The Best Bone Conduction Headphones of 2024

The plus in the Mojawa Run Plus ($130) name certainly includes swimming. The IP68 rating on the sports headphones gives more protection than the range of IP67 options on this list and allows for deeper submersion in water. But that’s not all that the Mojawa Run Plus offers up. 

What helps set the Mojawa apart from nearly every other brand on this list is the fit, material quality, and ease of use. The fit is spot-on and however we tried to knock the device off our head, we struggled. The quality materials are also comfortable and feel durable. But it’s the design that sets it apart, with a large easy-to-use multi-function button to handle skipping tracks, playing, pausing, and answering calls. Another trackpad-style button allows volume adjustments with a swipe. As a whole, the controls were super slick and easy to use. 

To add to the waterproof options, the device features 32 GB of built-in storage — far superior to the 8 GB of the H20 Audio TRI Pro or 4 GB of the Shokz OpenSwim — which means you can bring your Mojawa into the water without a phone or simply decide to listen to audio on a run or bike without a phone nearby. Simple switching between Bluetooth and MP3 gives you options. 

Mojawa claims to have developed the first dual-suspension anchor system for a bone conduction device, all geared toward increasing the bass in the audio. While the Mojawa audio certainly nears the top of the list, it still falls just shy of the Suunto Wing. That said, for the price tag, the Mojawa’s audio is impressive within a headphone style not known for audio quality (think full and distinct sounds, but still slightly hollow). 

The quality and ease of use pushed this device to the top of the list. While the sound quality isn’t the very best, it nears the top. Add in the waterproof features, the fit in multiple arenas of use, and the fairly reasonable, pricing and the Mojawa Run Plus has the plus users need.

At $40, the YouthWhisper Bone Conduction Headphones were by far the best price-to-performance headphones we tested. The Bluetooth connection was quick, the fit good, and they worked well from the get-go. The audio quality, while not the best in our review, was good enough to warrant all-day use, and once we got used to the audio prompts (a bit bass-heavy), the sound quality was pretty good for such a budget price. 

Once running, they worked great. The button action was easy to use and navigate. In terms of comfort, they are somewhat firm as compared to the Shokz OpenRun, but not so much that we wanted to take them off. It’s worth noting that these are only sweatproof, not waterproof. 

On a full two-hour charge, the YouthWhisper Headphones can last up to 6 hours, which is only 2 hours less than the best overall. So unless you’re heading out for an ultra marathon, these have plenty of power to get you through any run. You’ll just need to charge more often. 

While we didn’t test long-term durability, in our past experience testing headphones, all the budget options have had a shorter lifespan than the more expensive ones. We can’t say these will be the same with certainty, but it’s something to be aware of whenever buying budget electronics.

Shokz, formerly known as AfterShokz, dominates the bone conduction headphone market, and it has come out on top with its newest model, the OpenRun ($130). The new PremiumPitch 2.0+ technology delivers a higher quality sound than other products, and paired with a new angle on the transducers, this creates the potential for louder volume with less vibration.

One of the biggest complaints about bone conduction headphones is the vibration, where louder volumes can produce an uncomfortable tingling on your cheekbones. So, we were excited to see this addressed with the OpenRun, and in practice we found the hype to be real. No tingle here!

The OpenRun weighs just 26 grams, and it has an impressive 8-hour battery life and a fully waterproof design. It takes about 2 hours to reach a full charge. These headphones are sweatproof and waterproof, but they’re not meant for swimming. If you’re looking for a fully submersible option, read on.

While you’ll certainly pay for them, the overall combination of ergonomics and high-end technology made the Shokz OpenRun our choice as the best bone conduction headphones to use while running.

You can hear the sound quality immediately with the Suunto Wing ($200). And you can hear it for a wildly long time, with the 10 hours of battery life the best in class for the space, and a highly portable power bank allowing an extra 20 hours of charge when away from power. And with a 10-minute charge adding another three hours of play-time, the Suunto Wing is the most battery-forward option on the market. 

The strong, full sound offered by the Wing is the best audio option in the range and that gives the battery life extra meaning. Sure, you’re still dealing with the less-than-ideal sound of bone conduction — in the case of the Suunto it comes a bit tinny, but not as hollow as the Mojawa — but you can physically feel the bass when the volume pumps and it offers the strongest sound overall. 

With an IP67 rating, you don’t need to worry about slight water immersion and certainly don’t have to fret about sweat, dust, or rainstorms. And while a slightly looser fit than the Mojawa, the lightweight design still has good stability and fit and the materials are streamlined and of decent quality. 

In a feature prominent on the Philips Go, Suunto adds three LED lights on the side of the band. The lights can be managed either within the Suunto app or with a small button on the device. The app also allows users to play with sound modes. 

The biggest downfall of the Suunto Wing is the small buttons, whether the multi-function button, the light button, or the separate volume button, which could easily be the smallest on the market. The ease of use is hurt by the difficulty in quickly using the small buttons. As one of the most expensive options, we’d liked to have seen a more streamlined user experience, but can’t argue with the incredible quality of the sound and battery life.

Just because we’ve mostly listed Shokz models doesn’t mean that brand is the only option. Vidonn is a Chinese company that’s been in business since 2013, and its F1 Titanium ($50) makes the list as one of the best values in bone conduction headphones available today.

The F1 headphones are on par with the durability and comfort level of the Shokz OpenMove’s for all active sports. The sound quality in our testing, however, falls just short of the Shokz line and could be improved by a higher level of bass available.

The clear voice capture and noise-reduction technologies both live up to what more expensive brands have to offer. And in a surprise to us (certainly at the price point), the F1 Titanium doesn’t just make use of the super strong metal in name only. The band is an ABS and titanium build that keeps the band light over your ears, and we could run for multiple hours without feeling the fatigue of some heavier models. The F1 also has an IP55 sweatproof rating, so the occasional splash of water over your head won’t kill the tunes.

Overall, for bone conduction headphones under $60, the F1 Titanium has many of the same qualities as pairs over $100. What’s missing is an accompanying carrying case and crisp, clean, bass-filled sound. Additionally, Vidonn offers up to a 1-year warranty, whereas Shokz provides a 2-year warranty.

For triathletes heading into the water, the H2O Audio name isn’t just a clever ruse. The Tri Pro Multi-Sport headphones ($160) were designed specifically to transition from water to bike to run, making this option ideal for someone hitting a variety of disciplines in one outing (or someone who doesn’t want to purchase a mixture of headphones for the variety of activities they engage in). 

The fully waterproof headphones — IPX8 rated — have a Bluetooth connection, but keep in mind that Bluetooth only works a few inches — we’re talking about 4 inches tops — when underwater. So while H2O Audio suggests clipping your smartwatch to your goggles, that may be a stretch for some. Still, the waterproof technology withstands 12 feet of depth. That’s why the Tri Pro has an 8GB MP3 player embedded in the 32g device, a handy feature for dealing with underwater Bluetooth issues or for those who don’t enjoy running with a mobile phone.

And with many today utilizing music streaming services exclusively, H2O Audio came up with something truly novel in their Playlist+ technology, allowing users to make playlists from their streaming service of choice and load them into the 8 GB of MP3 player memory, all for listening without a phone nearby. Users can select to load up songs or streaming playlists, giving them control over the offline — and underwater — audio choices. 

The comfort is decent for the Tri Pro with a behind-the-neck fit. The sound quality is average or better for a bone conduction option. The charging cable is a simple magnetic cord, which is easy to use but may be a drawback for those who don’t like having device-specific cables. On the downside, the controls are a bit clunky, with the three small buttons on the right side of the unit difficult to navigate. The device’s battery life is marketed as 4-6 hours, but on lower volumes, the device can stretch beyond 6 hours. 

Made for long-haul endurance events where you might be in and out of the water, the H2O Audio Tri Pro Multi-Sport headphones are the best option for those hitting multiple disciplines in a day.

Another pair of completely waterproof, IPX6-rated, bone conduction headphones, this set by Pyle clocks in at a reasonable price point. And if you’re someone who doesn’t take well to brittle objects, then Pyle’s Bone Conduction Headphones ($70) may be the right fit for you.

This pair will play full volume for up to 3 hours and offer a long standby time of 240 hours. The 4.1 Bluetooth tech reaches up to 35 feet of separation and ensures easy pairing.

The rugged build helps keep them in place on your head and makes them less likely to snap if you drop them while biking or accidentally smash them in your gym bag. 

These Pyle headphones are the heaviest option listed here, and the sound quality doesn’t reach that of Shokz. But they are highly durable and come with a one-year warranty, meaning even those with heavy hands will be able to enjoy them long down the line.

A focus on sound quality and functionality has put the Kaibo Flex into a different category as one of the newer players in the bone conduction headphone space.

Originally launched as a Kickstarter project, the Kaibo Flex has a less expensive price ($120) than other models sporting some similar features. With above-average sound quality — and a 1-year warranty — the comfort of the Kaibo Flex combines with the ease of use and sound to offer a new and attractive option.

The titanium build of the device brings with it sturdiness without getting too weighty — it comes in at 32 grams. And like the Mojawa Run Air, the Flex sports touch-enabled buttons allow users to easily change volume, play and pause songs, skip songs, and toggle between music and calls.

The device will also automatically pause playback when removed. With the dual microphones for active noise canceling, Kaibo has also put a premium on audio for voice calls, billing the device as a lifestyle option and not just a sport design.

A key feature of the Kaibo Flex is the wireless charging dock. Already equipped with an 8-hour battery life with a 1-week standby, the dock adds an additional 20 hours of battery life. Unfortunately, there is no way to charge the headphones quickly without the dock, so you’ll want to keep tabs on it. Included in the box is the device, the charging dock, a USB-C cord for charging the dock, earplugs, and a carrying bag. 

Once up and running the Kaibo Flex proved seamless in offering up higher-than-average bone conduction headphone sound in an intuitive design.

The Philips Go A7607 Headphones ($95) offer up a mid-range option in the bone conduction space. With a mid-range price, customers will get a mid-range scope of features, except for the strong push for LED lights to increase visibility. It’s this functionality that makes the A7607 our recommendation for runners on a tighter budget.

Those LED lights run across the rear band and provide just enough of a visual cue to alert drivers and cyclists to your presence. With control of the lights offered through the app, runners will certainly appreciate that this function makes it the most visible bone conduction headphone on the market (the new Suunto Wing also features LED lights, but they only appear on the sides). 

The app also allows you to tune the audio levels and create listening styles. That said, don’t expect a strong sound from the Philips, but one that is certainly passable for bone conduction. The quality-feeling materials are superior to some of the budget models on this list, such as the Padmate, but come a bit bulkier and less form-fitting than the higher-end models like the Mojawa or Suunto. The fit of the Phillips isn’t as snug as we’d like — although it didn’t fully come off, it was a bit jigglier than we’d like when running. 

The looser fit matched the slightly larger body, but the functionality was certainly adequate. The device features separate volume buttons, a separate power button, and then a multi-touch button to control song skips, take calls, and the like. We do appreciate the 9 hours of playtime and how a 15-minute charge with the magnetic charging cable offers a quick hour of use (it takes 2 hours to charge fully). 

For a mid-range option, we appreciated Philips’ ability to create decent sound out of the A7607 Headphones. We would like to see the fit streamlined, but the addition of the LED lights across the rear band was a stand-out touch.

Don’t let the 26g weight throw you off, the Mojawa Run Air ($100) bone conduction headphones offer above-average sound quality, clever functionality, and durable comfort all at the light weight. 

The Run Air fits well and offers a comfortable feel with the titanium design, but it could be the clever controls that make it even better. Instead of mashing hard-to-press buttons, the touch-enabled buttons on the Run Air allow for functionality with clicks. In a rarity for the category, finger swipes allow for the changing of volume, a nice feature from Mojawa. With a full IP67 waterproof rating, the sleek design is more than ease of use, allowing a worry-free element. The 1-year warranty is a bonus. 

Inside the box, the device comes along with earplugs, a carrying bag, and a charging cable. To keep with the waterproof capability, the cable is an easy-to-use magnetic connector, which while slick to employ, will not be the darling of anyone not stoked on a new device-specific cable to keep track of. Also, don’t expect to exceed the advertised eight hours of playability, as some of our tests struggled to reach that mark. 

The titanium and silicone device fits well, and the neckband proved comfortable and even after running on some tough trails, stays securely in place no matter the activity.

While searching for negatives to the $100-priced unit, we found that the deep sound quality may not match that of the highest-end Shokz devices, but that’s a nit-picky item from an otherwise quality headphone. 

The Mojawa Run Air offers a comfortable sport-enabled bone conduction headphone with durability and an ease of use not always found. This is a quality choice at a respectable price, and nearly anyone would agree that it is a top choice.

The Shokz OpenMove ($80) brings many of the same benefits and features that the OpenRun has, but it does so at a slightly lower price. The OpenMove still utilizes LeakSlayer and PremiumPitch technology to optimize the sound with low natural sound leakage levels, but it did provide a slightly lower quality audio experience versus the OpenRun.

They are also IP55-rated for sweat and dustproof use, making them great for workouts. The Bluetooth V5.1 technology ensures quick pairing without the hassle of connecting every time you put them on. They weigh in at 36 grams, which is a bit heavier than some other models, and the battery will run for 6 hours with each full charge.

The OpenMove comes in both a slim and normal fit for different head shapes and sizes. The titanium band is secure, durable, and comfortable to wear, but it’s a good idea to try these on before purchase. The different sizes can either make them form perfectly to your head or make them an uncomfortable nuisance to wear.

The main difference between this model and the higher-priced Shokz is decreased sound quality and increased weight. This isn’t to say that these headphones don’t get the job done — they certainly do — and if you don’t mind a few extra grams and marginally lower audio quality, the OpenMove is a great value.

Don’t expect a lot of extras with the Padmate S30 Open-Ear Sport Headphones, but at a price of $59, you’ll certainly get what you came for: A Bluetooth-connected bone conduction headphone that keeps the tunes going. 

The simple design help keep it at a 30g weight, and provides a decent amount of comfort on the ear, albeit with a slightly tighter behind-the-neck feel than some other models, and plenty of battery life with eight hours of playtime and 150 hours of standby. The device comes with a basic level of water resistance meant for the outdoors at a rated IPX5, so occasional splashes will be no sweat. 

Out of the box, the Padmate S30 includes the device, a USB-C charging cord, and earplugs. As for functionality, the S30 sports a lone button on the right band of the headphones, which streamlines the device, but in our testing increased the complication, as a combination of clicks and holds do everything from powering on the device, pausing and playing music, skipping songs, or handling calls. For having a one-button functionality, the device comes in a bit bulky. Even at the low price, you can expect a near-average sound quality. 

The Padmate S30 isn’t a standout bone conduction headphone, but it will dutifully serve a basic role while running or biking, giving those who want to enter the genre or have an affordable option a nice go-to.

These wireless bone conduction headphones allow for complete comfort while swimming. With the Shokz OpenSwim ($150), you can bring 4 GB (around 1,200 songs) of sound into the lap pool. This combination MP3/wireless headphone set removes the limits of Bluetooth ranges by storing your music directly.

They have an 8-hour battery life, and with a waterproof rating of IP68, the OpenSwim will have you coming up for air long before being submerged at 2 meters for 2 hours. The tight titanium band around the head ensures a snug fit, so you won’t be diving to the bottom of the deep end to retrieve this pair.

A set of three buttons on the underside of the band control the commands for the OpenSwim, allowing you to play, skip, pause, and rewind a track. You’ll have to be your own DJ before you hit the pool and set your own playlist, but once you’re in your lane it’s easy enough to manage.

We recommend pairing these with earplugs, which create a clearer sound by removing the sound of water rushing through your ears. For swimmers, these are the best bone conduction headphones available today.

These affordable bone conduction headphones from Tayogo ($30) are significantly cheaper than any of the other options on this list. While not feature-packed or waterproof, they’re solid and reliable headphones at an approachable price.

Many of our testers appreciated how these headphones stay securely in place while running or exercising. The sound quality and balance are generally good, though they may generate a slight tickling sensation when used at high volume. On a full charge, these can last up to 6 hours, which is only a few hours less than far more expensive options.

While some bone conduction headphones don’t offer comfortable compatibility with glasses, these have been designed with glasses wearers in mind. The volume and power buttons are easy to access and simple to use.

While these couldn’t be called high-end, Tayogo has created a reliable pair of affordable headphones that offers the perks of bone conduction technology without the hefty price tag.