Best Bone Conduction Headphones for Running 2023: Stay Aware of Your Environs

Are you looking for headphones for running that are SAFE to use in a busy environment? Then you’ve come to the right place! This article will share the best bone conduction headphones for running. 

When you’re out on the street or bike paths, it’s crucial to hear your surroundings. These bone conduction headsets are ideal for any runner’s collection.

The best bone conduction headphones can transform your running experience. Let’s review some of the most impressive models.

Best Bone Conduction Headphones for Running: A Review

1. SHOKZ OpenRun Pro

These bone conduction headphones are designed specifically for runners who want to listen to music while exercising.

Shokz OpenRun Pro is the new version of regular Open Run (previously known as Aftershokz Aeropex). 

The most significant change is the improvement in sound quality. 

The Pro model has separate bass boosters that bring more depth to the music (the lack of bass has been the biggest problem with bone conducting technology). 

It now has a crisper sound with deeper bass. For bone conducting headphones, the sound quality is good.

They also offer two EQ modes with the Shokz app (for music and for podcasts/audiobooks). You can also change the mode by pressing and holding both volume buttons simultaneously on the headset.

But, for audiophiles, the sound still isn’t on par compared to earbuds (since they seal off the ear canal, they can offer better sound quality and fuller bass).

If you want to enjoy sound at its best, don’t pump the volume to the maximum (some users may find that those bass enhancers give a tickling feeling at high volumes). Half to three-quarters seem to work best. 

What else? The original model got complaints about too small and hard-to-find buttons. They now moved the charging port to give room for larger buttons.

The battery life has improved to 10 hours (8 hours in the original model), and a 5-minute quick charge provides up to 1.5 hours of listening time.

They still weigh next to nothing, and it is easy to forget you have them on!

2. Shokz OpenRun

OpenRun headphones (formerly Aeropex) are for runners who need IP67 waterproof construction, lightweight design, and primarily listen to podcasts and audiobooks while running.

Shokz OpenRun is formerly known as Aftershokz Aeropex. It has a quick charge as a new feature, and it comes with new packaging; otherwise, they are the same.

OpenRun doesn’t have the newest bone conduction technology or bass booster that you can find on pricier OpenRun Pro. But if you mostly listen to podcasts or audiobooks, these work fine. 

And as they are lightweight, you can use them for hours when working at home without worrying about discomfort. You can hear others and, at the same time, listen to audiobooks. And you can answer phone calls and keep your hands free.

They’re available in two sizes, so you can choose the one that fits your head perfectly. OpenRun Mini has a 0.83-inch shorter band making it ideal for smaller heads and those who prefer a more snug fit.

IP67 rating means that they can withstand extreme conditions. So you can wear them during workouts even in heavy rain (but they are not intended for swimming).

3. Shokz OpenMove

The Shokz OpenMove is the perfect entry-level headphone if you are interested in diving into the world of bone conduction.

Shokz dominates the bone conduction headphone market. It has several models in different price ranges.

OpenMove is an entry-level model from Shokz, so you can save some money while still enjoying the decent sound.

They aren’t meant for audiophiles who spend hours listening to music every day. 

However, they are perfect for casual listeners who want to experience bone conduction technology.

They don’t include fancy bells and whistles, but they’re designed to give you with the most bang for your buck and deliver on that promise.

These headphones are IP55 rated, meaning they’re waterproof and dustproof. So you don’t have to worry about light rain or dusty conditions.

You can charge them with the usual USB-C charger. That means you don’t need to carry a special charging cable when traveling as with other Shokz models (they use a proprietary magnetic charging connection).

Battery last 6 hours, but there is no quick-charge option.

Sound quality and USB-C charging are the main differences between this model and the higher-priced models. It’s a great value if you don’t mind the marginally lower audio quality and lack of fast charging.

4. YouthWhisper Bone Conduction Headphones

Stylish headphones that allow you to explore bone conduction technology without spending too much money.

Shokz is definitely a household name in bone conduction headphones, and they have a variety of headphones for different user groups.

But some unknown brands in the market offer headphones at a much lower price.

If you want to try bone conduction headphones at an affordable price, you should check these out.

YouthWhisper Bone Conduction Headphones are one of these more affordable models. You can get bone conduction headphones at a much lower price than any Shokz models.

This has an IP54 rating to protect against light rain. The battery lasts 6 hours, and you can charge this with micro-USB charging.

Spoken word, such as podcasts and audiobooks, is their strength. Audio is probably best when you keep the volume at around 80% max to avoid distortion. You can also use these to answer calls.

And the design is pretty much the same as other, more expensive headphones! Not bad!

These serve a good purpose, i.e., an affordable option in the world of bone conduction headphones.

5. Tayogo S2 Bone Conduction Headphones

Another excellent option for budget-friendly bone conduction headphones.

You can get Tayogo S2 Bone Conduction Headphones at a pretty low price.

They still have an IP55 rating to protect from sweat and against light rain. It has 6 hours of playback time, and charging is via a standard micro-USB port.

Music-wise, you shouldn’t expect too much. Audiobooks and podcasts work better. Also, these can be used for answering calls.

These become uncomfortable at a higher volume (above 80%) because the vibrations cause a tickling effect (but the same problem applies to other devices in this category). So try to keep the volume below 70% (in a noisy environment, it’s complicated).

It is an excellent product, and in its price range, it has not many competitors. So it is one of the best budget options this technology offers.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Are Bone Conduction Headphones Harmful?

No. Bone conduction technology is not harmful. But there are risks associated with any listening device, especially regarding sound volume. Using too loud volumes can still damage your hearing, even with bone conduction headphones.

Bone conduction devices don’t block your ear canal. Earbuds that block your ear canal can funnel the sound directly to your ear, amplifying the volume.

Why Do Bone Conduction Headphones Come With a Sponge Earplugs?

Bone conducting headsets don’t cover your ear canal at all. If you use them in a noisy environment, the outside noise comes to your ear because it is open. 

That means you must pump up the volume to counteract the outside noise, which can lead to annoying consequences (tickling feeling, for example).

To solve this problem, you can cover your ears with earplugs that come with the headsets.

But on the other hand, it rejects the idea for which this technology was initially developed. You can listen to audio and still hear the surrounding sounds simultaneously to keep you safe from passing cars.

So if the need is to block outside sounds, it is better to get earbuds.

Can You Adjust the Headband?

Typically no. This is a common annoyance: the non-adjustable headband.

Based on the size and shape of your head, the headband may pull tightly across your hair or fall below your neckline.

The most important thing is that the sound transmitters are in the right place. They should rest in front of your ears, not on top of them.

Note that Shokz OpenRun also comes in a mini size!

What Is Shokz? And Where Is AfterShokz?

The company Aftershokz rebranded itself to Shokz in December 2021 and changed the names of its product line.

For example, Shokz OpenRun is formerly known as Aftershokz Aeropex.

Is It Possible To Wear Bone Conduction Headsets With Glasses And Sunglasses?

Yes. Try putting your headset on first and then slipping your glasses or sunglasses into place for the best fit.

Do Bone Conduction Headphones Work With Any Phone and Computer?

Yes. The headphones work as wireless stereo headphones for audio listening and voice communication when connected to a Bluetooth-compatible phone, tablet, or computer (PC or Mac).

Can Bone Conduction Headphones Be Used to Make/Answer Calls?

Yes. Some devices have a noise-canceling microphone for making and receiving calls when connected to a smartphone or other Bluetooth device.

The Bottom Line

The best bone conduction headphones for running are undoubtedly the Shokz OpenRun Pro. They boast an impressive build quality with a more immersive sound experience than competing models. Also, it’s incredibly comfortable for extended wear.

Shokz is a household name in the bone conduction market. But if you want to try bone conduction technology at an affordable price, you should check those lower-priced options mentioned in this article.

Related: Are bone conduction headphones good for running? Are they right for you?