If you want a rugged, titanium-framed workout companion with built-in storage for phone-free sessions and superior water resistance for rain or sweat, choose Wildhorn Outfitters Crank Bone Conduction; if you need an IPX8-rated headset specifically engineered for swimming underwater with Bluetooth 6.0 stability and a dedicated game mode, choose Vonlaxi Bone Conduction Headphones.
• Wildhorn Outfitters Crank: Its biggest strength is the durable titanium alloy frame and massive internal storage for over 2,500 songs, making it ideal for serious runners who want to leave their phone behind; its trade-off is a shorter 12-hour battery life compared to some competitors and no underwater rating.
• Vonlaxi Bone Conduction Headphones: Its standout feature is the IPX8 waterproof certification that allows full submersion for lap swimming, paired with Bluetooth 6.0 for ultra-stable connections; its trade-off is a lighter build that lacks the premium metal durability of the Crank and a smaller 32GB storage limit.
• The Verdict on Fit: The Wildhorn pick is for the outdoor athlete who prioritizes durability and long-term comfort in harsh weather, while the Vonlaxi pick is for the swimmer or gamer who needs specific aquatic performance and low-latency audio modes.
The Wildhorn Outfitters Crank is built for the person who treats their headphones like gear, not just an accessory. If you are training for a marathon, hiking up a steep trail, or cycling through unpredictable weather, this unit is designed to handle the abuse. The most striking difference lies in the construction materials. While many competitors rely on standard plastics or rubberized coatings, the Crank utilizes a titanium alloy frame. Titanium offers an incredible strength-to-weight ratio, meaning you get a device that can withstand drops, impacts, and the constant flexing of movement without adding bulk to your head. This is finished with a premium silicone coating that feels soft against the skin, which is crucial for those long runs where pressure points can become painful after an hour of wear.
For the runner who hates carrying a phone, the internal MP3 player capability is a game-changer. You can store over 2,500 songs directly on the device, giving you roughly 145 hours of playback time stored locally. This means you can step out the door, put on your headphones, and leave your smartphone in the house. The Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity handles the calls and music when you do have your phone nearby, offering a stable connection up to 10 meters away. The magnetic charging port is another thoughtful design choice; it snaps into place automatically, ensuring you never fumble with tiny pins, and it charges fully in about two hours, with a quick ten-minute charge providing an hour of playback.
We compare products from their published specs and features; the verdicts below are our independent editorial opinions.
Updated: 2026-10-26 · 7 min read · Independent comparison
However, this level of durability comes with specific usage boundaries. The Crank is rated IPX7, which means it can handle heavy rain, sweat, and even accidental splashes or brief submersion in up to one meter of water for thirty minutes. But it is not designed for active swimming. If your primary goal is to take your music into the pool for lap training, this unit is not the right tool for the job. Additionally, while the battery life of 12 hours is sufficient for a day of work or a long hike, it falls short of what some other models offer for extended multi-day camping trips. It is best suited for adults who prioritize safety awareness, hearing protection, and rugged reliability over pure aquatic immersion.
The Vonlaxi X9 model takes a different approach, focusing heavily on versatility for aquatic sports and modern connectivity features. If you are a swimmer looking for a reliable way to listen to music while underwater, this is the clear winner. The distinction here is the IPX8 waterproof rating, which exceeds the standard for most sport headphones. Unlike the Wildhorn option which is splash-proof, the Vonlaxi unit is designed to be submerged completely. It includes a dedicated MP3 player mode that stores approximately 4,000 songs on its 32GB internal drive, allowing you to switch off Bluetooth entirely and dive straight into the water without signal interference, since Bluetooth waves cannot travel through liquid.
Beyond swimming, the Vonlaxi unit shines for users who need the latest in wireless technology and gaming performance. It utilizes Bluetooth 6.0, a newer standard that promises faster pairing times, lower power consumption, and a more stable connection than older versions. The range extends up to 33 feet, giving you plenty of room to move around a gym or home without dropouts. A unique selling point for this device is the inclusion of a "Game Mode." By switching modes, the audio latency drops significantly, reducing the delay between video and sound. This makes it a surprisingly capable option for watching videos on a tablet or playing mobile games, a feature rarely found in standard bone conduction headsets.
The fit is secured by an adjustable strap included in the package, which helps accommodate different head sizes and ensures the transducers stay pressed firmly against the cheekbones during vigorous activity. This is particularly helpful for swimmers wearing tight swim caps or cyclists wearing helmets. The acoustic drivers are sized at 18 by 12 millimeters, which Vonlaxi claims delivers balanced mids and enhanced bass compared to traditional bone conduction units. However, the battery life is capped at 8 hours of continuous playtime. While this covers a typical workout or commute, it may require recharging sooner than the Wildhorn option for all-day use. It is also worth noting that the enclosure material is Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), which feels softer but does not offer the same structural rigidity as the titanium frame found in the Crank.
• Best for Swimming: Vonlaxi Bone Conduction Headphones wins decisively with its IPX8 rating and underwater MP3 mode, whereas Wildhorn is only IPX7 and not meant for submersion.
• Best Battery Life: Wildhorn Outfitters Crank Bone Conduction offers 12 hours of playtime, beating the Vonlaxi 8-hour capacity for longer endurance sessions.
• Best Build Durability: Wildhorn uses a titanium alloy frame that resists bending and impact far better than the TPE plastic construction of the Vonlaxi model.
• Best Storage Capacity: Vonlaxi holds up to 4,000 songs on 32GB, while Wildhorn stores over 2,500 songs, though both serve well for offline listening.
• Best Connectivity Standard: Vonlaxi features Bluetooth 6.0 for improved stability and range (33 feet), compared to Wildhorn's Bluetooth 5.4 (10 meters).
• Best for Gaming/Media: Vonlaxi includes a dedicated low-latency Game Mode, a feature absent from the Wildhorn Crank's spec sheet.
• Best for Phone-Free Workouts: Both offer internal storage, but Wildhorn's 145-hour file capacity is optimized for hikers and runners who want to go days without a charger.
• Best for Call Quality: Vonlaxi specifies single-mic noise reduction for clearer voice calls, while Wildhorn focuses on general hands-free functionality with a concealed mic.
I would personally buy the Wildhorn Outfitters Crank Bone Conduction for my daily routine because the titanium frame gives me peace of mind that these won't break if I drop them or they get caught on a branch. The ability to store 145 hours of music means I can truly disconnect from my phone during long hikes, and the 12-hour battery life ensures I never worry about running out of power mid-trip. However, if I were preparing for a triathlon or wanted to swim laps with music, I would immediately switch to the Vonlaxi Bone Conduction Headphones for their superior waterproofing and underwater capabilities. For anyone buying best noise canceling headset alternatives that double as open-ear safety gear, the Crank's robust design feels like a safer investment for long-term wear. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether your priority is rugged durability for land-based sports or specialized waterproofing for the water.
Neither of these models are over-ear or foldable; they are open-ear bone conduction designs meant for situational awareness. They are excellent for office use if you need to hear colleagues while taking calls, but they lack the physical isolation of traditional over-ear headphones.
These devices do not feature active noise cancellation (ANC) as they rely on bone conduction technology to keep ears open. They pair easily with MacBooks via Bluetooth 5.4 or 6.0, but they will not block out ambient noise; instead, they allow you to hear your audio while remaining aware of your surroundings.
While I cannot provide current pricing or discounts, the Wildhorn Crank generally commands a higher price point due to its titanium construction and extensive battery life, whereas the Vonlaxi offers competitive value for its IPX8 rating and Bluetooth 6.0 features. You should check the latest price on Amazon to see how the current market rates compare.
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.