Bone conduction headphones don’t touch or seal your ears like standard earbuds do, instead letting sound vibrations travel along your cheekbones to reach your inner ear, where they’re processed as sounds. It’s a similar method to how sea mammals hear underwater and Beethoven used when he lost his hearing — but it’s one that lets you still listen to music and be aware of your surroundings at the same time.

If you want to be able to hear what’s going on around you while you listen to music or make phone calls, bone conduction headphones with a mic may be just the thing for you. We’ve rounded up some of our favorites, from the lightweight and sweat-resistant Bones by AfterShokz OpenRun to the more budget-friendly Guudsoud headphones that feature Bluetooth 5.0 and a built-in microphone.

We’ve also rounded up some more expensive options that provide better quality and features, such as the AfterShokz Aeropex or the fully waterproof Shokz OpenSwim headphones. Generally, the more expensive sets offer superior transducers, improved Bluetooth connectivity, and charging solutions.

The open-ear design of these headphones means that you can hear your surroundings while wearing them, which is a great feature for runners and cyclists who need to stay safe by remaining aware of vehicle traffic or trail users. However, some people report that these headsets don’t block out outside noise as well as other models — so if you need to focus on your audio and aren’t concerned with being able to hear the details in your music, consider a pair of noise-canceling headphones. bone conduction headphones with mic