If you want a water-resistant AM/FM headphone radio for cycling, choose Sony SRFHM55; if you need open-ear Bluetooth headphones for cycling, choose Monster Open Ear AC317. Sony is the clear fit for listening to radio without carrying a phone as the audio source, while Monster is the more flexible choice for wireless calls and phone audio.
Sony SRFHM55 vs Monster Open Ear AC317 at a Glance
• Sony SRFHM55: Its built-in AM/FM radio, water-resistant construction, and up to 33 hours on two AA batteries suit long stretches away from a charger. Its trade-off is that it is a radio headset, not a Bluetooth headset for phone audio.
• Monster Open Ear AC317: Its open-ear fit, Bluetooth connection, and hands-free calling make it the more versatile phone companion. Its trade-off is that its stated listening time is up to 24 hours with the charging case, rather than 24 hours from one charge.
• For radio-first rides: Choose Sony if you want AM/FM listening and a battery indicator built into the headset.
• For phone-first rides: Choose Monster if you want wireless audio, touch controls, and calls while keeping your ears open to your surroundings.
The Sony SRFHM55 is for someone who wants a radio built into the listening gear. Its AM/FM receiver uses digital synthesized tuning, and its drift-free reception is a meaningful advantage when the goal is to listen to a station without relying on a phone’s Bluetooth connection. A built-in clock and battery-life indicator add practical information without requiring another device.
For cycling, the secure, adjustable dual headband and water-resistant construction are central to the appeal. The headset uses high-impact plastic, rubber gaskets, bushings, and seals designed to help keep out moisture and dirt. It also has a flexible FM antenna with a light reflector. Those are useful details for active use, though they do not make the headset a substitute for lights or other visibility equipment.
How We Research
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-22 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
The Monster Open Ear AC317 is designed for phone-based listening without sealing off the ear canal. Its open-ear earbuds use flexible hooks and soft silicone cushions to hold them in place, while the Bluetooth 5.4 connection links them to a compatible phone. Touch controls cover functions such as music, volume, calls, and voice-assistant access.
That setup can make sense for a cyclist who wants to hear audio from a phone and retain awareness of nearby sounds. Open-ear listening does not guarantee that every road sound will be audible in every environment, so it should not be treated as a safety feature. The headset also supports hands-free calls, with an AI noise-reduction feature intended to reduce distractions during conversations. The listed Bluetooth range is 10 meters.
Monster’s stated battery life is up to seven hours per charge, with up to 24 hours of listening when the charging case is included. The case charges through USB-C; the product information describes a two-hour battery charge time, while its feature information says the case can fully charge in one hour. Because those figures refer to the charging information provided for the product, I would not assume a particular real-world charge time without checking the included instructions. The earbuds are described as IPX6 water- and sweat-resistant, but the data does not establish that they can be submerged. Choose Monster if you want wireless phone audio and calls; skip it if your priority is built-in radio or the longest stated operating time between battery changes.
• Best for built-in AM/FM radio → Sony SRFHM55. The radio is part of the headset, so this is the direct choice for station-based listening rather than phone streaming.
• Best for Bluetooth phone audio → Monster Open Ear AC317. It connects wirelessly using Bluetooth 5.4 and has touch controls for music and calls.
• Best for a longer stated run time → Sony SRFHM55. Its up-to-33-hour figure is based on two AA batteries; Monster lists up to 24 hours with its case.
• Best for open-ear phone listening → Monster Open Ear AC317. Its ear-hook design does not insert into the ear canal, though awareness can still vary with surroundings and volume.
• Best for hands-free calls → Monster Open Ear AC317. It includes call controls and an AI noise-reduction feature for calls.
• Best for a rugged, active-use radio headset → Sony SRFHM55. Its construction includes water-resistant seals intended to help keep out moisture and dirt.
• Best for someone who does not want to depend on a phone for audio → Sony SRFHM55. It receives AM/FM broadcasts directly.
• Best for someone who already listens from a phone → Monster Open Ear AC317. Its wireless connection and touch controls are built around phone audio.
For a cyclist searching for the best with microphone on ear headphones for cycling, Monster is the more relevant of these two because it supports hands-free calling. That does not make it a dedicated cycling communications system, and the available details do not establish how well its microphone performs in wind or traffic noise. Someone searching for the best true wireless earbuds for cycling may also prefer Monster’s compact, wireless format, but should keep in mind that it still needs a paired phone for phone audio.
The Sony, meanwhile, suits someone whose idea of a ride includes tuning in to broadcast radio. It has no Bluetooth feature listed, so it is not a direct alternative for streamed playlists or wireless calls. That distinction matters more than any small feature comparison: choose based on the audio source you actually use.
In my opinion, I would choose the Monster Open Ear AC317 for cycling if I wanted phone audio and hands-free calls while keeping my ears open. Its open-ear hook design and Bluetooth controls make it the more adaptable companion for that specific routine. I would choose the Sony SRFHM55 instead for cycling when built-in radio and longer stated battery life matter more than Bluetooth. My recommendation is Monster for a phone-first ride, and Sony for a radio-first one.
FAQ
Monster is the better fit if you want Bluetooth audio and hands-free calls from a phone. Sony is the better fit if you want AM/FM radio built into the headset and a longer stated operating time. Both have features intended for active use, but neither should replace attention to traffic and surroundings.
Bluetooth connectivity is not listed for the Sony SRFHM55. It is an AM/FM stereo headphone radio with digital synthesized tuning, so it is suited to broadcast radio rather than wireless phone audio.
Monster lists up to seven hours of listening per charge and up to 24 hours when using the charging case. The stated total includes the case, so it should not be read as 24 hours from a single earbud charge.
Monster is the relevant choice because it supports hands-free calls and includes touch controls for call functions. The available product details do not specify wind-noise performance, and open-ear headphones do not guarantee that outside sounds will always be clear.
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