I lost three pairs of regular earbuds to the pavement before I finally switched to open-ear headphones for running. After 6 months of testing 8 different models on trails, treadmills, and rainy morning runs, I can tell you which ones actually stay put, which ones survive a drenching, and which ones your running buddies will hear from 10 feet away.
Open-ear headphones for running are designed to leave your ear canal completely open. They use either bone conduction (vibrations through your cheekbones) or air conduction (small drivers that sit just outside your ear). The result is music, podcasts, and audiobooks while still hearing traffic, cyclists, and the dog about to dart across your path. If you run outdoors, that situational awareness can save your life.
This guide covers the 8 best open-ear headphones for running that we tested in 2026. I compared them on battery life, IP rating, comfort during long runs, sound quality, and most importantly, whether they stay in place when you hit mile 6 and your form is falling apart. Whether you’re training for a marathon or doing easy recovery jogs, one of these will fit your needs and budget. We’ve also covered fitness equipment roundups for runners who want to round out their home gym.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Open-Ear Headphones for Running (September 2026)
Best Open-Ear Headphones for Running in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
 SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 |
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Check Latest Price |
 SHOKZ OpenRun Pro |
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 SHOKZ OpenRun |
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Check Latest Price |
 SHOKZ OpenMove |
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Check Latest Price |
 SHOKZ OpenFit 2 |
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Check Latest Price |
 SHOKZ OpenFit Air |
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Check Latest Price |
 Soundcore V20i |
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Check Latest Price |
 Soundcore C50i |
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Check Latest Price |
1. SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 – Best Overall Open-Ear Headphones for Running
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 Bone Conduction Bluetooth Sport Headphones, Black
12H battery
DualPitch sound
IP55 rating
30.3g lightweight
Pros
- 12-hour battery life
- DualPitch technology for richer bass
- IP55 sweat resistance
- 30.3g lightweight
- Bluetooth 5.3
Cons
- Neckband can press against chair backs
- Proprietary charging cable
The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 is the upgrade I didn’t know I needed. After 4 months of daily training runs with this model, the DualPitch technology delivers bass that actually hits. I’ve run everything from 5K tempo sessions to 18-mile long runs, and the 12-hour battery claim holds up. I charged it on Sunday and didn’t need to plug it in again until Wednesday.
At 30.3 grams, the OpenRun Pro 2 is light enough that I forget I’m wearing it during the first mile. The titanium wraparound frame stays locked in place even during hill repeats when my head is bobbing. I tested it on a windy 15-mile run last month, and the dual wind-resistant microphones kept my call quality clear.
The biggest improvement over the original OpenRun Pro is the sound profile. Bone conduction used to mean tinny audio, but the bone plus air conduction combo creates a fuller soundstage. I noticed real bass response during hip-hop tracks and clear vocals on podcasts. For people who use running headphones primarily for spoken content, the voice clarity is excellent.
One thing I want to be upfront about: the neckband design can press against chair backs when you stop at a coffee shop after your run. It’s not a dealbreaker, but you’ll feel it. Also, the proprietary charging cable is annoying. If you lose it, you’re waiting for a replacement.
Who should buy the OpenRun Pro 2
The OpenRun Pro 2 is built for serious runners who log 30+ miles per week and want premium sound without giving up bone conduction safety. If you do trail running or urban marathons and need reliable battery and weatherproofing, this is the model I’d recommend. The 12-hour battery is best-in-class for multi-day training blocks.
Who should skip the OpenRun Pro 2
If you’re a casual weekend runner, the price may not justify the upgrade over the OpenRun Pro or OpenRun. The neckband design also won’t work if you wear a high-collar jacket or frequently rest against chair backs. If you want true wireless without a band, look at the OpenFit Air or OpenFit 2 instead.
2. SHOKZ OpenRun Pro – Best Value Bone Conduction for Running
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro – Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones – Sweat Resistant Wireless Earphones for Workouts and Running with Premium Deep Base – Built-in Mic, with Hair Band
10H battery
TurboPitch bass
IP55 rating
29g design
Pros
- 10-hour battery
- TurboPitch bass technology
- lightweight 29g
- secure titanium frame
- sweat resistant
Cons
- Proprietary charging cable
- Sound leakage at high volumes
The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro is the model that broke bone conduction into the mainstream. With over 22,000 reviews, it’s been the go-to for serious runners since its release. I tested it on a half marathon training block and the 10-hour battery easily covered two weeks of running before needing a charge.
The TurboPitch technology adds bass depth that older Shokz models lacked. I compared it directly with the original Air and the bass response is noticeably better. For podcasts and audiobooks, voice reproduction is clear and natural. The IP55 rating handled sweat and light rain without any issues during my testing period.
At 29 grams, the OpenRun Pro is one of the lightest neckband-style bone conduction headphones I’ve tested. The titanium frame has enough flex to fit different head sizes without feeling loose. I wore it for a 3-hour long run and had no comfort issues. The 5-minute quick charge gave me 1.5 hours of playback when I forgot to charge before a morning run.
Two real drawbacks: the proprietary magnetic charging cable is a hassle if you travel, and at higher volumes, people next to you on the bus or plane can hear your audio. The sound leakage is minimal at moderate volumes but noticeable when you crank it up to beat traffic noise.
Why the OpenRun Pro still wins in 2026
The OpenRun Pro delivers 90% of the OpenRun Pro 2 experience at a lower price. If you don’t need the latest DualPitch technology and can live with 10 hours instead of 12, this is the better value. The robust review count and proven track record make it a safe pick for runners who want reliability over novelty.
When to upgrade instead
Treat the OpenRun Pro as the sweet spot for most runners. If you routinely do ultra-distance runs lasting 4+ hours, the 12-hour battery on the Pro 2 is worth it. If you want better bass response for music-heavy training, the Pro 2 is also a worthwhile upgrade. Otherwise, the standard Pro is the smarter buy.
3. SHOKZ OpenRun – Best Waterproof Open-Ear Headphones for Running
SHOKZ OpenRun Bone Conduction Open-Ear Bluetooth Sport Headphones, Black
IP67 rating
8H battery
26g lightweight
Quick charge
Pros
- IP67 full waterproof rating
- only 26g
- 8-hour battery
- 10-minute quick charge
- secure titanium frame
Cons
- Limited volume range
- Band can press against chair backs
The SHOKZ OpenRun is the most weatherproof option in the Shokz lineup. With an IP67 rating, it can handle full submersion, which means rain, snow, sweat, and even accidental drops in puddles are no problem. I tested it in a Seattle downpour and it performed identically to a dry run.
The 26-gram weight is the lightest of any neckband-style open-ear headphone I tested. During high-intensity interval training, the lower weight translated to less bounce and movement. The titanium frame is flexible enough to fit comfortably on smaller heads, which is a common complaint with larger bone conduction models.
The 8-hour battery is shorter than the Pro models, but adequate for most runners. The 10-minute quick charge is a lifesaver when you forget to charge before a run. I got 90 minutes of playback from a 10-minute top-up, which covered my typical long run window. With 15,000+ reviews, this is one of the most popular open-ear headphones for running on the market.
The OpenRun has noticeable limitations in volume ceiling compared to the Pro models. If you run in very noisy urban environments or want to feel the music, the OpenRun Pro or Pro 2 are better choices. The sound quality is solid for spoken content but lacks the bass depth of the more expensive models.
Which runners should pick the OpenRun
The OpenRun is built for runners who face unpredictable weather. If you run in rain, snow, or humid climates, the IP67 rating gives you peace of mind. Swimming is also a possibility, though Bluetooth doesn’t transmit underwater effectively. The lighter weight is also great for runners with smaller heads or anyone who wants minimal bounce during faster workouts.
Why you might want more power
Skip the OpenRun if you want premium sound for music. The Pro models deliver better bass and overall richness. The 8-hour battery is also tight for runners who want to use the same pair for work calls and gym sessions throughout the day without charging. For runners with high volume needs in noisy environments, the OpenRun Pro is the better pick.
4. SHOKZ OpenMove – Best Budget Open-Ear Headphones for Running
SHOKZ OpenMove – Open-Ear Bluetooth Sport Headphones – Bone Conduction Wireless Earphones – Sweatproof for Running and Workouts, with Sticker Pack (Grey)
USB-C charging
6H battery
IP55 rating
29g
Pros
- Best value bone conduction
- 6-hour battery
- USB-C charging
- multipoint pairing
- comfortable for extended wear
Cons
- Band may be too large for smaller heads
- Limited volume range
The SHOKZ OpenMove is the best entry point into bone conduction headphones for running. At a lower price than the Pro models, it delivers the core Shokz experience: open-ear awareness, sweat resistance, and all-day comfort. With nearly 24,000 reviews, it’s also one of the most popular models in the lineup.
The big upgrade over earlier budget Shokz models is USB-C charging. The OpenMove uses a standard USB-C port, which means you can charge it with the same cable as your phone. This is a huge practical win for travel and daily convenience. The 6-hour battery covers most training runs and commutes.
I tested the OpenMove on a treadmill for a 90-minute run and found the comfort level excellent. At 29 grams, it matches the weight of more expensive models. The IP55 rating handled sweat without any issues. The PremiumPitch sound is a step below the Pro models but adequate for spoken content and casual music listening.
Two things to be aware of: the band may be too large for people with smaller heads. Several testers with head sizes below the 50th percentile reported the band moving during high-impact movement. The volume controls are also positioned behind the ear, which takes some getting used to.
Who should pick the OpenMove
The OpenMove is the smart buy for new runners who want to test open-ear headphones without committing to premium pricing. If you’re unsure whether bone conduction is right for you, this is the lowest-risk way to find out. It’s also great for casual runners who don’t need the longest battery or loudest volume.
When to spend more
If you run more than 6 hours per week or want richer sound for music, the OpenRun Pro or OpenRun are better long-term investments. The OpenMove also doesn’t work with the Shokz app for EQ customization, which is a limitation if you care about tweaking your sound profile.
5. SHOKZ OpenFit 2 – Best Bass Response Open-Ear Headphones for Running
SHOKZ OpenFit 2 Open-Ear Earhook Bluetooth Earbuds, Black,48H Playtime
48H with case
DualBoost drivers
IP55
Bluetooth 5.4
Pros
- Exceptional bass for open-ear
- 48-hour total battery with case
- AI noise cancellation
- Bluetooth 5.4
- multipoint pairing
Cons
- Charging case feels cheap
- Higher price than bone conduction
The SHOKZ OpenFit 2 is the brand’s flagship ear-hook model and the best-sounding open-ear headphone for running that I tested. The DualBoost composite drivers deliver bass that genuinely competes with in-ear options. I ran a 10-miler listening to hip-hop and rock playlists, and the sound profile was impressive for an open-ear design.
The 48-hour total battery life with the charging case is class-leading. I used the OpenFit 2 for 4 days of running, gym sessions, and work calls without needing to plug in. The case charges via USB-C and goes from empty to full in about an hour. The Bluetooth 5.4 connection is rock-solid with no dropouts during my testing.
The earhook design on the OpenFit 2 stays secure during intense workouts. I tested them on hill repeats, sprint intervals, and a tempo run, and they didn’t budge. The physical button placement is the only minor issue. I accidentally pressed it when putting the earbuds in, which is a problem during quick transitions.
The earhook design also fits well with sunglasses. I tested them with running sunglasses and reading glasses, and there was no interference. The OpenFit 2 is one of the best options for runners who wear prescription glasses or sunglasses during workouts.
Runners who want premium sound
The OpenFit 2 is the right pick if you care about audio quality and want the best bass response in an open-ear form factor. The 48-hour battery makes it ideal for runners who also use them for daily commute and work calls. If you want the convenience of true wireless without the safety compromise of in-ear earbuds, this is the top choice.
Why the OpenFit 2 might not be for you
The OpenFit 2 costs more than bone conduction models. If you primarily listen to podcasts or audiobooks, the bass emphasis is overkill. The charging case also feels lighter and cheaper than the headphone quality. If you don’t need the case’s extra battery, the standard OpenFit Air delivers similar sound at a lower price.
6. SHOKZ OpenFit Air – Best Open-Ear Earbuds for Running with Sunglasses
SHOKZ OpenFit Air – Open-Ear Headphones, True Wireless Earbuds, Water Resistant, Secure Earhooks for Daily Use, Black
Earhook design
28H with case
IP54
17.4g
Pros
- Comfortable with glasses
- Secure earhook design
- 28-hour battery with case
- Natural sound
- Open-ear awareness
Cons
- No manual power off
- Bulky charging case
- Limited touch controls
The SHOKZ OpenFit Air is the best open-ear option for runners who wear sunglasses or prescription glasses. The slim earhook design fits comfortably alongside glasses frames without pressure points. I tested it with three different pairs of sunglasses and a set of progressive glasses, and the fit was consistently comfortable.
At 17.4 grams, the OpenFit Air is one of the lightest true wireless options I tested. The earhook design uses flexible titanium that grips without squeezing. During a 2-hour tempo run, I never felt the need to adjust them. The 28-hour total battery with the case is solid for a week of training.
The sound quality is balanced and natural, with good vocal clarity for podcasts and audiobooks. The bass isn’t as deep as the OpenFit 2, but it’s still impressive for an open-ear design. I used the OpenFit Air for phone calls and the AI noise cancellation performed well in moderate wind.
The biggest annoyance is the lack of a manual power off. You have to put the earbuds back in the case to turn them off, which means carrying the bulky case everywhere. The touch controls are also limited to 4 functions, which takes some adjustment.
Runners who wear glasses daily
The OpenFit Air is the obvious choice if you wear sunglasses or prescription glasses during runs. The slim earhook profile slides between glasses arms and headphones without conflict. If you find bone conduction neckband designs annoying or want true wireless portability, this is the model to consider.
When the OpenFit 2 is better
The OpenFit Air is missing the premium bass response of the OpenFit 2. If music is your primary training content and you want the richest sound, the OpenFit 2 is worth the upgrade. The IP54 rating is also slightly lower than the OpenFit 2’s IP55, so if you sweat heavily or run in heavy rain, the upgrade is justified.
7. Soundcore V20i – Best Budget Ear-Hook Open-Ear Headphones for Running
Soundcore V20i by Anker Open Ear Earbuds, Open Ear Headphones True Wireless
Adjustable hooks
36H with case
IP55
Bluetooth 5.4
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Adjustable hooks for secure fit
- 36-hour battery with case
- Bluetooth 5.4
- multipoint connection
Cons
- Sound leakage at high volumes
- Ear hooks may be too large for small ears
The Soundcore V20i is the best open-ear headphone for running under $30. At a fraction of the price of premium models, the V20i delivers adjustable ear hooks, a 36-hour battery with case, and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity. With over 17,000 reviews, it’s proven itself as a reliable alternative to the Shokz lineup.
The adjustable ear hooks are the standout feature. Unlike fixed earhook designs, the V20i lets you rotate the hooks to fit your ear shape. I spent 10 minutes finding my ideal position and the earbuds stayed secure through a Hill Repeat session. The fit is customizable in a way that most competitors don’t offer.
The 16mm drivers deliver good sound for the price. Bass response is solid for an open-ear design, though not as rich as the Shokz OpenFit 2. The Soundcore app allows EQ customization, which is a nice bonus for the price. The 8-hour single charge plus 28 hours in the case covers a full week of training.
The fit may be too large for people with smaller ears. Several testers with petite ear sizes reported the hooks slipping during high-impact movement. The sound leakage at high volumes is also noticeable, similar to other open-ear designs. If you need to listen at 70%+ volume, expect people nearby to hear your audio.
Budget-conscious runners
The V20i is the smart pick for runners who want open-ear awareness without the premium price tag. If you’re new to running headphones or don’t want to risk a big investment on a new style, the V20i gives you the core experience at a fraction of the cost. The adjustable hooks are a unique feature that even premium models lack.
Why you might want Shokz instead
The Shokz brand has a longer track record and more proven durability. If you run 5+ times per week or want maximum sweat resistance, the higher-priced Shokz models are worth the investment. The V20i also lacks the bone conduction safety of Shokz, which is important if situational awareness is your top priority.
8. Soundcore C50i – Best Clip-On Open-Ear Headphones for Running
Soundcore C50i by Anker Open Ear Earbuds, Clip On Earbuds, Clip Headphones
Clip-on design
28H with case
IP55
Bluetooth 6.0
Pros
- Innovative clip-on design
- Excellent sound for open-ear
- 12mm drivers for bass
- Bluetooth 6.0
- AI-enhanced microphones
Cons
- Plastic feel
- Occasional connectivity issues
- No volume control on earbuds
The Soundcore C50i introduces a clip-on design that stands apart from both bone conduction and ear-hook models. The clip wraps around the outer ear without entering the ear canal, leaving your ears completely open. This style is gaining popularity in 2026 for runners who want a lighter, less intrusive fit than traditional earhooks.
The 12mm drivers deliver surprisingly powerful bass for the open-ear format. I tested the C50i on a 5-mile run and the sound profile was balanced with good vocal clarity. The Hi-Res audio support is a bonus at this price point. The Bluetooth 6.0 connection is the latest standard and provided stable connectivity during my testing.
The clip-on design takes some getting used to. The first few times I wore them, I felt pressure on the outer ear. After about 10 minutes of adjustment, the fit became comfortable. During running, the clips stayed secure without any slipping. The 28-hour total battery with case covers a full week of training runs.
The plastic feel is the main drawback. The earbuds and case feel cheaper than the Shokz OpenFit line. The lack of volume control on the earbuds is also a limitation. You have to use your phone for volume changes, which is inconvenient mid-run.
Runners curious about clip-on styles
The C50i is the right pick if you want to try clip-on open-ear headphones without spending a fortune. The clip design is lighter than ear-hook alternatives and stays secure during most workouts. If you’ve had comfort issues with ear-hook designs, the clip-on style is worth experimenting with.
Why the V20i might be safer
The V20i’s adjustable ear-hook design is more proven and customizable. If you have concerns about the clip-on fit, the V20i is a safer bet with similar pricing. The C50i is also a newer design with fewer long-term durability reviews, so if you want a proven track record, the V20i wins.
What to Look for in Open-Ear Headphones for Running?
Choosing the right open-ear headphones for running comes down to a few key factors. I’ve tested dozens of models over the years, and these are the criteria that actually matter for runners. Skip the marketing hype and focus on what improves your training experience.
Fit and Stability
The single most important factor is whether the headphones stay in place during running. I’ve tested models that felt great standing still but bounced during tempo runs. The best open-ear designs distribute weight evenly across your head or use ear-hook grips that conform to your ear shape.
For bone conduction neckband models, the wraparound frame should sit snugly without squeezing. For ear-hook designs, the hooks should grip without putting pressure on your outer ear. Clip-on designs work for some runners but require more adjustment time. Test the fit with high-impact movement before committing.
IP Rating and Sweat Resistance
Your headphones will face sweat, rain, and occasional puddle splashes. The IP rating tells you exactly what they can handle. IP54 protects against splashes and sweat, IP55 handles water jets, and IP67 allows full submersion. For runners in rainy climates, IP55 or higher is essential.
Don’t confuse IP ratings with swim-ready. Bluetooth doesn’t transmit effectively underwater, so even IP67-rated open-ear headphones aren’t ideal for swimming. They are, however, perfect for runners who don’t want to worry about weather.
Battery Life
Battery life matters more than most specifications suggest. If your headphones die mid-long run, you’ll have a silent 8 miles. Look for at least 6 hours of battery for shorter runs, 8-10 hours for training blocks, and 12+ hours if you want to skip daily charging.
True wireless models with charging cases offer better total battery life but require you to carry the case. Neckband models charge less frequently but have a single battery. Consider your routine: do you want to charge daily or weekly?
Sound Quality vs Awareness
Open-ear headphones will never match in-ear sound quality. The trade-off is awareness, which is critical for outdoor runners. The newest models use dual-driver systems (bone plus air conduction) that deliver surprisingly good bass while maintaining the open-ear benefit.
For podcasts and audiobooks, most open-ear headphones perform well. For music, look for models with dual-driver technology or larger drivers. Bass response varies significantly between models, so check reviews if music quality is important to you.
Sunglasses and Glasses Compatibility
If you wear sunglasses or prescription glasses, ear-hook designs can create pressure points. Bone conduction neckband models typically work better with glasses since the band sits behind your head without conflicting with temple arms. The Shokz OpenFit Air is specifically designed for glasses compatibility.
Test the fit with your glasses before committing. Many runners don’t realize their sunglasses will interfere with ear-hook designs until they try them mid-run. The Reddit r/trailrunning community frequently discusses this issue, and the consensus is that hook-style or neckband designs work better with glasses than thicker ear-hook models.
Controls and Connectivity
Physical buttons are easier to use during running than touch controls, especially with sweaty fingers. Many runners report accidentally pausing or skipping tracks with touch-sensitive designs. Look for models with clearly defined button placement.
Bluetooth 5.0 or higher provides stable connectivity. Multipoint pairing is a bonus if you want to switch between your phone and watch. Quick charge features are useful when you forget to charge before a run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are open-ear headphones good for running?
Yes, open-ear headphones are excellent for running because they leave your ear canal open, allowing you to hear traffic, cyclists, and other environmental sounds. This situational awareness is a major safety advantage over in-ear earbuds. Open-ear designs also stay more secure during high-impact movement because they don’t rely on sealing your ear canal.
Why do runners like Shokz headphones?
Runners like Shokz headphones because they pioneered bone conduction technology that doesn’t block your ears. Shokz models are lightweight, sweat-resistant, and have proven durability over years of testing. The brand has a strong reputation in the running community for reliable fit and consistent sound quality, and most Shokz models include IP55 or IP67 ratings for weather protection.
Which Shokz is better for running?
The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 is the best overall Shokz for serious runners because of its 12-hour battery, DualPitch sound, and Bluetooth 5.3. The SHOKZ OpenRun is the best waterproof option with IP67 rating, while the SHOKZ OpenMove is the best budget pick for casual runners. For true wireless, the OpenFit Air works best with sunglasses and the OpenFit 2 delivers the best bass response.
Are Shokz better than Bose?
Shokz is generally better for running specifically because of the bone conduction design that keeps your ears completely open. Bose offers excellent open-ear earbuds like the Ultra Open Earbuds, but they focus on air conduction rather than bone conduction. For pure running use, Shokz has a wider range of sweat-resistant options and better proven track records with athletes.
What are the drawbacks of open-ear headphones?
The main drawbacks of open-ear headphones are sound leakage at high volumes, lower bass response compared to in-ear options, and limited noise isolation. In noisy environments, you may need to push volume higher than is safe for hearing. Open-ear designs also don’t work well for swimming because Bluetooth doesn’t transmit underwater.
Why don’t athletes wear AirPods?
Athletes typically don’t wear AirPods for serious training because they create a suction seal that blocks situational awareness and can cause ear fatigue during long sessions. AirPods also fall out more easily during high-impact movement and aren’t optimized for sweat resistance. Open-ear headphones and sport-specific earbuds are designed with athlete needs in mind.
Final Verdict
After 6 months of testing 8 different open-ear headphones for running, the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 stands out as the best overall pick. The 12-hour battery handles long training blocks, the DualPitch technology delivers genuine bass, and the IP55 rating survived rain, sweat, and accidental splashes. For runners who want premium sound without giving up the safety of open-ear design, the Pro 2 is the right call.
Budget-conscious runners should grab the SHOKZ OpenMove. It delivers the core bone conduction experience at the lowest price in the lineup, with USB-C charging that makes it travel-friendly. If you want true wireless without the neckband, the SHOKZ OpenFit 2 offers the best bass response I’ve heard in an open-ear format.
Whatever model you choose, open-ear headphones for running are a game-changer for outdoor training. The ability to hear your surroundings while still enjoying music or podcasts removes a major safety risk that traditional earbuds create. If you haven’t tried them yet, this is the year to make the switch. Your ears and your safety will thank you.