The 7 Best Bone-Conduction Headphones of 2021

Rock out to your playlist while staying aware of your surroundings. These are the best bone-conduction headphones of 2021.

While bone conduction sounds both futuristic and a bit intimidating, it’s actually a realistic and comfortable alternative to earbuds or over-ear headphones. By moving the vibration of the sound into the cheekbones, bone-conduction headphones leave your ears open and able to hear what’s going on around you. Now you can add a soundtrack to your life without drowning it out.

This article is focused solely on bone-conduction headphones. If you’re looking for other styles, check out our Best Workout Headphones and Earbuds.

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The Best Bone-Conduction Headphones of 2021

Best Overall: AfterShokz Aeropex

AfterShokz dominates the bone-conduction market, and it has come out on top with its newest model, the Aeropex ($160). The new PremiumPitch 2.0+ technology delivers a higher quality sound than other products. This is paired with a new angle on the transducers, creating the potential for louder volume with less vibration.

One of the biggest complaints about bone-conduction headphones is the vibration. Louder volumes can produce an uncomfortable tingling on your cheekbones in other models. So, we were excited to see this addressed with the Aeropex.

The Aeropex weighs just 26 g, and it has an impressive 8-hour battery life and a fully waterproof design. It takes about 2 hours to reach a full charge. These headphones are sweatproof and waterproof, but they’re not meant for swimming. If you’re looking for a fully submersible option, read on.

Battery: 8-hour runtime, 10 days of standby, 2 hours to full charge
Weight: 26 g

Pros:

Lightweight
Long battery life
Waterproof

Cons:

Expensive
Vibration at high volumes

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Runner-Up Best Overall: AfterShokz Air

The Air is AfterShokz’s more affordable option ($120) that still delivers premium audio quality in a lightweight and secure headset. The Air boasts many of the same pros as the Aeropex. It has a titanium frame that ensures security around the back of the head, even during a rigorous workout, and a microphone for easy access to phone calls.

The Air weighs just over an ounce (30 g) and uses PremiumPitch+ technology to send clear audio through the cheekbones, keeping the ears open to ambient noise. Although this model is not fully waterproof, it is IP155 certified to repel sweat, dust, and moisture.

It takes 2 hours to reach a full charge. And the Air will last for up to 6 hours while running and up to 20 days on standby. Its LeakSlayer technology helps reduce the amount of natural sound leakage, and the noise-canceling microphone minimizes background noise during calls.

We have read complaints that after 6 months, this model tends to start failing, but we haven’t experienced any failure during a yearlong test.

Battery: 6 hours running, 20 days of standby, 2 hours to full charge
Weight: 30 g

Pros:

Lightweight
Secure headband
Water-resistant

Cons:

Still pricey
Vibrations at high volume
Durability concerns

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Best Budget: Tayogo Bone Conduction Headphones

These affordable bone-conduction headphones from Tayogo ($39) are significantly cheaper than any of the other options on this list. While not feature-packed or waterproof, they’re solid and reliable headphones at an approachable price.

Many users appreciate that these headphones stay securely in place while running or exercising. The sound quality and balance are generally good, though they may generate a slight tickling sensation when used at high volume. On a full charge, these can last up to 6 hours, which is only a few hours less than far more expensive options.

While some bone-conduction headphones don’t offer comfortable compatibility with glasses, these have been designed with glasses wearers in mind. The volume and power buttons are easy to access and simple to use.

While these couldn’t be called high-end, Tayogo has created a reliable pair of affordable headphones that offers the perks of bone-conduction technology without the hefty price tag.

Battery: 5-6 hours running
Weight: 3.2 oz.

Pros:

Affordable
Compatible with glasses

Cons:

Tickles the ear at high volume
Not waterproof

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Best Value: AfterShokz Titanium

The AfterShokz Titanium ($72) brings many of the same benefits and features that both the Aeropex and Air do, but it does so at a slightly lower price. The Titanium still utilizes both LeakSlayer and PremiumPitch technology to optimize the sound with low natural sound leakage levels.

They are also IP55-rated for sweat and dustproof use, making them great for workouts. The Bluetooth V4.1 technology ensures quick pairing without the hassle of connecting every time you put them on. It weighs in at 36 g, and the battery will run for 6 hours at a time.

The Titanium comes in both a slim and normal fit for different head shapes and sizes. The titanium band is secure, durable, and comfortable to wear, but it’s a good idea to try these on before purchase. The different sizes can either make them form perfectly to your head or make them an uncomfortable nuisance to wear.

The main difference between this model and the higher-priced AfterShokz is a decreased sound quality and increased weight. If you don’t mind a few extra grams and marginally lower audio quality, the Titanium is a great value.

Battery: 6 hours running
Weight: 36 g

Pros:

More reasonable price tag
Sweatproof
Quality

Cons:

Sizing issues
Lower quality sound

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Best Waterproof for Swimming: AfterShokz Xtrainerz

These wireless bone-conduction headphones allow for complete comfort while swimming. With the AfterShokz Xtrainerz ($150), you can bring 4 GB of sound into the lap pool. This combination MP3/wireless headphone set removes the limits of Bluetooth ranges by storing your music directly.

They have an 8-hour battery life. And with a waterproof rating of IP68, the Xtrainerz will have you coming up for air long before being submerged at 2 m for 2 hours. The tight titanium band around the head ensures a snug fit, so you won’t be diving to the bottom of the deep end to retrieve this pair.

We recommend pairing these with earplugs, which creates a clearer sound by removing the sound of water rushing through your ears.

Battery: 8 hours running
Weight: 13.3 oz.

Pros:

Virtually waterproof
Long battery life
Highly durable

Cons:

Heavy build
Only internal storage

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Best for the Rugged: Pyle Bone Conduction Headphones

Another pair of completely waterproof, IPX6-rated, bone-conduction headphones, this set by Pyle clocks in at a reasonable price point. If you’re someone who doesn’t take well to brittle objects, then Pyle’s Bone Conduction Headphones ($75) may be the right fit for you.

This pair will play full volume for up to 3 hours and offers a long standby time of 240 hours. The 4.1 Bluetooth tech reaches up to 35 feet of separation and ensures easy pairing.

The rugged build helps keep them in place on your head — and makes them less likely to snap if you drop them while biking or accidentally smash them in your gym bag. These are the heaviest option listed here, and the sound quality doesn’t reach that of AfterShokz. But they are durable and come with a one-year warranty.

Battery: 2-3 hours running, 10 days standby, 4 hours to full charge
Weight: 39.7 g

Pros:

Lower price
Durable but comfortable build

Cons:

Longer charge time
Lower quality sound

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Best of the Rest

Vidonn F1 Titanium

Just because we’ve mostly listed AfterShokz models doesn’t mean that brand is the only option. Vidonn is a Chinese company that’s been in business since 2013, and its F1 Titanium brings the list to an end.

The F1 headphones ($45) are on par with AfterShokz Trekz Titanium’s durability and comfort level for all active sports. The sound falls just short of the AfterShokz line and could be improved by a higher level of bass available.

The CVC and noise-reduction technologies both live up to what more expensive brands have to offer. The F1 also has an IP55 sweatproof rating.

Overall, for bone-conduction headphones under $50, the F1 Titanium has many of the same qualities as pairs over $100. What’s missing is an accompanying carrying case and crisp, clean, bass-filled sound. Vidonn offers up to a one-year warranty, whereas AfterShokz provides a 2-year warranty.

Battery: 6 hours running, 10 days standby, 2 hours to full charge
Weight: 36.8 g

Pros:

Price
Durability
Similar tech to other brands

Cons:

No carrying case
Short warranty

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FAQ

How Do Bone-Conduction Headphones Work?

Bone-conduction headphones take advantage of the fact that sound is simply vibrations and direct those into the bones in your head.

These headphones use plates that sit against the cheekbones to deliver sound vibrations through the jaw and skull bone directly into the cochlea. They leave the ear canal open, which allows outside sound to still get in.

Unlike traditional headphones, bone-conduction headphones allow the user to hear what’s happening in their surroundings. This makes this style of headphones a great choice for outside activities where hearing oncoming cars or bikes can save lives. They’re also a great option for underwater swimming or for people with in-ear hearing aids.

woman running in sports bra along boardwalk wearing AfterShokz headphones — Photo Credit: AfterShokz

Can Bone-Conduction Headphones Cause Hearing Loss?

Unfortunately, any type of headphone will lead to hearing loss if they are used at an irresponsible volume. Bone-conduction headphones still vibrate the cochlea and can damage it just as much as traditional headphones can.

Are Bone-Conduction Headphones Any Good?

Bone-conduction headphones will not deliver the same quality audio as in-ear headphones. For the sharpest, loudest audio quality, headphones or earbuds are better.

But, bone-conduction headphones are good. They provide a lot of options to still listen to music without sacrificing your situational awareness. And this is extremely valuable while hiking, biking, or even working from home.

Have a favorite pair of bone-conduction headphones we missed? Let us know in the comments for future updates to this article.