(Image credit: Future)
I run every day, and unless I’ve managed to convince someone else to run with me, I listen to audio during my runs. Usually I listen to podcasts, but I switch to music when some extra motivation is required during hard workouts and long runs.Since I mainly run in built-up areas and occasionally on the road itself when there are no sidewalks, I have to stay aware of my surroundings, so for a long time I used the best bone conduction headphones to keep my ears clear while listening to audio.However, I’ve recently made the switch to open buds, which I now consider the best running headphones for most people because they offer a better balance of sound quality and awareness than bone conduction buds, and more fit options.My go-to options right now are the Shokz OpenDots 2 because of the convenient clip-on design, but there are lots of good open options, including the Shokz OpenDots Air and Nank Ultra as more affordable picks, and the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds for those who are happy to pay top dollar for the best possible sound quality from open buds.A wider range of designs than bone conduction headphones
(Image credit: Stephen Lambrechts / Tom's Guide)Bone conduction headphones tend to have a similar design, with earhooks connected by a band, which allows pads to rest securely on your cheekbones to deliver sound via vibrations.It’s a good design that’s secure for running, but it’s not as convenient as using separate buds and it’s sometimes hard to position the earhooks around glasses and a running cap or headband.
