10 Best Aftershokz Headphones 2026 in the United States

The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 headphones use bone conduction technology, which means they sit outside your ears and send sound through your cheekbones, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings—great if you use them for running or cycling. They combine this with air conduction drivers to deliver deeper bass than many other bone conduction models, giving a richer listening experience. The 12-hour battery life is solid, letting you power through long workouts or travel days without frequent recharging.

Their design focuses on comfort and stability, featuring a lightweight frame with memory wire ear hooks that keep the headphones snug without slipping, even during intense activity. The headphones are also sweat-resistant, making them suitable for exercise but may not be fully waterproof for heavy rain or swimming. Connectivity is smooth with Bluetooth 5.3 and support for multiple devices, so pairing with your phone, watch, or laptop is hassle-free. Call quality is enhanced by dual microphones and noise reduction technology, effectively minimizing wind noise during outdoor calls.

While the sound quality is improved for bone conduction headphones, it may still not satisfy those seeking deep bass or full audio immersion like traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones. Additionally, the open-ear design means some sound leakage might occur in very quiet environments. The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 is well-suited for active people who want to enjoy music and take calls safely outdoors, balancing comfort, decent sound, and long battery life with the unique benefits of bone conduction technology.

The OpenComm2 2025 Upgrade by Shokz is a solid choice for those wanting open-ear bone conduction headphones mainly for work calls and meetings. It stands out with its lightweight design (just 35g) and comfortable fit, thanks to a flexible frame and soft silicone finish that also offers decent water resistance (IP55 rating) for everyday use. The 7th generation bone conduction technology delivers clear audio, and the noise-canceling microphone helps ensure your voice comes through well during calls.

Battery life is strong with up to 16 hours of talk time, and a handy quick charge feature gives 2 hours of use from just 5 minutes of charging. Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.1 and multipoint pairing, so you can switch between two devices easily. Physical buttons provide intuitive control over volume, calls, and media playback, supported by a companion app for added convenience.

As with many bone conduction models, sound quality for music won't match traditional headphones, especially in bass depth and richness. Also, the open-ear design means some background noise can still be heard, which might be distracting in very noisy environments. While water resistance protects against sweat and light rain, these aren't suitable for heavy workouts or swimming. The OpenComm2 is best suited for professionals who prioritize comfort, call clarity, and the ability to stay aware of their surroundings rather than audiophile-level music listening.

The SHOKZ OpenRun headphones use bone conduction technology, which means they send sound through your cheekbones, leaving your ears open. This design allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while running or working out, making them safer than traditional earbuds. They are very lightweight and comfortable, featuring an open-ear design and a secure wraparound frame that fits well without causing ear fatigue. The included headband adds extra stability for active use.

Battery life is solid, offering about 8 hours of continuous playback, and they support fast USB-C charging that provides 1.5 hours of use from just a 10-minute charge, making them convenient for quick top-ups before exercise. The headphones carry an IP67 rating, making them sweatproof and water-resistant, ideal for intense workouts or rainy runs, though not designed for swimming. Sound quality is surprisingly clear for bone conduction headphones, and calls come through with good clarity thanks to an included microphone. Because sound is transmitted through bones rather than directly into ears, bass may feel less powerful compared to traditional earbuds.

Connectivity is reliable with Bluetooth 5.1 and a decent 33-foot range, allowing connection to multiple devices such as phones, watches, and laptops. One downside is the absence of noise cancellation, so you may hear more background noise than with in-ear options. Also, new users might need a short adjustment period to get used to the unique listening experience. These headphones represent a smart choice for anyone seeking to combine safety, comfort, and decent sound quality during exercise or outdoor activities.