bone conductor headphones- advice please

[SweatyHettie]

hello all -I’ve been thinking for some time about getting bone conductor headphones from a safety point of view and even more so now I’ve got the dog in tow on my runs. But I’ve read mixed reviews so what do those of you who use them think? I can’t keep earbuds in so I use ones with ear hooks to keep them in place. Do the conductor ones move about on your head?

I’m looking at the Shokz ones, there’s quite a difference between the open move and open run versions - what are the benefits of the more expensive ones- worth the extra?

any advice or recommendations gratefully received- thank you 😊

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

I’ve got Shokz open run mini (I have a small head!) and they’re absolutely brilliant. Genuinely the best piece of tech I’ve bought and I’d never run with any other headphones. I can’t really comment on the more expensive or cheaper versions. It’s most likely better sound quality and battery life that you’re paying extra for and the ones I’ve got are more than good enough for what I wanted. Helpfully, the running shop I bought them from had demo models and I couldn’t really tell the difference. They sit nicely on my head and they’re fine with glasses and a headtorch and a cap/beanie all at the same time too.

Where I live it’s all rural country lanes so hearing traffic is so important. I’m trying to think of downsides but I’m struggling. They get a 10:10 review from me!

[nowster Graduate]

I have had the older Aeropex model since late 2020. I would definitely buy the newer OpenRuns.

I suspect the difference between the current models is better waterproofing for the ones intended for outdoor use.

[Birdlady64 Graduate]

I also have the Aeropex and they are brilliant. I wouldn't upgrade unless they broke, battery life seriously deteriorates or I lost then.I run mostly off road and some quiet residential streets and I have noticed that if I do hit the main road I have some problems with hearing them over the traffic noise. Maybe I should just increase the volume, but others who do more road running may be better placed to comment in that aspect

[PeggySusi Graduate]

I have Shokz Openrun Mini - I tried the standard size and found it a bit big. I like them because they are small and light. I have never used ordinary earbuds or headphones.. I just really hate having anything on my head or in my ears, and I like to hear what’s going on around me, so they suit me.

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

thanks everyone for your replies

I also have a small head so I might look at the minis- my running shop doesn’t seem to stock the minis so I might have to look elsewhere.

I did wonder if it was a longer battery life / waterproofing on the pricier models- I don’t think the battery life will be the issue for me but waterproofing is something to consider

[Basil73]

Hi! I just have specsavers Bluetooth hearing aids. I'm tuned in to everything.

[Sax64 Graduate]

I bought the Aftershokz Openmove, changing from the headphones that hook over the ears. They're brilliant I can hear approaching traffic very clearly, they sit nicely on the head without moving can wear glasses, cap, headband etc they're very comfortable to run in and the battery life is amazing. Brilliant for running.

[Bruch1 Graduate]

I bought some bone conduction headphones after one of my ear buds fell out and broke. I really like them. They weren't expensive. They are a little bit big for my small head but they stay on with my glasses and hat. Sound is good and battery life good enough for me . I live in a village where there are 3 schools so I need my wits about me when I'm running in the mornings.

[RunningJ123 Graduate]

I have been looking at them too, and some of the cheaper ones say Air Conduction instead of bone... But I'm not sure if that'd mean other people could hear too, even slightly... If it conducts via air to your ears. Maybe on black Friday there will be a discount on Shokz!

[Hidden]

Hi don’t mean to hijack but can I ask a question please Can you wear them with glasses ? At the moment I have cheap earbuds and just wear one so I can hear around me.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Absolutely. Totally fine with glasses.

[Yesletsgo Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Can confirm, you can wear a hat too 😁

[BookerPaul]

I have open run pro, I lost my open runs 😭. I use them for more than running. Excellent, hence why I replaced them. There was some great deals direct from Shokz in early Sept, I think -20% and I had a voucher for £5 off.Yes they work with glasses, the microphone work extremely well for phonecalls, easy to answer and end calls, control volume, work whilst wearing a cycling helmet and you can have a conversation with passes by without turning them off (assuming you haven't got the too loud).

Hope that helps.

[Southernrunner]

I have a cheap (probably fake) Lenovo pair from Ali express, they work great. I bought a cheap pair as I have 70% hearing loss in 1 ear and wasn’t sure if they’d be for me but they work great and I can wear my hearing aid to hear the street sounds. I just tuck them under a buff which I wear anyway as they work better pressed close on the skin.

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

thanks again all for your comments. I did a bit of research and which? recommended the Shokz openrun pros as a best buy. I was going to go for the cheaper option of open runs but then found that one of the sellers has a sale on and I could get the openrun pro minis for virtually the same price!

Are we allowed to post links on here for other sites ? If so I will edit with the link to the site I got them from

[hamit Graduate]

I use Shoks, I would not go back to Earbids for running. Very comfortable and forget they are there. More than one I have left them on after the run. The main thing is they make road running safer as you can hear your surroundings.

[SweatyHettie Graduate in reply to hamit]

Thanks that’s good to know - mine are on their way!