If you want true bone conduction technology for safety and situational awareness while fishing, choose AYI True Bone Conduction; if you need massive battery life and immersive bass for long listening sessions, choose UPUNAIS Ear Buds.
• AYI True Bone Conduction: The standout strength is its open-ear design that keeps your ears free to hear traffic and nature, paired with an 11-hour battery and featherlight build; the trade-off is that it cannot block out wind or background noise like traditional earbuds. This pick is for the active user who prioritizes safety and comfort over deep bass.
• UPUNAIS Ear Buds: The clear winner here is the 50-hour total playtime with a charging case and powerful 12mm dynamic drivers that deliver rich bass; the compromise is that the in-ear design blocks some environmental sound, which can be a safety concern in certain scenarios. This pick is for the commuter or gym-goer who wants maximum audio immersion and doesn't mind wearing something inside the ear canal.
The AYI True Bone Conduction headphones are built around a specific philosophy: hearing the world while listening to music. By using bone conduction technology, these headphones transmit sound directly through your cheekbones rather than pushing air into your ear canal. This means your ears remain completely open. For someone looking for the best open ear earbuds for fishing, this feature is non-negotiable. You can listen to your podcast or music while still clearly hearing the splash of a lure hitting the water, the rustle of reeds, or the call of other boaters. The flexible titanium frame ensures the device stays secure without pressing against your head, making it virtually painless even after hours of wear.
These headphones are designed to disappear on your face. Weighing under 25 grams, they are incredibly light, which eliminates the fatigue often associated with heavier sports gear. Whether you are driving, cycling, or running, the ergonomic fit prevents them from bouncing or slipping. The IPX7-rated waterproof construction adds another layer of utility, protecting the unit against heavy sweat and rain. While many budget headphones struggle with moisture, the AYI model is built to withstand the toughest weather conditions, making it a reliable companion for outdoor adventures where the elements are unpredictable.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-28 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
However, you should skip this product if you are looking for isolation. Because the ears are open, there is no passive noise cancellation. If you sit on a busy highway or a loud construction site, you will hear everything around you. Additionally, while the stereo sound is surprisingly rich for bone conduction, it lacks the physical punch of a driver sitting right next to your eardrum. If your primary goal is to drown out the world and lose yourself in deep bass, this might not be the right tool for the job. But if you value staying aware of your surroundings while enjoying audio, this is a top-tier choice.
The UPUNAIS Ear Buds take a different approach, focusing on immersion and endurance. These in-ear headphones feature a secure fit with flexible hooks, ensuring they stay locked in place during intense workouts or long runs. The inclusion of a carrying case changes the game entirely, offering up to 50 hours of total playtime. This is a massive advantage for travelers, multi-day campers, or anyone who hates the anxiety of a dying battery. With a single charge lasting five hours and the case providing additional power, you can go weeks between wall charges depending on your usage habits. The LED display on the case is a practical touch, giving you a quick visual check of exactly how much power remains for both the buds and the case itself.
Audio quality is where these buds really shine for music lovers. Equipped with 12mm dynamic drivers, they deliver a frequency response from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, covering the full spectrum of human hearing. This results in deep bass, clear mids, and crisp highs that traditional open-ear designs simply cannot match. If you enjoy genres that rely heavily on low-end frequencies, like hip-hop or electronic music, the UPUNAIS buds provide a much more satisfying experience. The Environmental Noise Cancellation (ENC) technology further enhances the clarity of your voice during calls, filtering out background noise so people on the other end can hear you clearly even in windy or noisy environments.
That said, the in-ear design comes with inherent limitations. Because the buds seal the ear canal, you lose the ability to hear ambient sounds. While this is great for focusing on your playlist, it creates a blind spot for safety when you are outdoors near traffic or wildlife. They are IPX4 rated, meaning they handle sweat and light splashes well, but they are not submersible like the AYI model. If you plan to use them in heavy rain or while swimming, they might not hold up as well. These are best suited for users who prioritize battery longevity and sound depth over situational awareness.
• Best for battery life → UPUNAIS Ear Buds with a total of 50 hours including the case, compared to the 11-hour continuous playtime of the AYI.
• Best for situational awareness → AYI True Bone Conduction because the open-ear design lets you hear traffic, birds, and water while listening to audio.
• Best for deep bass and immersion → UPUNAIS Ear Buds thanks to their 12mm dynamic drivers and in-ear seal.
• Best for all-weather durability → AYI True Bone Conduction featuring IPX7 waterproofing versus the IPX4 rating of the UPUNAIS.
• Best for lightweight comfort → AYI True Bone Conduction weighing under 25 grams with a pressure-free titanium frame.
• Best for call clarity in wind → UPUNAIS Ear Buds utilizing ENC technology to isolate your voice from background noise.
• Best for long-term storage → UPUNAIS Ear Buds with a compact charging case that holds multiple charges, whereas the AYI requires frequent plugging in.
• Best for active sports safety → AYI True Bone Conduction allows you to run or cycle while remaining fully aware of your environment.
In my opinion, I would buy the AYI True Bone Conduction headphones if my primary use case involves being outdoors, specifically for fishing. The ability to hear the environment while enjoying audio is a critical safety feature that in-ear buds simply cannot offer. Knowing what is happening around you—whether it's approaching boats, changing weather, or wildlife—is far more valuable than having slightly better bass. The 11-hour battery life is sufficient for most day trips, and the featherlight design ensures I won't feel fatigued after a long day on the water. While the UPUNAIS buds have incredible battery capacity, the lack of environmental awareness makes them less ideal for activities where safety depends on your hearing.
Yes, they are excellent because they keep your ears open, allowing you to hear splashes, bird calls, and boat engines while still listening to music or podcasts.
The UPUNAIS Ear Buds win decisively with a total of 50 hours of playtime including the charging case, whereas the AYI offers 11 hours of continuous playback on a single charge.
Both models support clear calls; the AYI uses built-in microphones for noise reduction, while the UPUNAIS features advanced ENC technology specifically designed to cancel background noise.
The AYI True Bone Conduction headphones are rated IPX7, meaning they can handle heavy rain and sweat, while the UPUNAIS buds are IPX4 rated for sweat and light splashes only.
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