In the fast-paced world of modern audio technology, one innovation stands out for its promise to revolutionise the way we experience music, podcasts, and even phone calls – open-ear headphones.
Unlike their traditional, noise-isolating counterparts, these clever devices allow users to enjoy high-quality sound while maintaining awareness of their surroundings. For runners, cyclists, commuters, and anyone who values both personal audio and environmental awareness, open-ear headphones offer a unique blend of convenience, safety, and sound quality.
The concept of open-ear headphones first emerged in the late 20th century, building on the age-old technology of bone conduction (something that a deaf Beethoven utilised while composing), which allows sound to be transmitted through the bones of the skull rather than the air in the ear canal.
Originally developed for people with hearing impairments, bone conduction headphones gradually found a place in the mainstream market for their ability to deliver audio while leaving the ear canal open and free. Back in 2012, companies such as Aftershokz (now known simply as Shokz) and Bose began to fine-tune and popularise open-ear designs, eventually ushering in an era where users could access both clear audio and environmental awareness simultaneously.
The most common types of open-ear headphones fall into two categories: bone conduction and air conduction. Bone conduction headphones sit on the cheekbones or temples, sending vibrations directly to the inner ear through the bones, bypassing the eardrum entirely. This makes them particularly beneficial for individuals with hearing loss or those looking for a device that won't block out environmental sounds.
On the other hand, air-conduction open-ear headphones rest just above or around the ear, using a more traditional speaker mechanism to send sound directly into the ear without fully enclosing it.
Both options share the hallmark of keeping your ears unsealed, allowing ambient noise to seep in, and some open-ear headphones leverage both technologies simultaneously for an unbeatable listening experience.
What are the benefits of open-ear headphones?
Open-ear headphones are no longer just a niche product – they’re a key part of the evolving audio landscape, offering users a balance between immersive sound and practicality. Keep scrolling for our selection of the best on the market.
Shop now
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2
From sound leakage to a significant lack of bass, there’s yet to be a brand which has mastered the art of bone conduction for a well-rounded and comfortable listening experience– until now.
Supremely comfortable and capable of producing premium sound through an innovative combination of bone and air conduction, SHOCKZ Open Run Pro 2s are a remarkable addition to the world of audio technology.
While certain improvements could be made to the material, the microphones and the placement of fiddly buttons, I certainly won’t be using wireless buds while working out ever again.
Buy now £169.00, Amazon
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are perfect for staying connected to your world without losing out on incredible sound. Unlike traditional earbuds, the open-ear design lets us stay aware of our surroundings while enjoying crystal-clear audio, whether on a busy street or at the park.
The sound quality is immense, vibrant, detailed and balanced, even without blocking out background noise. Plus, they’re sweat and weather-resistant, so they’re ready for everything from light workouts to unexpected rain.
Buy now £249.95, Bose
Creative Outlier Free Pro+
Creative Outlier’s Free Pro+ bone conductors are very similar in look to the Shokz and, indeed, all other bone conduction headphones (such is the nature of the bone beast), but while the transmission technology also remains the same, here we have an IP8X-rating, which means these vibe-bringers can take on submersion down to 1.5 metres for up to 30 minutes, meaning that, not only are the snug and secure on the run, they’re also primed for a dip in the pool.
What’s that? Bluetooth doesn’t penetrate water well? Well, firstly, good knowledge, sending a Bluetooth signal from your phone on dry land to where your head is, possibly underwater, would be ineffectual, wouldn’t it? Fortunately, then, the Free Pro+ comes with a built-in memory capacity of 8GB on which you can store your own music for use when splashing around.
With a battery good for up to 10 hours of continuous playback, support for Siri and Google Assistant, and multipoint connectivity for hooking up to three separate devices at once, when the run is done, dive into something different, cool in the pool, and take your calls and chords as they come while you float free.
Buy now £69.99, Amazon
Huawei FreeClip
Offered in an array of attractive colours, we love the almost metallic aesthetic of the Huawei FreeClips, which create an almost pierced ear effect when worn thanks to the C-bridge design. What’s more each earbud weighs in at approximately 5.6g which, combined with ergonomic design, makes them ultra-comfortable and feather-light.
Leveraging advanced air conduction technology, the Huawei FreeClip provides crystal-clear audio while leaving your ears open to the outside world. The ultra-lightweight design, combined with dual-device connectivity, allows seamless switching between devices, ensuring you never miss a beat.
Buy now £169.99, Amazon
Nothing Ear (open)
.jpeg?trim=0%2C0%2C0%2C0)
The air conduction-powered Nothing Ear (open) headphones challenge the typical wireless earbud format, featuring a transparent design that not only looks futuristic but delivers clear, ambient sound. With their open-ear form, you can enjoy a rich audio experience without isolating yourself from the world around you.
They’ve been engineered with what Nothing has dubbed a ‘Sound Seal System’, which utilises directional speakers to ensure that sound waves at the front and back of the bud cancel each other - so you’re the only one who can hear whatever it is you may be listening to.
Buy now £122.59, Amazon
JVC Wireless Open Earcuff Earphones
JVC’s Wireless Open Earcuff Earphones use an innovative ear-cuff design, giving you the freedom of open-ear listening with a secure, comfortable fit. Ideal for those who want high-quality audio without the discomfort of traditional in-ear designs, these earphones are perfect for everyday wear or active use, providing situational awareness with a touch of style.
Buy now £149.99, Selfridges
soundcore C30i by Anker, Open-Ear Earbuds
These budget-friendly air conduction earbuds from Anker provide clear, detailed sound while leaving your ears open to ambient noise. Designed for those on the move, the soundcore C30i’s lightweight and sweat-resistant construction makes them perfect for workouts or daily commutes. With excellent sound quality at an affordable price, they strike the perfect balance between immersion and awareness.
Buy now £59.99, Amazon
Sony BRAVIA Theatre U | Wireless Neckband Speaker | Dolby Atmos
Far from your typical set of open-ear headphones, the Sony BRAVIA Theatre U is a neckband speaker designed for cinematic audio with the freedom of an open-ear experience.
Integrated with Dolby Atmos technology, it provides 360-degree sound without ever covering your ears. Whether watching a movie or listening to music, this neckband allows for immersive audio while maintaining full environmental awareness.
Buy now £269.00, Sony
