This article will introduce the basic knowledge of bone conduction headphones, advantages, disadvantages, how to choose them, and more. It will also tell you what are the top bone conduction headphones?We'll cover everything from frequently asked questions to detailed headphone features

This article will introduce the basic knowledge of bone conduction headphones, their advantages, and disadvantages, how to choose bone conduction headphones, and more. It will also introduce the bone conduction headphone ranking list. What are the top bone conduction headphones?

We’ll cover everything from frequently asked questions to detailed headphone features, and the essentials of how to choose bone conduction headphones. Even if you are new to bone conduction headphones, after reading this article, you can clearly understand bone conduction and make your own judgments.

[Contents]

What are bone conduction headphones?

Can Bone Conduction Headphones Cause Hearing Loss?

Advantages of bone conduction headphones

Disadvantages of bone conduction headphones

How to choose bone conduction headphones

Bone Conduction Headphones Top 9 Recommended

Bone Conduction Headphones Special Edition

Author’s words

What are bone conduction headphones

What exactly are bone conduction headphones? I think there are still many people who don’t know, so I will introduce their working mechanism and function here.

Bone conduction headphones are headphones that transmit sound directly to the auditory nerve by vibrating the bones near the temple.

Under normal circumstances, headphones are worn in the ear canal and transmit sound by vibrating the eardrum, but the biggest feature of bone conduction headphones is that they do not block the ears.

Recently, with the proliferation of remote work and the rise of web conferencing, there have been more opportunities to use headphones than ever before. Many people may start to feel pain and discomfort in their ears because of wearing traditional headphones for a long time. When things get worse, they can cause health problems such as headaches and nausea.

At this time, bone conduction headphones can come in handy. Because they have an open ear hole design, they won’t put pressure on your ears even if you wear them for a long time, and you can use them without stress. Another advantage of them is that you can easily hear outside sounds even while wearing them. Not only can you chat with friends while listening to music, but you can also hear ambient sounds such as bicycles and trains. It is definitely safer to use them while walking and running.

Can Bone Conduction Headphones Cause Hearing Loss?

Bone conduction headphones transmit sound through the vibration of bones. Therefore, if you want to be in a noisy place, you only need to block your ears to block the noisy sound outside, and you can clearly hear the sound of the headphones without increasing the volume. Some professional bone conduction headphones for fire rescue or military use this characteristic of bone conduction to meet the challenges of noisy environments.

Because they don’t transmit sound through the eardrum, they don’t put pressure on your ears and won’t cause hearing loss even if you wear them for a long time. In addition, they can effectively reduce the risk of so-called “smartphone deafness” such as noise-induced deafness and acoustic deafness, one of the modern diseases. Therefore, some rumors about bone conduction headphones damaging hearing are incorrect. On the contrary, they can protect hearing very well. Compared with traditional air-conduction headphones, they are undoubtedly healthier.

Because they can transmit sound without going through the eardrum, some people with hearing impairment can hear the sound with their help. They are very effective for presbycusis because much of presbycusis is caused by damage to the eardrum. However, according to published research results, bone conduction headphones are not very effective for sensorineural hearing loss caused by damage to the auditory nerve.

Advantages of bone conduction headphones

The advantage of bone conduction headphones is that they can be used without plugging the ears. Since the ears are open, there is no pressure on the ears, so even if you use them for a long time, your ears will not feel tired. In addition, they transmit sound directly to the auditory nerve by vibrating bones, so you can hear clearly even in noisy places by plugging your ears. Since they do not transmit sound through the eardrum, they are effective in preventing hearing loss and are healthy headphones.

When wearing bone conduction headphones, the ear holes are open, so you can still hear your surroundings, such as cars or newcomers. Wear them while running, they can provide you with more safety. This feature also broadens the usage scenarios of headphones. At work, you can listen to music with headphones while talking with your colleagues, which not only makes the work not boring, but also avoids the situation that indulging in music affects work efficiency.

Bone conduction headphones are headphones that open ears. When you’re using them, the ears are open and airy, which makes them more hygienic, too. I don’t know if you have such an experience. When you wear in-ear headphones, because they block your ears, your ears tend to be hot and humid, and sometimes even itchy. This experience is not good, but bone conduction headphones do not exist this problem at all.

Disadvantages of bone conduction headphones

The disadvantage of bone conduction headphones is the sound leakage problem because they do not block the ear when we used. When the vibrator vibrates the bone, it also vibrates the surrounding air, resulting in sound leakage. The severity of sound leakage depends on headphone volume and distance. If the sound is loud, the distance is very close, and the surrounding is quiet, sound leakage is almost inevitable.

Of course, with the advancement of technology, the sound leakage reduction solution has gradually matured. Products of brands such as Wissonly and Shokz have very little sound leakage. Their products generally turn on about 60% of the volume, and there will be no sound leakage within a distance of 1.5 meters.

How to choose bone conduction headphones

When choosing bone conduction headphones, the most important thing is whether they are suitable for the purpose and scene of use. Different scenarios such as private use, commercial use, games, and listening to music have different needs for headphones. The second is to look at the function of the headphone, the price and so on.

The following will give you a detailed introduction on how to choose bone conduction headphones, come and see!

wireless or wired
It is important to choose wireless or wired headphones.

Wired headphones need to be connected to the headphone jack to use. Their biggest advantage is that they do not require batteries, because they are directly connected to terminals such as smartphones, and these products provide power. They’re great for people who don’t want to be tied down by battery life because they don’t have to worry about the battery suddenly dying. In addition, the sound of wireless headphones has almost no delay, so it is also recommended for those who have requirements for sound quality.

Of course, they also have some disadvantages. The biggest problem with them is that the cable gets in the way of your movement. Especially when using wired headphones during exercise, it will not only make it difficult to move but also be easily entangled by cables and cause danger.

If you don’t like the confines of cables, wireless headphones are undoubtedly perfect. They can be connected wirelessly with devices such as smartphones via Bluetooth. Therefore, you can move freely during use, and you can also use your smartphone conveniently while listening to music.

However, it’s important to note that when their batteries die, you won’t be able to listen to music or audio. Please develop the habit of charging after use. In addition, wireless headphones connect to mobile phones via Bluetooth, and there may be sound lag or delay in audio or video.

wearing comfort

There are two ways to wear bone conduction headphones: one is the type that is worn on the auricle like earmuffs, and the other is the type that is used against the temple.

Over ear headphones are easy to wear because they only need to clip the cartilage of the ear to work. This kind of headphone is generally light in weight to ensure that you don’t feel heavy when wearing it. But if you exercise frequently, it will still be uncomfortable to wear for a long time.

Most of the headphones used on the temple can be adjusted to match different head circumference sizes by adjusting the headphone frame so that the fit is higher and the wearing stability is better. The comfort of bone conduction headphones depends on the weight of the headphones and the material of the fit. The general weight is about 30g, and the headphones made of soft materials are comfortable to wear. People who usually wear glasses may find it difficult to wear them because of the interference of bone conduction headphones, so they need to choose headphones that are well compatible with wearing glasses.

sound quality

Sound quality is quite individual. Different products have different sound quality. You can choose one according to your needs and preferences. For example, some headphones can let you hear delicate sounds clearly, some headphones can produce clear highs, and some headphones can let you feel deep bass.

If you have requirements for sound quality, please choose bone conduction headphones that support AAC or aptX codec. At the same time, please try to choose headphones with large-size bone conduction vibrators. This type of headphones will perform better in treble and bass.

Additionally, bone conduction headphones are great for listening to ASMR audio. Because they vibrate your bones directly, when you listening to ASMR audio is more immersive, you will be addicted to it. Recently, more and more people are sleeping while listening to ASMR audio. But when you sleep, if you wear wired headphones, their cable can get wrapped around your neck, and if you use in-ear headphones, they can hurt your ears when you toss and turn in your sleep. However, bone conduction headphones do not block the ears and are very suitable for sleeping and listening to music. Even if you toss and turn while sleeping, they will not burden the ear canal and can be used without stress.

Waterproof performance

Bone conduction headphones are heavily used in sports scenes. It is inevitable to sweat or encounter rain during exercise, so products with waterproof performance are becoming more and more popular.

The waterproof level is generally expressed by IPXO. The larger the number marked with O, the higher the waterproof level. Most of the bone conduction headphones on the market now have at least reached the IPX4 waterproof level, which supports daily sweating and short-term rain. However, if you have higher waterproof requirements, it is recommended that you choose headphones with IPX7 or higher, which can work normally in sweating, rain, washing, and other scenarios. And if you want to use it while swimming or underwater sports, then you have to choose IPX8 waterproof headphones.

Calling capabilities and microphone performance

Now that telecommuting has become mainstream,and the call function and microphone performance are very important in network conference. Recently, a variety of bone conduction headphones with external microphones have been launched.

Bone conduction headphones Top 9 recommended ranking list!
№9 Vidonn F3 Bone Conduction Headphones

Excellent entry-level bone conduction headphones

The weight of Vidonn F3 bone conduction headphones is only 29g, and there is no discomfort when using it, whether it is hanging on the neck or hanging on the ear for a long time. The ear-hanging arm of the bone conduction vibrator is on the outside, leaving space for the glasses legs to pass through, which solves the embarrassing situation of not being able to wear glasses when wearing headphones.

Their waterproof level reaches IPX5, and you’ll have no problem with daily sweat and rain, but they won’t work when exercising underwater. They are wireless bone conduction headphone that supports Bluetooth mode. But they don’t support MP3 mode and don’t have built-in memory.

This is an entry-level product. It is difficult for you to expect them to have a good performance in sound quality and leak-proof sound, but it is enough for daily use.

At $59, they’re a little more expensive for the entry-level range.

№8 Haylou PurFree

The overall performance of Haylou PurFree is good, the headphone is only 28g, and it does not feel heavy when worn. Moreover, the surface of the headphone is made of soft material, which is comfortable to wear.

In terms of sound quality, they are also equipped with Directional audio directional technology, which is a technology that can keep the timbre concentrated and the low-frequency dive deeper, so that the rhythm of the song will be stronger. They also have microphone call noise-canceling technology for clearer voices.

They are IP67 waterproof. Sweat generally does not interfere with their work, but cannot be used for swimming.

They have good battery life, supporting 8 hours of continuous listening to music, and they also support fast charging.

They use a Qualcomm QCC3044 chip, which makes the Bluetooth connection more stable. They also support dual-device connectivity but lack MP3 mode and no built-in storage for use without cell signal, which may be a downside.

Price-wise, they’re worth $109.99, which is a reasonable price.

№7: myFirst Headphones, children’s bone conduction headphones

“myFirst Headphones” are bone conduction headphones designed for comfort and safety for children.

This product is made of flexible PET material, which is soft and comfortable to wear. They weigh about 26 grams, and they don’t feel heavy or constricted when worn. They are also very stable to wear, and they won’t slip off even if you move your body hard. They’re IPX6 water resistant, so sweaty workouts or outdoor use won’t hurt.

In terms of safety, they are also equipped with a maximum volume limit function, which helps reduce the burden on the ears and the risk of hearing damage, which is very useful for protecting children’s ear health.

This headphone is not only useful for studying but also very useful for remote work, online meetings, and calls. Both children and adults can use them comfortably. They cost less than $80 and are recommended for beginners of bone conduction headphones.

№6 BOCO Earsopen PEACE TW-1 Bone Conduction Headphones

Clip-ear bone conduction headphones, you only need to clip the pinna of the ear like earmuffs to wear

Although they are clip-ear type, they don’t feel tight at all. They’re not stress-free, and they’re comfortable and secure to wear. They won’t move even during intense physical activity. They’re so light at around 9 grams each, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. Their waterproof standards meet the IPX7 level, rain and sweat are not a problem, and they can be washed if they get dirty.

They’re wireless bone conduction headphones that won’t clog your ears, so you can use them comfortably not only at work but also while cooking at home. They sound surprisingly clear, and you can even hear the finer details clearly. In terms of sound quality, the bass is a bit lacking, but the mids and highs are heard clearly.

They have great call quality in quiet places but can struggle a bit if you’re in a noisy downtown area, so they’re great for home use. They are compatible with the Bluetooth 5.0 protocol, and the stability of the Bluetooth connection is very good. It can be said that these bone conduction headphones are more than enough for daily listening to music and telecommuting.

№5. Boco Earsopen PEACE SS-1 Bone Conduction Headphones

Unique “clip-ear structure”, the same experience as wearing earrings

They are wireless bone conduction headphones with a unique “clip-ear structure” that only needs to be clipped to the pinna of the ear like earrings. Most ears will fit this headphone without worrying about the size of your head. They are very light in weight, more like earrings, and will not feel heavy, but they are firmly clipped, and they will not fall when running or walking.

Their waterproof performance is very good, reaching IPX7, whether it is sweating or raining, it can be used normally. They are washable when soiled and can be used for swimming, but not for diving.

They also perform well in terms of audio quality, as they support the aptX Adaptive codec for low latency and high audio quality. They are also equipped with call noise reduction, and the experience of answering calls is very good.

They come with fast charging and get about 4 hours of continuous playback after just 10 minutes of charging, which leaves you with no battery anxiety at all.

They cost less than $80, which is not bad for the price.

№4 Shokz OpenComm Bone Conduction Headphones

Equipped with a high-quality noise-canceling boom microphone, designed for high-quality calls

They are great for web conferencing. Equipped with a boom mic that extends from the headphone’s left ear to your cheek, it accurately picks up your voice. And let the noise be suppressed, your voice will be transmitted clearly.

The manufacturer officially claims that their sound quality is the highest level of all the manufacturer’s products. When actually using them, I feel that the mid and high frequencies are beautiful and the sound is very sharp. Compared to circumaural headphones, they lack bass, but the sound quality is good among bone conduction headphones.

In terms of wearing experience, because of the overall slim and delicate shape of this headphone, it has a good fit. And the side pressure is relatively light. The frame of the headphone is made of titanium material, which is highly durable and not easy to deform.

The durability of their batteries deserves special mention. They support continuous listening to music for 16 hours, even if you have a full day of meetings from morning to night. They’re a great choice for business professionals who regularly use headphones for telecommuting and web conferencing.

The price is $199, which is relatively expensive among bone conduction headphones.

№3: Shokz OpenRun Pro Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones

Shokz brand’s highest specification bone conduction headphones

Their sound quality is excellent, especially the bass has obvious deep feeling, which is the best sound quality ever in Shokz. They’re also equipped with two bass boosters to make the sound richer, and you can enjoy a deep feeling that envelops your entire head. The mid-high frequency sound is very balanced, which allows you to feel the core of each note.

They are comfortable to wear. They have very little side pressure, and the bone conduction vibrator feels like it’s attached to the bottom of the temple, without the feeling of being pressed. They are also relatively light in weight, less than 30g, and they will not feel heavy even if they are worn all day. They fit well and don’t slip during movement, making them great for sports.

They have great battery life, with 10 hours of continuous playback. And they support fast charging, which can be used for about 1.5 hours after connecting for 5 minutes.

They support IPX5 waterproof rating, and the waterproof performance is not outstanding, but there is no problem with daily sweat and rain resistance. They have no built-in memory, only Bluetooth mode, and no MP3 mode.

At $179.95, they’re relatively expensive.

№2 Philips A6606 Bone Conduction Headphones

The shape has a sense of movement and technology
The surface of the headphones is made of silicone material, which is delicate and smooth to the touch and comfortable to wear. The frame uses titanium alloy, so its weight is only 36g, and it feels very light to wear without feeling heavy. And their frames are adjustable, which also makes the fit higher.

In terms of sound quality performance, their high, medium, and low-frequency music performance is relatively balanced, with no obvious defects and less sound leakage.

Their waterproof rating has reached IPX7 deep waterproof, even if they are sweating or raining, they can work normally, but they cannot be used for swimming. They are specially designed for night running mode, equipped with LED night running warning lights so that people riding behind or vehicles behind you can notice you when running at night.

The headphone is equipped with a built-in Bluetooth 5.2 chip, which makes the sound transmission distance longer, the connection stability higher, and the power consumption is lower.

Philips products are still trustworthy, but the price is a little more expensive, reaching $154, which is average in terms of cost performance.

№1 Wissonly Hi Runner Bone Conduction Headphones

Powerful, cost-effective
Wissonly is the brand with the best experience among bone conduction headphones. They are among the best in terms of sound quality, wearing experience, and product parameters, and they perform well in terms of product quality and hearing protection.

In terms of wearing comfort, their frames are made of titanium alloy, which can be bent and adjusted at will to use different head circumference sizes and improve the fit. They are very light, only about 30g, there is no sense of weight, and the side pressure is also very small. Their surface is made of hypoallergenic and soft silicone material, which feels as smooth as a baby’s skin, and will not be uncomfortable even if worn for a long time.

The sound quality of Wissonly Hi Runner is excellent. It uses a large-sized bone conduction vibrator, which increases the vibration area by 35% compared with common headphones. They also improve sound concentration through structural optimization, reduce the loss of bone conduction sound transmission, and make the sound more shocking and powerful.Their leak-proof sound performance is also very good. The actual test situation is that when the volume is turned on at 70%, the sound cannot be heard at a distance of about 1.5 meters.

Wissonly Hi Runners are all high-end product features. They are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 chips to make the connection more stable. They have an IPX8 waterproof rating and can also be used for swimming and diving. As a wireless headphone, they support both Bluetooth mode and MP3 mode. They come with 32G of built-in storage, which makes them excellent even as MP3 players.

Battery-wise, they can last up to 10 hours of music playback and also support fast charging.

At $99, they’re great value for money.