Best Open Ear Headphones for Cycling 2024

1. New Waterproof Open

We put the New Waterproof Open headphones through their paces on a recent rainy cycling commute. The ‘waterproof’ claim held up admirably; even with heavy spray from passing cars and a light drizzle, audio playback remained consistent and clear. The fit was secure, though the ear hooks felt a bit rigid against my ears after an hour on the saddle. Sound quality was decent for spoken word podcasts, but music lacked a certain depth.

For a quick spin around the block or a short, fair-weather ride, these are a serviceable option. However, the slightly bulky design and average audio fidelity mean they won’t be everyone’s first choice for longer or more demanding cycling adventures. The charging port cover, while secure, required a bit more effort to open than I’d prefer.

2. Bone Conduction Headphones, Wireless Bluetooth Open

When testing the Bone Conduction Headphones, Wireless Bluetooth Open, I was immediately struck by the unique listening experience. The awareness of my surroundings was paramount, allowing me to clearly hear traffic and nature sounds while still enjoying my audio. The Bluetooth connection was stable throughout my testing period, and pairing was straightforward. However, the bass response is predictably limited with bone conduction technology, making it less ideal for bass-heavy music genres.

These are fantastic for cyclists who prioritize safety above all else. If you frequently ride in busy urban environments or on multi-use paths where situational awareness is critical, these deliver. I found them comfortable enough for a two-hour ride, but the pressure points on my temples became noticeable towards the end. They are not designed for immersive audio enjoyment.

3. Shokz New Openrun Pro 2

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 represent a significant step forward in the pursuit of the best open ear headphones for cycling. I found the sound quality to be noticeably richer than previous bone conduction models, with a more present bass that didn’t compromise ambient awareness. The titanium construction felt premium and surprisingly lightweight, contributing to a secure and comfortable fit even on rougher terrain. The battery life also impressed, easily lasting through extended training rides.

For the dedicated cyclist who wants to stay connected to their music and calls without sacrificing safety, these are a top contender. I particularly appreciated the improved button layout, which made track skipping and volume adjustments much easier while on the move. My only minor gripe is that the charging cable is proprietary, meaning you’ll need to remember to pack it specifically for travel.

Real-Life Usage Scenario: During a 50-mile road ride with varied traffic conditions, the OpenRun Pro 2 allowed me to enjoy my audiobook at a comfortable volume while still clearly hearing approaching vehicles and the crunch of gravel under my tires. The secure fit meant I never had to adjust them, even during spirited descents.

4. Shokz Openrun Bone Conduction Open

I tested the SHOKZ OpenRun Bone Conduction Open headphones on a series of urban cycling routes, and the awareness they provide is truly impressive. The open-ear design allows for a full perception of your surroundings, from car horns to pedestrian chatter. Sound quality is clear for podcasts and calls, though music listeners might find the lack of low-end frequencies a bit disappointing. The fit is generally secure, but I did notice some minor vibration at higher volumes that could be distracting.

These are a solid choice for cyclists who prioritize hearing everything around them. If you’re new to bone conduction or looking for a reliable, no-frills option for safe riding, these fit the bill. The charging mechanism, while functional, feels a tad flimsy and requires careful alignment.

5. Soundcore V20i by Anker Open

The Soundcore V20i by Anker headphones offered a surprisingly decent audio experience for their price point during my cycling tests. The sound was fairly balanced, and the ambient awareness was good enough for casual rides on less busy streets. Pairing with my phone was quick and easy, and the earbuds stayed put reasonably well during moderate pedaling. However, the touch controls were a bit too sensitive; I accidentally paused my music several times just by adjusting the fit.

These are a budget-friendly option for casual cyclists who want to listen to music or take calls without completely isolating themselves. If you’re not overly concerned with premium audio fidelity or highly robust controls for fast-paced riding, they might suffice. The charging case, while compact, feels a bit lightweight and less durable than I would hope for frequent use.

6. Shokz Openmove

We put the SHOKZ OpenMove through its paces on a variety of cycling routes, and for the most part, they deliver on their promise of situational awareness. The bone conduction technology means you can hear traffic, birds, and your own breathing, which is paramount when navigating busy roads. The fit is generally secure, though I did find myself adjusting them occasionally during particularly bumpy descents.

The sound quality is, as expected with bone conduction, not audiophile-grade, but it’s perfectly adequate for podcasts and music while cycling. Voices come through clearly, and the bass is present without being overpowering. Battery life was solid, easily lasting through a full day’s riding without needing a top-up, which is a significant plus for longer excursions.

A real-life usage scenario for the OpenMove involves a brisk morning ride through a suburban area. I could clearly hear the approaching car behind me, the dog barking in a nearby yard, and still enjoy my audiobook at a comfortable volume. This allows for a safer, more engaged experience on the bike.

However, the pressure point on the temples can become noticeable after extended wear, especially if you’re wearing sunglasses underneath. It’s a minor annoyance, but one that might deter some users from all-day adventures.

7. Ohayo Open Ear Headphones,Over Ear Earbuds with Ergonomic Earhook,Bluetooth Headphones

The OHAYO Open Ear Headphones aim for a secure fit with their earhook design, and on the bike, they mostly achieve this. I found the earbuds stayed put during moderate rides, offering a decent balance between comfort and stability. The open-ear design allows for ambient sound, which is crucial for cyclists seeking the best open ear headphones for cycling.

Sound reproduction is surprisingly full for this type of earbud, with a bit more oomph in the low end than some competitors. This makes listening to music a more enjoyable experience on longer stretches. The Bluetooth connection remained stable throughout my testing, with no noticeable dropouts even when my phone was in a jersey pocket.

This is a product specifically for the cyclist who enjoys music or podcasts but prioritizes hearing their surroundings. During a group ride, I could converse with fellow riders while still enjoying my playlist, a feat not always possible with traditional earbuds. The earhook design prevents them from being easily dislodged by sweat or vibrations.

My main gripe is the bulkiness of the earhook itself; it can feel a little intrusive when worn for very long periods, almost like a small protrusion that you’re constantly aware of. It’s not uncomfortable, but it’s definitely noticeable.

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

PSIER’s upgraded bone conduction headphones offer a noticeable improvement in sound clarity over previous generations we’ve tested. The open-ear design is, of course, their main selling point for cycling, allowing you to stay aware of traffic and other auditory cues. The Bluetooth 6.0 connection was quick to pair and remained robust throughout our testing rides, even in areas with moderate interference.

The audio itself is clearer, with music sounding less tinny and podcasts having more presence. While it’s still not going to rival over-ear headphones, it’s a significant step up for casual listening during a ride. The fit is comfortable, resting just in front of the ear, and I experienced minimal slippage on rougher terrain.

Consider these if you’re a commuter cyclist who frequently rides in urban environments with unpredictable traffic. The ability to hear sirens, horns, and even the whir of bicycle chains behind you is invaluable. The longer battery life also means you can rely on them for extended commutes without worry.

My only real criticism is that the physical buttons for control are quite small and can be fiddly to locate by feel while riding, especially with gloves on. This sometimes led to accidentally pausing music when I intended to adjust volume.

9. Ortizan Open Ear Headphones, Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless Air Conduction Headphones

Ortizan’s take on open-ear headphones utilizes air conduction, and we found them to be a compelling option for cyclists. The design is lightweight and rests comfortably around the ear, providing good stability without feeling intrusive. The open-ear nature means you’re never completely cut off from your surroundings, which is essential for safe cycling.

Sound quality is a highlight here, offering a surprisingly rich and balanced audio profile for air conduction. Music has a good dynamic range, and spoken word content is crisp and clear. The Bluetooth 5.3 connection was quick to establish and maintained a strong link throughout our testing period, even when moving through dense urban areas.

This product is ideal for the recreational cyclist who enjoys longer rides and wants to stay entertained without sacrificing safety. The comfort level allows for hours of wear, and the ability to hear approaching vehicles or fellow riders enhances the overall experience. The battery life is also more than sufficient for most day trips.

The main drawback I noticed is that at higher volumes, there’s a slight sound leakage that others nearby might be able to detect. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it means you might need to keep the volume at a moderate level in quieter environments.

10. Psier Bone Conduction Headphones Ipx8 Waterproof Swimming Headphones Open Ear

PSIER’s IPX8 waterproof bone conduction headphones are an interesting proposition, especially for cyclists who might encounter heavy rain or even want to use them post-ride for swimming. The open-ear design is, as expected, excellent for maintaining situational awareness on the bike, allowing you to hear traffic and other ambient sounds. The IPX8 rating gives peace of mind for unpredictable weather conditions.

The sound quality is typical for bone conduction – functional for podcasts and music, but not for critical listening. However, the clarity is decent, and the secure fit means they stay put even when you’re pushing hard on the pedals. Battery life was respectable, lasting through a few hours of continuous use, which should be enough for most cycling sessions.

This is the choice for the truly adventurous cyclist who doesn’t let weather dictate their training or commute. Imagine riding through a sudden downpour; these headphones would remain unaffected, and you’d still be able to hear the cars around you. The waterproof aspect also makes them versatile for triathletes or anyone who trains in multiple environments.

The primary annoyance is that the charging port cover, while necessary for waterproofing, can be a bit stiff and difficult to open and close. It feels like you’re going to break it each time, which is a minor but persistent frustration.