How do you choose the best headphones for safe cycling? I was concerned that I would be less safe cycling with my ears plugged up. So, I did some research, and was happy to find that there are safer options for headphones while cycling. Not all headphones are the same – some plug up your ears and so are potentially dangerous; others are much safer because they enable you to be completely aware of your surroundings.
In this post I compare some of the best headphones for safe cycling. This post starts off with a quick comparison of the prices, then dives into a comparative chart that compares the best headphones for safe cycling. Then, I review the various headphones, focusing on open ear headphones. Note that these are all great options for safe cycling – it all depends on your needs!
Chart Showing the Best Headphones for Safe Cycling
  | • 26 g (0.9 oz). • Battery life of 8 hours. • Can be fully charged in 1.5 hours. • Bluetooth Version 5.1 | IP 67. The 6 means these headphones are dust proof. The 7 means they are completely sweat and waterproof for intense workouts and extreme weather. Not for swimming, but you could cycle in the rain and then fall in a river, and they would be fine. | Designed to let in all noise, as your ears are completely open | • Excellent sound via your cheekbones, while your ears remain completely open. • The neckband plus the over-ear design means they never fall off. • Uses 8th generation bone conduction technology. • You can make phone calls using dual noise-canceling microphones. • Easy-to-use magnetic charger. | |
  | • 29 g (1.02 oz). • Battery life of 10 hours. • Also features a 5-minute quick charge for up to 1.5 hours of battery life. • Can be fully charged in one hour. • Bluetooth Version 5.1 | IP 55. The first 5 means these headphones are dust resistant. The second 5 means they are sufficiently water resistant to resist a sustained, low-pressure water jet spray. Not for swimming, but you can safely use these to cycle in the rain. | Designed to let in all noise, as your ears are completely open | • Excellent sound via your cheekbones, while your ears remain completely open. • The neckband plus the over-ear design means they never fall off. • Uses 9th generation bone conduction technology. • Boasts premium deep bass. • You can make phone calls using dual noise-canceling microphones. • Easy-to-use magnetic charger. • Ships with hard-shell case. | |
| • 25 g (0.88 oz) . • Up to 16 hours. • Bluetooth Version 5.2. | IP X4. The X means these headphones have not been tested for dust resistance. The 4 means they are protected against splashing water. | Designed to let in all noise, as the speaker sits just above your ear canal opening | • Oladance aims for wearable stereo - that is, tiny headphones worn close to your ears, but not covering them. • Traditional sound technology (not bone conduction) with an open ear design. • The headphones loop over the top of your ears so you can cycle with them without them falling off. As there is no band, you cannot do handstands. • You can make phone calls using dual noise-canceling microphones. • Category-busting battery life and excellent sound quality | |
  | • 30 g (1.06 oz). • Battery life of 8 hours. • No Bluetooth, because they are designed to be worn in a pool. Bluetooth does not work in water. You need to copy your music or podcasts onto the headphones - and this is easy to do | IP X8. The X means these headphones have not been tested for dust resistance. The 8 means they are fully waterproof for all moisture exposures, including extended swims | Designed to let in all noise, as your ears are completely open | • The neckband plus the over-ear design means they never fall off. You can even dive with them. Possibly not off the high board, but I have not tried this. Can be worn under a swim cap for extra security. • Easily transfer MP3 files to the unit and listen to podcasts, books or music as you swim laps. • Easily switch from swim mode (less bass) to regular mode for cycling or running home from the pool. • As there is no Bluetooth, you cannot make calls with this unit. • Play, advance song and volume buttons are easy to access while you are swimming. | |
  | • 30 g (1.06 oz). • Battery life of 8 hours. • Also features a 10-minute quick charge for up to 2 hours of battery life. • Bluetooth Version 5.2 | IP 67. The 6 means these headphones are dust proof. The 7 means they are completely sweat and waterproof for intense workouts and extreme weather. Not for swimming, but you could cycle in the rain and then fall in a river, and they would be fine. | Designed to let in all noise, as your ears are completely open | • You can make phone calls using dual noise-canceling microphones. • The neckband plus the over-ear design means they never fall off. • Good sound and comfy to wear all day. | |
 | Usually around $230. Please click here for current best price | • 380 g (13 oz). • Battery life of up to 12 hours. • Bluetooth Long Rance | Sweat-proof | Designed to let in all noise, as your ears are completely open | • Great concept: headphones and microphone are embedded in the helmet. • If you have two of these, you can communicate with your cycling companion. • You can make phone calls using the Integrated built-in speakers and microphone. • It's a helmet, so there is no danger of it falling off! |
No. 1: Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction Open Ear Headphones – Ideal for Safe Cycling
Our top choice are the Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction Open Ear Headphones.
Shokz offers a premium range of open ear headphones that enable you to listen to music or podcasts while keeping your ears wide open to your surroundings. They work by conducting sound waves through your cheek bones, with nothing at all plugged into your ears. Bone conduction headphones enable cyclists to listen to music or podcasts on long commutes without compromising our ability to hear what is going on around us. They are obviously a safer option for cyclists and runners than ear phones that plug your ears. That’s why Shokz have been designated as the Official Headphones of England Athletics!
Since their debut a few years ago, Shokz have got better and better. These headphones represent their 8th generation of bone-conduction technology. And they now offer a range of choices. The entire range is constructed of lightweight, very strong titanium.
Our top pick are the Shokz OpenRun open-ear, bone conduction headphones, because of their blend of affordable price and premium quality. If your head is on the smaller side, you could try the Shokz OpenRun MINI open-ear, bone conduction headphones. Their small size makes them ideal for wearing with a cycling helmet. You can wear either of these for hours, and they are so lightweight you will forget you are wearing them.
Related Post: Review of Shokz OpenRun MINI Headphones – Ideal for Safe Cycling
All Bluetooth Shokz products are compatible with your iOS and Android Bluetooth-ready smartphones or tablets, and Mac and PC computers. I always find the connectivity to be excellent. All offer integrated dual noise-canceling microphones for hands-free phone calls. However, one has to be realistic. You cannot expect to enjoy a perfect phone call while the wind is whistling past your head as you cycle at 20 miles per hour!
Titanium for Strength and Comfort
Shokz chose titanium for strength, durability, and infinite flexibility. It took me a little while to get used to them, because the titanium is a little stiffer than rubber. However, I find I can drape the neck band down towards my neck, so it does not have to be under my bike helmet, and this works just fine. In terms of comfort, these head phones are super comfortable to wear all day, as you don’t have to put up with having objects wedged in your ears. You also don’t have to wrestle with cords getting tangled, as there are no cords. And you don’t have the annoyance of ear phones falling out of your ears!
These headphones are also waterproof enough to easily survive sweat and rain. I have even accidentally swum with them for a couple of minutes, and they were fine.
Related Post: Shokz OpenRun Pro vs. Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction Headphones: What’s the Difference?
No. 2: Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction Headphones
Our second choice is very similar to our first choice. In fact, the differences are so minor that you may want to check out our post called Shokz OpenRun Pro vs. Shokz OpenRun Bone Conduction Headphones: What’s the Difference?
In a nutshell, these premium headphones are a little more expensive, but also offer a hard carry case, improved bass, faster charge time, and longer battery life (10 hours vs. 8 hours).
No. 3: Oladance Open Ear Headphones
Oladance headphones are available in four colors. Oladance wearable stereo was named the best open-ear running headphones of 2023 by Forbes.Oladance open ear headphones offer an attractive alternative for those who want to listen to music while still staying in touch with their environment. Instead of bone conduction, they use regular sound technology. They can be yours at an attractive price point, and you can choose from four good looking colors. They offer great sound and outstanding battery life, while still leaving your ears open.
Oladance is aiming at wearable stereo, that is, bringing the (mini) speakers close to your ears, without actually plugging your ears. It’s a great concept, and makes a lot of sense for athletes. In fact, Oladance was named the best open-ear running headphones of 2023 by Forbes.
The headphones ship with a case that fits the buds perfectly. As soon as you remove the buds from the case, they will automatically start to pair with your phone. Just follow the prompts. If you like, you can also buy a case that charges the buds on the go.
They are very comfortable to wear, and can easily be worn with a cycling helmet. The over ear design ensures they won’t fall off at speed. We found these much more secure than the type of buds that simply plug into each ear.
Sound Quality of Oladance Open Ear Headphones
We were very favorably impressed with the quality of the Oladance sound. The company has worked hard to set a high standard. Features of the headphones include:
- 16.5 mm driver (three times the size of Apple’s Airpods).
- Fully open design to make them safer than in-ear buds.
- 16-hour battery life for really long bike rides.
- Lightweight and comfy.
Related Post: Our Review of Oladance Open Ear Headphones
No. 4: Shokz OpenSwim Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
We picked these open ear headphones as our no. 4 choice for safe headphones because they are multi-use – you can use them for swimming and for cycling and for running. And we do! Note that because they are for swimming, they are not Bluetooth. This is because Bluetooth does not work underwater. So basically, you need to copy the files you want to listen to, to the device. I download MP3 files. The process is super easy (unlike the nightmare of trying to copy music files to an Apple device).
Related Post: Shokz OpenSwim Headphones – Open-Ear, Bone Conduction, Safe Headphones for Cycling AND Swimming
xxx Related Post: Mojawa Combo Headphones: COMBINATION of MP3 for Swimming and Bluetooth for Cycling in one Set of Premium Headphones
No. 5: Haylou PurFree Bone Conduction Open-Ear Bluetooth Headphones for Cycling and Running
If the Shokz range is a bit too expensive for your taste, there is a similar product that costs a little less, but can still offer you a decent choice in premium headphones for safe cycling. These are also bone conduction headphones, and are equipped with the very latest Bluetooth 5.2 technology for a very stable connection.
The Haylou PurFree Bone Conduction Open-Ear Bluetooth Headphones for Cycling and Running feel and sound premium, and have extremely good connectivity. They are comfy for all-day use, and of course, they leave your ears wide open.
Related Post: Our Review of the Haylou PurFree Bone Conduction Open-Ear Bluetooth Headphones for Cycling and Running
No. 6: Sena R1/R1 EVO Smart Communications Cycling Helmet
And now for something completely different … instead of headphones, imagine having stereo speakers discretely embedded inside your bike helmet! These marvelous things are called smart helmets. I have tried them out extensively, and really loved having the speakers streaming my podcasts, while my ears were totally open. Of course, if others are really close, they can hear your music too, but that is not a big deal for me.
Best of all, you can also communicate with your cycling partner, if he or she also has a Sena helmet!
No. 7: Mojawa Run Plus Bone Conduction Headphones – MP3 Headphones PLUS Bluetooth Headphones in One Set of Headphones
For the price, quality and multi-functionality, you cannot go wrong with these headphones. They will make your cycling safer and more fun, and your swimming a whole lot more entertaining. These are the only headphones we have found that incorporate both Bluetooth bone conduction and MP3 waterproof bone conduction technology.
Related Post: Mojawa Combo Headphones: COMBINATION of MP3 for Swimming and Bluetooth for Cycling in one Set of Premium Headphones
Bottom Line on Choosing the Best Headphones for Safe Cycling
If you want to find the best headphones for safe cycling, it comes down to what your own comfort level and budget are. Personally, I have tried all kinds, and it turns out that I need the safest option possible: open ear, cordless, bone conduction headphones. For these, all of the above choices meet my needs, and I recommend them all.
With all of them, I can hear my surroundings perfectly, but I still get to listen to my music. Plus, there are no cords to catch on my brake levers, so I will not accidentally jerk my phone onto the road, and crush yet another smart phone. Instead, my smart phone is safely tucked away in the padded pocket of my favorite Two Wheel Gear Pannier.
Finally, all of these selections are Bluetooth and extremely tough, which are necessary features if you are using them for an activity like cycling (or if, like me, you are just plain clumsy).
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