Great for listeners with hearing impairments and certain athletes.

Although true wireless earbuds have been hogging the limelight as of late, there’s another breed of specialized wireless earphones garnering attention: bone-conduction headphones.

These have deep-seated roots in the hearing aid industry, but naysayers and die-hard fans abound. Let’s break down whether or not bone conduction headsets are a gimmick or something more.

How does bone conduction technology work?

The abridged version of bone conduction headphones is that they rest directly on the listener’s cheekbones. Unlike traditional headphones and earbuds, the eardrum doesn’t vibrate to pass the information along to the cochlea. Instead, the vibrations from the bone conduction bee-lines for the cochlea.

Due to the lack of eardrum involvement, this technology is good for people with hearing deficiencies, as the bone conduction vibration acts in lieu of the eardrum.

Are bone conduction headphones safe?

Yes, bone conduction headphones are no less safe than any pair of headphones or earbuds that go in or over your ear, with the added benefit of remaining aware of your surroundings. However, some individuals may experience discomfort or pain in the area where the bone conduction transducers rest against the skull, especially with improper fit or prolonged use. But when used responsibly and in moderation, there is no health risk to using them.

Why you shouldn’t get bone conduction headphones

Bone conduction nay-sayers harp on the importance of isolation, but it’s more than repetition for the sake of repetition; it makes an audible difference. Insulating your eardrums from outside clamor benefits clarity because a good seal mitigates auditory masking. What’s more, if your eardrum isn’t being used, transmission accuracy is compromised. You’ll get the gist of your media playback, but the audio quality is severely degraded.

Sound quality aside, the fit may be uncomfortable. Let’s take the Aftershokz Trekz Titanium, one of the more popular options; it rests atop your cheekbones and balances its weight on a small portion of your ears. It’s hard to maintain a stable fit when walking, let alone when doing more vigorous activities like running.

Those who fall into this camp believe they’re paying more for less. The concept is novel, but real-world use reveals many deficiencies. Of course, there are always two sides to a coin.

Why you should get bone conduction headphones

All right, so consumers in favor of bone conduction headphones champion the technology for safety reasons and because it’s beneficial for those who are hard of hearing. Regarding the former, being aware of your surroundings during outdoor workouts is a necessity, especially for runners. Since these don’t seal around or even touch the ear canal, they allow you to hear other pedestrians, passing cars, and other potential hazards.

What’s more, if you suffer from hearing loss and use hearing aids, bone conduction headphones are a viable option. While conventional earbuds and headphones may interfere with or jostle hearing aids, bone conduction headphones bypass this. Additionally, listeners who are deaf in one ear may enjoy stereo sound that can’t be heard with traditional in-ears. Bone conduction headphones give certain listeners a sense of hearing that may otherwise be unavailable to them.

Bone conduction headphones are great if you live in a city and want to remain aware of traffic while walking or cycling.

Although audiophiles likely won’t be endorsing bone conduction headphones anytime soon, the fact remains that they serve a purpose for those with impaired hearing. To call them a complete gimmick would be oversimplifying the technology and its various use cases. Yet, to call them the best thing since the TRRS plug would be a severe exaggeration. Plenty of great wireless earbuds provide better audio quality if your hearing ability is unimpaired. If you are someone who experiences hearing loss, bone conduction headphones are a great option.

How to wear bone conduction headphones?

Proper fit and positioning are essential for getting the best audio experience and avoiding discomfort when using bone conduction headphones. Here are some tips:

1. Position the transducers: Locate the flat transducer surfaces that rest against your skull, typically in front of your ears. Position them snugly against the bony areas in front of your ears, just above your jawbone.

2. Adjust the headband: Most bone conduction headphones have an adjustable headband. Gently tighten or loosen the band until the transducers are firmly but comfortably pressed against your skull.

3. Ensure a secure fit: The transducers should not move or slip when you shake your head. Adjust the headband and transducer positioning as needed to achieve a secure, stable fit.

4. Don’t over-tighten: While a snug fit is necessary, avoid excessive tightening, as this can cause discomfort or pain after extended wear.

Following these tips can help ensure a comfortable, secure fit and optimal sound quality.

What are the best bone conduction headphones?

You’ll notice that Shokz (formerly AfterShokz) makes most of the bone conduction headphones around. Shokz has a real hold on this niche market, and many third-party options fall short of Shokz’ offerings. Below are some of my favorite bone conduction headphones:

• Shokz OpenRun (€129 at Amazon): These are currently the best set of bone conduction headphones for most people, and they’re a rebrand on the famed AfterShokz Aeropex. With the Shokz OpenRun, you get Bluetooth 5.1, 8th-gen bone conduction technology, and fast charging. Unfortunately, you have to deal with the company’s proprietary two-pin connector, but there are worse things.

• Shokz OpenRun Pro (€179 at Amazon): If you want the best pair of bone conduction headphones regardless of price, get the OpenRun Pro. These headphones come with a mobile app, and audio output is less likely to change dramatically as jaw movement displaces the OpenRun Pro.

• Shokz OpenMove (€79 at Amazon): For the best budget bone conduction headphones from Shokz, I recommend the Open Move. Unlike the company’s other headphones, these charge via USB-C. You get an IP55 dust- and water-resistant build along with multipoint connectivity.

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