I’ve been using Shokz bone conduction, open-ear headphones for years—ever since they were known as Aftershokz. It’s a rare day that I leave the house without them. And today, multiple Shokz models are deeply discounted at a bunch of stores. Check ’em out!
If you aren’t familiar with how these work, they sit outside of your ears just behind your temple, vibrating the bones in your head to deliver music right to your eardrum. This keeps your ear canals open and unobstructed so you can hear everything around you while still listening to music, podcasts, or what have you. It takes a little getting used to, but it’s a transformative way to listen to just about anything. They’re popular for cyclists and runners who need to be aware of their surroundings, but I love Shokz headphones for everything when I’m in public.
Shokz
If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get started, I recommend the Shokz OpenMove. This is the basic no-frills model, very easy to set up, with physical buttons for power, play/pause/tracking, and volume control. And unlike some more recent designs, it charges via a standard USB-C cable. It’ll last you about 8 hours on a charge and has minimal water resistance. Normally $80, you can get it on Amazon for under $55. It’s also available from Best Buy, B&H, and Walmart at that price.
Get the OpenMove bone conduction headphones for $55
If you want something a bit more premium, go with the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2. I bought these last year to get more battery life, for kayaking trips that go up to 12 hours. They’re also lighter, slimmer, and have better audio, with deeper bass and clearer mids and trebles. I wouldn’t say they’re as good as standard earbuds or cans—no bone conduction design is—but it’s a definite upgrade versus the OpenMove.
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 also recharges via USB-C (the original OpenRun Pro did not) and has full physical controls. It’s got the same IP55 water resistance as the cheaper OpenMove design, but for what it’s worth, I took an (ahem) unscheduled swim in Lake Wallenpaupack on my last kayak trip and it still works without issue.
The OpenRun Pro 2 is going for $140 on Amazon, a $40 discount on its retail price and well worth it in my opinion. They’re available in “Standard” and “Mini” sizes, with the only difference being a slightly shorter band for smaller heads. Amazon has these available in various colors, but if you want the spiffy orange version (harder to find), head over to Best Buy. If stock runs out, check B&H and Walmart, too.
Get the OpenRun Pro 2 bone conduction headphones for $140