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Bone conduction earphones might sound advanced and a bit scary. But they’re actually a practical and comfortable alternative to traditional earbuds or over-ear headphones.
These headphones work by sending sound vibrations through your cheekbones. This leaves your ears open, letting you hear your surroundings. You can enjoy your music without missing out on what’s happening around you.
They are great if you work in a noisy office and don’t want to keep removing earbuds when someone talks to you. They’re also ideal for swimmers since some models are waterproof.
This article will help you pick the right bone conduction earphones. Let’s explore some top options together.
Table of contents
What are Bone Conduction Earphones?
Bone conduction earphones, often called “bonephones,” work differently than regular headphones. They send sound waves through the bones in your skull instead of your ear canal. When you use them, the bones in your skull vibrate to make the sound waves louder. This lets you hear your music or other audio while keeping your ears open.
These earphones are helpful for people with hearing disabilities. They also allow you to stay aware of your surroundings, which is useful in many situations.
How Do Bone Conduction Headphones Work?
Let’s first understand how we hear.
We hear when the bones in our inner ear vibrate. There are three bones in the inner ear, called the auditory ossicles. These bones carry sound vibrations to the cochlea, a fluid-filled, snail-shaped structure in the inner ear. When the cochlear fluid vibrates, thousands of nerve endings turn these vibrations into electrical signals. The auditory nerve sends these signals to the brain, which recognizes them as sound. That’s how you hear music or voices.
Usually, soundwaves hit the eardrum first, causing it to move. This movement makes the inner ear bones vibrate, starting the process. But it’s not the only way to make those bones vibrate. This is where bone-conduction headphones play a role.
You’ve probably seen someone running or biking with what looks like a headband. These are bone-conduction headphones. They sit around the back of the head, with speakers resting on the cheekbones, just in front of the ears. The speakers are placed on the zygomatic arch, the bone you can feel if you touch it from the edge of your eye to your ear.
When you play music or a podcast through these headphones, the vibrations travel from the speakers through the cheekbones to the inner-ear bones. This makes the bones vibrate, allowing you to hear the sound.
This means you can wear bone-conduction headphones and listen to your favorite audio while keeping your ears open. Because there’s nothing in your ears, they’re also known as open-ear headphones. You’ll hear your music or podcast and still be aware of your surroundings.
History
You might think that bone-conducting headphones are a new invention. But bone-conduction technology has actually been around for a long time. While it’s new to many headphone users, bone-conducting devices have existed since the 19th century.
Early Uses in Medicine
Hieronymus Capivacci, a 15th-century physician from Padua, Italy, was the first to use bone conduction for hearing. He used bone-conducting materials to diagnose hearing loss. Capivacci would attach a metal rod to the strings of a zither, a type of stringed instrument, and have his patients bite the rod. If the patient heard music, the issue was with the eardrum. If they heard nothing, the problem was with the auditory nerve.
Similarly, Beethoven, the famous composer who was deaf, used bone conduction. His housekeeper reported that he would bite one end of a pencil and touch the other end to his piano. This allowed him to feel the vibrations of the music through his skull bones. Some sources say he used a metal rod instead of a pencil.
From Wired to Wireless
The first commercially available bone-conduction headphones were the Audio Bone, a wired model released in 2008. Since then, the technology has advanced. Philips released its first open-ear bone-conduction headphones, the A6606, in 2021.
Adoption by Athletes
Many athletes, especially runners and cyclists, appreciate the safety benefits of bone-conduction headphones. These headphones let users hear their surroundings while listening to music. In fact, England Athletics has approved only open-ear bone-conduction headphones for road races. This makes sure athletes remain aware of their environment.
Key Developments
1992: H. Werner Bottesch files a patent for bone-conduction headphones
2008: The first commercial wired bone-conduction headphones, Audio Bone, hit the market
2013: Wireless bone-conduction headphones start gaining attention from athletes
2016: England Athletics allows only bone-conduction headphones in road races
2020: Philips begins developing bone-conduction headphones
2021: Philips releases the A6606 wireless open-ear bone-conduction sports headphones
2022: Philips unveils the A7607 wireless open-ear bone-conduction sports headphones
Bone-conduction technology has come a long way. It’s no longer just a tool for doctors or a method for a deaf composer to hear. Today, it’s a valuable and practical option for many people.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Bone Conduction Headphones
When shopping for bone conduction headphones, keep these key factors in mind.
Type
Bone conduction headphones come in various styles, like over-the-ear or in-ear. Think about how you will use them. Are they for swimming, running in the rain, or both? Maybe you also need them for conference calls and casual listening. Different types work better for different activities. Knowing your main use is important.
Sound Quality
If you’re spending $100 to $200, the sound should be good. Avoid headphones that sound tinny, warbled, or muffled. While bone conduction headphones aren’t always known for great sound, some do offer excellent audio while keeping you aware of your surroundings.
Battery Life
Most bone conduction headphones last about 8.5 hours on a single charge. If you are paying over $100, the battery should last through several exercise sessions. Make sure the battery life meets your needs.
Sweat and Waterproof Rating
Swimmers should look for a waterproof rating of IP68. For outdoor runners or heavy sweaters, an IP55 rating is the minimum to consider.
Cost
Prices range from $30 to $200. Generally, you get what you pay for. Cheaper headphones might have a shorter battery life and less durability. More expensive ones tend to last longer and be more robust.
These points will help you find the right bone conduction headphones for your needs.
The Best Bone Conduction Headphones Of 2024
Here are some of our top picks:
Philips Go A7607
- Type: Open ear
- Wired/Wireless: Wireless
- Waterproof Rating: IP66
- Weight: 1.3 ounces
- Battery Life: 9 hours
- Dimensions: 6.65 x 5.31 x 2.72 inches
Pros
- LED indicator
- Comfortable fit
- Sweat-resistant
Cons
- Average audio output
The Philips Go A7607 headphones are versatile. You can use them for office conference calls and then head to the gym or go for an outdoor run. They have an IP66 rating, making them water-resistant and sweatproof. Their open-ear design lets you stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying your content.
They are designed for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. They feature a bright red LED light on the neckband, making you visible to cars and people when exercising at night.
Shokz OpenRun Pro
- Type: Open ear
- Wired/Wireless: Wireless
- Waterproof Rating: IP55
- Weight: 1.02 ounces
- Battery Life: 10 hours
- Dimensions: 6.61 x 5.35 x 2.64 inches
Pros
- Immersive sound
- Quick charge support
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons
- Limited to IP55 water resistance
The Shokz OpenRun Pro stands out by skipping the in-ear buds design while maintaining great audio quality. These headphones use Shokz TurboPitch engineering and ninth-bone conduction technology. They offer a premium listening experience without compromising on safety or price.
The OpenRun Pro headset is lightweight, comfortable, and durable. It causes little to no discomfort or pressure during exercise. Users appreciate the combination of technology, design, and comfort.
It includes a headband with the OpenRun Pro headphones to help them stay in place during workouts. The titanium frame wraps around your head for a secure and lightweight fit, perfect for active use.
Mojawa Run Plus
- Type: Open ear
- Wired/Wireless: Wireless
- Waterproof Rating: IP68
- Weight: 0.07 pounds
- Battery Life: 8 hours
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 3.1 x 1.2 inches
Pros
- Truly sweat-proof
- Large, responsive touch controls
- Sound comparable to Shokz OpenRun Pro
Cons
- Initial use had poor sound quality, which improved with further use
The Mojawa Run Plus bone conduction headphones offer a similar experience to the Shokz OpenRun Pro but at a slightly lower price. These $160 headphones provide great sound quality and can handle sweaty workouts. Their IP68 waterproof rating means they are suitable for both running and swimming.
The touch controls on the Mojawa Run Plus are intuitive and larger than those on Shokz headphones. This makes them easier to use. The sound quality is also impressive. If you exercise regularly and sweat a lot, these headphones are a good choice. They are also great if you find the Shokz OpenRun Pro challenging to control.
Amazon buyers have compared the Run Plus to the OpenRun Pro. They found the Run Plus to excel in comfort, battery life, and sound quality. With a robust waterproof rating, they are ideal for swimmers and outdoor runners.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
- Type: Open ear/ear cuff
- Wired/Wireless: Wireless
- Waterproof Rating: IPX4
- Weight: 0.01 pounds
- Battery Life: 7.5 hours
Pros
- Excellent, clear sound
- Very comfortable
- Good alternative to traditional bone conduction
Cons
- Expensive
- May disconnect from Bluetooth randomly
- It doesn’t fit every ear shape
The Bose Ultra Open earbuds are priced at $300, making them a premium option. They are ideal for runners who value both environmental awareness and high-quality sound. These earbuds use a combination of bone and air conduction to provide music while keeping you aware of your surroundings.
The unique design of these earbuds allows them to stay securely in place, even during intense movement. They fit like a clip-on earrings and remain stable no matter how much you move.
These are some of the most comfortable earbuds available, perfect for long runs or everyday use. They handle both dust and water well. However, they occasionally experience Bluetooth connectivity issues, which users have noted online. Despite this, they are a top choice for those who want excellent sound and comfort, and are willing to invest in a premium product.
Suunto Wing
- Weight: 33g
- Water Resistance Rating: IP67
- Battery Life: 30 hours (with case), 4 hours (headset alone)
- Storage: No
Pros
- With the portable charging dock, you get up to 30 hours of use
- Made with titanium for added toughness
- Just 10 minutes of charging extends the battery life by 3 hours
Cons
- It is more expensive than some other options
- It can handle heavy rain but is not suitable for swimming
The Suunto Wing stands out for its impressive battery life. The headset itself provides up to four hours of use. However, with the included portable charging dock, you can extend this to 30 hours. A quick 10-minute charge on the dock adds three more hours of playtime.
This feature is especially useful for long workouts or multi-day events. The Wing’s durable build includes titanium and silicone, and it has an IP67 rating, making it resistant to water and dust. While it is not fully swim-proof, it can handle brief submersion and heavy rain.
The main drawback is its premium price compared to some older models. However, if you need extended battery life and durability, the Suunto Wing is a solid choice.
Bone conduction earphones offer a unique and practical way to enjoy music while staying aware of your surroundings. With options catering to various needs, there’s a model for everyone. As technology evolves, these headphones continue to improve in comfort, sound quality, and battery life.
Explore our top picks and find the bone conduction headphones that best match your lifestyle and preferences. Visit our website and make your choice today!
FAQs
- Who should use bone conduction headphones? Â
They are great for runners, cyclists, and swimmers who need to stay aware of their environment. They are also beneficial for people with hearing impairments.
- How long do their batteries last? Â
Battery life varies. Most last between 8 and 10 hours, but models like the Suunto Wing offer up to 30 hours with a charging dock.
- Are they waterproof? Â
It depends on the model. Look for ratings like IP68 for swimming or IP55 for sweat resistance.
