In this comprehensive article, I’ll review and compare the 11 best bone conduction glasses and audio smart glasses for 2021 and provide an actionable Buyers Guide to help you make an informed buying decision for such high-tech audio glasses.
Bone conduction is a new technology that bypasses the ear opening to instead deliver audio signals directly to your cranium and bony labyrinth.
Combining this new tech with the up-and-coming smart phone digital assistant like Siri and Amazon Alexa in the home, you get a powerful combination of features built in to your glasses or sunglasses.
Many companies are coming to market with their own versions of bone conduction smart glasses.
Some are rethreads of existing projects with fancy new names, and others are just getting into mass producing their brands through crowd funding sites.
Lets start with our Editors’ Picks!
Best on a Budget
The VocalSkull Alien 5
The Alien 5 from VocalSkull was one of the first pair of glasses marketed under the “bone conduction” category.
They feature Bluetooth 4.1 and an improved bone conduction speaker that brings to market an exclusive soundproof cavity design that supposedly reduces sound leakage by 87%.
Coming from a well-known sunglass maker VocalSkull, you would expect the build quality to be good.
These glasses are interchangeable and can be used with prescription lenses.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best for both Audio Quality and Comfort
(Not Bone Conduction)
HOYEE EYES
Great Sale on HOYEE EYES [20% OFF]
(Use our Code: XMASHOYEE )
Hoyee Eyes smart glasses and sunglasses don`t actually use bone conduction technology; however, I include it in my list for those seeking exceptional Audio Quality and Eye Comfort simultaneously!
You’ll be SHOCKED by how beautiful the sound quality from these glasses could be!
The company has redesigned sound travel channel in glasses arms and integrated the latest Qualcomm aptX Audio technology, which leads to amazing delivery of original sound.
These glasses are also designed and built to be lightweight and durable, and most importantly, protect your eyes.
Indeed, they are optimized for wearing experience and aimed at becoming your everyday glasses.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best Bluetooth Sunglasses without Bone Conduction
The Bose Frames
Bose Frames don`t actually use bone conduction technology yet. However, I include it in my list for those seeking high-quality audio sunglasses.
The Bose Frames have built-in Bose speakers that produce rich, immersive sounds.
The big benefit of open ear audio is that it lets you stay aware of your surroundings, but still enjoying your favorite music or podcasts.
You can also keep your audio private from outside ears, which is helpful for phone calls and Facetime sessions.
Bose has been an industry leader in the professional high-end speaker industry.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best for Music Lovers
MusicLens
Put it simply, it is the best for Music Lovers!
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
The Zungle Viper
The best all-around smart home and smart device bone conduction glasses are the Zungle V2 Viper.
The folks over at Zungle have really outdone themselves this time with the second version of their already popular smart glasses.
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Best for Future-Proofing
The Zungle Viper
See the review section for in-depth tech details and pros & cons!
Bone Conduction glasses offer a new spin on wireless technology – the ability to use vibrations on your inner ear to generate acoustic sounds.
Bone conduction transducers guide mini vibrations through ear cartilage from behind to the inner ears, delivering sound without plugging your ears or covering them.
Combine this with the latest AI-powered apps like Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, and you have a powerful new market of would-be customers.
When you add the ability to change the lenses in your glasses from let’s say sunglasses to blue-blocking indoor glasses suitable for work behind a computer screen, you have a wealth of options to give your prospective buyers.
You have glasses that deliver unrivaled situational awareness and comfort when done correctly.
A lot of traditional sunglass brands like VocalSkull have gotten in on the bone conduction game with multiple versions of their already popular glasses.
Quite a few new up-and-comers in this space have taken their projects to the crowdfunding space like Indigogo and Kickstarter back in 2017 and 2018.
Judging by the number of backers some projects like VUE Smart Glasses and MusicLens received you can tell the bone conduction smart glass market will be huge in future.
The best bone conduction smart glasses are the ones you can hold in your hand.
Many projects reviewed here are on massive back order on crowd funding sites like Indiegogo or Kickstarter, so you can’t really order them and expect them within the next week.
This is a huge let down for bone conduction fans and would be fans.
What follows is a detailed, unbiased review of the 9 best bone conduction glasses and 2 great audio smart glasses for 2021.
A comprehensive buyer’s guide and reviews are included at the end of this article.
Without further ado, we will dive right in…
What are the Best Bone Conduction Glasses and Audio Smart Glasses in 2021?
Quick Answer:
- Vue Smart Glasses | Crowd Funded
- Hoyee Eyes Smart Bluetooth Glasses | Best for both Audio Quality and Comfort
- VocalSkull Alien 5 | Best on a Budget available on Amazon
- Bose Frames | Best Bluetooth Sunglasses
- Zungle Viper | Best future-proofing glass for Amazon Alexa & Google Assistant; available on Amazon
- Ossii Sound | Crowd Funded
- OptiShokz Revvez | Crowd Funded with best 2-year warranty
- LET Glass
- AcTek | Available on Amazon
- MusicLens | Best for Music Lovers
- G1 | Available on Amazon
Comparison Table for the Best Bone Conduction Glasses and Smart Audio Glasses in 2021
Best Bone Conduction Glasses and Smart Audio Glasses in 2021
Vue Smart Glasses are a crowd funded smart glasses project available through Kickstarter.
They have raised over $2m of their original $50,000 goal.
The project started in 2017 and was recently updated in December 2019.
The glasses are not shipping as of this writing but the anticipation is highly regarded as one of the best smart glasses/bone conduction glasses in a crowded market.
The company is now in “mass fulfillment” phase and expects to start shipping product to the backers by the end of 2019.
Here are some additional features of the Vue Smart Glasses:
- Great compatibility with AI-powered apps like SIRI and Google Assistant
- The patent-pending bone conduction technology gives you an authentic bone conduction experience
- The “Find My Glasses” feature lets you find your misplaced glasses within seconds
- ARM Cortex-M3 processor
- Classic and Trendy frame designs
- 3 colors – black, brown, or white
- Temple pieces come in 5 colors – Ink Black, Carbon Fiber, Chocolate Brown, Wood, and Baby Blue
- Prescription lens – single-vision, plano (non-corrective), and progressive prescription
- Sunglasses – tinted, polarized, prescription polarized, photo chromatic transition (adaptive) lenses, polarized progressive prescription lenses
- Color options – brown, purple, and black (tinted) and gray/black, brown, and green (polarized)
The “smart” in the Vue Smart Glasses allow you to track your activity through an app on your phone.
Track your steps, calories, and distance as well as get reminders when you are sitting too long and need to move.
This is great for those of us who lead active lifestyles but also tend to get engulfed in our work while sitting at the desk.
The Vue also has a feature called “Find My Glasses” similar to the “Find My Phone” app on iOS.
If you forget where you put down your Vue Smart Glasses simply launch this feature via the smartphone app and you will be directed to your Vue Smart Glasses.
This is a great feature for people who lead active lifestyles and are prone to a bit of forgetfulness from time to time.
Audio
Vue Smart Glasses feature “stereo bone conduction speakers” that use a unique patent-pending sound leakage prevention technology.
The biggest complaint of most “bone conduction” glasses is that they have sound leakage and do not provide an adequate audio experience.
A lot of brands in this category market themselves as “bone conduction” but are simply exterior speakers.
This is not the case with the Vue Smart Glasses.
Vue has capitalized on this concept and created their own version of bone conduction glass technology that truly resonates sounds through the inner ear, with the exterior ear left open for exterior sounds.
Their audio technology uses a 20-20,000Hz frequency range.
The microphone on the glasses is a MEMS digital microphone so you will be sure to get the best phone call and video chat capability with these glasses.
Battery Life
The Vue Smart Glasses have a 2-3 days standby time.
With the included charging case you can achieve 7 days standby with charging case (3 charges).
The talk time of the Vue Smart Glasses is an astounding 5 hours, so you will not be disappointed when using them for marathon gab sessions.
The battery on the Vue Smart Glasses is a 3.7V 90mAH Lithium Polymer battery.
This is on the smaller end of bone conduction glasses and we assume that is why it comes packages with the recharging carrying case.
With so much tech packed into such a small package, it is not a downside that the battery is on the weaker side.
Just be sure to keep your carry case fully charged and you won’t have any issues.
Compatibility
Vue Smart glasses will run on any smartphone that has the following specifications:
iPhone 5 or newer that is running iOS 8+ or any Android device running 4.3+ OS.
Although Vue Smart Glasses are a crowd funded project, they are based in China and are quick to offer updates on their deliverability.
They enjoyed overwhelming success in their fundraising and should be able to further develop their technology to be a leading brand in the bone conduction glasses space.
Pros
- Bone conduction and Smart Glasses combination
- Battery charger in carry case
- Compatible with all AI-powered digital assistants
Cons
- Not available for purchase right now
- Requires latest versions of iOS and Android
- Backlog of orders could mean long shipping delays
Expert Opinion:
2. VocalSkull Alien 5 | Best Bone Conduction Smart Glasses on a Budget
The Alien 5 from VocalSkull was one of the first pair of glasses marketed under the “bone conduction” category.
They feature Bluetooth 4.1 and an improved bone conduction speaker that brings to market an exclusive soundproof cavity design that supposedly reduces sound leakage by 87%.
Coming from a well-known sunglass maker VocalSkull, you would expect the build quality to be good.
These glasses are interchangeable and can be used with prescription lenses.
They use a Myopia mold and they offer Myopia, Hyperopic, and Astigmatism bone conduction glasses.
Audio Specs:
You can easily listen to music and still hear the sounds around you.
When you are out in a busy street while running, cycling, or rollerblading, you want to hear your music, but also want to be cautious of honking horns or oncoming traffic.
The Alien 5 allows you to do this.
Battery Life:
These glasses feature a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (250mHA with 3.8V).
The charging time is 2 hours. Standby time is 300 hours, playing music lasts around three to four hours (depending on the volume and sound sources).
Continuous call time is about four to five hours.
Compatibility:
Bone conduction Bluetooth headset sunglasses are compatible with smartphones like the iPhone, LG, HTC, Samsung, Android, and Windows operating systems.
Features:
- Easy Bluetooth pairing lets you instantly connect after charging
- Easy to swap in prescription or polarized lenses
- Crisp sound quality with the new version
- UV 400 rated sunglasses will protect your eyes from UV rays
- Let you to be completely hands free while working or playing
What’s in The Box:
1x Bone conduction glass
1x USB cable for charging
2x Transparent resin lens Model
1x English User Manual
1x Anti skid raised nose pad
Pros
- Good battery life
- No rough edges
- Comfortable for long time use
Cons
- Many still report sound leakage
- Volume and bass are not super loud
- Still hear the sounds outside
User Experience:
We’ll now see what users who bought these Bone-conduction glasses on Amazon, have to say about it.
1) It worked as it was described.
I do have to say there’s a small speaker on the back that can be loud enough for other people around you to hear.
That can be a deal-breaker.
2) These glasses just sound awful.
I don’t care how cool the original idea was, it doesn’t work.
3) It works just fine.
As others suggested, other people might hear the sound if the environment around you is too quiet.
4) It’s the best thing I’ve bought this whole year!
You can put your own medical lenses on the glasses and use it as regular glasses too.
5) The glasses themselves are really nice.
The build quality is very polished and clean.
6) I’ve had these glasses for 2 years now.
They take some adjustments to sound good.
The mic is decent and picks up a fair amount of sounds.
Expert Opinion:
3. Bose Frames | Best Bluetooth Audio Sunglasses
Bose Frames don`t actually use bone conduction technology yet.
However, I include it in my list for those seeking high-quality audio sunglasses.
Bose has been an industry leader in the professional high-end speaker industry.
It only makes sense that they would capitalize on the bone conduction market with their own set of glasses.
The Bose Frames have built-in Bose speakers that produce rich, immersive sounds.
The big benefit of open ear audio is that it lets you stay aware of your surroundings, but still enjoying your favorite music or podcasts.
You can also keep your audio private from outside ears, which is helpful for phone calls and Facetime sessions.
The Bose Frames Alto feature a classic angular shape and commanding lens length of 52 mm and Bridge width of 18 mm, and temple length of 162 mm.
Other features worth mentioning:
- Bose AR enabled
- Bose Connect app
- Blocks 99% of UVA and UVB rays
Audio Specs:
The Bose Frames come with an integrated microphone for crystal clear calls and access to your phone’s virtual assistant application.
This is good for heavy Siri or Google Assistant users.
These are the first audio sunglasses from Bose, so you know the next designs will only be better engineered from such a popular brand.
The Bose Frames give you miniaturized Bose speakers hidden in the temple.
They produce a rich, immersive sound that is a revolutionary personal audio experience embedded into a classic design.
One control button to:
Power on/off; Accept/reject calls; Play/pause music; and access your phone’s virtual assistant, like Siri.
Battery Life:
Continuous play lasts about 2 hours.
The battery stand-by time is approximately 12 hours.
Unfortunately, there is no way to see the charge or life of the battery.
Don’t plan on long listening sessions with the Bose Frames, instead it is good for short bursts of audio listening.
Charge time is two hours.
Compatibility:
Compatible Operating Systems: iOS: 9.0 or newer/ Android: 5.0 or newer
Features:
- Multiple glass options to choose
- Shatter and scratch resistant lenses
- One touch button for answering calls, virtual assistant, or pausing music
- IPX2 water resistant for exercising
- Stylish classic design with next-generation features
What’s in The Box:
1x Carry case
1x Lens cleaning rage
1x Bose Frames
Pros
- Rose Gold, Blue Gradient, or Mirrored Silver lens options
- Well-regarded Brand (Bose)
- Good support for AR and SIRI
Cons
- No charging case included
- Not true “bone conduction”
- Mediocre battery life
User Experience:
Here are a few Amazon user reviews for the Bose Frames.
1) Everything from style and build quality were great.
Then I realized it only works with iMusic and not Spotify.
Refunded.
2) I am a regular headphone user.
But a lot of times when I take walks, I want to be aware of my surroundings and still enjoy music.
These are the best for that.
3) I wanted something to let me listen to music while walking my dog and golfing.
The quality of both the lens and the sound is impeccable.
4) Pretty and comfortable product.
I recommend using it in quiet environments and not somewhere buy like a train station.
5) Very satisfied.
Would recommend.
6) It’s heavier than regular glasses, but it’s not a surprise.
I want to see how long I could use these without hurting my ears.
Other than that, it’s good.
Expert Opinion:
4. Zungle Viper | Best Bone Conduction Smart Glasses for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
Many have mentioned that the Zungle Viper is the best pair of bone conduction glasses currently on the market.
Zungle first came out with a pair called the Panther, which was their first generation of audio sunglasses.
The product received a lot of feedback and negative reviews, and often users reported parts of the glasses breaking.
The sound leakage was also very bad with the Panther.
Zungle’s second attempt at bone conduction smart glasses comes in two versions; the Zungle Viper and the Zungle Lynx.
The Zungle Viper is a wayfarer design and is much more versatile.
The biggest advantage of the second version bone conduction glasses coming from Zungle is the much-improved audio.
They apparently listened to the feedback from the market and installed a new system which controls and regulates leakage from sound.
The second version of glasses also feature AI voice assistant.
Audio Specs
The audio on the Zungle Viper and Lynx is the best part.
They really took their time and designed a true “bone conduction” experience. The vibrations on your inner ear and ear lobe are crisp and clear.
Many users report an excellent acoustic experience when wearing the Zungle version two frames and listening to music.
They are definitely a great investment for both heavy music listeners and those who need quick access to SIRI and other AI-powered apps.
Battery Life
The second version of the Zungle bone conduction glasses, the Viper and Lynx, both have reduced battery capacity.
Before you were given 300 mAH and now you will have to do with only 115 mAH of batter juice.
Zungle states that even with the smaller battery, you should receive up to 100 hours of stand-by time and 4 hours of continuous play time.
Features
- Bluetooth 5.0 gives you the fastest audio transmission experience
- Great battery charge time at less than one hour
- One button access to AI voice assistant like SIRI or Google Assistant
- Great looking wayfarer design will keep you looking hip and trendy
- UV400 and Polarized to FDA certification
- IPX4 water resistant rating for sports
What’s in the Box:
1x ZUNGLE Viper
1x Exclusive Charging cable
1x Manual
1x Logo sticker
Pros
- Great bone conduction sound
- Nice wayfarer frame design
- Fast Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting to smartphone
Cons
- Slightly heavier model at 50g
- Not for sports as their frames are easily breakable
- No universal charging (must use Zungle proprietary charger)
Expert Opinion:
Ossii Sound smart glasses are another crowd funded project on Kickstarter, this time by the company ZMART CONCEPT.
ZMART CONCEPT is a team of talented eyewear designers that strives to make the world a better place with sustainable inventions.
With the Ossii Sound smart glasses they boast cutting edge technology like “super-flex” memory titanium, exclusive “AUTO-FIT” system, and true bone conduction sound vibrations.
Audio Specs
The audio design places the sound conductor just outside of the ear opening.
This results in less distortion, leakage, and the advantage of a prolonged battery life.
ZMART CONCEPT boasts a reduction in sound leakage of 90% compared to other models in the marketplace.
Battery Life:
The Ossii Sound glasses come with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
The standby time is up to 24 hours and play time is 3 hours.
The battery itself is 3.7V 2×100 mAH lithium ion battery.
This is fast-charge capable with less than one hour needed for a full charge and up to 50% charge in only 30 minutes.
Features:
- Blue light blocked lenses will protect your eyes from indoor blue light
- Carl Zeiss polarized lenses for outdoor use protect your eyes from UV rays
- Rose, Honey, Grey, Black, and Solid Black lens colors to choose from
- Very fast charging time on standard USB charger
- IPX6 water resistant will keep lenses working in most water situations
What’s in the Box:
(NOTE: Kickstarter purchase not available)
1x Main Frame
1x Blue Block lenses
1x Polarized sun lenses
1x Micro-fiber drawstring pouch
1x USB charging cable
1x Black EVA zipper hard case
Pros
- Choose between Blue-block, Rx, or Sunglass lenses
- Splash, water, and dust resistant
- Super-fast charging time
Cons
- Not available for purchase on Kickstarter
- Project last updated March 14, 2019
- Auto-fit system not tested with user base
Expert Opinion:
Let’s see what users on Amazon think of this product.
1) If I could give it negative stars, I would!
I backed the product on their Kickstarter.
They mislead us to believe they were going to deliver in a few months.
The glasses didn’t come out till 2 years later!
If that wasn’t enough, I gotta tell you the quality is just horrible.
The OptiShokz Revvez is another bone conduction smart glasses crowd funded project, this time using the Indigogo platform.
The OptiShokz Revvez seeks to combine performance optics with a premium stereo experience using their patented best-in-class bone conduction audio design.
These smart glasses are designed for cyclists, runner, hikers, golfers, skiers, and other outdoor sports enthusiasts who want to listen to music and make calls on the go, while maintaining ambient sound awareness.
Audio
The optimized audio experience begins with an interchangeable silicon rubber nose pad that ensures the best placement for bone conduction effects.
These glasses deliver an unrivaled situational awareness and comfort factor.
The bone conduction transducers are perfectly aligned with your ear to guide mini vibrations through ear cartilage.
This delivers sound without plugging or covering your ears to outside ambient sounds.
Battery Life
Battery life on the OptiShokz Revvez is truly inspirational.
They offer a 6-hour continuous play of audio with a full charge.
Stand-by time is up to 10 days with a full charge.
These stats are industry leaders for bone conduction smart glasses.
This powerful battery will recharge in less than two hours in most cases.
Compatibility
They offer Bluetooth 5.0 support with a wireless range of 33 feet.
These smart glasses are compatible with the latest versions of iOS and Android and can work with AI assistants like SIRI and Google Assistant.
Features:
- Interchangeable lenses ensure you have the right lenses for indoor and outdoor use
- A strong IP55 sweat and water resistance rating for sports users
- Lightweight TR90 nylon frames provide comfort and strong fit
- 6-hour battery life is industry-leading in this field
- 200 patents make this the best bone conduction sunglass model ever made
What’s in the Box:
1x Hard case
1x OptiShokz Revvez
1x Interchangeable nosepieces
1x USB cable
Pros
- TR90 rubber and Ni-Ti alloy
- Long battery life
- High water resistance rating
Cons
- Not available for purchase
- Only sports design
- Guaranteed to ship June 2019
Expert Opinion:
The LET Glass project on Indigogo lets you enjoy music anywhere you go without headphones.
They use eye glasses as headphones with that added bonus of having a smart home center, custom and prescription lenses, and voice and gesture control.
These innovative glasses combine headphones and glasses to give you a complete solution for audio entertainment and visual protection.
LET Glass allow you to use your smartphone without touching it.
You can also control smart home devices like the Amazon Echo.
Other features include:
- Lightweight 27g
- Bluetooth 4.1
- ARM Cortex-MO+ processor
- 5-hour play time
Audio
The audio on the LET Glass are truly bone conduction technology.
They reduce the sound leakage by up to 85%.
The LET Labs was granted a Utility Models Patent in 2015 for their unique design that features a small size and multifunctional.
The bone conduction module is almost invisible and lets you listen to audio without anyone knowing it.
Battery Life
Achieve a full charge in less than 30 minutes with the strong magnetic force battery charging input.
A built-in Lithium-ion battery will last approximately 300-500 charge cycles.
Compatibility:
The LET Glass can be used with Amazon Alexa natively or with Apple Siri or Google Now via an app download.
It is compatible with all major virtual assistants.
Features:
- Control your home with native Amazon Alexa support
- Auto “on” with the detection sensor
- LET VisionAI glasses have integrated Google Cardboard support
- Basic, Modern, and Vintage frame options
- IP65 waterproof will keep sports enthusiasts happy
What’s in the Box:
1x LET Glasses
1x Magnetic charging cable
1x VR Box
1x Nose pad
1x Cleaning cloth
1x Glasses box
Pros
- Motion detection for easy power on
- Stand-by time up to 10 hours
- Google Home & Amazon Alexa compatible
Cons
- Not available for purchase
- Non-sports design
- Modern and Vintage frames outdated
8. AcTek Conduction Sunglasses
AcTek’s intelligent bone conduction glasses use bone conduction technology to give sports enthusiasts a way to listen to music and podcasts on the go.
These sports frames were designed to be worn outdoors while enjoying your favorite leisure activity.
The open-ear design bone conduction design transmits sound waves to the skull via vibrations.
This lets you hear external sound when listening to music, and therefore much safer to uses in traffic environments.
It is very suitable for drive, ride, cycle, ski or sail, running, climbing and much more.
Audio
The audio quality on the AcTek seems to be its Achilles heel.
Multiple users reported a poor audio experience on the AcTek glasses compared to other models like the AfterShokz.
Users report that these are not true bone conduction glasses and rate the audio experience as very poor due to sound leakage and very awkward design.
These are more headphone connected glasses vs. true bone conduction technology.
Battery Life
The stand-by time is around 400 hours.
Playback time is a whopping five hours.
The time to charge is about two hours.
The battery is relatively standard size at 140 mAH 3.7V.
Compatibility:
Latest versions of iOS and Android will work with these glasses.
Features:
- Huge standby time of up to 400 hours
- Bluetooth working distance is up to 33 feet
- Includes 3 interchangeable lenses
- 3-year warranty will keep you up and running
- Hands-free operation with Bluetooth 4.1
What’s in the Box:
1 x Bluetooth sunglasses
1 x Cleaning cloth
1 x Ear Plugs
2 x Spectacle Lens
1 x User manual
1 x USB Cable
Pros
- Playback time up to 5 hours
- Battery life
- 3-year warranty
Cons
- Many users report not true bone conduction audio
- Heavy weight for glasses at 55g
- Poor overall ratings
User Experience:
Here are some user reviews for these bone conduction glasses on Amazon.
1) I refunded it.
Not worth the $60 price tag.
The sound is just bad.
Not even good as sunglasses.
2) I work in a loud environment where I can’t even hear my phone ring.
Now I can hear my phone and even listen to some music while I work.
3) It’s good but I wish it was louder.
I’m deaf on one side, so I was hoping for the best when I bought this.
It still delivers.
4) Bought a pair for a friend and me.
Wires jamming on the hinge will make your blood boil.
5) These are massive sunglasses which is a problem for smaller heads.
If the sides don’t sit on your skull, you can’t hear these which beats the purpose entirely.
6) I’ve had them for some time.
They meet my expectations.
They are loud enough that I don’t have to turn up the volume.
Expert Opinion:
9. MusicLens | Crowd Funded Bone Conduction Smart Glasses
MusicLens is a crowd funded project available on Indigogo.
They are a unique smart glasses project for music lovers and those with an active lifestyle.
With the MusicLens you can listen to music, tune in to the radio, and make calls without actually putting anything into your ears.
The headlining features of the MusicLens are:
- Bone conduction audio with enhanced bass
- 4GB of offline storage available
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Touch controls and wear detection
- 9 hours of continuous play
- Prescription lenses available
Audio
The audio experience with the MusicLens promises crystal-clear sound with no earphones required.
You can tune into your local FM radio without your phone, a feature which is absent in other bone conduction smart glasses reviewed here.
Battery Life
Expect up to 9 hours of battery life with the MusicLens.
The time to fully charge is only 0.5 to 1 hour.
Features:
- Integrated 4GB of offline storage embedded into frames
- Prescription lenses are available for clear or tinted lenses
- Quick touch control with micro-sensors that respond to touch
- Complete privacy just like earphones, no one will hear what you’re listening to
- Most advanced Bluetooth 5.0 so you can connect faster
What’s in the Box:
1x MusicLens Smart Glasses
1x Type C USB charge cable
1x Instruction book
1x Glass cleaning cloth
1x Spectacle case
1x Sponge Earplug
Pros
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Integrated 4GB offline storage
- Wearing recognition technology for auto on/off
Cons
- Not available for purchase
- Enhanced bass sounded weak with testers
- Touch control not as intuitive as other smart glasses
User Experience:
Let’s see what users on Amazon think of this product.
1) If I could give it negative stars, I would!
I backed the product on their Kickstarter.
They mislead us to believe they were going to deliver in a few months.
The glasses didn’t come out till 2 years later!
If that wasn’t enough, I gotta tell you the quality is just horrible.
Expert Opinion:
10. G1 Bone Conduction Glasses
With advanced bone conduction technology, the G1 Bone Conduction earphone gives you better audio listening experience.
Audio
The audio experience with the G1 is the biggest complaint of reviewers.
Some say it sounds more like rattling speakers than true bone conduction.
The manufacturers of G1 probably knew this was a poor bone conduction design and that is why these glasses come with additional ear plug support.
Battery Life
Talk time is up to 8 hours and charging time is about 2 hours.
A micro USB port is included so you can charge these glasses with standard equipment.
Music playing time is up to 8 hours depending on volume.
The battery is a 250 mAH Li-ion polymer rechargeable battery.
Features
- Easy touch panel for stopping and starting music
- Hands-free call answering when driving
- Interchangeable lenses for indoor and outdoor use
- No ear damage from inner-ear speakers
- Bone conduction safe for young children
What’s in the Box:
1x G1 bone conduction earphone
1x USB cable
1x Mute earplug
1x Glass cleaning cloth
1x Glasses storage box
1x Testing card
1x User manual
Pros
- Widely available
- Long battery life
- Easy to use hands-free calling
Cons
- Poor reviews on Amazon
- Not true bone conduction technology
- Limited lens options
User Experience:
And here are some of the user reviews people have left for G1 on Amazon.
1) It’s not even bone-conducting.
I can hear the speakers from afar.
2) It sounds like they tried playing music on a vibration motor.
Don’t buy!
3) I love these glasses.
The sensor is not very sensitive, but it works great for 8 hours on a battery.
4) These were above my expectations.
They are comfy and I love using them for videos.
5) It’s not loud enough.
Sounds barely make it through the bones.
6) After charging the glasses, the charge port on the back broke off.
Great!
Expert Opinion:
11. HOYEE EYES Smart Bluetooth Glasses | Best for both Audio Quality and Comfort
Great Sale on HOYEE EYES [20% OFF]
(Use our Code: XMASHOYEE )
News (Dec 2020):
HOYEE EYES is now having a Selfie Review Package Promotion for customers who are willing to share their selfies and review in their Facebook page.
Customers who join the promotion will eventually get the glasses for ONLY $65!
You’ll be SHOCKED by how REAL the sound quality from these smart Bluetooth glasses could be!
Although, they don`t actually use bone conduction technology; however, I include it in my list for those seeking exceptional Audio and Eye Comfort at the same time!
These glasses are indeed optimized for wearing experience and are very lightweight, fashionable and comfortable compared with other bulky smart glasses in the market. In fact, the company has over 10 years of experience in designing and building of regular sunglasses & glasses.
Currently, there are 9 models available, which are Astrid, Nova, Galaxia, Luna, Viva, Navigator, Envision, Emma, Monarch. More models are coming soon according to the company.
Lenses are also easily changeable by yourself. More replaceable lenses with various lens colors are coming soon according to the company.
And here comes the great news:
All models (except Galaxia and Emma) support Hoyee Eyes Official Prescription Lens Service or Third-Party Prescription Lens Service!
TECH SPECS
Hoyee Eyes doesn’t adopt bone conduction speakers; however, I believe their Directional Speakers have better sound quality than most glasses with bone conduction technology.
The company uses the latest Qualcomm aptX Audio technology (together with Bluetooth 5.0) to achieve a lowest latency and deliver the best ever Audio Quality possibly in the whole market!
TWS Directional Audio Speakers are also used in both arms, which allow even thinner and more lightweight frames. So, it guarantees your comfort!
Directional Speakers deliver sound to you without actually blocking your ears. You can listen to music or make phone calls while being aware of your environment.
You can activate smartphone’s voice assistant with a single touch and easily interact with it through the glasses’ noise-cancelling microphone.
Note that the Model Envision and Viva are the two most popular models, which have blue light blocking lenses pre-installed in them.
Any downside?
It is hard to mention a downside to be honest. Having said that the volume may not be loud enough in an extremely noisy environment.
This is actually common for open-ear listening devices as the open-ear design helps the wearer stay connected to the environment and stay safe.
In such a noisy scenario, you may cup your hand over your ear to temporarily enhance the sound.
Pros
- Open-Ear Hands-Free Design
- TWS Directional Audio Speakers
- Qualcomm aptX Audio Technology
- Multiple Stylish Frames, which are lightweight, fashionable and comfortable
- Hoyee Eyes Official Prescription Lens Service
- Lenses can be easily changed by yourself
- Bluetooth 5.0
- Activate smartphone’s voice assistant with a single touch and interact with it through the glasses’ noise-cancelling microphone easily
Cons
- Not loud enough volume in extremely noisy environment
User Experience:
Here we have some of the reviews that users left for this product on Amazon.
1) The sound is a little too low for my taste.
This is the only problem.
Everything else just works.
2) I ordered the Bose frames but they were too heavy and hurt my head.
So I got these instead and so far, I don’t regret my choice.
Expert Opinion:
Best Bone Conduction Glasses and Smart Audio Glasses in 2021 — Buyers Guide
What is the Bone Conduction technology?
It is a method of sound conduction that transfers sound waves through the cranium, bony labyrinth, inner ear lymph fluid, auditory nerve auditory center.
This acoustical method as first made popular with the hearing impaired market, and recently became a new way for sunglass makers to market a new breed of “smart glasses” that connect to your smartphone and not only play music and phone calls, but do tracking of activity, sleep, and other “smart” actions.
The bone conduction market is very new and still some of the top rated and most highly anticipated bone conduction glasses are yet to hit the market.
Millions of people have invested into crowd funded bone conduction glass projects which are yet to deliver.
This market niche will only grow with time and as manufacturers are able to take feedback and improve on their initial designs.
Many of the bone conduction glasses in our roundup have been iterated on and are now on their second, third, or fourth versions.
This is good news for consumers who want a new way to listen to their music while on the go and for prescription glass wearers who want to add a little spice to their boring non-smart spectacles.
Overview of Buyers Guide
Look at any review section for each of the bone conduction glasses mentioned here and you will see a lot of negative reviews.
The gap between headphones, earbuds, and sunglasses cultures is wide and the general public has high-quality options to choose from.
The lure of bone conduction as cutting-edge new technology is starting to win over the most demanding users.
Below, I will answer the most commonly asked questions when deciding on which bone conduction glasses and smart audio glasses to buy right now.
Which smart audio glasses give you the best audio experience?
The best non-bone conduction Audio Quality Award goes to HOYEE EYES and Bose Frames!
And the best true bone conduction audio experience is the Zungle Viper.
Many in this category are not real bone conduction technology and others suffer from too much sound leakage.
Experience new “Vibra” speakers, the best bone conduction experience you can get today.
They are bigger and closer to your ears and the sound quality is better than ever.
Want access to your phone’s Siri or Google Assistant – well it is included in this model of bone conduction smart glasses.
Which smart audio glasses are best for sports activities?
The best glasses for sports activities are the Bose Frames due to its easily accessible apps and legendary audio legacy.
The audio quality will be better than expected.
Using the app to access the Bose Frames you will be amazed at the quickness of the apps Bluetooth connection is.
The microphone is impressively sensitive, so using video chatting apps like BlueJeans Network, Zoom, SnapChat or another software will be made easy.
The sound is unbelievably clear and crisp.
Which bone conduction glasses are best for indoor use?
The best bone conduction glasses for indoor use are the LET glass or the VUE Smart Glasses.
Unfortunately, both are crowd-funded projects and not currently delivering.
Vue is the world’s first pair of smart glasses that are designed for everyday use.
They are available in prescription, Plano, and sunglasses.
The best budget option available now for an order is the VocalSkull Alien 5.
Because of the limits of bone conduction technology, there is a sound leakage of the bone conduction products.
The sound quality has little difference with the traditional headphones.
As a qualified bone conduction manufacturer, their projects are professional instruments.
What are the best bone conduction glasses for prescription lenses?
The best bone conduction glasses for prescription lens users are the OptiShokz Revvez.
Bone conduction transducers guide mini vibrations through ear cartilage, which delivers sound without plugging or covering your ears.
These bone conduction smart glasses give you unrivaled situational awareness and comfort.
Not all bone conduction technology is the same.
OptiShokz used the ultimate open-ear design by using feedback from previous generations of its glasses.
They have also studied their competitors to develop a superior project.
Some of their innovations like the LeakSlayer™ are cutting edge in the bone conduction smart glasses space.
They also are not available for order right now and the second recommendation is the NON-bone conduction HOYEE EYES.
What are the best crowd funded smart audio glasses?
The highest anticipated crowd funded project of bone conduction smart glasses was the VUE Smart Glasses.
As soon as these begin shipping on a wide scale, they will dominate the market.
At a basic level, the Vue smart glasses function as glasses, so you will be able to order the lenses you want whether it is prescription, non-corrective, or sunglasses.
Vue frames come with integrated technology that makes it easier adaptable to a number of use cases.
Navigate your Vue with a convenient touch interface that is embedded into the arm of the frames.
Keep in mind that the Vue has no ports or buttons, so it ensures a totally seamless experience that is as least intrusive in to your life as possible.
The 4 types of commands in the hand recognition software are:
- Tap
- Double Tap
- Long Hold
- Swipe
Knowing these commands will go a long way towards a happy user experience.
Another good crowd funded project that is showing promise is the OptiShokz Revvez bone conduction audio sunglasses.
The performance and optics and integrated premium stereo are a groundbreaking combination.
These are sunglasses like you’ve never seen them before.
You will be able to simplify and enhance your adventures with the only sports sunglasses that have durability of the patented AfterShokz conduction technology.
The hidden aspect of these sunglasses and headphones combo is the coolest thing by far, the fact that you can wear these anywhere and no one will know you are listening to music.
They also boost a customized fit.
The bendable PivotPoint™ arms assure gentle contact between the transducers and the ears.
AfterShokz are the pioneers of the bone conduction technology.
They claim status as the worldwide leader in bone conduction technology and carry over 200 patents.
These are by far the best bone conduction glasses ever made.
You can sync with these smart glasses in three ways:
- Sync with Bluetooth
- Press on the temples for volume adjustment and play settings
- Move upwards and play – simply stand up and the smart glasses will sense the change in altitude and kick on your favorite jams.
Do not leave home without these smart glasses.
If you are using Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant, you will be very happy with the results.
You can do amazing things and be connected to your smart home at any time of the day.
You will get the satisfaction of always knowing your castle is secure.
Which are the best bone conduction lenses I can buy today on Amazon or another website?
The best bone conduction glasses shipping today on Amazon are the Zungle Viper.
Once again, the Zungle Viper leads the way with IPX4 weather proofing.
This makes it an ideal candidate for sports and athletic people on the go.
Sometimes you need to take a call when you don’t have both hands free, and the Zungle Viper is perfect for these situations.
They even work well in windy cities or high up on a skyscraper.
The smart glasses are UV400 rated and come in Polarized FDA certified lens options.
It is compatible with any smart device, like a computer, tablet, or a device that has Bluetooth.
It will charge in under one hour which is an ideal candidate for people with busy lives.
What smart audio glasses have the best overall features?
My favorite bone conduction smart glasses are the ones I can order on Amazon or the vendor website and order today.
Crowd funding projects are good to show market value, but all of the crowd funded projects on this list are unavailable for order.
The best non-bone conduction smart glasses in this roundup is the Bose Frames.
Meet the Bose Frames, the first audio sunglasses from Bose.
They are miniaturized Bose speakers and they produce rich, immersive sound or you.
The Bose is a highly regarded name in the audio industry and they did not fail to deliver a great pair of bone conduction smart glasses right out of the box, but they managed to incorporate a unique design and audio quality combination.
The Bose Frames were easily the best pair of bone conduction smart glasses we tested.
You can feel the quality of the Bose Frames as soon as you pick them up.
The weight of the frames screams professional grade.
The Bose Connect app gives you easy access to tips, personalized settings, and new features like the Bose AR.
This is the future for all bone conduction technology to be integrated with Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality worlds.
This is especially true for platforms like VRChat where communication among users is at a premium.
For iPhone and iPad and Android users, be sure your products firmware is up to date.
Choose between Rose Gold, and Blue Gradient and Mirrored Silver lenses.
They are really sharp looking on the yacht or your English history class.
The replacement lenses are easy to interchange.
Each lens blocks up to 99% of the UVA and UVB rays on a sunny day, which is good news for your eyes.
They also offer polarized options.
These lenses are the best because they are forged with the finest premium materials and that won’t be easily scratched or shattered.
Don’t forget about the metal hinges, nylon rims, and the overall feel of these frames.
You can tell the engineers over a Bose really took their time and chiseled these frames out of pure granite.
They are the most perfectly executed bone conduction smart glasses on this list.
Best Bone Conduction Glasses and Smart Audio Glasses in 2021 — Conclusions
After much testing and researching review posts, here are my conclusions so that you can make an informed buying decision to purchase bone conduction or audio smart glasses depending on what you want.
- Go with a brand name like the VocalSkull Alien 5 for sports activities.
- For indoor use, go with the Bose Frames.
- For experiencing the best audio experience and eye protection, go with HOYEE EYES.
- If you are willing to wait for your ultimate bone conduction smart glasses, then order the next crowd-funded project.
- Music lovers should keep an eye on MusicLens.
- The OptiShokz Revvez could change the bone conduction glasses market when it is released in late 2020.
