13 Best Bone Conduction Headphones in 2023 [Compared & Tested]

Bone conduction headphones allow you to rock out to your favorite playlist while staying aware of your surroundings. They may sound a bit futuristic and intimidating, but they are a practical and comfortable choice for conventional earphones or over-the-ear headphones. 

The vibrations from the sound are transferred to the cheekbones, leaving your ears free to pick up ambient sound. In addition to keeping out external noises, bone conduction headphones let you hear your surroundings as you listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts. 

For example, people who want to hear their environment while listening to music might find urban runners or factory workers preferable, or those with more sensitive ear canals might find them more pleasant. 

Based on my research, I am here to discuss bone conduction headphones and what factors to look for when purchasing one. Above all, I will give you my top 13 recommendations for the bone conduction headphones on the market. So, keep on reading.

How Should You Pick the Best Bone Conduction Headphones?

It may sound like science fiction, but the notion of using bone conduction to deliver sound directly to the inner ear has been around for over a decade. Soundwaves can travel straight to the inner ear by physically vibrating the cheek and jaw bones, bypassing both the outer and middle ears.

Avid urban sports enthusiasts and individuals with hearing loss frequently use bone conduction headphones (or bone phones). 

The process of picking the appropriate bone-conducting headphones is an arduous one. It’s more challenging than selecting the right pair of regular headphones. Consumers don’t want them to match or surpass the functions of traditional headphones; instead, they want a choice that is well-suited to their energetic lifestyle.

 In the following sections, I will list the features to watch when shopping for the proper bone conduction headphones. But, first, let us look at the top 13 bone conduction headphones of 2022.

Comparison of Best Bone Conduction Headphones

IMAGE	MODEL	FEATURES	COST	RATING
	AfterShokz Aeropex	26 g weight, IP67 IP rating, Wireless, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity	CHECK PRICE	4.6 / 5
	AfterShokz Trekz Air	1.27 ounces weight, IP55 IP rating, Wired connectivity	CHECK PRICE	4.6 / 5
	MilanSo Bone Conduction Headphones	5 ounces weight, IP55 IP rating, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity	CHECK PRICE	3.8 / 5
	Zulu Exero	3 ounces weight, IPX5 IP rating, 6 hours battery life, Inline Controls	CHECK PRICE	3.8 / 5
	AfterShokz Xtrainerz	13.3 ounces weight, IP68 IP rating, 8 hours battery life	CHECK PRICE	4.5 / 5
	AfterShokz OpenComm	1.06 ounces weight, IP55 IP rating, 16 hours battery life	CHECK PRICE	4.4 / 5
	Tayogo Bone Conduction Headphones	3.2 oz. weight, 5.0 Bluetooth Headphones, 5-6 hours running battery	CHECK PRICE	3.8 / 5
	Easycat BC900	0.71 ounces weight, USB- A connectivity, Microphone	CHECK PRICE	3.1 / 5
	AfterShokz Titanium	36 g weight, 6 hours running battery, Active noise cancellation	CHECK PRICE	4.5 / 5
	Pyle Bone Conduction Headphones	39.7 g weight, 2-3 hours running battery, Bluetooth connectivity	CHECK PRICE	3.6 / 5
	Forbrain Auditory Feedback Headphones	11.84 ounces weight, Microphone, Wired connectivity	CHECK PRICE	4.4 / 5
	YouthWhisper Lite Bone Conduction Headphones	0.88 ounces weight, IP54 IP rating, 8 hours battery life	CHECK PRICE	3.8 / 5
	myFirst Bone Conduction Headphones	0.92 ounces weight, IPX6 IP rating, 5 hours battery life	CHECK PRICE	3.1 / 5

Let us explore each of the listed bone conduction headphones.

Choosing suitable bone conduction headphones can be challenging, but this buying guide and listing can help. Let’s start.

One of the best bone conduction headphone

SPECIFICATIONS

• 26 g weight
• IP67 IP rating
• Wireless, Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
• 8 hours of battery life
• In-line Controls
• Microphone

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AfterShokz has released a new set of headphones, the Aeropex. These headphones are lightweight and stylish. They weigh about an ounce and are comfortable to wear. The Aeropex can be bent in various directions without damage, thanks to its rubber matte headband. 

The headband is thin but strong and flexible. The Aeropex can move in various ways without damage, thanks to its flexibility and durability. Even after prolonged use, they will not feel tight in any way. 

The Playback button sits on the suitable transducer on the other side of the Volume controls. The Power Button provides information about the battery life. This product doesn’t innovate significantly, but it improves the experience of listening to music. 

The sounds are decent, although the bass levels are loud at times (and therefore overwhelm the forward mids). Volume levels are loud enough for headphones of this type, and the built-in microphone is effective despite capturing some background noises during calls. 

The AfterShokz Aeropex bone conduction headphones can last up to 8 hours while continuously playing music. They also utilize Bluetooth 5.0 for enhanced connectivity with your audio source. Overall, these headphones are an excellent choice. Nevertheless, they’re not. I don’t like the vibrations occasionally irritating the users’ ears due to the loud bass. 

Perfect solution for hearing problems

SPECIFICATIONS

• 1.27 ounces weight
• IP55 IP rating
• Wired connectivity
• 6 hours battery life
• Inline Controls
• Microphone

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AfterShokz has been in business for a long time and, as such, became the leading Bone Conduction Headphones manufacturer. For this reason, AfterShokz’s second entry on this list, the Trekz Air, is not surprising. They will certainly not be the last. 

There’s no question that the Trekz Air is a terrific pair of sports earphones, but the Aeropex is even better. The Aeropex improves upon the Trekz Air in several respects, including battery performance, control scheme, and IP rating. They are also lighter than the originals. 

The TrekzAir bone conduction headphones are superior to the vast majority of other bone conduction headphones in terms of sound quality. However, don’t expect them to match traditional headphones. 

AfterShokz’s PremiumPitch Technology makes all of this possible. The Trekz Air emulates music to play it as it was initially intended. The Trekz Air produces excellent sounds. In addition to the amazing bass, the mid-range is also fantastic. 

The Trekz Air performs exceptionally well with Pop, Hip Hop, and R&B music, preserving the vocal clarity. The clear and precise microphone also enhances phone and video calls. The battery lasts for 6 hours when playing music. 

The only thing that may prevent you from purchasing Aftershokz Trekz Air is knowing there is already an upgraded version known as the Aeropex. These improvements improve Trekz Air’s prominent features in every respect. If you have extra money to spend, Aeropex may be a better option. 

Great sound experience

SPECIFICATIONS

• 5 ounces weight
• IP55 IP rating
• Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
• 6 hours battery life
• Inline Controls
• Microphone

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The MilanSo’s sound is usually of a higher quality than other bone conduction headphones. They typically produce louder volumes than other headphones. Because of their boosted bass and restricted treble range, vocal tracks are sometimes challenging to understand. 

Bluetooth 5.0 technology provides a strong connection and long signal range from your handset of choice. The microphone is average in terms of performance, but the 200mAh lithium battery provides up to 6 hours of continuous playtime and standby mode for up to 10 days. 

The MilanSo Bone Conduction Headphones are a good choice for budget-conscious individuals with an active lifestyle. Due to the limited treble range, these headphones are suited for music rather than audiobooks or podcasts. The MilanSo is protected against dust and sweat while on the go. 

Excellent fit and sound for price

SPECIFICATIONS

• 3 ounces weight
• IPX5 IP rating
• 6 hours battery life
• Inline Controls
• Microphone
• Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity

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Zulu Audio’s Exero bone conduction headphones are one of their newest products. Despite its lower cost, the Exero doesn’t disappoint in its numerous advantages. Their design doesn’t look inexpensive and is created to provide good sound. 

Despite the unusual positioning, there is a logical reason for it. The headphones can be positioned closer to the ear, allowing them to deliver higher-quality and louder sounds. 

Most bone conduction headphones have a problem with vibrations on the cheeks, causing discomfort when the volume is turned up. With the Exero, you don’t have to increase the volume to the maximum just to get a decent listening experience. The Exero can be heard at its quieter volumes. 

The inline controls on the Exero make it easy to adjust the volume. You can activate the Play/Pause, Mute, and Answer functions with just a button click. The Exero can last up to 6 hours when fully charged. Bluetooth 5.0 enhances the wireless connection and delivers a more extended range than previous versions. 

The connection stability of the Zulu Exeros may prevent you from getting the best listening experience. Connection dropouts and latency are almost guaranteed, mainly because of its limited range, Class 2 Bluetooth only. 

Excellent swim headphones

SPECIFICATIONS

• 13.3 ounces weight
• IP68 IP rating
• 8 hours of battery life
• Inline Controls
• Microphone
• Internal storage connectivity

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The Aftershokz Xtrainerz is different from other entries because they are MP3 player headphones rather than wired or wireless headphones. Bone conduction headphones typically seem strange, but they make sense when considering that they are specifically designed for swimming. With no wireless connectivity, removing it was also a smart move: water, as well as Bluetooth connections, can interfere.

The Xtrainerz’s music plays adequately, even when submerged. Thanks to Underwater Mode, the audio quality is adequate even when submerged. Pitch is altered when the device is submerged in water to accommodate underwater environments. 

The Xtrainerz are built to last against dust, water, and other weather elements, given that they possess a high IP rating. Swimmers and triathlon athletes will be pleased with the eight hours of battery life. 

When adding or removing files from the Xtrainerz, you must connect it to your computer. In addition to MP3s, the Xtrainerz can play AAC, FLAC, WAV, and WMA files. You may only store up to 4 gigabytes of music on the Xtrainerz playlist. Furthermore, external SD cards are not supported. 

Fantastic for calls

SPECIFICATIONS

• 1.06 ounces weight
• IP55 IP rating
• 16 hours of battery life
• Inline Controls
• Microphone
• Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity

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AfterShokz OpenComms was created for office and remote workers. The built-in microphone on these headphones is ideal for making telephone calls and online video conferences. These OpenComms can provide crystal-clear vocals with little to no issues. 

The OpenComm are comfortable and long-lasting headphones. They have a professional appearance, making them attractive when participating in video conference sessions. You can use it for up to eight hours without charging, enough to last an entire day at work! There’s also a quick charge function to continue operating without waiting long. 

OpenComms are suited for indoor and outdoor settings, thanks to their high IP ratings, protecting them from dust and weather. 

The greatest drawback to OpenComm’s design is the steep learning curve of the inline controls. It’s best to read the manual and practice as much as possible. Some processes require double and even triple presses to activate the essential Play/Pause, Next/Previous, and Answer/End Call functions.  

Comfortable Bone Conduction Headphone

SPECIFICATIONS

• 3.2 oz. weight
• 5.0 Bluetooth Headphones
• 5-6 hours running battery
• High-fidelity sound
• Multifunction button

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Tayogo’s bone conduction headphones are the least expensive option on this list. Although these headphones are not feature-rich or waterproof, they are rugged and dependable and are available at an affordable price. 

These headphones are popular among users because they remain securely in place while exercising or running. The sound quality and balance are usually decent, but using them at a high volume may cause a slight tickling sensation. 

Despite being almost as expensive as alternatives, these headphones last up to six hours on a single charge, which is just a few hours less than other options. These bone conduction headphones have been designed with glasses wearers, although not all bone conduction headphones are compatible. The volume & power buttons are easy to access and use. 

Tayogo has created a dependable set of economical headphones that includes the advantages of bone conduction technology without the hefty price tag.  

Great In-Ear Monitors for Live Vocalist/Musician

SPECIFICATIONS

• 0.71 ounces weight
• USB- A connectivity
• Microphone
• Active Noise Cancellation

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The BC900 is an excellent alternative for people who find battery upkeep and charging difficult. These earphones are perfect for use at home and in the workplace, as they can be plugged into any desk. Bone conduction headphones are lightweight and straightforward to wear, even after extended periods. In addition, these earphones are comfortable and durable due to the plastic band. 

The BC900s must be connected to a desktop via a USB-A cable, as these headphones are not wireless. These headphones are grounded very well in your workstation, so you must stay put. You may not use these headphones outdoors unless you are using a laptop. Even then, you must at least be stationary. 

Even though a constant connection to a desktop (or laptop) is required to use the BC900, these headphones are incredibly versatile. In addition to avoiding latency issues common to most wireless headphones, the BC900 does not need to be recharged. You can use these as long as you are at your workstation. 

The built-in microphone picks up vocals well, delivering nice bass, treble, and mid ranges. This headset was designed for online video conferences, as the vocal quality is excellent. 

Excellent piece of kit

SPECIFICATIONS

• 36 g weight
• 6 hours running battery
• Active noise cancellation
• Bluetooth connectivity

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The LeakSlayer and PremiumPitch technologies on the AfterShokz Titanium optimize sound while limiting natural sound leakage. 

They are dust and sweatproof and suitable for workouts, thanks to their IP55 rating. They pair quickly and effortlessly with Bluetooth V4.1 technology. These headphones weigh 36 g, and each full charge yields six hours’ worth of listening time. 

AfterShokz Titanium comes in both a slim and regular fit for different head shapes and sizes. These are secure, durable, and comfortable to wear, but you should try them before buying. The different sizes might either fit properly on your head or become an irritating distraction. 

The AfterShokz Titanium model is a lower-priced alternative to the higher-end AfterShokz models, distinguished by the marginally lower sound quality and increased weight. 

Great bone conduction headphones

SPECIFICATIONS

• 39.7 g weight
• 2-3 hours running battery
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Safe for sports use

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Pyle’s bone conduction headphones are a great choice if you don’t enjoy brittle objects. If you’re someone who doesn’t tolerate cold items, then you may be right for these IPX6-rated, bone conduction headphones by Pyle. 

It will last for up to 240 hours on standby and provide up to 3 hours of continuous play using 4.1 Bluetooth technology, which allows for up to 35 feet of separation. 

The solid composition keeps them in place on your head and minimizes the chance of them snapping if you accidentally slam them in your gym bag or drop them while biking. These headphones aren’t the best in terms of sound quality, but they are extremely tough and come with a one-year guarantee. 

Most Valuable Auditory Processing Tool

SPECIFICATIONS

• 11.84 ounces weight
• Microphone
• Wired connectivity

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The Forbrain Auditory Feedback Headphones were advertised as educational, therapeutic tools to improve speech memory and attention in people with speech disorders and ASD. These are the only bone conduction headphones on this list advertised as educational tools. 

These bone conduction headphones cannot be used for music listening but can assist with speech recognition, rehabilitation, and musical pitch recognition. While I am not here to verify or dispute the manufacturer’s statements, I can certainly vouch for the high-quality Forbrain headphones. 

Forbrain headphones were developed with children and grownups in mind. These headphones allow users to hear themselves talking in real-time so that speech problems may be identified and corrected. Their headband is comfortable and durable. 

The Forbrain’s vocals are crisp and clear, to be sure. The microphone captures voices accurately and then relays them to the wearer. It gives the Forbrain a professional, sophisticated appearance. Unfortunately, most bone-conducting headphones do not come in a large, black carrying case. 

Excellent for running

SPECIFICATIONS

• 0.88 ounces weight
• IP54 IP rating
• 8 hours of battery life
• Inline Controls
• Microphone
• Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity

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YouthWhisper Bone Conduction Headphones were created to be sold in the mid-range market. However, they aren’t necessarily lacking features or entry-level bone conduction headphones. Because they are lightweight and comfortable, the YouthWhisper headphones are popular. They have a tough, flexible headband with a protective silicon pad that sounds good. 

It takes 2 hours to charge the 200 mAh lithium battery fully. Up to 8 hours of music playback time is possible when the battery is fully charged. Up to 480 hours of standby time are available. You can also charge quickly; a 15-minute charge will give you about an hour of talk time. 

The YouthWhisper Lite supports Bluetooth 5.0 and multi-pairing. Connecting to two devices at once with this headset is simple and convenient. You don’t need to disconnect from one device to hear and answer another. 

It’s amazing to see why the YouthWhisper Lite Bone Conduction Headphones are ranked as the Best for Running on this list, as they have so many features. Thanks to their high IP rating, they’re specifically designed for outdoor activities. In addition, they’re lightweight and generally comfortable, so you may forget you’re even wearing them. 

The microphone on the YouthWhisper Lite is not well designed. There are a lot of background noises when you are taking a call, which may make the YouthWhisper Lite unsuitable if you need to make a lot of phone or video calls. 

Best headphone for kids

SPECIFICATIONS

• 0.92 ounces weight
• IPX6 IP rating
• 5 hours of battery life
• Inline Controls
• Microphone
• Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity

TODAY’S BEST DEALS

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The myFirstBone Conduction Headphones are designed with kids in mind, as the name and branding suggest. The soft rubber contact points provide comfort even on long rides or flights, and no clamping pressure on the headband. They never feel loose when worn, either. 

The charging cables and stickers are included with the package. Children of any age will be drawn to this product thanks to its fun colors and design. Even children will be able to use the inline controls, which are simple enough to understand. 

They’re also lightweight and straightforward to carry around. Furthermore, the sound quality is decent. The built-in microphone provides a clear and coherent speech. The only drawback is that it occasionally picks up background sounds while making phone or video calls. 

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Best Bone Conduction Headphones

Although bone conduction headphones are less prevalent than standard headphones, they provide several advantages for athletes. Many people don’t know much about them. 

Bone conduction is critical for active pursuits like running, skiing, mountain biking, swimming, etc. Because they permit people to listen to music or podcasts without drowning out the surrounding world, bone conduction headphones are safer and more aware. 

Once you’ve bought bone conduction headphones, the next step is choosing which one to buy. Thankfully, the market is relatively small, so you don’t need to feel overwhelmed as you sort through a huge assortment of options. 

All bone conduction headphones, however, are not equal. This how-to-buy guide outlines every feature to consider when buying your next set of headphones. 

Sound Quality

Bone conduction headphones aren’t as good as standard headphones at delivering quality audio. Those seeking the highest degree of fidelity should opt for traditional headphones rather than conduction models since they do not contact your ear canal directly. 

Because bone conduction headphones do not deliver the highest level of booming bass or clean sound, they do not contact your ear canal directly. They are not able to provide the highest degree of quality. 

Even though I’ve selected bone conduction headphones for this list, they are specifically designed for active use. For that purpose, conduction headphones have unmatched advantages. 

Furthermore, most users say high-quality conduction headphones can still generate good bass and clear audio. Bone conduction headphones are not made to fit my sound like traditional headphones. 

Many newcomers to bone conduction headphones turn the volume up to maximum to recreate the sound-canceling effect of traditional headphones. Because conduction headphones do not block your ear canal, you will never wholly block out sounds. 

Turning up conduction headphones to a high volume might result in hearing loss or injury. 

Wireless vs. Wired

All bone conduction headphones on this list are Bluetooth and wireless. Wireless headphones are common among active people. Cords may become entangled or bothersome when skiing, running, or biking, so cordless headphones are popular. 

Because wireless headphones must be charged, the disadvantages include regular recharging. Most headphones on this list charge via a standard Micro or Type C USB cable. A fully charged conduction headphones typically have a battery life of 4 to 10 hours. 

Design

Every pair of conduction headphones on my list has a curved frame that fits snuggly around the back of the neck. Bone conduction headphones don’t sit in the ear canal; they rely on the neckband for positioning and support. Other crucial design elements to keep in mind include button positioning and weight. 

Comfort

Depending on your preferences, you may discover that bone conduction headphones are more comfortable than regular ones. Because there is no earbud or pod inside your ear canal, there is less chance of in-ear pain and discomfort. This comfort increase is noticeable and appreciated when used for active activities. 

Durability

Durability should be a common trait of bone conduction headphones suitable for outdoor activities. The selections on this list can handle the usual damage caused by running, skiing, and biking. Water resistance is essential for conduction headphones’ general durability. If you wish to use your headphones in wet environments or underwater, purchase waterproof ones. 

Price

There is a strong connection between the price and the overall quality of conduction headphones — the lower-end bone conduction headphones on this list range from $30 to $200.  To get long-term, feature-rich headphones that can withstand tough use and weather, invest in the ones you like best. 

Frequently Asked Questions on Bone Conduction Headphones

1. How Do Bone Conduction Headphones Work?

It’s crucial to grasp how bone conduction headphones function better and how sound is transferred to our brain. Sound is usually transmitted to our brain via air. 

A sound wave originating from a source passes through the air and reaches our outer ear, middle ear, and cochlea. The cochlea transforms the sound into a signal relayed to the brain. 

You can technically hear as long as sound can reach your cochlea. Bone conduction headphones exploit this theory by sending sound through a different route to the ear by vibrating the bones in your face around the cochlea. 

Bone conduction is a viable alternative to cochlear implants for people with external ear damage. It allows them to hear by sending signals down to the auditory cortex via the cochlear fluid’s movement. For those who rely on bone conduction hearing, wearing headphones would always be too cumbersome. Instead, they hear sounds in their everyday lives. 

Instead of surgically implanted devices such as Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA), people can opt for a less invasive approach. A magnet is implanted just under the skin with an external microphone that receives sound and sends it to a magnet on the skin. Vibrations are sent through the skull and to the inner ear via the magnet. 

2. Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safer Than Conventional Headphones?

It’s incorrect to declare that bone conduction headphones are safer or more hazardous than conventional headphones. Some companies assert that users can listen to music with conduction headphones without damaging their ears because they do not affect the eardrum. It’s not true. 

No matter how loud the music blasts, earphones or headphones cannot damage or perforate the eardrum. On the other hand, the cochlea is what I should be worried about. 

Using bone conduction or headphones at a loud volume can damage your cochlea. Hearing loss resulting from prolonged exposure to loud noises is often invisible until it becomes a significant issue. 

3. Can Bone Conduction Headphones Cause Hearing Loss?

Unfortunately, any type of headphones can lead to hearing loss if used at a high volume. Bone conduction headphones vibrate the cochlea and can damage it as much as traditional headphones. 

4. Are Bone Conduction Headphones Any Good?

Even though bone conduction headphones provide excellent sound quality, they are not as good as in-ear headphones. If you want excellent audio quality, you should go for headphones or earphones. However, conduction headphones are ideal for specific scenarios. You may still listen to music without losing situational awareness, essential when hiking, biking, or working from home. 

5. Can I Swim With Bone Conduction Headphones?

Some bone conduction headphones are waterproof. The Aftershokz Xtrainers are listed here as suitable for wet environments—and you can swim (or snorkel!) while wearing them. 

Summary

You should have gathered enough information to choose which conduction headphones to buy. You may now be able to dispel the technology’s rumors and discover how accurate it is. 

Knowing how you liked the conduction headphones, I listed here would be nice.  

In conclusion, if you choose one of the 15 bone conduction headphones listed above, you will make a good decision since they are prevalent.

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Mark Dalio

Mark is a tech-obsessed serial entrepreneur who also enjoys reading and writing. He has a strong urge to keep learning and talking about technology, which led him to become an author. Mark has co-founded two successful startups, one of which was acquired in 2018.

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