Please don't listen to the people suggesting using a speaker, that is incredibly obnoxious to everyone you share the road with. I guess if you're just in traffic then maybe, but if you ever take any paths or bike lanes you will be pissing off everyone trying to enjoy themselves without listening to your tunes Answer from Deleted User on reddit.com
Bose
bose.com › home › story listing › air conduction vs. bone conduction: the ultimate guide
Air Conduction vs. Bone Conduction: Open-ear Audio Guide | Bose
April 22, 2024 - Higher-pitched sounds and voices are especially clear, so bone-conduction headphones are great for listening to podcasts and taking phone calls if it isn’t too noisy outside. Air conduction headphones provide a much higher quality of overall sound.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/cycling › headphones question: open ear better than bone conduction ?
r/cycling on Reddit: Headphones question: open ear better than bone conduction ?
January 29, 2024 -
Hi fellow cyclists,
I do have a tricky questionI have used Shokz Aeropex for 2 years until they failed and now replaced them with the new Shokz Open Run.
But while I totally like the awareness that you get from using bone conduction headphones I am struggling with the volume. The Aeropex where borderline loud enough, especially when going >25 kph and the new Open Run are even less loud.
So I am wondering if open ear headphones would be a better choice.What are your experiences?
Some things to consider:- the open ear headphones I have found are individual earpieces and I am afraid to loose them. I would prefer something that is connected with a strap or similar.- I definitely do not what in ear headphones- I use them mainly for podcasts and audio books.- My typical rides are 2-3 hours. My longest rides are 5-6 hours.
Edited: Adding links while I find Options on my own or from comments
Open Ear - none bone conduction options:
Upcoming Oladance OSW Sport might be an option:
https://www.oladanceshop.com/pages/ows-sports
Soundcore AeroFit Pro:
https://us.soundcore.com/products/aerofit-pro-a3871011
JBL Sondgear Sense:
https://de.jbl.com/bestsellers/SOUNDGEAR-SENSE.html?cgid=bestsellers
Ali Express option:
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/1005005349965303.html?gatewayAdapt=4itemAdapt
Top answer 1 of 32
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Please don't listen to the people suggesting using a speaker, that is incredibly obnoxious to everyone you share the road with. I guess if you're just in traffic then maybe, but if you ever take any paths or bike lanes you will be pissing off everyone trying to enjoy themselves without listening to your tunes
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Riding alone, I just wear wireless earbuds. If some asshole is going to run over me from behind while texting and driving, let it be while I'm rocking out to some sick tracks
Videos
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Better Than Bone Conduction? Oladance OWS Sport "Air Conduction" ...
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Bone Conduction vs Open Ear: Which One Should You Choose? - YouTube
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Shokz: Which Should You Actually Buy?? - YouTube
04:12
The BEST Bone Conduction Headphones of 2025 - It's Not Just Shokz...
Can other people hear air conduction headphones?
Air conduction headphones may leak a small amount of sound at higher volumes, but the effect is minimal compared to traditional open-ear speakers. Modern air conduction models, like OpenFit 2+, use optimized acoustic ports and directional sound technology to reduce sound leakage and keep audio private.
shokz.com
shokz.com › blogs › news › air-conduction-vs-bone-conduction
Bone Conduction vs Air Conduction: What's the Difference
Why is air conduction better than bone conduction?
Air conduction headphones generally deliver fuller sound quality with richer bass and wider frequency response. Because they transmit sound through the air into your ear canal, they can reproduce music and speech with more natural detail. However, bone conduction headphones are better suited for outdoor safety and comfort, as they leave your ears open to ambient sound.
shokz.com
shokz.com › blogs › news › air-conduction-vs-bone-conduction
Bone Conduction vs Air Conduction: What's the Difference
Why is conduction more effective in metals than air?
Conduction is more effective in metals because their atomic structure allows vibrations to transfer energy quickly between particles. Metals have higher density and stronger atomic bonds, which makes them better conductors of sound and heat compared to air, where particles are farther apart. This principle also explains why bone conduction can efficiently transmit vibrations through solid structures like the skull.
shokz.com
shokz.com › blogs › news › air-conduction-vs-bone-conduction
Bone Conduction vs Air Conduction: What's the Difference
Soundcore
soundcore.com › home › blog center › earbuds blog › how to choose between bone conduction and open-ear headphones? what's the difference?
How to Choose Between Bone Conduction and Open-Ear Headphones? What's the Difference?
September 29, 2025 - Because they bypass the eardrum, they’re also helpful for people with certain hearing challenges and stay secure during activities like running or cycling. However, their sound quality is not as rich, with weaker bass, and prolonged use can ...
NYTimes
nytimes.com › electronics › audio › the best bone-conduction and open-ear headphones
The 5 Best Bone-Conduction and Open-Ear Headphones of 2026 | Reviews by Wirecutter
August 25, 2025 - In our tests the sound quality was good in the mids and highs, and we found a surprising amount of bass representation for an open-ear design. But lower bass notes caused the earbuds to rattle, especially when we turned up the volume.
Shokz
uk.shokz.com › blogs › guides › bone-conduction-openrunpro2-vs-traditional-headphones
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Headphones: A Deep Dive into Shokz Ope
Situational Awareness:Keeps your ears open to ambient sounds, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings while listening to audio. Comfort and Long-Term Wear:The breathable design ensures comfort during extended use by reducing pressure on your ears and keeping them cool during various activities. Bone conduction headphones are ideal for outdoor activities like running and cycling due to their open design, which keeps your ears cool and comfortable even when your body heats up and sweats.
Soundcore
soundcore.com › home › blog center › headphones blog › air conduction vs. bone conduction: sound transmission explored
Air Conduction vs. Bone Conduction: A Comprehensive Guide
August 27, 2024 - When it comes to sound quality, the narrative often leans towards air conduction greater than bone conduction. Open-ear air-conduction headphones tend to deliver a richer and more refined auditory experience.
Run United
rununited.com › home › running sports blog › bone conduction headphones & open-ear earbuds: worth it?
Bone Conduction Headphones & Open-Ear Earbuds: Worth It? - Run United
August 21, 2025 - If you want to try bone conduction without the full investment, the basic OpenRun model costs about $50 less but uses a proprietary charging cable and offers slightly less refined sound.
Shokz
shokz.com › blogs › news › air-conduction-vs-bone-conduction
Bone Conduction vs Air Conduction: What's the Difference
November 24, 2023 - If you’re looking for crisp sound and punchy basslines, or if you need to focus and get in the zone, go for air conduction headphones. Many newer products also have superior sound quality compared to their predecessors.
QCY
qcy.com › home › tech › bone conduction vs. open-ear earbuds: which is right for you?
Bone Conduction vs. Open-Ear Earbuds: Which Is Right for You? – QCY Official
October 1, 2025 - Verdict: Bone for runners/cyclists (safety edge); open-ear for gym/yoga (sound depth). Open-ear air conduction wins urban hustles. Directional speakers (e.g., Nothing Ear Open) beam audio precisely, cutting subway leakage while hearing announcements.
Tozo
tozostore.com › blog › open ear vs. bone conduction headphones: exploring audio innovation and performance
Open Ear vs. Bone Conduction Headphones: Exploring Audio Innovation an - TOZO Official
March 7, 2025 - Bone conduction headphones offer special advantages. But, they may lack the audio clarity and bass of regular open-ear models. Users who pick bone conduction technology get a hands-free experience.
Shokz
shokz.com › home
Are Open Ear Headphones Better? Find Out Which Type Truly Fits Your Li
May 30, 2025 - Bone conduction headphones are a smart choice for anyone prioritising safety, comfort, and versatility in their listening experience. ... While both types keep your ears open and allow outside sounds in, the main technical difference is in the sound delivery.
Runner's World
runnersworld.com › gear › tech › the 8 best open-ear and bone conduction headphones for safer running
The 8 Best Open-Ear and Bone Conduction Headphones
November 25, 2025 - The Shokz OpenFit 2 offer a different take on open-ear audio compared to the OpenRun Pro 2, swapping bone conduction for air conduction and prioritising all-day comfort and sound quality over sport-specific performance.
FreSound
fresound.com › blogs › news › open-earbuds-vs-bone-conduction
Open Earbuds vs Bone Conduction: Which Is Better for You? – FreSound
July 17, 2025 - The choice between open earbuds and bone conduction headphones ultimately comes down to your priorities and lifestyle. If you value audio quality and versatility, open earbuds are probably your best bet. They offer a great balance of sound quality, ...
Tozo
tozostore.com › blog › air conduction vs. bone conduction: a comprehensive comparison
Air Conduction vs. Bone Conduction: A Comprehensive Comparison | TOZO Official
September 6, 2024 - However, air conduction headphones may offer a slightly more refined listening experience in terms of overall sound quality and detail, while bone conduction headphones can be particularly effective for maintaining awareness in noisy environments.
JLab
jlab.com › blogs › news › bone-conduction-vs-open-ear-headphones
Bone conduction vs open ear headphones – JLab
November 21, 2022 - While bone conduction is a popular option in the market, here's some examples of why open ear is better: A popular complaint with bone conduction headphones is sound.
TechRadar
techradar.com › health & fitness › fitness headphones
The best bone conduction headphones 2025: Stay aware on the road, in the pool, and in the office
August 3, 2022 - Earbuds that leave your ears open are becoming more common too, and we have a dedicated guide to the best open earbuds. Bone conduction headphones have reasonable-to-good sound quality
Reddit
reddit.com › r/running › open ear air vs bone conduction?
r/running on Reddit: Open Ear Air vs Bone conduction?
October 15, 2024 -
Hello to every runners!
I was wondering what is better to wear when running - air vs bone conduction. I am well aware of how both technology works, but in terms of running, what is a better option? I like to run outside and I have the Galaxy Buds Pro; however, I am starting to realize that it can be dangerous without awareness of the surrounding. So, it would be nice what is more comfortable to wear (especially with someone who wears glasses) and which one can provide better awareness to the surroundings and lastly can you recommend me a good budget friendly earphones?
Edit: thank you everyone for your suggestions! I read them all and has helped a ton!
Top answer 1 of 82
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I just got the basic Shokz OpenRun and they work really well! I don't wear glasses, but I do wear sunglasses with them. No problem. And a hat too. I also get pretty sweaty and they stay on thus far I actually like them so much, I started wearing them around my house when cleaning too. Great battery life Not sure what your budget is, but I previously paid $200 for Powerbeats Pro and they didn't even last 1.5 years before one stopped holding battery. So I was skeptical to shell out $120, but I have friends who have has theirs for years with no issue ETA: I have also tried them with earplugs in at the gym. It does work, but I noticed if you have a complete seal on your ear, the sound is muffled more for some reason. I'm very happy using them both with and without earplugs though, just an fyi if you were considering that
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Very happy with my Shokz.
Dexerto
dexerto.com › home › home entertainment › open-ear vs bone conduction headphones: which is right for you?
Open-ear vs bone conduction headphones: Which is right for You? - Dexerto
March 8, 2024 - Compared to conventional headphones or earbuds, the biggest downside of open-ear earbuds is that you miss out on the depth or bass in sound, and features like ANC are missing. ... Bone conduction headphones are a type of open-ear headphones ...
ZDNET
zdnet.com › home › tech › wearables › headphones
These open-ear headphones ditch the bone conduction tech for something shockingly better | ZDNET
July 6, 2023 - The earbuds are a significant departure for Shokz since they do not use the company's signature bone conduction technology to provide the audio experience. Rather, the headphones use an open-ear approach with technology Shokz calls "air conduction." Comfortable-to-wear earbuds that are IP54 water-resistant and produce rich sound.