• Ergonomics: One reviewer tried two Aftershokz bone-conducting headphones: the Aeropex, and the Openmove. The Openmove usually goes for half the price of the Aeropex. But--like in many things, you get what you pay for. The Aeropex is less bulky and is made from a more flexible material. This gives you significantly greater comfort.

• Battery life: Bone-conducting headphones have to be charged up--so you would certainly prefer to have a product that has long battery life. The Aftershokz Aeropex gives you 8 hours of continuous use on a single charge! And their OpenComm headphones are good for 16 hours of talking time!

• Charging method: There are products that charge up with a special charger, which is particular to your brand of headphones. But a better option is headphones that can charge by means of a USB cord. That way, you can charge them from a wall charger or your computer.

• Stand-by time: Take note of the product’s stand-by time: this is how long the headphones will remain charged up, even if you’re not actively listening to something at the moment. It’s best to get headphones with an auto-off feature, that help you save the battery from draining out when not in use.

• Water-resistance: There are bone-conducting headphones for swimming and water sports, which will have to be waterproof. But you have to know how water-resistant your headphones are. For that, there’s an IP (= ”Ingress Protection”) rating. For example, the AfterShokz OpenComm has an IP55 rating: the first digit is a rating of protection against dust penetration, with 6 being the highest level of protection. The second number is the water protection rating. A rating of 5 is protected versus a jet of water. An IPX8 rating will already be a product that can be immersed in water, up to 1 meter in depth.

• Noise-canceling feature: We said that bone-conducting headphones don’t plug up your ears, and let you hear what’s going on around you--but what if you want to block out all of the noise around you? For that, there are headphones, such as the AcTek Bone Conduction Sunglasses Headset, with a noise-canceling button. That way, you can use an iPhone, iPad, smartphone, or tablet, and cut out the outside noise when you need it.

• Safer, cleaner option: Bone conduction headphones are more expensive than in-ear earbuds or over-ear headphones. But, there are definite benefits. When you use in-ear earbuds, the tips will get ear wax on them, which some people find gross. It can also impact ear wax deeper into your ear. Bone-conducting headphones circumvent that--so you can lend your headphones to someone else without feeling grossed out.

• Better quality nowadays: When bone-conducting devices started, other people around you could also hear what’s playing on your headphones. A good bone-conducting set of headphones will have eliminated that problem. Check to see that they don’t “leak” sound, before making a purchase.

Vidonn, whose full name is Shenzhen Weisports Information Technology Company, is a manufacturer of wearable electronics. It was founded in 2013. They make smart bracelets that hook up to a smartphone or computer, as well as 3-D motion sensors, and vibration motors.

Ralyin are makers of wireless headphones and earbuds, sports headphones, Bluetooth receivers, audio accessories, and more. Their bone conduction headphones have a built-in 8 GB memory card and include a Mp3 player.

AfterShokz is a maker of bone conduction headsets. They allow you to listen to media while you’re still able to hear any noise from your surroundings. They have versions that you can use while exercising, as well as waterproof ones for swimming, as well as two-way communications.