If you want open-air awareness and a lightweight design specifically for calls while moving, choose Generic Open Ear Bone; if you need a rugged, waterproof device with massive battery life for deep immersion or extended sessions, choose Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone.
• Generic Open Ear Bone: Its biggest strength is the ultra-lightweight skeleton conduction design that keeps your ears completely open for situational awareness during outdoor activities like running or cycling. Its trade-off is a shorter battery life of roughly 5 hours per charge and a basic IPX4 rating that handles sweat but not submersion. This pick is for the runner who needs to hear traffic while taking calls on the go.
• Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone: Its biggest strength is the robust IP68 waterproof rating combined with an 8-hour battery life and built-in 32GB storage, making it a standalone music player even without a phone. Its trade-off is the heavier liquid silicone build which, while comfortable, covers more of the ear canal compared to the open clip style. This pick is for the swimmer or long-haul commuter who demands durability and all-day power.
The Generic Open Ear Bone is engineered for people who prioritize safety and comfort above all else during active movement. The core of its design philosophy is the "skeleton" style that clips onto the ear without inserting anything into the ear canal. This creates a unique listening experience where bone conduction drivers transmit sound through the cheekbones, leaving the ear canal completely open. For anyone using these as sleep headphones for calls or a gaming headset for calls while commuting, this open design is non-negotiable. You can hear incoming cars, ringtones, or colleagues speaking right next to you while still enjoying your audio.
The lightweight nature of this unit makes it suitable for long-term wearing without the fatigue often associated with over-ear or in-ear buds. If you are someone who hates the feeling of pressure inside your ear or suffers from ear sensitivity, this specific form factor is likely your best bet. The Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity ensures a stable link with minimal delay, which is critical when you are trying to have a conversation on a call without lagging behind your voice.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-25 · 6 min read · Independent comparison
However, you should skip this option if your primary activity involves water sports or heavy rain. While it carries an IPX4 waterproof rating, meaning it can handle sweat and light splashes, it is not designed to be submerged. If you plan to wear this while swimming or in a downpour, the protection level simply isn't there. Furthermore, the battery life of around 5 hours might feel limiting if you are on a long international flight or a multi-hour workout session without easy access to a charger. It is a specialized tool for the active, outdoor user who values hearing their surroundings as much as they value their music.
Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone is built for the user who refuses to compromise on durability or battery longevity. The standout feature here is the IP68 waterproof rating, which allows these earbuds to dive up to two meters underwater without damage. This isn't just about surviving a splash; it is about being fully functional in a pool or open water. The use of soft liquid silicone material provides a seal that traditional plastic buds cannot match, ensuring comfort and a secure fit even when wearing swimming goggles and caps. If you are looking for the best headset for calls while swimming or engaging in intense aquatic workouts, this is the only logical choice.
Beyond water resistance, the Hostena offers a level of independence from your smartphone that the Generic model lacks. With built-in 32GB memory, it can store up to 8,000 songs in various formats like MP3, WMA, WAV, APE, and FLAC. This means you can leave your phone at home and still enjoy your playlist or take calls via the microphone when you are out for a run or a swim. The battery life is equally impressive, offering up to 8 hours of continuous usage and a standby time of up to 90 hours. This eliminates the anxiety of your device dying mid-workout, a common issue with lighter, less robust models.
The design focuses on full coverage and a secure fit, utilizing a newer generation of liquid silicone that adapts to the ear's shape. While it uses the same bone conduction technology to keep the ear canal open for safety, the enclosure material is heavier and more substantial than the plastic skeleton design of the Generic model. This extra weight contributes to the security of the fit during high-intensity activities but may make it slightly less ideal for those who prefer a feather-light sensation. It is the ultimate choice for athletes, swimmers, and travelers who need a device that can handle extreme conditions and last all day without needing a recharge.
• Best for calls while swimming → Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone (IP68 rated and waterproof enough for submersion).
• Best for situational awareness while running → Generic Open Ear Bone (Ultra-lightweight skeleton design minimizes wind noise and maximizes ambient hearing).
• Best battery life for long trips → Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone (8 hours of playback vs. 5 hours).
• Best standalone music playback → Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone (Includes 32GB internal storage for 8,000 songs).
• Best for sensitive ears → Generic Open Ear Bone (Plastic skeleton construction is significantly lighter and less intrusive).
• Best for gym sweat resistance → Both work, but Generic is sufficient for dry heat while Hostena handles heavy moisture better.
• Best for modern connectivity → Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone (Bluetooth 6.0 offers a theoretical range of 33 feet vs. 5.3).
• Best for quick charging → Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone (Charges in roughly 1.5 to 2 hours with longer total runtime).
In my opinion, I would buy the Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone for my daily needs because the combination of IP68 waterproofing and 8-hour battery life offers far more versatility than the Generic model. While the Generic Open Ear Bone is excellent for short, dry runs where hearing traffic is paramount, the Hostena's ability to function underwater and play music without a phone makes it a superior all-around companion. For calls, especially if you ever find yourself near water or on a long commute, the added durability and storage capacity provide peace of mind that the cheaper, lighter alternative simply cannot match.
Both models use bone conduction which leaves the ear canal open, making them safer for sleep than in-ear buds, but the Generic Open Ear Bone is lighter and might be more comfortable for side sleepers due to its minimal profile.
Yes, the Hostena Full-Coverage Liquid Silicone has 32GB of built-in storage, allowing you to play music and take calls directly from the device after transferring files via the magnetic cable.
The Hostena is the clear winner with an IP68 rating that allows submersion up to two meters, whereas the Generic Open Ear Bone is only IPX4 rated and should be kept away from heavy water exposure.
The Generic Open Ear Bone supports connecting to two devices simultaneously, while the Hostena emphasizes a stable Bluetooth 6.0 connection with a 33-foot range, though specific multipoint switching details vary by firmware implementation.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon and affiliated sites.
When you buy through links on this page, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon or its affiliates. This site is an independent third-party review and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Amazon or the product brands mentioned.