5 Cutting-Edge Open-Ear Bone Conduction Headphones Reviewed
When choosing headphones, comfort, awareness, and sound quality matter a lot. Open-ear bone conduction headphones offer a unique experience by letting you listen to audio without blocking your ears. This means you stay connected to your surroundings while enjoying music or calls, which is essential for safety during workouts, commuting, or even casual use. In this review, you’ll discover five of the latest models designed to combine innovation with practical benefits, helping you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and needs.
Top Picks
Category |
Product |
Score |
|---|---|---|
🏆 Best Overall |
92/100 |
|
💰 Best Value |
88/100 |
|
🚿 Best For Swimming |
85/100 |
|
💡 Best Innovation |
82/100 |
|
🎯 Best for Fitness & Everyday |
80/100 |
Selection Criteria
To help you pick the right open-ear bone conduction headphones, we focused on several key factors. These include sound quality—ensuring clear audio despite the open-ear design; comfort for long use without ear fatigue; battery life suitable for extended activities; durability with water and sweat resistance for active lifestyles; and user-friendly controls and connectivity. Customer reviews were also carefully reviewed to evaluate real-world performance, fit security, and call quality.
Finally, special features like built-in storage for swimming or customizable sound via apps added extra value to the selections.
SHOKZ OpenFit 2
You’re getting a solid pair of open-ear bone conduction headphones that really focus on comfort and awareness. These lightweight earbuds barely feel like they’re there, thanks to the clever earhook design that gently hugs your ears.
You’ll enjoy clear, natural sound that’s perfect when you want to keep an ear on the world around you. Battery life is impressive too — 11 hours on a single charge, and a total of 48 hours with the compact charging case to back you up.
Whether you’re running, working from home, or just going about your day, the physical buttons are easy to use (no accidental touches here), and the IP55 rating means they handle sweat and light rain without fuss. They fit securely for workouts but are discreet enough for calls or casual listening. If you want reliable, open-ear headphones that stay put and keep you connected to your surroundings, the SHOKZ OpenFit 2 is definitely worth a look.
What People Say
Users love the secure fit and how comfortable these headphones are for long wear. The sound quality is praised for its clarity and natural bass, especially considering the open-ear design. Battery life and call quality get consistent positive mention, and the physical buttons are appreciated over tricky touch controls. A few note minor quirks like the position of the buttons or occasional multipoint connection hiccups, but overall the feedback is very positive.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Ryan S.
I bought these to replace earbuds that kept falling out, and the fit on these is amazing — they stay put no matter what I’m doing. Sound is surprisingly rich and clear, and it can get surprisingly loud without sound leaking to others. The battery life blew me away with 48 hours total. Calls come through crystal clear even on windy nights, and I love having situational awareness while listening. The physical buttons feel better than touch controls, though I do accidentally press one when putting them on. Overall, these exceeded all my expectations on comfort and performance.
🗣️ Wang
The OpenFit 2 is a big upgrade over older open-ear buds I’ve tried. The sound quality is crisp with good bass for this style. I barely feel them even after long wearing sessions, and they stay secure during workouts and everyday use. Battery life lasts all day, and the physical buttons are way easier than touch controls. The water resistance held up well during light rain, and call quality is solid. Perfect earbuds if you want situational awareness without sacrificing decent sound.
When They Work Best
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
Running and Workouts |
Stays firmly in place with comfortable earhooks, plus water-resistant handles sweat and light rain. |
Office or Home Use |
Keeps you aware of calls and surroundings, so you can work and still hear what’s going on nearby. |
Travel and Commuting |
Long battery life and ease of use with physical buttons make it simple to switch between devices and keep going all day. |
Casual Listening |
Open-ear design lets you enjoy music without isolation, so you stay connected and safe. |
Comfort
Because they don’t go inside your ear, comfort is a huge win here. Most people forget they’re wearing them even after hours.
The flexible earhooks contour nicely and don’t bother you, even with glasses. Some users even report more comfort wearing them to bed than traditional earbuds.
Travel Friendliness
These headphones are great travel companions with their long battery life and easy physical controls. The compact charging case adds convenience for trips, and while they don’t provide noise cancellation, the open design keeps you aware of announcements and surroundings.
Indoor & Outdoor Use
SHOKZ OpenFit 2 shines both indoors and out. Use them at the gym or on a jog, then switch to calls or music at home or the office without hassle.
Their water resistance and strong fit make them reliable for all kinds of activities, while the open-ear style keeps you safe and alert.
Why You’ll Like Them
- Comfortable all-day fit with lightweight earhooks you barely notice
- Open-ear design keeps you aware of your surroundings
- Impressive 11-hour battery life, extended to 48 hours with the case
- Easy-to-use physical buttons avoid accidental taps
- Water-resistant for workouts and light rain
- Clear call quality with dual noise-canceling mics
Rating: 4.6 (total: 156+)
Shop NowTOZO OpenEgo
If you’re curious about open-ear headphones that let you stay connected to your surroundings, the TOZO OpenEgo might just be the match. They sit comfortably on your ears without the usual in-ear pressure, so wearing them for hours feels more natural. The sound is clear and balanced, with a surprisingly solid bass for open-ear buds, and the 16.2mm drivers deliver a satisfying music experience.
You get 15 hours of battery life on the buds themselves, and the charging case stretches that to a massive 80 hours — that’s enough to keep you going for days without fuss. The TOZO app unlocks 32 EQ modes, so you can tailor the sound exactly how you like it. They stay put during walks, rides, or even yard work, though they might shift if you’re lying flat. Plus, with sweat resistance and dual mics for clearer calls, these are great companions for workouts, casual listening, or even daily commutes.
Just be aware that the charging case is on the bulkier side, which could be less pocket-friendly. Overall, they’re an approachable, affordable entry if you want open-ear freedom and decent sound.
What People Say
People appreciate how comfortable these earbuds are for long sessions and how easy it is to stay aware of their surroundings. The sound quality pleasantly surprises many for an open-ear model, especially with the ability to tweak EQ settings.
Battery life and call clarity get frequent praise, while some mention the charging case feels bulky and the fit is less secure when lying down. Overall, users find them a great value with reliable performance.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ EYsona
I was new to open-ear headphones and found these to really change my listening game. They don’t isolate you like traditional earbuds, so chatting with people without taking them off feels natural. They’re super light and I often forget I’m wearing them until I hear music. The sound is surprisingly good for open-ear, and battery life is excellent. My only gripe is the charging case—it’s bigger than I expected and not the easiest to carry. Still, if you want comfort and clear calls in a budget-friendly package, these deliver.
🗣️ c
These earbuds fit great once you get used to the twist to put them on. The sound quality is solid, and the app with 32 EQ presets is a nice touch to customize the audio. I’ve used them for hours on end, even for calls, and they stay comfy. They handle sweat just fine during workouts and don’t fall off during yard work or walking. Not ideal for lying down listening, but for most activities, they’re reliable and easy to connect. Definitely worth considering for open-ear style fans.
Where They Shine
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
Running and Workouts |
Sweat-resistant and stays in place during most activities thanks to the included ear supports. |
Daily Commutes and Travel |
Long battery life and easy Bluetooth connection keep you going without constant charging. |
Calls and Virtual Meetings |
Dual microphones reduce background noise, so callers hear you clearly without removing earbuds. |
Casual Listening Around People |
Open-ear design lets you hear your surroundings and chat without taking off the buds. |
Comfort
These earbuds don’t go inside your ear canal, so they avoid that plugged-up feeling you might be used to. Many users say they’re so light you almost forget you’re wearing them, even after several hours.
The included silicone ear supports help keep them from shifting, though some adjustment is needed if you’re especially active or lying down. Easy to wear with glasses, too.
Travel Friendliness
With up to 80 hours of total playtime on a single charge, you don’t have to worry about scrambling for outlets during trips. Bluetooth 5.3 offers stable connections, and the quick USB-C charging keeps downtime low.
Just note the charging case is a bit bulky, so it might take some or your bag or backpack space rather than a pocket.
Indoor & Outdoor Use
They work well indoors for calls and background music since the open design helps you stay aware of your environment. Outdoor users will appreciate sweat resistance for workouts or walks, and the fit generally stays secure for these activities.
Not ideal for very vigorous sports or lying flat, but great for most everyday settings.
Why You’ll Like Them
- Comfortable open-ear design that feels lightweight and natural
- Long 80-hour total playtime with charging case backup
- Customizable sound with 32 EQ modes via the TOZO app
- Sweat-resistant for workouts and outdoor use (IPX5 rating)
- Dual-mic noise cancelling for clearer calls
- Stable fit during walking, cycling, and casual activities
Rating: 4.3 (total: 2,995+)
Shop NowNANK Runner Diver2 Pro
The NANK Runner Diver2 Pro is a versatile bone conduction headphone designed for those who want to enjoy music without blocking their ears. Whether you're cycling, running, or swimming, these headphones have you covered. The IP69 rating means they’re tough enough for underwater workouts, but remember, Bluetooth won’t work underwater — switch to MP3 mode and load up your favorite tunes. The adjustable ear hooks make sure they stay put comfortably, even under swim caps or helmets.
Plus, with noise-canceling options and 32GB of storage, you can manage your playlist without being interrupted by outside noise or connectivity issues. These are a solid choice if you want to stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying good sound on the go.
What People Say
Users appreciate how these headphones combine solid underwater performance with everyday usability. The sound quality underwater, especially in MP3 mode, gets a lot of praise, along with the comfort and secure fit during rigorous activities.
People also highlight useful features like noise reduction and quick charging. Some mention that Bluetooth disconnects indoors occasionally, but generally, the battery and durability hold up well.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Anthony
These headphones fit snugly and stay comfortable for long workouts. The sound quality underwater is surprisingly rich, especially the bass, which makes swim sessions more enjoyable. The MP3 mode with 32GB memory is a lifesaver since Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater. I also love that the strap adjusts easily and the build feels durable for all my sports.
🗣️ israel kazew
I use these for walking and swimming regularly. Switching from Bluetooth mode to MP3 mode is simple, and the sound in MP3 mode underwater is loud and clear. They don’t block your ears, so you stay aware of your surroundings, which is great for outdoor runs or cycling. Battery life lasts through all my workouts, and they recharge quickly. The noise-cancelling mode also helps when I’m outdoors in windy conditions.
Best Use Cases
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
Swimming Workouts |
IP69 waterproof design lets you enjoy music underwater via MP3 mode without worrying about damage. |
Outdoor Cycling and Running |
Noise-canceling mode cuts wind noise, and the adjustable strap keeps the headphones stable under helmets or hats. |
Daily Walks & Calls |
Open-ear design keeps you aware of your environment while offering clear sound and a built-in mic for calls. |
Travel and Commuting |
Long battery life and quick recharge mean you can use them all day without interruptions. |
Comfort
Thanks to the ergonomic memory elasticity and adjustable ear hook strap, you get a secure but gentle fit. They don’t go inside your ears, so you avoid that plugged-up feeling.
Many users say they can wear the headphones for hours without discomfort, and they work well with glasses, swim caps, or helmets.
Travel Friendliness
These headphones are lightweight and have a good 10-hour battery life, which means you can pack them for long trips without worrying about frequent charging. The quick charge feature is handy when you’re on the go.
Being wireless with Bluetooth 5.4 also means hassle-free pairing as you travel.
Indoor & Outdoor Use
Great for outdoor activities thanks to the noise-canceling mode and waterproof build. Indoors, they work fine too, although some users note occasional Bluetooth disconnects. The open-ear design lets you stay alert whether you’re gaming, working, or doing household chores.
What You’ll Like
- Waterproof IP69 rating for swimming and wet conditions
- 32GB of built-in storage so you can enjoy music without Bluetooth underwater
- Comfortable and adjustable fit with a silicone strap to secure the headphones
- Bluetooth 5.4 for easy pairing with most devices
- Noise-canceling mode to reduce wind and background noise outdoors
- Long 10-hour battery life with quick charge support
Rating: 4.3 (total: 125+)
Shop NowLEVN Open Ear Headphones
If you’re into staying active but don’t want your headphones blocking out the world, LEVN’s open ear headphones are worth checking out. You get that sweet spot of hearing your favorite tracks while staying alert to your surroundings — perfect for cycling, running, or even a casual walk.
The lightweight, flexible design means you can wear these comfortably for hours without that annoying ear pressure. Plus, the 14-hour battery life keeps you powered up through long days, and Bluetooth 5.3 helps keep the connection strong.
Whether you’re hitting the gym or just going about your day, these headphones blend practicality and sound quality nicely.
What People Say
Users love how these headphones offer a comfy fit without the usual ear pressure, making them great for running and biking. Many mention the clear sound quality for bone conduction and the solid battery life. The ability to stay alert to surroundings while still enjoying decent audio is a big plus. Some note minor sound leakage, but nothing distracting during active use.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ kenny
I’ve been using these LEVN bone conduction headphones for running and biking, and they’re fantastic. The open-ear design is super comfortable and keeps me aware of traffic and surroundings. Bluetooth 5.3 connects quickly with no dropouts, and the sound quality is surprisingly good for bone conduction—clear vocals and decent bass. Battery easily lasts through long workouts, and they hold up well to sweat and light rain. The built-in mic works fine for calls on the go. There is a little sound leakage, but nothing major. Overall, a great value for active lifestyles!
🗣️ Sherry J.
I am writing to share my positive review of the Levn HS031 open ear Bluetooth Headphones. I can wear these super lightweight headphones without any discomfort for hours at a time. One of the things I love most is that I can stay aware of my surroundings while still enjoying my music. They stay secure around the back of your neck, so no slipping off. Sound quality is loud and clear, and battery life is impressive — 2 days on a charge. Perfect for anyone with an active lifestyle who wants comfort, safety, and great sound all in one.
Best Situations
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
Outdoor Running and Cycling |
Open-ear design helps you stay aware of road noises and traffic while enjoying music or podcasts safely. |
Gym Workouts |
Sweat- and water-resistant materials keep the headphones durable during intense exercise. |
Daily Commute and Errands |
Multipoint Bluetooth lets you switch smoothly between phone and laptop for calls or music. |
Long Listening Sessions |
Lightweight build and cushy fit mean you can wear them comfortably for hours, with battery life to match. |
Comfort
These headphones feel super light and flexible thanks to the soft silicone frame. You won’t get that usual ear fatigue since nothing plugs your ears.
The ergonomic design keeps them snug but gentle, so they stay put during movement without causing irritation.
Travel Friendliness
With long battery life and no wires to get tangled, these make great travel companions. Bluetooth 5.3 lets you pair quickly, whether you're on a plane, train, or just on the move.
Their lightweight profile fits easily in a bag without adding bulk.
Indoor & Outdoor Use
They excel outdoors where awareness is key, thanks to the open-ear style and water resistance. Indoors, they offer clear sound and easy call handling, though you might notice some sound leakage — nothing distracting in most settings.
What You'll Like
- Open-ear design keeps you connected to your environment while enjoying music
- Bluetooth 5.3 for stable and quick connections, with multipoint device pairing
- Up to 14 hours of battery life keeps you powered through long sessions
- Lightweight and ergonomic fit feels comfortable for all-day wear
- Sweatproof and water-resistant for tough workouts and outdoor use
- Built-in microphone lets you take calls easily on the go
Rating: 4.6 (total: 437+)
Shop NowPSIER Bone Conduction Headphones
If you want a headphone that can keep up with both your pool laps and daily workouts, these PSIER bone conduction headphones are worth a look. They’re fully waterproof with an IPX8 rating, so you don’t have to worry about sweat or swimming sessions. You can switch between Bluetooth for the usual wireless connection and MP3 mode to listen to up to 4,000 songs without your phone, which is great if you want distraction-free underwater listening. The ear cushions are super soft, and the open-ear design means you stay aware of your surroundings, keeping you safe whether you’re jogging or swimming.
Charging is quick, and the sound quality is solid for bone conduction tech, better than you might expect. They’re a practical choice if you want a swim-ready pair without giving up on convenience or comfort, though if you love the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 for workouts, these could be a nice companion for water time.
What People Say
Users appreciate how lightweight and secure these headphones feel, especially in the water, where other earbuds often fail. Being able to switch to MP3 mode and load music directly means you’re never tethered to a phone mid-swim.
Some mention that Bluetooth distance underwater is limited, but that’s expected. The simple controls and effective waterproofing make them a reliable pick for fitness fans who want open-ear comfort without sacrificing sound quality.
Overall Sentiment: Positive
🗣️ Amazon Customer
I ordered these for my husband, but ended up wearing them myself because they’re so lightweight and comfy. They stay secure, even around the ears, and pairing was super simple. My husband uses them in the pool with Bluetooth but noticed the sound quality drops the farther he swims from his phone. Thankfully, you can download music onto the headphones, which is perfect for swimming. Overall, great comfort and sound for the price.
🗣️ bjames
I’ve been using these mainly for lap swimming and podcasts. Sound quality is quite good underwater and outside too, and the basic 3-button controls are intuitive. Switching between Bluetooth and MP3 mode is easy with a double click. It took some trial to figure out how to transfer podcasts onto the MP3 player, but once you get the hang of it, it works well. Comfortable even with swim goggles, and they stay put during swims.
Best Situations
Situation |
How It Helps |
|---|---|
Swimming Laps |
Waterproof design and MP3 mode let you enjoy music or podcasts underwater without needing your phone nearby. |
Running and Outdoor Workouts |
Open-ear comfort keeps you aware of traffic and surroundings, plus Bluetooth connection lets you stream on the go. |
Travel and Commuting |
Long battery life and quick charging mean you can rely on them during long trips, with easy switches between devices. |
Indoor Use and Calls |
Built-in mic and clear audio make them suitable for hands-free calling or casual listening indoors. |
Comfort
Thanks to the soft silicone cushions on the ear rests and the open-ear design, these headphones feel gentle and light. They won’t block out your ears entirely, so you avoid that clogged feeling and can wear them for long sessions without discomfort. The adjustable rope adds stability so they stay put, whether you’re swimming, running, or just moving around indoors.
Travel Friendliness
These headphones are easy to carry thanks to their compact size and no wires. You get reliable Bluetooth connectivity to switch between devices, and the MP3 mode means you don’t always need your phone handy. The decent battery life and fast charging are great when you’re on the move and don’t want to wait around.
Indoor & Outdoor Use
They handle outdoor use well, including swimming and sweaty workouts, thanks to the waterproof build. Indoors, they offer clear sound for calls and music, though there’s some minor sound leakage typical of open-ear designs.
Overall, versatile enough for most environments you’ll be in.
What You’ll Like
- IPX8 waterproof rating lets you swim and use them in all weather without worries
- Dual modes: Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless streaming and MP3 mode for phone-free listening
- 32GB of internal storage holds around 4,000 songs for long workouts and swims
- Soft silicone cushions and open-ear design keep you comfortable and aware
- 8 hours of continuous playtime and fast magnetic charging in about 2 hours
- Built-in microphone offers clear calls when connected via Bluetooth
Rating: 4.4 (total: 346+)
Shop NowFAQ
How Do Open-Ear Bone Conduction Headphones Like The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 Compare To Traditional Earbuds In Terms Of Comfort And Situational Awareness?
You’ll find that open-ear bone conduction headphones such as the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 offer a unique advantage by resting just outside your ear canal, which means you don’t block your ear canal like traditional earbuds. This design provides superior comfort, especially for extended wear, as you avoid the pressure and ear fatigue commonly associated with in-ear models.
Additionally, these headphones let you remain aware of your surroundings, which is critical if you use them outdoors for activities like running or cycling. You can hear ambient sounds and conversations around you, enhancing your safety and social interaction without sacrificing the ability to enjoy your music or calls.
What Should You Consider When Buying Open-Ear Bone Conduction Headphones For Activities Like Sports Or Daily Use?
When choosing open-ear bone conduction headphones, focus on factors such as battery life, fit, water resistance, and sound quality. For example, the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 provides a reliable battery life of up to 11 hours on a single charge, with an impressive 48 hours total when using the charging case — ideal for long workout days or travel. Comfort and secure fit are also crucial, so look for models with ear hooks or adjustable straps that keep the headphones stable without causing discomfort during movement. If you expect to use them in rain or sweat-intensive workouts, ensure they offer at least an IP55 water-resistant rating.
Also, bear in mind that while bone conduction headphones provide good sound clarity, they may offer less bass depth compared to in-ear earbuds, so assess your audio preferences accordingly.
Can You Use Bone Conduction Headphones Like The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 For Swimming Or In Water?
While some bone conduction headphones are water resistant, like the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 which holds an IP55 rating suitable for sweat and light rain, they are not designed for full submersion or swimming. Bluetooth signals do not transmit through water, so wireless connectivity won’t work underwater. Instead, if you want headphones for swimming, look for specific waterproof models that include built-in storage for MP3 playback without relying on Bluetooth.
For instance, models like the NANK Runner Diver2 Pro offer IP69 waterproofing and internal music storage to listen while swimming. For typical daily use, you should keep your SHOKZ headphones dry but know they can comfortably handle sweat and moisture from most workouts.
Customer Preferences Overview
When considering open-ear bone conduction headphones like the SHOKZ OpenFit 2, TOZO OpenEgo, and NANK Runner Diver2 Pro, you typically prioritize comfort, sound quality, and durability. Customers often look for a secure fit during physical activities, clear audio without blocking ambient sounds, and water resistance for use in various environments.
Your choice will depend on which features align best with your lifestyle, whether its for sports, daily commutes, or outdoor adventures.
Wrapping Up
To sum up, open-ear bone conduction headphones provide a compelling alternative to traditional earbuds by offering safety through situational awareness, along with quality sound and all-day comfort. Whether you prioritize maximum battery life and secure fit like with the SHOKZ New OpenFit 2, need a rugged waterproof option such as the NANK Runner Diver2 Pro for swimming, or seek affordability and versatility found in the LEVN Open Ear headphones, there’s a design tailored for you. As the technology advances, you can expect improved audio clarity while staying connected to your environment.
Investing in one of these top models means enjoying your audio with confidence, convenience, and comfort every day.
| Product | Image | Rating | Battery Life | Bluetooth Version | Water Resistance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHOKZ New OpenFit 2 Open-Ear Headphones | |
4.6/5 (156 reviews) | 11 Hours | 5.4 | IP55 |
| TOZO OpenEgo True Wireless Open Ear Headphones | |
4.3/5 (2,995 reviews) | 15 Hours | 5.3 | Water Resistant |
| NANK Runner Diver2 Pro Bone Conduction Headphones |  |
4.3/5 (125 reviews) | 10 Hours | 5.4 | IP69 Waterproof |
| LEVN Open Ear Headphones |  |
4.6/5 (437 reviews) | 14 Hours | 5.3 | Water Resistant |
| PSIER Bone Conduction Headphones |  |
4.4/5 (346 reviews) | 8 Hours | 5.4 | IPX8 Waterproof |
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