Bone conduction headphones: features and best models

In this review, we will talk about bone conduction headphones, introduce you to the features of this technology, the options for its use, as well as the advantages and disadvantages. We will also give recommendations on choosing the best gadget and review the most popular models.

The principle of operation of bone headphones is that sound is transmitted by vibration through the temporal bone directly to the inner ear. Thus, the auditory canal remains completely open, and the audio stream from the outside world does not stop even after the melody is turned on.

In order to understand the principle and mechanism of operation of such devices, we will give a little theory. It is known that a person can perceive sound in two main ways: there is air conduction and bone conduction. A healthy person uses both at the same time, but in some cases, one of them may be the only way to hear. Initially, such devices were created for people with hearing pathologies, they turned out to be indispensable for patients suffering from conductive hearing loss, in which the structure of the outer and middle ear is affected. In addition, the technology is relevant for people with microtia, in which the auricle is absent at all.

This technology did not appear immediately in the loudspeaker segment. For several decades, it has come a long way in a wide variety of niches. After medicine, bone conduction "migrated" to the armed forces, from where it moved into security activities - its use was especially important in cases where there was a need to control what was happening around while maintaining the ability to simultaneously receive orders.

Soon athletes became interested in technology, bone conduction was especially widespread among swimmers, as well as divers. This is not surprising: when an athlete dives into the water column with scuba diving, it is imperative to maintain a reliable connection with the external environment, at least for safety reasons.

Nowadays bone headphones are actively used not only by swimmers, but also by cyclists and athletes. In addition, the use of such a headset is justified while driving - thanks to this, you can safely communicate on a mobile phone and at the same time closely monitor what is happening on the track.

Sound performance in bone conduction gadgets is unlike what we're used to. The main difference is that lower frequencies are felt rather than heard. The basis of this design is a piezodynamic device that transforms sound into acoustic vibrations. They transmit bass in the form of vibration in the high volume mode, and a person can feel the sound with his body. This technology will especially appeal to those music lovers who dislike powerful bass. At the same time, high quality products do not have any stuttering, wheezing, sound distortions and dropouts.Basically, it's the same melody, but instead of deep bass, vibration works.

Another undoubted advantage of the technology is that listening to audio recordings in gadgets with bone conduction is much more comfortable for the hearing organs, since the bones of the skull are much stronger than the eardrum. Of course, it is believed that vibration harms the brain... Do a little experiment: cover your ears with your hands and say a couple of words. You will surely hear yourself. The fact is that a person can perceive the sound of his own voice by this very bone conduction.

In a number of reviews, users complain that in a closed room, where there are no extraneous sounds, others can hear a melody that is heard from the speakers of bone headphones. Yes, there is such a problem. but manufacturers these days are trying to minimize it, and not so long ago gadgets appeared on sale that, when working at an average volume, are practically inaudible to others.

Wired headphones have a fairly budgetary cost, since they do not provide a Bluetooth module - this makes them more affordable for the vast majority of users. but the principle of transmission of sound signals here remains unchanged - it is directed through the temporal bone to the inner part of the ear. For this, it has its own battery, as well as an amplifier. Connection to a player or smartphone is performed via a 3.5 mm mini-jack interface.

A wireless headset usually has a miniature body, it has the ability to connect to a laptop, tablet or mobile phone via a Bluetooth module. In this case, the signal emitter can be located at home or in the passenger compartment of a car within a radius of up to 10 m. Such a model is convenient to use, since a person's freedom of movement is not limited by wires, and he can rotate his head in order to control the situation around him.

Aftershokz was and remains the absolute leader in this market. We have prepared for you an overview of the most popular models, which differ in their technical parameters and cost.

This is the oldest version and at the same time the most budgetary. It is a wired headphone without a built-in microphone. The headband is made of titanium, the speakers are slightly simpler here than in more modern products, so the most demanding listener may feel that the bass sounds a little different.

One of the most successful models, which was even offered at Apple's official points of sale for a while. Here the wireless headset is represented by a plastic headband. The product has a rather noble and laconic design; the headphones are on sale in several colors.

We can safely say that it was with this model that the company began a new era, since such technologies were first used here that were able to provide good isolation of sound reproduction and an increased quality of signal reproduction.

Quite compact model with two round emitters and a thin bow. The undoubted advantage is the minimum weight, which became possible due to the removal of the amplifier together with the battery in a separate unit for the wired connection. Such Headphones are often purchased by parents in order to listen to an audio file while walking with their children, but at the same time to keep everything that happens around them under control.

The gadget fits snugly on your head, allows you to adjust the volume on the cord and can be charged from any USB. The battery life assumes up to 10-12 hours of intensive operation.

One of the cheapest wireless models. A single control button for the product is here placed on the occipital arch, it is there that you can turn on the gadget and adjust its sound so as not to displace the location of the ear cushion. An elastic band is located under the ear, it provides the maximum girth and the mode of the emitters.

The model provides high-speed Bluetooth, due to which the synchronization between the smartphone and the earphone is always high.

The impedance parameter is 8 ohms, which allows playback of audio files from even the weakest MP3 player. The gadget connects to the smartphone automatically at startup, the user does not need to search and approve pairing. Supports connection with PCs and laptops. There is an indication on the headphones that warns of changes in functioning or a dead battery.

Among the disadvantages, the increased sensitivity is noted, the pressure of the emitters is 82 dB. In combination with the open version of the ear cushions, this results in a rather impressive sound leakage. The frequency here starts from 100 Hz, so deep bass lovers are unlikely to be satisfied with listening to their favorite tunes. In addition, this device requires at least five hours to charge.

One of the best models, in the creation of which the company took into account all user reviews. Here: improved sound reproduction, the microphone has been improved, all the basic parameters of sound insulation have been almost re-compiled. The design of the headband was developed in a different way: in this model it is not only super strong, but also flexible, if desired, it can even be tied into a knot.

The body is dense, resistant to sweat, splashes, water and dust, which makes the model especially popular among athletes. Another advantage of the equipment is battery life up to 6–7 hours under conditions of intensive use.

The headphones are simply controlled directly from the case; for maximum comfort, the functional button is displayed on the speaker, by pressing it, you can stop and start recording at any time, as well as answer an incoming call.

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a bone-in headphone.

• Connection type. It can be wired or Bluetooth. Without a doubt, the second option is more convenient. It is especially preferred for active music lovers who combine listening to music with sports / driving / watching children or other activities. However, its cost is much higher.
• Water and dust resistant. Ideally, headphones should be certified starting from IP55, in this case they will not be affected by dust, sweat and liquid droplets.
• The period of autonomous work. For operation in the city, 5-6 hours of operation on a single charge will be quite enough. But if you are planning to go on a hike or a long trip, then you should think about purchasing gadgets that work 12 or more hours without additional recharging.
• Dimensions. Of course, such headphones are initially lightweight, but nevertheless, for lovers of very compact and practically weightless devices, the industry offers models weighing 35–36 grams.
• Additional features. If desired, you can purchase options that allow you to connect the second, in this case the autonomy of their work increases to 20 hours.

Bone conduction gadgets have a closed design. Their fixation on the head literally determines the configuration of the headband.

Synchronization of headphones with a smartphone can be carried out via cable or Bluetooth, all the necessary buttons, as well as connectors and a volume rocker are located on the case.

The use of such gadgets is justified:

• when you work in an office space and on duty often talk on Skype, however, you need to always hear what your employees are talking about;
• if you watch your favorite movies and TV shows before going to bed, and a small child is sleeping in another room;
• if on duty you spend a lot of time behind the wheel of a car, but it is fundamentally important for you to answer calls in a timely manner;
• if you just do not like to walk the streets without your favorite music, but are worried about your own safety;
• when you spend a lot of time listening to tunes or audiobooks, but do not want to spoil your hearing.

See the following video for how bone conduction headphones sound.