Bone conduction headphones are not new in the market. Truly wireless earbuds may have taken over. But there is still a niche for these unique headphones.
These kinds of headphones are usually promoted to users with an active lifestyle. Bone conduction headphones are worn just like regular wireless earbuds. But, it sits near the temple instead of the ears.
There are not a lot of bone conduction headphones in the market. If in search of one, here are the top choices.
Most of the headphones listed are from AfterShokz. The company pioneered the entry of bone conduction headphones in the market.
1. AfterShokz Aeropex
These headphones are the flagship offering of AfterShokz. It is currently the best one among its lineup.
The AfterShokz Aeropex has an IP67 rating. This means that water and dust are fully covered. The Aeropex will also survive one meter deep waters for up to 30 minutes. But, it is still not advisable to do so.
It is also great to use during workouts as sweat will not damage the device. The Aeropex includes a microphone for hands-free calls. Controls are done through a multifunction button with support for Google Assistant. Bluetooth 5.0 takes care of connectivity.
Regular wireless headphones still have an edge when it comes to battery life. These headphones may last up to eight hours of regular use. Other headphones can easily last double that range.
The AfterShokz Aeropex retails for US$159 [AU$231]. Quite pricey for wireless headphones. However, for a bone conduction device, it has flagship features that are unrivaled in the market.
2. AfterShokz Air
The majority of bone conduction headphones are targeted towards active people. The AfterShokz Air is one of those that are heavily marketed as one.
First, it is the slimmest model of AfterShokz. This makes it a great companion when going out for a jog or a quick run. The company also added small reflective strips on the headphones for added visibility outside.
Despite the similarities on the outside, the AfterShokz Air has a smaller battery life than the Aeropex. This headphone is rated to last for up to six hours only.
The connectivity is the previous Bluetooth 4.2. It is not bad, but it would have been nice to have Bluetooth 5.0 as well.
The AfterShokz Air is available for $119.
3. Vidonn F1
The Vidonn F1 is one of the top-rated bone conduction headphones in Amazon. It got those reviews as it is one of the more affordable options for those looking for a new device.
For just around $50, the Vidonn F1 offers Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and a battery life of up to six hours. The standby time is rated up to 10 days.
These headphones only have an IP55 sweatproof rating. It is not protected for accidental submersion. However, it is very fine to use during intense workouts.
It has a dedicated control button on the side. This also allows for controls during voice calls.
4. WGP bone conduction headphones
The WGP open ear bone conduction headphones sit on the more affordable side. It is cheaper than the Vidonn F1 by $10.
These headphones are available on Amazon for only $40. But for that price, it provides users a Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity and multifunction buttons.
However, the battery life is lower. The WGP only has five hours of playback up its sleeve. But, the great thing is 10-minutes of charging allows an hour of additional playback. Quite handy for those who are in a rush.
Another plus of the WGP over the F1 is its waterproofing. This headset has an IP56 waterproof rating. These headphones shall survive splashes but not total submersion.
These are the top four best bone conduction headphones in the market. It might not be the best sounding headphones out there. But, these are great devices for drivers, athletes, and those who need spacial awareness while listening to music.
Images used courtesy of Aeropex, Air, AfterShokz, Vidonn F1, WGP/Amazon