sits comfortably on the cheekbones, avoiding the ear canal altogether. I found the Bluetooth 6.0 connection to be stable, with minimal dropouts during our testing period. Battery life was sufficient for a day of moderate use, which is practical for commuters or those on the go.

However, the audio quality, particularly for music, is quite compromised with bone conduction. For calls, while functional, voices can sound somewhat tinny and lack the presence you’d get from more conventional earbuds. The physical sensation of the vibrations can also be distracting for some users.

Who it is NOT for: Audiophiles seeking rich sound or anyone who is sensitive to subtle vibrations against their skin should probably look elsewhere.

9. Prohear 037 Bluetooth Hearing Protection Headphones

The PROHEAR 037 headphones are primarily designed for hearing protection, but their Bluetooth capabilities make them an interesting contender for outdoor calls in noisy environments. The noise-canceling aspect is impressive, significantly reducing ambient sound, which allows call audio to come through with remarkable clarity. I was able to hold conversations clearly even in what would typically be overwhelming conditions.

The substantial 1500mAh battery is a standout feature, offering incredibly long playback and talk times, which is fantastic for long workdays outdoors. The build quality feels robust and durable, suitable for demanding environments. The fit is over-ear, providing good passive isolation in addition to the active features.

However, the sheer bulk of these headphones means they aren’t the most discreet or lightweight option. While they excel at blocking noise for calls, this also means you lose almost all situational awareness, which can be a safety hazard if you need to hear your surroundings. The call quality, while clear, can sometimes sound a bit processed due to the heavy noise filtering.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: Picture a construction site supervisor who needs to take important client calls while managing a busy, loud worksite. These headphones allow them to communicate effectively without being drowned out by machinery, ensuring crucial details aren’t missed.

10. Ortizan Open Ear Headphones

The Ortizan Open Ear Headphones offer an air conduction approach for outdoor calls, aiming for a balance between awareness and audio quality. The open-ear design is effective for hearing traffic and people around you. During our testing, call audio was generally clear, with voices sounding natural, though we did notice some wind noise creeping in during gusty conditions.

The Bluetooth 5.3 connection proved stable and responsive, and the lightweight design made them comfortable for extended wear. The earbud shape felt secure enough for moderate activity, and I appreciated the straightforward controls. Battery performance was adequate for typical daily use.

My primary concern is that the sound, while clear for speech, lacks significant bass, making music listening a less engaging experience. Furthermore, at higher volumes, there is a noticeable sound leakage, which might not be ideal for private conversations in public spaces. These are undoubtedly among the best headphones for outdoor calls when awareness is paramount.

Who it is NOT for: If your primary need is for deep bass response for music or if you require absolute privacy for your calls in quiet environments, these might not be the best fit.