by Imagine being able to run while listening to music and being able to hear everything around you. One of the biggest concerns about listening to music on the roads and trails is that it can be unsafe. Allowing anything from cars, animals to people to sneak up on you. That’s why you need to know about bone conduction headphones for running.
Bone conduction headphones actually use vibrations in the bone around your ear to send the sound waves. Not only is it comfortable, you don’t have to have anything in your ears blocking the sound around you. Making them perfect for running. So let’s check out the best bone conduction headphones for running. Starting with the best, and working our way down.
* You will see both AfterShoks and Shoks on this list. AfterShoks changed their name to Shoks but are still selling their old stock on some great products at a great price. Just to clear that up.
Key Takeaways:
- Bone conduction headphones allow you to hear your surroundings while enjoying music during running.
- Shokz OpenRun Pro offers exceptional battery life and charging speed, making it a top choice for runners.
- Shokz OpenRun and OpenRun Mini offer lightweight design and quick charging features, suitable for ultra running.
- AfterShokz Aeropex provides a comfortable waterproof design with multiple color options.
- Shokz OpenSwim is ideal for swimming with an IP68 rating and internal storage for music.
- Naenka Bone Conduction Headphones are affordable swimming headphones with 8GB of internal storage.
- AfterShokz Titanium offers good sound quality and design at a reasonable price.
- Shokz OpenMove is a versatile and water-resistant option with a lower price tag.
- MOING Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones are budget-friendly, waterproof, and flexible.
- 9 Digital Bone Conduction Headphones are cost-effective but may sacrifice some sound quality and durability.
The Best Bone Conduction Headphones for Running
Shokz OpenRun Pro – Premium Bone Conduction Headphones
Possibly the best running headphones on the market. The OpenRun Pro offers top of class better life and charging speed. Providing 10 hours of continuous play time. And with a 5 minute charge can provide 1.5 hours of play time. Making these headphones an ultra runner’s dream. Along with being lightweight and waterproof. The titanium frame at the top of the line will hold up to all of our daily runs.
Price: $179.95
Link: Amazon Link Click Here
Shokz OpenRun
The Shoks OpenRun is the perfect bone conduction headphones for running. Not only are they light weight, weighing in at just under 1 once. The headphones hold an 8 hour charge while offering a quick charge feature. Giving you 1.5 hours of playback with only 10 minutes of charge time. Making these headphones one of my top headphone picks for ultra running as well. This model also comes in the min, featured below.
Price: $129.95
Link: Amazon Link Click Here
Shokz OpenRun Mini-Bone Conduction Headphones
The second size in the OpenRun series, the mini’s head band is.5 inches shorter than the regular OpenRun. Allowing for the perfect sizing fit for all runners. Offering the same great IP67 waterproof rating, 8 hour battery, and quick charge feature. The only thing you’re missing is the extra length in the headband.
Price: $129.95
Link: Amazon Link Click Here
AfterShokz Aeropex – Sport Bone Conduction Headphones (Closeout)
From the brand that made bone conducting headphones famous. This is one of their pioneering designs. The Aftershokz Aeropex is one of the brands top selling models. Offering runners a comfortable waterproof design. With 8 hours of battery life and a quick charging feature. Available in multiple colors, you can pick the right one to match your style.
Price: $129.95
Link: Amazon Link Click Here
Shokz OpenSwim Swimming MP3 – Bone Conduction
The most expensive headphones on the list. The Shoks OpenSwim have a few advantages for the price. First is their IP68 rating, meaning they can be taken under water. And even if you are not going underwater, you don’t have any issues with sweat and they are easy to clean. Second is the internal storage. This means you can put mp3’s on the headphones themselves. Not needing a watch or phone for music. This is also a great feature for ultra runners, since it will drain less watch or phone battery. The headphones have 8 hours of playback and weigh in at 1 ounce overall.
Price: $149.95
Link: Amazon Link Click Here
Naenka Bone Conduction Headphones
With an IPX8 rating these are going to be your most affordable swimming headphones on this list. Combined with 8gb of internal storage, you can use these headphones without a phone or watch providing the audio. Does note that you can only use mp3 (internal) playback in swim mode. Which is not uncommon for underwater headphones. For battery, Naenka says the headphones offer 8 hours of playtime at 60% volume. Although they can be a bit quiet under water, especially at the 60% volume. Overall they are decent for the price.
Price: $89.99
Link: Amazon Link Click Here
AfterShokz Titanium (Closeout)
The signature line from the biggest brand in bone conduction headphones. Aftershoks Titanium has a long standing reputation for sound quality and overall design. Providing users with 6 hours of continuous music through bluetooth. If you’re looking for a great pair of headphones without breaking the bank. The AfterShokz Titanum is high on my list of choices. The only advantage to spending more is more battery and a lighter weight. But if you’re only doing half marathons or less. The Titanium is a great choice.
Price: $79.99
Link: Amazon Link Click Here
Shokz OpenMove
One of the models that has carried over from the AfterShokz to Shokz name change. This design has been around a long time. Lightweight and comfortable to wear. The design works for both gym and office use. And I’m a fan of the all white color option. The Shoks OpenMove offers 6 hours of music playback with a full charge and is water resistant. And Overall has a great sound quality for the lower price tag.
Price: $79.99
Link: Amazon Link Click Here
MOING Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones
Lightweight and flexible, these MOING wireless headphones are budget friendly. Offering a ton of great features without breaking the bank. Certified with IP56 waterproof, these are perfect for fighting off sweat. And the titanium neck band is lightweight and flexible. Overall you get a lot of bang for your buck. While expecting decent sound quality probably similar to a 40-50 pair of typical wireless headphones.
Price: $64.99
Link: Amazon Link Click Here
9 Digital Bone Conduction Headphones
Budget friendly with a ton of great reviews. The 9 Digital headphones offer 6.5 hours of playtime and over 400 hours of standby time. And the light weight design weighs in at just 25 grams. If you have a habit of losing or breaking headphones. These might be a better choice than some of the more expensive brands on this list. But you I wouldn’t expect the same sound quality or long term durability.
Price: $49.99
Link: Amazon Link Click Here
Conclusion
Bone conduction headphones offer a game-changing solution for runners who want to enjoy music while staying aware of their surroundings. From the top-tier Shokz OpenRun Pro with its remarkable battery life to the budget-friendly options like 9 Digital Bone Conduction Headphones, there’s a wide range of choices to suit different needs and preferences. Whether you’re an ultra runner, a swimmer, or simply looking for an affordable option, these headphones provide versatility and convenience. By embracing this innovative technology, runners can enhance their auditory experience without compromising safety on the roads and trails.
