HeadphonesFinderShokz OpenMove
The entry-level model from the bone conduction specialist, light and sweat-resistant.
Compare pricesBone conduction headphones: who are they for, and which to buy?
Bone conduction transmits sound through your cheekbones, with nothing in your ears: you hear your music and everything around you. Ideal outdoors, less at home in noisy places. The selector is preset for outdoor sport.
Updated 13 November 2026
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Our picks
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
More bass than most, very comfortable and fast charging, for running every day.
Compare pricesShokz OpenSwim Pro
Waterproof for swimming, with onboard storage for listening underwater and Bluetooth on dry land.
Compare pricesExample models chosen for their reputation in this category. Prices and availability change: check them on the retailer's page.
How it works
Two small transducers resting in front of your ears vibrate the bones of the skull, which carry the sound directly to the inner ear. The ear canal stays completely open: no pressure, no ear tips, and full awareness of your surroundings.
Who it's for
- Outdoor running: you hear cars, bikes and other runners.
- People who can't get on with in-ears: pain, irritation, recurring ear infections.
- Swimming: waterproof models with onboard storage play your files underwater.
- Calls at the office while keeping an ear on what's going on around you.
The limitations to know about
| Aspect | What you need to know |
|---|---|
| Bass | Noticeably lighter than with headphones or in-ears |
| Noisy environments | On the Tube or a busy street, the sound is quickly drowned out |
| Sound leakage | At high volume, people nearby can hear a little |
| Vibrations | Felt at high volume, you get used to them |
Choosing well
- IP55 to IP67 for sweat and rain, IP68 with onboard storage for swimming (Bluetooth doesn't work underwater).
- Weight around 30 g and a flexible titanium neckband so you forget you're wearing them.
- Battery life of 8 to 12 hours and fast charging.
On a bike: in the UK there is no specific ban on cyclists wearing headphones, but the Highway Code advises against anything that distracts you. Bone conduction keeps your ears open to traffic, but keep the volume low. Abroad, rules vary (in France, for example, cyclists may not wear sound devices on the ear, and bone conduction sits in a grey area there): check the local rules before riding with them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can bone conduction damage your hearing?
It stimulates the inner ear just like regular headphones: prolonged listening at high volume carries the same risk. Keep the volume moderate.
Can you swim with bone conduction headphones?
Yes, with an IP68 model that has onboard storage: Bluetooth doesn't travel through water, so you need to load your files onto the headphones.
Is the sound as good as with earbuds?
No: the bass is lighter and the sound gets lost in noisy places. You choose bone conduction for safety and comfort, not for hi-fi.