Bone Conduction Headphones Pros and Cons: Are They Good for Your Ears

Having an idea of bone conduction headphones pros and cons can help you decide whether they’re ideal for your workout collection. 

These headphones deliver audio through your jaw rather than your plugging into your ear canals. 

Let’s explore some of the most notable advantages and disadvantages they bring to the table.

What Are the Advantages of Bone Conduction Headphones?

This type of headphones has a few pros, especially if you must stay aware of your environment. You can listen to music with the best bone conduction headphones when you run and still hear passing bicycles and cars.

However, their differences lie in how they transmit audio to your ears.

Can You Wear Bone Conduction Headphones During Exercise?

These devices are actually designed explicitly for exercise. The lightweight design makes them relatively unnoticeable during your runs.

Another convenient feature of bone conduction headsets is how they affix to the sides and to the back of your head.

They’re less likely to shift while working out than other types of earpieces, like in-ears.

Do Bone Conduction Headphones Increase Situational Awareness?

If you’re looking into this specific style of headsets, you’ve likely heard about how they improve situational awareness. They’re also often referred to as open-ear headphones, as they don’t enter your ear canal. 

So can bone conduction headphones be a good choice for running? Yes, they can.

Open-ear style is handy for runners who must be aware of environmental sounds while listening to music or podcasts. It lets you stay aware of movement in your surroundings, such as other joggers. 

You’ll also find they’re remarkable for working out on busy streets, as you can easily hear anyone passing by.

When working out indoors, you can still maintain clear conversations with others without continually pausing your music.

Is Bone Conduction Safer for Your Ears?

High volume is a risk with any listening device.

But are bone conduction headsets safer? In a way, yes.

Bone conducting can also cause hearing damage in the inner ear if you pump the volume up for a long time. 

However, the major difference is that bone conducting headset does not block the ear canal as nothing goes into your ear.

Earbuds, on the other hand, funnel the sound directly through the ear canal which can amplify the volume.

But with bone conduction, even if you pump the volume up, you lose some of that volume. The vibration that the headset uses to create the sound is not directed straight into your ear canal.  

Also, there aren’t any parts inserted into your ears. So if you have any issues with your ears (sensitive ears, issues with earwax), bone conduction headphones are a safer option.

Are Bone Conduction Headphones Waterproof?

The vast majority of bone conduction headsets have waterproofing, protecting them at least from sweat and light rain. 

However, some higher-quality models are fully insulated, making them perfect for heavy rain and other conditions. 

The higher the quality of the waterproofing, the more versatile the device becomes for all-day use.

Are Bone Conduction Headphones Wireless?

These devices have Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to pair them with your Android or iOS devices.

In most cases, connecting your new earpiece should take a few minutes with minimal setup steps. Also, you can connect them with other Bluetooth-compatible devices, like tablets and laptops.

What Are the Cons of Bone Conduction Headphones?

Although there are many advantages to conducting headsets, there are a few disadvantages to note as well.

Are Bone Conduction Headphones Good for Music?

There’s no doubt that bone conduction headphones are a helpful tool for staying aware while listening to music. 

However, this is also one of their most common disadvantages: you can hear too much about your environment. 

If you’re looking for a fully immersive musical experience, it’s better to opt for other headphone styles without open-ear designs.

Another concern you might have with this listening style is the quality of the audio.

Bone conduction headphones will not be the best choice if audio quality is essential to you.

Bone conduction devices are not recommended for audiophiles searching for a highly dynamic experience. They often lack impressive bass as well as audio clarity compared to other headphone styles.

Bone conduction is an excellent option for quieter listening experiences, such as podcasts and audiobooks.

Can You Wear Bone Conduction Headphones With Glasses?

It is possible to wear bone conduction headsets with glasses, but they might not be as comfortable as expected. 

Unfortunately, some pairs are designed to sit exactly where the arms of your glasses would, right behind your ears. 

You should find an adjustable set that you can manipulate easily around your glasses for optimal comfort.

Can You Wear Bone Conduction Headphones While Driving?

Wearing headphones while driving isn’t recommended, as they can be a distraction from the road. 

It’s important to consider your local laws and regulations before purchasing headphones to use in the car. 

That said, they could be a better option than traditional earpiece because of their open-ear design.

Can Others Hear Bone Conduction Headphones?

Another significant disadvantage of bone conduction headsets is how their open design doesn’t isolate sound well. 

Similar to how you can hear everything in your environment, other people can hear your music. This point is particularly noticeable with some of the lower-quality headphones on the market.

The louder your music is, the more likely it is that others around you will also be able to hear it. 

Some people have mentioned this issue can make it distracting to maintain conversations with others while wearing them. 

Also, they wouldn’t be the best option for a quiet and focused gym environment.

Bone Conduction Headphones Pros and Cons: Final Thoughts

Overall, having bone conduction headphones can be convenient for keeping situational awareness while working out. 

They’re also a phenomenal option for those with hearing damage to enjoy music comfortably. 

Still, it’s important to note bone conduction headphones pros and cons when considering audio quality, as it’s sub-par.