Bone conduction headphones have been around for a couple of decades. We’ve come a long way from those early first efforts. They used to tickle your head with uncomfortable vibrations. Or delivered sound quality that made you question why they existed in the first place.
Thankfully, things have gotten a lot better. Sound performance has improved, and the uncomfortable vibrations have lessened. Now bone conduction headphones are among some of our favorite workout headphones.
These are our favorites. Don’t see anything you like? Check out the rest of WIRED’s audio coverage, including the Best Wireless Headphones, Best Cheap Headphones, and the Best Open Earbuds.
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Best Overall
Shokz has long been the leader in bone conduction headphones, despite a minor misstep with the first-generation OpenSwim, which lacked Bluetooth streaming. The OpenSwim Pro rectifies this, making it an excellent choice for far more than just swimming.
Whether you stream via Bluetooth or use the built-in 32-GB music player, the OpenSwim Pro delivers impressive open-ear audio. It offers surprising bass and warmth, along with the clarity needed for audiobooks and phone calls.
With standard and swimming EQ modes, you can easily tailor the sound for land or water. The IP68 waterproof rating ensures strong protection against sweat and water, while the silicone and titanium neckband offers both comfort and a secure fit.
The headphones feature easy-to-reach physical controls and a battery that lasts up to nine hours when streaming via Bluetooth, or six hours when using the built-in music player. While the OpenSwim Pro may not be Shokz’s flagship model, it strikes the best balance of sound, design, and performance, placing it in a coveted position at the top of my list.
Specs Headphone design Neckband Weight 27.3 g/0.96 oz Bluetooth version 5.4 Microphones 2 Battery life 6-9 hours Music player storage 32 GB File formats MP3, M4A, WAV, APE, FLAC Waterproof rating IP68 Charging type Proprietary cable -
Runner-Up
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The OpenRun Pro 2 is Shokz’s flagship bone conduction headphone. Available in two sizes and multiple color options, it features the brand’s latest audio technology.
By combining a bone conduction driver for precise mids and highs with an air conduction speaker for deeper bass, the OpenRun Pro 2 delivers noticeably warmer sound than its predecessor. While this dual approach slightly reduces overall clarity, it creates an excellent audio experience for running and daily use.
The lightweight 1.1-ounce neckband design stays securely in place during movement, and the smaller size option ensures a better fit for smaller heads. Additionally, the inclusion of USB-C charging offers faster charging speeds and the convenience of using standard cables.
Specs Headphone design Neckband Weight 30.3 g/1.1 oz Bluetooth version 5.3 Microphones 2 Battery life 6-9 hours Music player storage N/A File formats N/A Waterproof rating IP68 Charging type USB-C
