TL;DR
WIRED’s buying guide updates its picks for bone-conduction headphones, highlighting improvements in comfort, sound, and waterproofing. Top recommendations include Shokz’s OpenSwim Pro and OpenRun Pro 2, Nank’s Runner Diver2 Pro for swimmers, Mojawa’s Run Plus for glasses wearers, and Suunto’s Sonic for calls.
What happened
A new WIRED buyer’s guide surveyed the current crop of bone-conduction headphones and named several standouts across use cases. The report notes decades of progress in the category: sound quality and comfort have improved compared with early models, and manufacturers now offer features like built-in MP3 players, stronger waterproofing, hybrid bone+air drivers, and more robust microphone systems. Shokz’s OpenSwim Pro is presented as the best overall pick with Bluetooth streaming plus a 32 GB music player and IP68 protection; the OpenRun Pro 2 mixes bone conduction with an air speaker to boost bass and warmth. Nank’s Runner Diver2 Pro targets swimmers with an IP69 rating and optional in-ear sound enhancers. Mojawa’s Run Plus is recommended for glasses wearers because of its shape and app-tunable EQ, while Suunto’s Sonic is singled out for call handling and wind-cancellation tuning in its app.
Why it matters
- Bone-conduction designs keep ears open, which the guide suggests can be safer for outdoor activities like running.
- Recent product iterations address past drawbacks—improved comfort, clearer sound, and reduced unpleasant vibrations.
- Waterproof and music-player options expand use cases to swimming and phone-free sessions.
- Stronger microphone systems and app-based EQs make these devices more practical for calls and varied listening environments.
Key facts
- Best Overall: Shokz OpenSwim Pro supports Bluetooth streaming and a built-in 32 GB music player with MP3, M4A, WAV, APE, and FLAC playback; battery life is 6–9 hours and the rating is IP68.
- Runner-Up: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 combines a bone conduction driver with an air-conduction speaker to increase bass and warmth; it weighs about 30.3 g, offers USB-C charging, and is rated IP68.
- Best for Swimmers: Nank (formerly Naenka) Runner Diver2 Pro has an IP69 rating allowing submersion, offers Bluetooth and a 32 GB player, and lists up to 10 hours battery life.
- Best for Glasses Wearers: Mojawa Run Plus (about 28.6 g) is shaped to better accommodate sunglasses, includes a 32 GB music player, four EQ modes via the Mojawa app, and an IP68 rating.
- Best for Phone Calls: Suunto Sonic weighs roughly 31 g, includes two microphones and an algorithm that the guide reports can cancel wind up to 15 km/h, and offers up to 10 hours of battery life with an IP55 rating.
- Battery life across reviewed models generally falls in the 6–10 hour range depending on features and usage.
- Several models use proprietary charging cables, while the OpenRun Pro 2 uses USB-C.
- Multiple headphones in the guide provide both physical controls and app-based sound modes to tailor listening for land or water.
What to watch next
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Quick glossary
- Bone conduction: A method of transmitting sound vibrations through the bones of the skull rather than through the air into the eardrum.
- IP rating: An ingress protection rating that indicates resistance to dust and water; higher numbers denote stronger protection.
- Neckband design: A headphone form factor where a band rests around the back of the neck and supports the transducers near the ears.
- Air conduction speaker: A conventional speaker that projects sound through the air to the ear canal, often used alongside bone conduction to enhance bass and detail.
Reader FAQ
Are bone-conduction headphones good for outdoor running?
Yes; the guide highlights them as a safe way to listen on outdoor runs because they keep the ears open to ambient sound.
Which model is recommended for swimming?
The Nank Runner Diver2 Pro is recommended for swimmers, with an IP69 rating and options for Bluetooth or onboard MP3 playback.
Do any reviewed models include onboard music storage?
Yes; Shokz OpenSwim Pro, Nank Runner Diver2 Pro, and Mojawa Run Plus include 32 GB music players according to the guide.
Which headset is best for handling phone calls?
WIRED highlights the Suunto Sonic for phone calls, noting its two microphones and wind-cancellation algorithm rated up to 15 km/h.
MICHAEL SAWH BUYING GUIDES JAN 14, 2026 5:30 AM The Best Bone Conduction Headphones Everyone needs a safe way to listen to music on outdoor runs. We’ve found the bone…
Sources
- Best Bone Conduction Headphones (2026): Shokz, Suunto, Mojawa
- Best bone conduction headphones of 2026: Expert tested …
- The 6 Best Bone Conduction Headphones of 2025
- The best bone conduction headphones 2025
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