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For these tests, we first wore the helmets in several environments and in different situations (sport, work, transport, outdoors, etc.). We were able to judge their resistance, their connection stability, their support, their comfort, their reactivity, their autonomy, as well as the practicality of the controls. We also tested the application of each helmet. On the audio side, we analyzed the sound quality as well as that of calls while alternating between quiet places and noisier places. We assessed possible noise and vibration leaks. Finally, we watched video content to best examine latency.
The pick of the 5 best bone conduction headphones to choose from in 2023
Shokz OpenRun: the most powerful
Offering 8 hours of battery life, with fast charging support, this headset has it all! Thanks to its thin and ultra-light design, it can be worn for several hours without problems. It is water and dust resistant and has a moisture sensor with alert system. The device offers us a very clear and powerful sound, with good bass. During our call tests, we were satisfied with the 2 noise-canceling microphones, which offered us good communication quality. Only small problem: the proprietary charging cable is difficult to replace.
Most :
- Very clear and powerful sound
- Quick charge support
- Thin and light design
- Water and dust resistant
- Noise canceling microphone
The least:
- Hard to replace charging cable
SoundPEATS RunFree Lite: the most autonomous
With a charging speed of 1h30 and one of the best autonomy on the market (17 hours), this headset is one of the best. It offers a lightweight design and no discomfort was felt while using it. It is resistant to light rain and perspiration and can therefore easily be used for sports. Its SoundPeats app provides access to manual equalizers and 8 defined sound profiles. Another advantage: its multipoint connection is very practical and we were able to easily pair it with the smartphone and the laptop. On the other hand, the call quality leaves much to be desired. The voice is not clear enough, even inaudible in certain situations.
Most :
- Charging speed
- 17 hours of battery life
- Lightweight design
- Rain and dust resistant
- Quality app
The least:
- Call quality not great
Shokz OpenRun Pro: the most comfortable
The Shokz OpenRun Pro offers a good 10 hour battery life and charges quickly. We found it comfortable to wear, even after several hours of listening. It can be used for sports but also outdoors. The sound is excellent and detailed and the call quality is satisfactory, thanks in particular to its 2 noise-canceling microphones. The device also includes a multipoint connection which we believe is very stable. Nevertheless, on the technical side, the proprietary magnetic cable is not easy to replace.
Most :
- 10 hours of battery life
- Quick charge
- Confortable
- Excellent son
- Noise canceling microphones
The least:
- Proprietary magnetic cable not easy to replace
Shokz OpenMove: the lightest
With its light structure, the Shokz OpenMove generates no discomfort after several hours of listening. This helmet is suitable for outdoor sports because it provides good support when moving. On the sound side, we find a good quality despite bass a little more behind. The headset has a dual noise-canceling microphone, which is not to be overlooked for better quality calls. The multipoint connection is present and is very easy to use, despite turbulence in the event of obstacles (walls, doors, etc.). Its autonomy, meanwhile, is very minimal (6 hours).
Most :
- Light structure
- Ideal for outdoor sports
- Dual noise canceling mics
The lessers :
- 6 hour battery life
- Turbulence when using multipoint connection
- Bass a little behind
Other models tested
- Tayogo S2 : We found it very little autonomous.
- Creative Outlier Free Pro : We noticed big latencies when watching videos.
- Philips TAA6606 : We did not find it comfortable to wear.
- Creative Outlier Free : We find it too expensive for what it offers.
4 key criteria for choosing the right bone conduction headphones
According to our product experts, here are the key criteria to consider when choosing your bone conduction headphones
Ergonomics
- The shape of the helmet and the layout of certain buttons on it may interfere with use, so be careful!
- The advantage of bone conduction headphones is that they are all very light
The sound
- Be aware that bone conduction headphones offer much lower sound quality than conventional headphones
- Some sound leakage is to be expected with this type of helmet
The batteries
- Pay attention to the battery life before any purchase
- Check that your headset cable is easily replaceable
Resistance
- If you are mainly buying a helmet for sports, check that it is resistant to water and perspiration
- The helmet’s IP certification can help you know what kind of helmet you’re buying
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