Choosing audio headphones today means choosing between very different designs. Bone-conduction sport models leave your ears open, wireless earbuds tuck inside your ear canal, and over-ear studio headphones cover your whole ear. Prices in this lineup span from $59.99 to $549, so the decision isn't just about budget - it's about which listening scenario matches the headphone's design.
If you mainly run or cycle outdoors, the open-ear Shokz models keep you aware of traffic. If you need a pair for a commute or a desk that blocks ambient sound, the Bose earbuds are the in-ear route. And if you're looking for a statement piece with a rare colorway, the discontinued Beats Pro limited edition is the outlier.
Quick take
At the low end, the Shokz S803 gives you bone conduction, wireless connectivity, and a waterproof rating. For $49 more, the Shokz OpenRun Pro adds Bluetooth 5.3 and a new unit. The Bose SoundSport is the sole earbud option with replaceable tips and in-line controls. The Beats Pro is a used, wired, limited-edition studio headphone that comes with extra pads, a new cable, and its original box. The price spread runs from under $60 to $549.
Comparison table
| Product | Price | Price Bar | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone-Conduction Sport Headphones Bluetooth Black | USD 108.99 | Runners who want open ears and Bluetooth 5.3 | |
| Shokz S803 Open Run Wireless Bone Conduction Open-Ear Sport Headphones - Black | USD 59.99 | Budget outdoor training with waterproof build | |
| Bose SoundSport Bluetooth Wireless Earbud Headphones - Orange New and Sealed | USD 224.99 | Everyday wireless earbuds with inline controls | |
| Discontinued Beats Pro by Dr. Dre " Lil Wayne Red " Studio Headphones (Rare | USD 549.00 | Collectors of rare wired studio headphones |
Decision matrix
- Choose the Shokz S803 if you want the lowest price and a waterproof, open-ear bone-conduction design for running in any weather.
- Choose the Shokz OpenRun Pro if you'd rather pay more for a new unit with Bluetooth 5.3 and the same open-ear approach.
- Choose the Bose SoundSport if you want earbuds that seal with replaceable tips, plus a microphone and in-line control for calls.
- Choose the Beats Pro if you want a rare, discontinued wired headphone with a limited-edition red finish and extra accessories.
Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone-Conduction Sport Headphones Bluetooth Black
At USD 108.99, this new Shokz sits between the budget S803 and the pricier Bose and Beats. It uses bone conduction to send sound through your cheekbones, leaving your ear canals open to ambient noise, which is why it's a sport headphone rather than an isolation tool. The Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity is the highest Bluetooth version listed in this group. The limitation is that there's no waterproofing claim, so if you plan to run in heavy rain, the S803 is the safer pick. It's also not an in-ear or over-ear design, so don't expect background noise to be sealed out.
Shokz S803 Open Run Wireless Bone Conduction Open-Ear Sport Headphones - Black
At $59.99, this open-box Shokz is the most affordable way into bone-conduction audio. It's wireless, waterproof, and comes as a neckband with a built-in microphone, which makes it a strong companion for workouts or calls while moving. The open-ear layout is ideal for staying alert outdoors. The trade-offs: it's open-box, so it may show handling signs, and the Bluetooth spec is listed as "Bluetooth, Bluetooth/Wireless" without the version number that the OpenRun Pro specifies. If you're shopping strictly on price and want water protection, this is the one.
Bose SoundSport Bluetooth Wireless Earbud Headphones - Orange New and Sealed
For $224.99, this is the only true earbud in the lineup. It's new and sealed, with replaceable ear tips so you can adjust the fit, and the closed-back design helps keep outside sound down. The feature list also covers a microphone, rechargeable battery, inline control, and stereo output, all over wireless connectivity with Micro USB charging. The limitation is that earbuds sit in your ear canals, which means you'll lose some awareness of your surroundings. There's no waterproofing claim either, so this is better suited to commutes, office days, and gym sessions that stay dry.
Discontinued Beats Pro by Dr. Dre " Lil Wayne Red " Studio Headphones (Rare
At $549.00, this is the highest-priced pick - and the only used, wired headphone here. The title flags it as discontinued, limited edition, and rare, and the bundle includes new extra black ear pads, a new audio cord, manuals, a decal, the original Beats box, and a white carry bag. It connects through a 3.5mm jack, and features include an adjustable headband, detachable cable, and leather cushions. The limitations are clear: no charger included, a 3ft cable that ties you to your device, and the used condition means the actual wear isn't spelled out. This is more of a collector's item than a travel companion.
Final recommendation by use case
For an affordable, weather-resistant sport pairing, the Shokz S803 is the obvious choice. For a new wireless sport model with Bluetooth 5.3, the Shokz OpenRun Pro earns the extra outlay. For everyday earbuds with replaceable tips and inline controls, the Bose SoundSport is the right fit. And for a rare wired statement that's also a slice of headphone history, the Beats Pro - despite its price and quirks - is the one to consider.
