Best bone conduction headphones of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

Choosing the right soundtrack for your workouts is paramount for getting in the zone. If over-ear headphones and traditional earbuds give you a hard time during your workouts, bone conduction headphones may be a better choice. We've tested plenty, from bone conduction headphones fit for swimming to headphones better suited for going with you from the office straight to an evening hike.

What are the best bone conduction headphones right now?

The best bone conduction headphones are the Shokz OpenRun 2 for their long battery life, sleek design, great sound, and all-day comfort with a $160 price tag. Through our testing, the OpenFit 2 earned high marks for their versatility, durability, and impressive sound profile.

Our runner-up picks are just as great including the H2O Audio Tri 2 These are fit for swimmers who don't want to sacrifice their audio during aquatic activities. For $200, you're promised a secure fit, nine hours of playtime, and up to 12 feet of water submersion for as long as you desire. 

Also: The 12 best headphones of 2025

The best bone conduction headphones of 2025

Why we like them: The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are a great pick for runners, cyclists, and hikers for their secure fit, lengthy battery life, and elevated design. These headphones are light and flexible, ensuring comfort for extended wearing sessions.

Review: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

Shokz improved its bone conduction technology with the OpenRun Pro 2, resulting in decreased vibrations in the jaw, less sound leakage, and an improved bass response. Shokz also fitted the OpenRun Pro 2 with AI-powered wind noise reduction for better voice pickup during phone calls.

Who these are for: The OpenRun Pro 2 are a solid choice for anyone interested in bone conduction headphones with a less sporty, and more uniform, stylish look. For $160, these headphones promise enough battery life to get you to the finish line.

ZDNET's Nina Raemont tested the OpenRun Pro 2 in the office and found them suitable for people who prefer to easily engage with their coworkers instead of tuning them out. If you want bone conduction headphones that can travel with you from the office to the hiking trail, these are for you.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want bone conduction headphones for swimming, the OpenRun Pro 2's IP55 rating isn't strong enough. In addition, Raemont says these headphones don't get very loud, so they're not ideal for noisy environments like a crowded gym. 

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 tech specs: Form factor: Open-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 12 hours | IP rating: IP55 (sweatproof) | Charging option(s): USB-C | Weight: 30g

• Sweatproof
• Great button controls
• Long battery life

• Doesn't get very loud

Why we like them: The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are a great pick for runners, cyclists, and hikers for their secure fit, lengthy battery life, and elevated design. These headphones are light and flexible, ensuring comfort for extended wearing sessions.

Review: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

Shokz improved its bone conduction technology with the OpenRun Pro 2, resulting in decreased vibrations in the jaw, less sound leakage, and an improved bass response. Shokz also fitted the OpenRun Pro 2 with AI-powered wind noise reduction for better voice pickup during phone calls.

Who these are for: The OpenRun Pro 2 are a solid choice for anyone interested in bone conduction headphones with a less sporty, and more uniform, stylish look. For $160, these headphones promise enough battery life to get you to the finish line.

ZDNET's Nina Raemont tested the OpenRun Pro 2 in the office and found them suitable for people who prefer to easily engage with their coworkers instead of tuning them out. If you want bone conduction headphones that can travel with you from the office to the hiking trail, these are for you.

Who should look elsewhere: If you want bone conduction headphones for swimming, the OpenRun Pro 2's IP55 rating isn't strong enough. In addition, Raemont says these headphones don't get very loud, so they're not ideal for noisy environments like a crowded gym. 

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 tech specs: Form factor: Open-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 12 hours | IP rating: IP55 (sweatproof) | Charging option(s): USB-C | Weight: 30g

Why we like them: Shokz's latest true wireless open earbuds offer an exceptional open-ear listening experience, defined by great sound, an elevated design, and a lengthy battery life. These earbuds debuted with new features like a multifunction button, four more hours of playtime than the previous generation, upgraded water resistance, and enhanced audio technology.

Review: Shokz OpenFit 2

When I wore the OpenFit 2, the soft coating didn't pressure the bony part behind my ears. It was easy to put them on and forget I was wearing them. The updated design also makes them more stylish, phasing out previous generations' highly sporty look, making their $180 price more justifiable. The OpenFit 2 have an IP55 rating, making them durable enough for sweaty workouts and runs in light rain. Also, their improved Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity ensures stable connections and efficient power consumption.

Who they're for: Although the OpenFit 2 excel in active scenarios like running or hiking, their design is elevated enough to act as casual open-ear earbuds. I recommend them most to people with active lifestyles searching for a casual open-ear earbud they can take from the office to their evening jog.

Who should look elsewhere: You shouldn't expect the OpenFit 2 to perform in noisy environments like a crowded gym, a busy train, or a grocery store. You'll hear too much of your surroundings and not enough of your music. I wore the OpenFit 2 to the gym during peak hours and heard everything but my music. If you want earbuds that can handle sweaty workouts but have noise cancellation and transparency mode options, consider the AirPods Pro 2 for iOS or the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 for Android.

Shokz OpenFit 2 tech specs: Form factor: Open-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.4) | Battery life: 11 hours and an additional 37 hours with charging case | IP rating: IP55 (sweatproof) | Charging option(s): USB-C | Weight: 9.4g

Why we like them: Shokz's OpenSwim Pro are the company's premium bone conduction headphones built for aquatic activities. They sport an IP68 waterproof rating, a nine-hour battery life, and are equipped with Shokz's industry-leading bone conduction technology for $150. 

Review: Shokz OpenSwim Pro

ZDNET's Matt Miller tested the OpenSwim Pro during his swims in the summer and praised them for their secure fit, long battery, and intuitive multifunction buttons. The OpenSwim must enter MP3 mode when used in the water. This allows you to listen to up to 32GB of downloaded music files during your swim. Miller says, "As long as you have access to your own saved music files, this headset is a solid option for waterproof beats."

Who these are for: The OpenSwim Pro are a solid option for people who want bone conduction headphones that can accompany them while hiking, biking, running, and swimming. According to Miller, although the OpenSwim Pro excel in the water, they were a wonderful companion while biking, helping him stay aware of his surroundings. 

The OpenSwim Pro have an IP68 rating, making them dust and waterproof, compared to the H20 Audio Tri 2's IPX8, which wasn't formally tested for dust ingress. If you find yourself off-trail with the OpenSwim Pro, you can feel more confident that dust and dirt won't damage the headphones.

Who should look elsewhere: You'll need to download your favorite songs in either MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, M4A, APE, or WMA file formats to listen in the water, which could be a roadblock for people used to streaming music via Apple Music or Spotify. If you don't want to deal with downloading files, consider headphones that strictly use Bluetooth. However, you'll forgo using your headphones in the water.

Shokz OpenSwim Pro tech specs: Form factor: Open-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.4) | Battery life: 9 hours (6 hours in MP3 mode) | IP rating: IP68 (dust and waterproof) | Charging option(s): 4-pin USB | Weight: 27.3g

• Lightweight
• Rated for swimming
• Long battery life

• Must download music to listen in the water

Why we like them: Shokz's OpenSwim Pro are the company's premium bone conduction headphones built for aquatic activities. They sport an IP68 waterproof rating, a nine-hour battery life, and are equipped with Shokz's industry-leading bone conduction technology for $150. 

Review: Shokz OpenSwim Pro

ZDNET's Matt Miller tested the OpenSwim Pro during his swims in the summer and praised them for their secure fit, long battery, and intuitive multifunction buttons. The OpenSwim must enter MP3 mode when used in the water. This allows you to listen to up to 32GB of downloaded music files during your swim. Miller says, "As long as you have access to your own saved music files, this headset is a solid option for waterproof beats."

Who these are for: The OpenSwim Pro are a solid option for people who want bone conduction headphones that can accompany them while hiking, biking, running, and swimming. According to Miller, although the OpenSwim Pro excel in the water, they were a wonderful companion while biking, helping him stay aware of his surroundings. 

The OpenSwim Pro have an IP68 rating, making them dust and waterproof, compared to the H20 Audio Tri 2's IPX8, which wasn't formally tested for dust ingress. If you find yourself off-trail with the OpenSwim Pro, you can feel more confident that dust and dirt won't damage the headphones.

Who should look elsewhere: You'll need to download your favorite songs in either MP3, FLAC, WAV, AAC, M4A, APE, or WMA file formats to listen in the water, which could be a roadblock for people used to streaming music via Apple Music or Spotify. If you don't want to deal with downloading files, consider headphones that strictly use Bluetooth. However, you'll forgo using your headphones in the water.

Shokz OpenSwim Pro tech specs: Form factor: Open-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.4) | Battery life: 9 hours (6 hours in MP3 mode) | IP rating: IP68 (dust and waterproof) | Charging option(s): 4-pin USB | Weight: 27.3g

Why we like them: The H20 Audio Tri 2 bone conduction headphones are ideal for swimmers and aquatic enthusiasts. The product sports an IPX8 rating, keeping them protected from water damage for up to 12 feet. Additionally, they promise up to nine hours of continuous playtime when paired with a Bluetooth-enabled device. At $199, these headphones are on the pricier side, but are equipped with memory mode, which allows wearers to download music files to the headphones for phone-free listening.

Review: H20 Audio Tri 2

In addition, the H20 Audio Tri 2 are fitted with a silicone coating for a secure and comfortable fit. They can also reproduce sound with impressive clarity and volume compared to their competitors. ZDNET's Jack Wallen tested the H20 Audio Tri 2 headphones, and said they sound "much richer sound than any bone-conducting headphones I've ever used."

Who these are for: If swimming is your preferred exercise, the H20 Audio Tri 2 could be your new auditory companion. If you're looking for open-ear headphones that can handle more contact with water, these won't disappoint. However, the Tri 2 headphones are great bone conduction headphones for anyone searching for open-ear headphones, and as a plus, Wallen says you won't have to worry if you get caught in a thunderstorm or splashed by a wave.

Who should look elsewhere: Bone conduction headphones tend to have a sporty look, and the H20 Tri Audio 2 are no different. If you prefer something more stylish with an elevated design, consider the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 or the Bose Ultra Open.

H20 Audio Tri 2 tech specs: Form factor: Open-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 9 hours (6 hours in memory mode) | IP rating: IPX8 (waterproof) | Charging option(s): 4-pin USB | Weight: 36g

• Waterproof up to 12 feet
• Rich in bass
• Memory mode for phone-free listening

• Physical controls are finicky

Why we like them: The H20 Audio Tri 2 bone conduction headphones are ideal for swimmers and aquatic enthusiasts. The product sports an IPX8 rating, keeping them protected from water damage for up to 12 feet. Additionally, they promise up to nine hours of continuous playtime when paired with a Bluetooth-enabled device. At $199, these headphones are on the pricier side, but are equipped with memory mode, which allows wearers to download music files to the headphones for phone-free listening.

Review: H20 Audio Tri 2

In addition, the H20 Audio Tri 2 are fitted with a silicone coating for a secure and comfortable fit. They can also reproduce sound with impressive clarity and volume compared to their competitors. ZDNET's Jack Wallen tested the H20 Audio Tri 2 headphones, and said they sound "much richer sound than any bone-conducting headphones I've ever used."

Who these are for: If swimming is your preferred exercise, the H20 Audio Tri 2 could be your new auditory companion. If you're looking for open-ear headphones that can handle more contact with water, these won't disappoint. However, the Tri 2 headphones are great bone conduction headphones for anyone searching for open-ear headphones, and as a plus, Wallen says you won't have to worry if you get caught in a thunderstorm or splashed by a wave.

Who should look elsewhere: Bone conduction headphones tend to have a sporty look, and the H20 Tri Audio 2 are no different. If you prefer something more stylish with an elevated design, consider the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 or the Bose Ultra Open.

H20 Audio Tri 2 tech specs: Form factor: Open-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 9 hours (6 hours in memory mode) | IP rating: IPX8 (waterproof) | Charging option(s): 4-pin USB | Weight: 36g

Why we like them: The Mojawa Run Plus are a great option for runners who find the touch controls on Shokz headphones too small and hard to navigate. The Run Plus headphones also offer an IP68 waterproof rating for swimming, up to 32GB of space for downloaded music files, and up to eight hours of continuous playback.

Review: Mojawa Run Plus

ZDNET's Jack Wallen tested the $130 Mojawa Run Plus and called them his "new go-to bone conduction headphones for running," thanks to their large and easy-to-find button controls, high durability, and great sound. According to Wallen, a self-proclaimed audiophile, the Run Plus sound great and are on-par with the Shokz OpenRun Pro.

Who these are for: If you're looking for a solid alternative to Shokz's bone conduction headphones, consider the Mojawa Run Plus. Although Wallen says the Run Plus are great for runners, their IP68 waterproof rating means they can hang with you during your dips in the pool. If you want bone conduction headphones that work just as great in the water as they do out of it, try the Mojawa Run Plus.

Who should look elsewhere: If style is one of your must-haves, you might find the Mojawa Run Plus to be too bulky. Wallen also says the Run Plus sport a unique form factor that takes some time getting used to. If you want traditional-looking bone conduction headphones with a sleeker look, consider the Shokz OpenRun Pro.

Mojawa Run Plus tech specs: Form factor: Open-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 8 hours (2 hours when submerged in approximately 6.5 feet of water) | IP rating: IP68 (dust and waterproof) | Charging option(s): 4-pin USB | Weight: 29g

• Truly sweat-proof
• Big, responsive touch controls
• Great sound

• Very sporty look

Why we like them: The Mojawa Run Plus are a great option for runners who find the touch controls on Shokz headphones too small and hard to navigate. The Run Plus headphones also offer an IP68 waterproof rating for swimming, up to 32GB of space for downloaded music files, and up to eight hours of continuous playback.

Review: Mojawa Run Plus

ZDNET's Jack Wallen tested the $130 Mojawa Run Plus and called them his "new go-to bone conduction headphones for running," thanks to their large and easy-to-find button controls, high durability, and great sound. According to Wallen, a self-proclaimed audiophile, the Run Plus sound great and are on-par with the Shokz OpenRun Pro.

Who these are for: If you're looking for a solid alternative to Shokz's bone conduction headphones, consider the Mojawa Run Plus. Although Wallen says the Run Plus are great for runners, their IP68 waterproof rating means they can hang with you during your dips in the pool. If you want bone conduction headphones that work just as great in the water as they do out of it, try the Mojawa Run Plus.

Who should look elsewhere: If style is one of your must-haves, you might find the Mojawa Run Plus to be too bulky. Wallen also says the Run Plus sport a unique form factor that takes some time getting used to. If you want traditional-looking bone conduction headphones with a sleeker look, consider the Shokz OpenRun Pro.

Mojawa Run Plus tech specs: Form factor: Open-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 8 hours (2 hours when submerged in approximately 6.5 feet of water) | IP rating: IP68 (dust and waterproof) | Charging option(s): 4-pin USB | Weight: 29g

Why we like them: Bose's open-ear earbuds are some of our favorite open-ear earbuds. They offer a nondescript design, compatibility with select Bose soundbars, an IPX4 sweatproof rating, great sound, and plenty of colors to choose from. Bose fitted the Ultra Open with its proprietary Immersive Audio tech, giving users the option to listen to music in spatial audio.

Review: Bose Ultra Open

ZDNET's Nina Raemont tested the Ultra Open and hails them as her favorite earbuds for the office, errands, and evening runs. According to Raemont, the Ultra Open's clip-on design sets them apart from traditional bone conduction headphones, which assume a one-size-fits-all design. The clip-on form factor helps the earbuds form to your ear, promoting a secure fit.

Who these are for: The Bose Ultra Open use air conduction technology, opposed to bone conduction, so if bone conduction headphones make you feel sick, dizzy, or uncomfortable, air conduction is a worthy alternative. The Ultra Open aren't waterproof, but they can survive sweaty workouts. They also have great mic quality for phone calls, making them a solid option for people who want everyday earbuds that allow them to stay aware of their surroundings.

Who should look elsewhere: The Open Ultra are less equipped for intense workouts as other options that have an official dust protection rating and a higher waterproof rating. However, they are a solid bone conduction alternative for avid walkers, hikers, and runners for a $249 premium. If you want a cheaper clip-on air conduction option with a stronger waterproof rating, consider the Shokz OpenDots One or the Shokz OpenFit 2.

Bose Ultra Open tech specs: Form factor: Open-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 7 hours and an additional 27 hours with charging case | IP rating: IPX4 (water resistant) | Charging option(s): USB-C | Weight: 6.3g

• Great sound
• Plenty of color options
• Everyday, casual design

• Pricey
• Battery life could be longer

Why we like them: Bose's open-ear earbuds are some of our favorite open-ear earbuds. They offer a nondescript design, compatibility with select Bose soundbars, an IPX4 sweatproof rating, great sound, and plenty of colors to choose from. Bose fitted the Ultra Open with its proprietary Immersive Audio tech, giving users the option to listen to music in spatial audio.

Review: Bose Ultra Open

ZDNET's Nina Raemont tested the Ultra Open and hails them as her favorite earbuds for the office, errands, and evening runs. According to Raemont, the Ultra Open's clip-on design sets them apart from traditional bone conduction headphones, which assume a one-size-fits-all design. The clip-on form factor helps the earbuds form to your ear, promoting a secure fit.

Who these are for: The Bose Ultra Open use air conduction technology, opposed to bone conduction, so if bone conduction headphones make you feel sick, dizzy, or uncomfortable, air conduction is a worthy alternative. The Ultra Open aren't waterproof, but they can survive sweaty workouts. They also have great mic quality for phone calls, making them a solid option for people who want everyday earbuds that allow them to stay aware of their surroundings.

Who should look elsewhere: The Open Ultra are less equipped for intense workouts as other options that have an official dust protection rating and a higher waterproof rating. However, they are a solid bone conduction alternative for avid walkers, hikers, and runners for a $249 premium. If you want a cheaper clip-on air conduction option with a stronger waterproof rating, consider the Shokz OpenDots One or the Shokz OpenFit 2.

Bose Ultra Open tech specs: Form factor: Open-ear | Bluetooth: Yes (5.3) | Battery life: 7 hours and an additional 27 hours with charging case | IP rating: IPX4 (water resistant) | Charging option(s): USB-C | Weight: 6.3g

What are the best bone conduction headphones?

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 top our list for their secure fit and long battery life, but there are plenty of solid option to choose. Here's how they compare to one another.

*MSRP at the time of writing. Please note that actual prices may vary depending on available sales, deals, discounts, and coupons.

Which bone conduction headphones are right for you?

Want to make sure you choose the pair of bone conduction headphones that best suit your needs and ears? This chart further breaks down our favorite features. 

Factors to consider when choosing bone conduction headphones

There are a few essential factors to consider as you shop around for a pair of bone conduction headphones. Here are the most important ones. 

• Waterproof rating: Most bone conduction headphones offer some water protection to keep your headphones safe from sweat and rain, but some headphones have stronger water protection ratings than others. If you plan to swim in your headphones, you need ones with at least an IPX8 rating. If you don't plan to swim in your bone conduction headphones, an IPX4, IPX5, IP55, or IP56 rating will do.
• Sound quality: Bone conduction headphones and great sound quality don't always go together, but we have tested and selected headphones that do indeed offer adequate sound quality while keeping you aware of your surroundings. If fuller, more dynamic sound is your priority, you may want to consider traditional in-ear earbuds.
• Battery life: If you often hike, bike, cycle, or run for long periods, you want bone conduction headphones that can keep up. We included options that promise at least six hours of continuous playtime, but you can find options with more. 

How we test bone conduction headphones

ZDNET went hands-on with most of the picks on this list, and we are constantly testing the newest and hottest tech to update these recommendations accordingly. When we test a product, we typically spend a few weeks, if not longer, trying it out in multiple environments before writing up a review and adding it to this list. When we don't like a product, we won't include it on this list. For these headphones, our contributors have gone on runs and swam in them, putting them to the test in varying conditions to see just how well they can perform. 

We know that investing in technology can be expensive, so we keep in mind the price, performance, user experience, customer reviews, longevity, and battery life, and only recommend products we would actually use ourselves. 

For more on our testing process, check out our extensive headphone testing methodology page.

FAQs on bone conduction headphones

Are bone conduction headphones safe?

Yes, bone conduction headphones are generally safe. Bone conduction technology delivers sound to your cochlea by using vibrations that travel through your jaw. Some people may experience discomfort, nausea, or skin irritations when wearing bone conduction headphones. In these cases, air conduction headphones are a worthy alternative.

However, like any headphones or earbuds, they can damage your hearing if you listen to high volumes for an extended period of time. Doing so will strain the cochlea and can ultimately lead to hearing loss. 

Bone conduction vs. Air conduction

Bone conduction headphones use vibrations to transmit sound waves directly to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrum. In-ear buds or over-ear headphones, which seal in sounds and transmit noise that vibrates from the eardrum and to the cochlea, the part of your ear that responds to noise. In comparison, bone conduction headphones work by emitting vibrations that avoid the eardrum and go straight to the cochlea.

Air conduction technology leverages the air to push sound into your eardrum. This method is how humans typically hear sound, making air conduction headphones like the Bose Ultra Open and Shokz OpenFit 2 viable alternatives to bone conduction technology. Air conduction headphones are typically marketed as "open-ear" headphones.

Who should use bone conduction headphones?

Based on our testing, marathoners, avid runners, cyclists, walkers, and hikers are the primary audience for bone conduction headphones. You'll often see marathon trainers and bikers wearing bone conduction headphones around their heads because the devices allow people to be aware of their surroundings while exercising. 

Bone conduction headphones don't just serve athletes. You might be sensitive to earbuds in your ears or don't like headphones that isolate you from external sounds and cover your entire ear. These earbuds are the antithesis of noise-canceling headphones, because they prioritize an open-ear listening experience.

Who shouldn't use bone conduction headphones?

If you like your music loud to keep you in the zone during a workout, bone conduction headphones might not be for you. Due to their open-ear design, external noises can easily overpower your music. 

If you still want a pair of headphones that prioritize aware listening, opt for open earbuds instead. Open earbuds are like bone conduction's sibling. They don't fully cover your ear, and they deliver an aware soundstage, but they get much louder. 

What is the best Shokz alternative?

We love the H2O Audio Tri 2 bone conduction headphones and think they're even better than Shokz's OpenRun Pro 2 headphones in terms of sound and durability. The Tri 2's battery life is shorter, but what you lose in battery life, you make up for in bass-forward, rich sound. 

However, as open-ear earbuds become more popular, many brands are releasing new models. Open-ear, air conduction headphones differ from bone conduction, but if you simply want headphones with an open-ear design, consider our favorite options from Nothing, Soundcore, and Bose.

Our favorite open-ear headphones