The most popular uses for bone conduction or open ear headphones is outdoor activities - where you want to hear the noises around you while still listening to music. Some examples of uses include:

• Running or walking on streets, near cars or traffic
• Cycling or training outdoors especially
• Walking while conversing with a friend
• Anyone sensitive to in-ear buds

So which is better - bone conduction headphones or open ear headphones? Let's learn about how each works.

WHAT IS BONE CONDUCTION?

Is explained well via Wikipedia: Bone conduction is the conduction of sound to the inner ear primarily through the bones of the skull, allowing the hearer to perceive audio content without blocking the ear canal.

WHAT IS OPEN EAR AUDIO?

These earbuds don't go in your ears, but rather hover over the top or front, allowing you to hear your content and your surroundings simultaneously. This streamlined design provides safe listening and makes this category a great choice for many activities. Whether you're running, lifting weights, catching the subway or walking to you next destination, open ear audio brings the outside in. Additionally, if you're sensitive to putting earbuds into your ear, this may be a great alternative.

WHICH IS BETTER?

While bone conduction is a popular option in the market, here's some examples of why open ear is better:

• A popular complaint with bone conduction headphones is sound. Triathlete and Ironman competitor, @cameramancory said, "I missed the bass feeling from the bone conducting..."
• Most bone conduction earbuds hook over the ears so aren't comfortable for glasses or sunglass wearers as they add weight on top of the ears