Headphones have changed the way we interact with the world. They aren’t perfect, though. Noise-cancelling technology is effective but shuts out everything around you. This makes them especially problematic if you need to maintain a safe distance from others while exercising.
Bone conduction headphones, on the other hand, use vibrations instead of audible sound waves to get your music into your ears, so you can still interact with the world around you. As you aren’t inserting anything into your ears or covering them, they are generally more comfortable, too.
If you’ve been considering switching, these are the best bone conduction headphones available today.
1. AfterShokz Titanium
AfterShokz Titanium AfterShokz Titanium Buy Now On Amazon $ 79.95
One of the most popular sets of bone conduction headphones are the AfterShokz Titanium. These are primarily aimed at active users as they even come with a set of reflective stickers for exercise in low-light. Bone conduction audio products lend themselves well to outdoor exercise as you must have an awareness of your surroundings.
To that end, the Titanium are IP55-rated for sweat resistance. The AfterShokz Titanium come equipped with Bluetooth 4.1 and are designed to wrap around your head, with the conduction points resting just alongside your ear. The company’s Premium Pitch technology can be found here, too, ensuring that you get a full dynamic range of audio reproduction.
This set also has microphones built-in, so you can still take calls on the go. Two external mics also provide noise-cancellation, so the outside world doesn’t interfere with the sound quality. This headset should last for up to six hours on a single charge.
2. Vidonn F1 Sports Headset
Vidonn F1 Sports Headset Vidonn F1 Sports Headset Buy Now On Amazon
The Vidonn F1 Sports Headset has also been designed with exercise in mind. The IP55-rated device is protected against sweat and light rain for peace of mind while exercising outdoors. Most bone conduction headphones use a standard wrap-around design, and that can be found here, too.
The F1 Sports Headset are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 for an efficient and reliable connection to your device. They take just two hours to charge and can last up to six hours, long enough for most fitness sessions. The 180mAh battery even ensures that the headphones can last 10 days on standby, too.
There are also onboard mics so you can take calls and interact with your chosen voice assistant. A single button on the right-hand conduction pad gives you easy access to music controls. The headset is lightweight as well, thanks to the titanium alloy design. Vidonn evens offer a 12-month warranty on for F1 Sports Headset.
3. Zulu Exero
Zulu Exero Zulu Exero Buy Now On Amazon $ 59.99
The Zulu Exero are an affordable set of bone conduction headphones. These aren’t an entry-level option, though; they still come equipped with all the crucial features. The Exero weigh just one ounce. Thanks to this lightweight design, they’ll provide hours of comfortable use. Unlike traditional over-ear headphones, the Exero are even suitable to wear alongside glasses.
The wrap-around set rests just near your ear so that the vibrations can be felt around your upper-cheek and ear bones. Like the other options we’ve discussed, the Zulu Exero also have six-hour battery life on a single charge. Recharging the set is easy, too, thanks to the included micro-USB charging cable. The headset uses a Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connection.
There are built-in microphones as well, so you can take calls or talk to your phone’s voice assistant. When you need to mute the microphone, just press the button on the left conduction pad. This set is IPX5-rated for splash proofing and weigh just 0.96 ounces. The Zulu Exero are available in either black or grey editions.
4. AfterShokz Aeropex
AfterShokz Aeropex AfterShokz Aeropex Buy Now On Amazon $ 159.95
If you’re after a high-performance set of bone conduction headphones, then you’ll want to check out the AfterShokz Aeropex. This headset offers similar advantages to other devices in the company’s range. However, each feature here is a slight upgrade on other models. For example, audio reproduction has been engineered to perform well at both low and high frequencies.
This is no mean feat as bone conduction sets often struggle with treble frequencies. The Aeropex also offers an eight-hour battery life. The redesigned charging port means faster charging, too; they can reach a full charge in just two hours. To further enhance the Aeropex’s fitness credentials, they even come with a free sport belt for you to store your belongings while exercising.
The headset is IP67-rated for sweat and waterproofing. Due to this, they are the ideal companion for extreme weather conditions. There’s even a moisture detection alert, so you don’t damage the headphones while charging. Despite these improvements, the Aeropex clock in at less than 26 grams. You can even connect the Aeropex to two devices simultaneously.
5. Tayogo Bone Conduction Headphones
Tayogo Bone Conduction Headphones Tayogo Bone Conduction Headphones Buy Now On Amazon $ 33.99
Perhaps you want to try bone conduction technology. In this case, you may not want to spend large amounts on a device. If you’re after a budget set, consider the Tayogo Bone Conduction Headphones. Despite their low price, they are still feature-packed.
This set can last up to eight hours and uses a Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connection. The headphones are lightweight and are even IP65-rated for sweat and water resistance. There are physical controls on the conduction pads, too, for music selection. You can even make calls using the built-in mics.
With all of these features, they are great value for money. Tayogo even includes a one-year warranty with the headphones. However, don’t expect superior audio quality from this set. That said, if you’re on a budget and need a set of headphones for safe outdoor exercise, then this Tayogo set is an ideal choice.
The Best Bone Conduction Headphones for You
Bone conduction headphones leave your ears uncovered, enabling you to stay aware of your surroundings. This is in contrast to noise-canceling headphones, which aim to remove external sounds. You may even find wearing a set of bone conduction headphones more comfortable.
If you don’t enjoy the fit of over-head or in-ear headphones or need to be situationally aware, then bone conduction headphones are a great choice. That said, if you’d rather opt for a set of in-ear AirPod alternatives, check out the best affordable true wireless headphones instead.
Read the full article: The 5 Best Bone Conduction Headphones
