How to Choose Bone Conduction Headphones ? Right Choice for You

Introduction

Bone conduction headphones use different technology from their traditional counterparts. Instead of sending sound waves through your ear canal, they transmit vibrations through the bones of your cheek and jaw. But when it comes to purchasing a pair of bone conduction headphones, what does that mean exactly? And what should you look for as a consumer?

This article will discuss the most important features to consider, from sound quality to battery life, and it’ll also introduce the various product offerings from Shokz, including the OpenRun, OpenSwim Pro, the OpenComm2, and our newest release, the OpenRun Pro 2. We’ll guide you through the differences of their unique designs, helping you decide which pair is best for you.

Sound quality

One of the perks of bone conduction headphones is their open-ear design, which allows users to maintain situational awareness while still listening to their audio. But of equal importance is their sound clarity and power. When choosing between headphones, you should consider factors like frequency response and sound leakage, and whether there’s distortion or excessive vibrations that can lead to discomfort.

The new OpenRun Pro 2 from Shokz features the latest technological breakthroughs in sound performance, including DualPitchTM Technology. This assigns the high frequencies to a bone-conduction driver for clearer highs and mids, and assigns the low frequencies to an air-conduction driver, creating a deeper, more booming bass that also reduces the amount of vibrations.

Comfort

From its weight to its materials and design structure, there are different components that can affect how comfortable a pair of bone conduction headphones are. You want them to be light but also stable, so that they don’t move around while you’re exercising. Most brands use an over-ear design and plastic material.

Shokz, however, uses an ergonomic and flexible ear-hook design to ensure a soft and secure fit. The OpenRun is one of our most popular headphones because of its lightweight design, weighing just 26 grams.

Battery life

Having to charge constantly can be frustrating, especially if you’re enjoying the outdoors and far from any outlets. A great pair of headphones will not only have a long-lasting battery life, but they’ll also have quick-charge capabilities that can give you a nice boost when you’re in a pinch.

For active lifestyles, the all-new OpenRun Pro 2 offers up to 12 hours of battery life, thanks to a larger battery with none of the extra weight. Quick Charge also gives you 2.5 hours of playtime from just 5 minutes of charging. For office settings, the OpenComm2 headset offers up to 16 hours of battery life, and you can get 2 hours of talk time from a 5-minute charge. Both options can be fully charged in an hour.

Waterproof and sweatproof

Given that bone conduction headphones are typically used in a fitness or sports setting, it’s worth considering just how water- and sweat-resistant they are. A device’s IP code, or ingress protection code, signifies its level of protection against dust and water. This code is composed of two numbers, one for solid particles and another for liquids.

For example, the Shokz OpenSwim Pro has an IP68 rating. The 6 indicates that it’s dust-tight, offering complete protection against contact, while the 8 indicates that it’s suitable for continuous immersion in water. If you’re someone who wants headphones that are as capable on land as they are underwater, then the OpenSwim Pro is for you. It’s safe in depths of up to 2 m for 2 hours and offers both Bluetooth and MP3 modes.

If waterproofing is less of a factor, then you might want to consider the new OpenRun Pro 2. It has an IP55 rating, meaning it’s dust-protected and sweat-resistant. They can withstand even the most grueling above-water activities.

Brand and after-sales service

When choosing between different bone conduction headphones, be sure to consider brand reputation and after-sales service. Established brands often offer premium quality and durability, while their commitment to R&D ensures that their products will meet the highest standards. Additionally, you can rely on them to have a robust customer support network that can provide assistance, repairs, and replacements when needed.

Shokz has been an industry leader since its inception in 2011, having filed over 4,300 patents globally in the open-ear space, and customer satisfaction is its top priority. When you buy a new pair of Shokz headphones from either the official website or an authorized retailer, you get a 2-year manufacturer warranty. And if you ever have any questions or problems, you can visit the Shokz Help Center for personalized support and troubleshooting.

Number of offline stores

While online shopping offers convenience, there are practical benefits to brick-and-mortar stores. They allow you to try on different models, assess comfort, and test sound quality. They also have knowledgeable staff who can answer any questions you might have and give personalized recommendations.

In the US alone, Shokz headphones can be purchased at 889 different Best Buy locations, across all 50 states. Using the Shokz website, you can find the nearest store to you and try out your next pair of headphones today.

Conclusion

When choosing your next pair of bone conduction headphones, you should take into account a variety of factors, from the sound quality and comfort level to battery life and waterproofing capability. Testing different models in brick-and-mortar stores and relying on trusted brands will also help you narrow down your search and find the perfect, high-quality audio experience for you.

Shokz offers top-of-the-line products, whether you’re on the hunt for the latest technology – like the OpenRun Pro 2 – or an affordable pair of headphones to enhance your daily workouts – like the OpenRun. To learn more, visit Shokz.com.