Which is better, Shokz vs AfterShokz?

Shokz and AfterShokz are actually the same brand—AfterShokz officially rebranded to Shokz in 2021. The newer Shokz headphones feature upgraded bone conduction technology, improved sound quality, longer battery life, and more comfortable designs. So if you’re comparing the two, Shokz represents the most advanced and updated version of AfterShokz headphones.

What headphones do audiologists recommend?

Many audiologists recommend bone conduction headphones, like Shokz, for users who want to maintain situational awareness or for people with certain types of hearing loss. Since bone conduction headphones bypass the eardrum by transmitting sound through the cheekbones, they allow the ear canal to stay open and reduce ear fatigue compared to traditional earbuds. However, recommendations vary depending on individual hearing needs, so it’s best to consult a professional audiologist for personalized advice.

Do bone conduction headphones cause tinnitus?

Bone conduction headphones, such as Shokz, generally do not cause tinnitus when used at safe listening volumes. In fact, some people with tinnitus find them more comfortable since they reduce pressure inside the ear canal. That said, listening to any audio device at excessively high volumes for long periods may worsen tinnitus or hearing health. Moderation and safe listening practices are always recommended.

Bone Conduction Headphones: What They Are, How They Work and How to Choose a Pair

bone conductionguides

November 4, 2026 10 mins read

how to choose bone conduction headphones united states

Bone conduction headphones play audio through vibrations on your cheekbones instead of placing speakers in your ear canals, so your ears stay uncovered. That open-ear design is built to support awareness of the sounds around you while you listen. How much you hear depends on your volume, your environment and how you wear them.

This guide answers the questions people ask most: what bone conduction headphones are, how they work, how they differ from in-ear earbuds, how to use them with care, which activities they suit, why people choose them, how to choose a pair, and which of our models fits you: OpenRun Pro 2, OpenRun or OpenRun Air 2.

Quick View

Bone conduction headphones in one line: open-ear headphones that send sound as vibrations through your cheekbones, so your ear canals stay uncovered and you can still hear the sounds around you, depending on volume and environment.

Question	Quick answer	Details
What are they?	Open-ear headphones with transducers that rest on the cheekbones in front of the ears, held by a band behind the head.	Section 1
How do they work?	Transducers turn audio into small vibrations that travel through bone to the inner ear, while the open ear canal lets outside sound in.	Section 2
How do they differ from in-ear earbuds?	Bone conduction leaves the ear canal open, while in-ear earbuds seal it. In-ear designs give stronger bass and isolation.	Section 3
Are they safe to use?	Shokz open-ear products are designed to support awareness of your surroundings. They do not guarantee safety, they are not hearing aids or medical devices, and outcomes depend on individual usage.	Section 4
Where do they fit best?	Running, outdoor training, gym sessions, walking and commuting, cycling, and office calls.	Section 5
What are the trade-offs?	Lighter bass, low noise isolation, some sound leakage at higher volume, and a light vibration on the cheekbones.	Section 6
How do I choose?	Match sound, fit, battery life, water resistance, microphones and app features to how and where you listen.	Section 7

Quick Pick: Shokz Bone Conduction Models

If you want...	Choose	Key facts
Long runs and long sessions	OpenRun Pro 2	Up to 12 hours, 5 min charge = 2.5 hours, IP55, US$179.95
Daily workouts and wet-weather runs at a lower price	OpenRun	Up to 8 hours, IP67 (not for swimming), US$129.95
A newer standard-tier model	OpenRun Air 2	Up to 10 hours, IP67 (not for swimming), Bluetooth 6.0, US$129.95
Swimming	OpenSwim Pro	IP68, swimproof to 2 m, 32 GB onboard storage

See section 8 for the full spec table and section 9 for the model decision guide.

1. What Are Bone Conduction Headphones?

Bone conduction headphones are open-ear headphones that send sound as small vibrations through the cheekbones to the inner ear, so nothing sits in or over the ear canal. A band wraps around the back of the head, and two transducers rest just in front of your ears.

Because the ear canal stays open, you hear your audio and the sounds around you at the same time. This is why the design is popular for running, outdoor training, gym sessions and long days at a desk.

We call our portfolio open-ear audio, a category separate from traditional in-ear headphones and earbuds. Some of our open-ear products use bone conduction, and others use air conduction. Learn more on our technology page.

In short:

What you wear: a lightweight band with transducers on the cheekbones.

What stays free: your ear canals.

What you give up: deep bass and passive noise isolation, compared with sealed in-ear earbuds.

2. How Do Bone Conduction Headphones Work?

Bone conduction headphones turn the audio signal into small vibrations that travel through the bones of the face to the inner ear, instead of pushing air into the ear canal.

The signal arrives. Your phone sends audio over Bluetooth to the headphones.

The transducers vibrate. Each transducer converts the signal into vibration at the cheekbone, just in front of the ear.

The vibration travels through bone. It reaches the inner ear without passing through the ear canal.

Your brain hears sound. Outside sound still reaches you through the open ear canal at the same time.

Some models add a second driver. The OpenRun Pro 2 uses DualPitch technology, which assigns higher frequencies to a bone conduction driver and bass to an air conduction driver to add depth and reduce vibration.

What to expect when you first wear them:

What you notice	What it means
Voices, podcasts and audiobooks sound clear	Spoken content suits this design well
Bass is lighter than in sealed in-ear earbuds	The open design trades deep bass for open ears
A light buzz on the cheekbones at higher volume	Vibration is part of how the technology works, so keep volume moderate
People close to you can hear your audio at higher volume	Open designs leak some sound, so lower the volume in quiet places
Outside noise competes with your audio	Open ears also let in traffic, wind and chatter

3. Bone Conduction vs. In-Ear Earbuds (and Open-Ear Earbuds)

Bone conduction and open-ear earbuds both leave the ear canal open, while in-ear earbuds seal it. The right choice depends on where you listen and what matters most to you.

	Bone conduction headphones	Open-ear earbuds	In-ear earbuds
How sound reaches you	Vibration through the cheekbones	Small speakers near the ear aimed toward the ear canal	Speakers inside or sealed against the ear canal
Ear canal	Open	Open	Sealed or partly sealed
Surrounding sound	Audible, depending on volume and environment	Audible, depending on volume and environment	Reduced by the seal
Bass	Lighter	Fuller than bone conduction in many designs, lighter than sealed earbuds	Strongest
Passive noise isolation	Low	Low	High
Fit when moving	Ear-hook and neckband frame	Ear-hook or ear-clip designs	Depends on tip seal and fit
Long wear	Nothing in the canal	Nothing or little in the canal	Canal pressure varies by fit
Glasses	Behind-the-ear structure can overlap with glasses arms, so check the fit	Clip-on designs usually take less space behind the ear	Generally easy
Often chosen for	Running, outdoor training, podcasts and calls	Everyday listening, office and walks	Flights, trains and noisy places

Choose bone conduction if you want the ear canal fully uncovered, you train outdoors and want a stable frame, and you listen to podcasts, calls and music where clarity matters more than deep bass.

Choose open-ear earbuds if you want an earbud-style fit with open ears and a fuller sound for everyday listening.

Choose in-ear earbuds if you want to shut out noise or want the strongest bass.

For a deeper look, read our guide Open-ear vs bone conduction vs in-ear headphones.

4. Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safe? Using Them With Care

Our open-ear products are designed to support awareness of your surroundings. They do not guarantee safety, and they are not hearing aids or medical devices. How much of your surroundings you hear depends on your volume, the environment and how you wear them.

Habits that help:

Set a moderate volume before you head out, especially near traffic or in wind.

Follow local rules and common sense about wearing headphones while running, cycling or driving.

Stay attentive in busy places. Open ears do not replace your own attention.

Take a break if your ears or cheekbones feel tired.

Choose the right size so the transducers sit snugly without pressing hard.

Common safety questions:

Question	Answer
Do they let me hear traffic?	They leave your ears open, which supports awareness. High volume, wind and noise can still cover outside sound.
Do they guarantee safety?	No. Outcomes depend on individual usage, meaning how and where you wear them.
Are they hearing aids or medical devices?	No. We do not make hearing-health claims for them.
Can they damage my hearing?	We do not make hearing-health claims. Listening at high volume through any headphones can be tiring, so keep volume moderate. If you have concerns, talk to a hearing professional.
Can I wear them while driving?	Follow local laws and do not use headphones when full attention is required.

5. Where Bone Conduction Headphones Fit Best: Scenarios

Bone conduction headphones fit activities where you want music, podcasts or calls without sealing your ears. Awareness outcomes depend on individual usage in every scenario below.

Scenario	Why people choose bone conduction	What to look for	Shokz option
Running (short and daily)	Open ears and a stable ear-hook frame	Light weight, sweat resistance	OpenRun or OpenRun Air 2
Long runs and marathon training	Long sessions without sealing your ears	Battery life, quick charge, secure fit	OpenRun Pro 2
Gym and cross-training	Frame stays put and keeps ears cool	Light frame, sweat resistance, EQ	OpenRun Air 2 or OpenRun
Walking and commuting	Hear announcements and nearby voices	Battery life, moderate volume	OpenRun Pro 2 or OpenRun Air 2
Cycling	Open ears while riding	Battery for ride length, check fit with your helmet or cap, follow local rules	Any of the three, matched to ride length
Office and calls	Hear colleagues while listening	Microphone quality, long talk time	OpenMeet 2 or OpenComm2 2025 Upgrade
Swimming	Open ears in the water	Waterproofing and onboard storage	OpenSwim Pro
Glasses wearers	Transducers sit in front of the ear	Slim fit behind the ear, try the Mini size	Check fit with your frames

6. Why Choose Bone Conduction Headphones?

People choose bone conduction headphones for open ears, a secure frame and long-wear comfort. They also come with trade-offs, so weigh both.

Reasons people choose them:

Open ears. Nothing sits in the ear canal, so you can listen while staying aware of your surroundings.

Stable fit. The ear-hook and neckband frame is built to stay in place during movement.

Comfort over long sessions. There are no ear tips to seal or adjust.

Clear voices. Podcasts, audiobooks and calls come through clearly.

Easy conversation. You can talk to people nearby without removing your headphones.

Trade-offs to know:

Trade-off	What to expect
Lighter bass	Bass is lighter than in sealed in-ear earbuds
Low isolation	Outside noise stays part of the experience
Sound leakage	People close by may hear higher volume
Vibration	A light buzz is normal at higher volume
Fit varies	Head shape and glasses can change the feel, so try the Mini size if the Standard feels loose

If deep bass and strong isolation matter most, in-ear earbuds suit you better. If open ears and a stable frame matter most, bone conduction is worth a try.

7. How to Choose Bone Conduction Headphones

Match the headphones to how and where you listen. Use these seven checks.

1. Sound Quality

Look at how the model splits frequencies, then check for distortion and vibration at your usual volume. Bone conduction handles mids and highs well, and bass is the hard part. The OpenRun Pro 2 pairs a bone conduction driver with an air conduction driver through DualPitch technology.

2. Fit and Comfort

Choose a lightweight frame that stays put while you move. Our bone conduction headphones use an ear-hook design with a neckband. Weight ranges from 26.4 g for the standard OpenRun to 30.3 g for the standard OpenRun Pro 2, and the OpenRun Pro 2, OpenRun and OpenRun Air 2 come in Standard and Mini sizes.

3. Battery Life and Quick Charge

Match battery life to your longest session. The OpenRun Pro 2 offers up to 12 hours, and 5 minutes of charging gives up to 2.5 hours of use. The OpenRun Air 2 offers up to 10 hours, with 5 minutes giving up to 2 hours. The OpenRun offers up to 8 hours, with 10 minutes giving up to 1.5 hours.

4. Water and Sweat Resistance

An IP rating pairs a dust number with a water number. IP55 covers dust and sweat for training, IP67 adds protection against water immersion but is not for swimming, and IP68 is the level used for swim headphones. For pool use, look at our OpenSwim Pro, rated IP68 and swimproof to 2 m, with 32 GB of MP3 storage. Bluetooth does not travel well through water, so swim models rely on onboard MP3 storage.

5. Call and Microphone Quality

If you take calls outdoors, check the microphone setup. The OpenRun Pro 2 has dual AI noise reduction and wind-resistant microphones (up to 25 km/h), and the OpenRun Air 2 has dual AI noise-canceling and wind-resistant microphones. For office calls, look at our business models such as the OpenMeet 2 and OpenComm2 2025 Upgrade.

6. App, EQ and Connectivity

An app and EQ presets let you tune the sound to your environment. The OpenRun Pro 2 offers 6 preset EQs and 2 custom modes, the OpenRun Air 2 offers 4 presets and 2 custom modes, and both support MultiPoint pairing and our app.

8. Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones: OpenRun Pro 2, OpenRun and OpenRun Air 2

These three models cover our bone conduction sports range, and they differ mainly in battery life, water resistance, charging and launch generation.

Spec	OpenRun Pro 2	OpenRun	OpenRun Air 2
Positioning	Flagship	Standard	Standard
Price (US)	US$179.95	US$129.95	US$129.95
Audio technology	10th-Gen Bone Conduction Tech (DualPitch)	8th-Gen Bone Conduction Tech (PremiumPitch 2.0+)	PremiumPitch 3.0
Battery life	Up to 12 hours	8 hours	Up to 10 hours
Quick charge	5 min = 2.5 hours	10 min = 1.5 hours	5 min = up to 2 hours
Charging port	USB-C	2-pin magnetic induction / USB-C	USB-C
Water and dust resistance	IP55	IP67 (not for swimming)	IP67 (not for swimming)
Fit	Ear-hook + neckband	Ear-hook + neckband	Ear-hook + neckband
Weight	30.3 g standard, 30 g mini	26.4 g standard, 26 g mini	26.4 g standard, 25.9 g mini
EQ	6 presets + 2 custom	2 presets	4 presets + 2 custom
Microphones	Dual AI noise reduction, wind-resistant (up to 25 km/h)	Dual noise-canceling	Dual AI noise-canceling, wind-resistant
MultiPoint pairing	Yes	Not listed	Yes
Bluetooth	5.3	5.1	6.0
Launch	August 2024	July 2019	August 2026

9. Which Shokz Model Fits You?

All three models share the ear-hook and neckband frame and come in Standard and Mini sizes. Pick by how you run and train.

If you...	Choose	Why
Run long distances or train for races, and want the longest battery and fastest top-up	OpenRun Pro 2	Up to 12 hours, 5 min = 2.5 hours, DualPitch audio, 6 EQ presets, wind-resistant microphones
Run daily or work out and want higher water resistance at a lower price	OpenRun	IP67, 26.4 g, up to 8 hours, simple controls
Want the newest standard-tier model with a longer battery than the OpenRun, the lightest Mini and current Bluetooth	OpenRun Air 2	Up to 10 hours, 25.9 g Mini, IP67, Bluetooth 6.0, 4 EQ presets and 2 custom modes
Swim as well as train	OpenSwim Pro	IP68, swimproof to 2 m, 32 GB, because none of the three models above is for swimming
Take frequent work calls	OpenMeet 2 or OpenComm2 2025 Upgrade	Built for office and communication use

Long runs, marathon training and all-day wear: OpenRun Pro 2. It has the longest battery life of the three and the fastest quick charge, so a short top-up before a run covers a long session. It suits people who run, train and take calls in the same day. It is rated IP55, so it is built for sweat and weather during training, and it is not for swimming.

Daily workouts, wet-weather runs and a lower price: OpenRun. It carries an IP67 rating, which suits sweaty gym sessions and rain. Battery life is up to 8 hours, which covers most daily routines. It is not for swimming.

A newer standard-tier option: OpenRun Air 2. It combines IP67 resistance, up to 10 hours of battery and USB-C charging with 4 presets and 2 custom EQ modes. Its Mini size weighs 25.9 g. It is not for swimming.

Whichever you choose, your awareness of surroundings depends on volume, environment and fit, so set a sensible volume before you head out.

10. The Wider Shokz Open-Ear Family

If bone conduction is not the right fit, we also make open-ear earbuds with different wearing styles.

Form factor	Models	Fit	Water and dust resistance
Bone conduction headphones	OpenRun Pro 2, OpenRun, OpenRun Air 2, OpenSwim Pro	Ear-hook + neckband	IP55 to IP68, depending on model
Open-ear clip-on earbuds	OpenDots 2, OpenDots Air	Ear-clip	OpenDots 2 earbuds IP57, OpenDots Air earbuds IP55
Open-ear ear-hook earbuds	OpenFit Pro, OpenFit	Ear-hook	OpenFit Pro IP55, OpenFit IP54

Battery life per charge: OpenDots 2 up to 10 hours, OpenDots Air up to 9 hours, OpenFit up to 7 hours, and OpenFit Pro 12 hours with noise reduction off. Compare them on the product comparison page.

11. Getting Started, Price and Support

Get set up in five steps:

Pick a size. The OpenRun Pro 2, OpenRun and OpenRun Air 2 come in Standard and Mini. Choose the one that sits snugly without pressing hard.

Position the transducers. They rest on your cheekbones just in front of your ears, with the band behind your head.

Pair and set volume. Pair over Bluetooth, and start at a moderate volume. The OpenRun Pro 2 and OpenRun Air 2 support MultiPoint pairing, so you can connect two devices.

Tune the sound. Use our app and EQ presets to adjust sound for your environment.

Charge. The OpenRun Pro 2 takes about 1 hour for a full charge, and 5 minutes of quick charge gives up to 2.5 hours of use.

For step-by-step help, read the OpenRun Pro 2 guide or the OpenSwim Pro guide, or visit our Help Center.

Price and where to buy. Our current US list prices are US179.95fortheOpenRunPro2andUS129.95 for the OpenRun and OpenRun Air 2. Check the product page for current pricing and availability. Browse every model on our website, or find a store with our store locator.

12. FAQs

What Are Bone Conduction Headphones?

They are open-ear headphones that send sound as vibrations through your cheekbones to the inner ear, so nothing sits in your ear canals.

How Do Bone Conduction Headphones Work?

Transducers on your cheekbones turn the audio signal into small vibrations that travel through bone to the inner ear. Because your ear canals stay open, you can still hear your surroundings, depending on volume and environment.

What Is the Difference Between Bone Conduction and In-Ear Headphones?

Bone conduction leaves your ear canal open and sends sound through your cheekbones, while in-ear earbuds sit in the canal and block outside sound with a seal. In-ear designs give stronger bass and isolation, and bone conduction supports open-ear listening.

What Is the Difference Between Bone Conduction and Open-Ear Earbuds?

Bone conduction sends sound through the cheekbones, while open-ear earbuds place small speakers near the ear canal. Both leave the canal open. See the table in section 3 or our guide on open-ear vs bone conduction vs in-ear headphones.

Are Bone Conduction Headphones Safe to Use?

Our open-ear products are designed to support awareness of your surroundings. They do not guarantee safety, and outcomes depend on individual usage, meaning how and where you wear them. Keep volume moderate and follow local rules for headphone use while running, cycling or driving.

Do Bone Conduction Headphones Affect Hearing?

Our open-ear products are not hearing aids or medical devices, and we do not make hearing-health claims. Listening at high volume through any headphones can be tiring, so keep volume moderate. If you have concerns about your hearing, talk to a hearing professional.

Are Bone Conduction Headphones Worth It?

They are worth considering if you want to listen while staying aware of your surroundings, and if comfort and a secure fit during movement matter to you. They do not seal the ear, so they do not isolate you from noise the way in-ear designs do.

Do Bone Conduction Headphones Leak Sound?

Yes, people nearby can hear your audio at higher volume, especially in quiet places. Lower the volume in offices and libraries.

How Is the Sound Quality?

Voices, podcasts and audiobooks come through clearly, and music is enjoyable for many listeners. Bass is lighter than with sealed in-ear earbuds. Models with an extra air conduction driver, such as the OpenRun Pro 2, add depth.

Which Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones Are Suited to Running?

The OpenRun Pro 2, OpenRun and OpenRun Air 2 all use an ear-hook and neckband built to stay in place during movement. The OpenRun Pro 2 suits long runs with up to 12 hours of battery, while the OpenRun and OpenRun Air 2 add IP67 resistance at a lower price.

Can I Wear Them With Glasses?

Often yes, but the band and arms sit around the ear, so thick temple arms can overlap. Try the Mini size and check the fit before you commit.

Can I Swim With Bone Conduction Headphones?

Only with a swim-rated pair. The OpenSwim Pro is rated IP68 and swimproof to 2 m. The OpenRun Pro 2 (IP55), OpenRun (IP67) and OpenRun Air 2 (IP67) are not for swimming.

Do These Headphones Work for Calls?

Yes. The OpenRun Pro 2 and OpenRun Air 2 have dual AI noise-processing microphones with wind resistance, and we also offer office models such as the OpenMeet 2 and OpenComm2 2025 Upgrade for frequent calls.

How Is Shokz Related to AfterShokz?

They are the same brand. AfterShokz rebranded to Shokz in 2021.

Where Can I Try a Pair?

Use our store locator, or browse the full range on our website.

Conclusion

Our bone conduction headphones keep your ears open while you listen, making them a good choice for runners, gym-goers and everyday listeners who value awareness and a stable fit. Pick a pair based on your preferred sound, fit, battery life and water resistance: the OpenRun Pro 2 for long sessions, the OpenRun for daily and wet-weather use, the OpenRun Air 2 for a newer standard-tier option, and the OpenSwim Pro for swimming. Explore our full lineup on our homepage.

NIKI Jane

November 4, 2026

NIKI Jane is a writer for Shokz. When not creating content, she’s usually out with her OpenRun Pro 2—cycling, hiking, and running wherever the road takes her. guides on Shokz