10 Best Headband Headphones 2025 in the United States

The SHOKZ OpenRun (also known as AfterShokz Aeropex) offers a unique open-ear design that uses bone conduction technology to deliver sound through your cheekbones rather than traditional earbuds. This makes them very comfortable for workouts and running since they don’t sit inside your ears, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings for safety. The headband style adds stability, which is great for active use. Sound quality is good for this kind of bone conduction headphones, providing clear audio, though it won’t match the richness of regular in-ear or over-ear headphones.

Noise cancellation is mentioned as active, but since the design keeps your ears open, it doesn’t block outside noise completely, which is a trade-off for safety. Battery life is solid with about 8 hours of playback and quick charging that gives 1.5 hours with just 10 minutes of charging—handy if you’re on the go. The headphones are sweat and waterproof (IP67 rated), making them durable for intense workouts or rainy runs, but they aren’t suitable for swimming. The built-in microphone works well for calls, adding convenience for hands-free use.

Users seeking full noise blocking or deep bass may find these headphones less immersive. Also, the open-ear fit might allow some sound leakage in very quiet environments. The SHOKZ OpenRun is ideal for active users who prioritize comfort, awareness of surroundings, and durability over immersive sound or complete noise isolation.

The JBL Tune 720BT headphones offer a strong combination of sound and convenience, making them a solid choice for everyday wireless listening. Their JBL Pure Bass sound delivers deep, punchy bass that’s enjoyable for most music styles, although audiophiles might find the sound profile a bit bass-heavy. Comfort is well addressed by a lightweight and foldable design, which helps during extended wear and easy portability. However, the plastic build may not feel very premium or highly durable over long-term use.

These headphones do not feature active noise cancellation but provide sound isolation, which can reduce background noise somewhat, though not as effectively as ANC models. One of their standout features is an impressive battery life of up to 76 hours on a single charge, which is exceptional for this category, and quick charging ensures minimal downtime. Connectivity is reliable thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, offering stable wireless range and compatibility with many devices.

The included microphone supports clear hands-free calling, enhanced by Voice Aware technology that lets you hear your own voice during calls, improving call comfort. Controls are intuitive with touch functionality and the option to customize sound through the JBL Headphones App adds flexibility. These headphones are best suited for users seeking long battery life, solid bass performance, and comfortable wireless use, while those wanting active noise cancellation or a more robust build may want to consider other options.

The JBL Tune 520BT headphones are a solid choice if you're looking for lightweight, comfortable on-ear headphones with impressive battery life. They deliver the signature JBL Pure Bass sound, which means you can expect deep and punchy audio that works well for everyday music listening. Thanks to Bluetooth 5.3, these headphones connect quickly and stay connected within about 10 meters, making wireless use convenient and reliable.

Comfort is a noticeable plus here; the headphones are lightweight and have a foldable design for easy storage. There's also a helpful tip for adjusting the headband if it feels tight, which shows thoughtfulness toward fit and comfort. While the headphones don't have active noise cancellation, the on-ear design provides some basic noise isolation but might not fully block out loud environments.

One of the standout features is the battery life—up to 57 hours on a single charge is exceptional and means you can go days without needing to recharge. If you are in a rush, a quick 5-minute charge gives you an extra 3 hours of playback, which is handy. The built-in microphone allows for hands-free calls and includes a Voice Aware feature that lets you hear your own voice clearly during conversations, enhancing call quality. In terms of durability, the plastic build keeps them light but might not be as robust as more premium models. Given their price range and comfort, they offer good value and are ideal for general everyday use, like commuting, casual listening, or calls. However, if you need strong noise cancellation for noisy environments or professional-grade microphone quality, you might want to explore other options.