Suunto Sonic: Bone Conduction Headphones Review

The Suunto Sonic bone conduction headphones are a refreshing break from traditional in-ear or over-ear options, offering a unique combination of high-quality sound and an open-ear design that allows you to stay aware of your surroundings. These headphones are ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, fitness junkies, and anyone who needs to stay connected to their environment without sacrificing audio quality.

Key Features

• Bone conduction technology for sound delivery through the jawbone, leaving the ear canal open.
• IP55 sweatproof and water-resistant rating, suitable for various weather conditions.
• Up to 10 hours of battery life with a quick 5-minute recharge providing 3 hours of playback.
• Enhanced bass and rich sound quality, with minimal noise leakage.
• Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity with support for multiple audio codecs and dual device connections.
• Lightweight, durable design with a comfortable fit for all-day wear.
• Head movement control for hands-free navigation through music or phone calls.
• Material: Silicone and Titanium Alloy
• Weight: 31 g / 1.09 oz
• MSRP: $129.00
• URL: suunto.com

Whether you’re running, cycling, or just walking through busy streets, the open-ear design lets you listen to music while staying fully aware of your surroundings—an excellent choice for personal safety or keeping an ear out for important ambient sounds.

Above: When connected via bluetooth and playing audio, these unassuming headphones make no noise by themselves.

Comfort and Design

The Suunto Sonic boasts a minimalist, lightweight design. Weighing just 31 grams, these headphones rest lightly on your jawbone, leaving your ear canal unobstructed. The silicone and titanium alloy construction ensures durability without adding bulk.

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Because the sound is transmitted through vibrations along your jawbone, you won’t have to worry about common issues with traditional headphones like earwax buildup or uncomfortable earbuds that won’t stay in place. And despite the bone conduction method, the sound quality is impressive, with rich bass tones and clear audio across various music genres.

Durability and Performance

These headphones are designed to handle a wide range of environments, thanks to their IP55 rating for sweat and water resistance. Whether you’re sweating it out during a summer hike or facing down a cold, rainy day, the Suunto Sonic is built to stand up to a wide range of elements.

With an operating temperature range of -20°C to +60°C (-5°F to +140°F), you can take these headphones from the gym to the trail without missing a beat. The battery life holds up too, offering up to 10 hours of music playback, and a full recharge takes just 60 minutes. If you’re in a pinch, a quick 5-minute charge provides an additional 3 hours of listening.

Connectivity and Features

The Suunto Sonic connects via Bluetooth 5.2, offering a strong connection with a range of over 10 meters. The headphones support various audio codecs, including SBC and APTX Adaptive, ensuring compatibility with most smartphones and delivering excellent sound quality even at a distance. They also feature dual device connection, so you can easily switch between your phone and another Bluetooth-enabled device.

Paired with the Suunto app, these headphones offer customization options, allowing you to adjust sound settings or manage the dual device connection directly from your smartphone. In terms of ease of use, the head movement control lets you manage music or calls with simple taps and gestures:

• One tap to play/pause music or answer/hang up calls
• Two taps to skip forward a track
• Three taps to skip backward
• Volume control via dedicated buttons

Sound Quality: Better Than Expected

For bone conduction headphones, the Suunto Sonic delivers surprisingly good sound quality. The specially designed transducer enhances bass and minimizes noise leakage, making it an excellent choice for outdoor use where maintaining awareness of your surroundings is crucial. Whether you’re blasting bass-heavy tunes or listening to a podcast, the clarity remains impressive.

One of the standout benefits of bone conduction is that your ears are left open, allowing you to stay aware of nearby traffic or nature sounds. It’s an ideal setup for runners, cyclists, or hikers who need to stay safe while enjoying their favorite playlists.

• Frequency Range: 20Hz–20kHz
• Sensitivity: 117dB@1kHz
• Impedance: 6Ω±15%

Above: Although this charging port magnetically connects in a satisfying way, the lack of USB-C compatibility means you better not lose that charging cable.

Real-World Use: Pros and Cons

In practical use, the Suunto Sonic excels at keeping your ears free to monitor your surroundings while delivering high-quality sound. It’s especially useful for outdoor athletes or commuters who need to stay aware of their environment.

Pros:

• Open-ear design keeps you aware of your surroundings, enhancing safety.
• No in-ear discomfort or earwax buildup like traditional earbuds.
• Durable and sweat-resistant, perfect for all weather conditions.
• Fast charging, with a 5-minute charge providing 3 hours of playback.
• Lightweight and comfortable for long sessions.
• Intuitive control with simple taps and gestures for calls and music.

Cons:

• Not suitable for noise isolation, meaning they won’t block out ambient noise in loud environments like the shooting range.
• Specialized charging cable is required, which could be a hassle if you misplace it. No USB-C compatibility.
• Not ideal for protection against high-decibel environments like concerts or machinery-heavy workplaces.

Final Thoughts: A Unique Listening Experience

Overall, the Suunto Sonic bone conduction headphones offer a unique listening experience that stands apart from traditional earbuds or over-ear designs. The ability to listen to music while still hearing your environment is perfect for those who prioritize safety without sacrificing audio quality. Even worn indoors, you can listen to the audio of your choice will still remaining aware and available to anyone around you. These headphones are not designed to replace traditional noise-canceling headphones but rather to complement them. If you’re looking for a way to listen to music, podcasts, or take calls while still being aware of what’s happening around you, the Suunto Sonic is an excellent option.

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Written by Patrick Diedrich