When working at home, during the daily commute, or morning mile, many people get into their day with music. The advantages of using a headset in noisy environments are many and this is the typical way most people listen to music or take their calls.
However, the growing concern over EMF exposure has driven a new market in anti-EMF headphones. Typical headsets have speakers inserted partially into the ear canal and these devices produce a magnetic field that emits EMF.
It is simply the way speakers work when transducing electrical signals to a mechanical movement that produces sound. Someday, we will look back at this time when people were putting magnetic devices in their ear canals the way we now look at people getting their feet x-rays to check for proper fit when buying shoes up to the 1970s.
Getting sound to your ear does not require that speakers be placed in or on the ear, but using a sealed, air-tight system extending from a speaker will do the same job. That is essentially what you get with anti-EMF headphones.
The speakers are positioned far from the head, although they are near the body, and the only thing reaching the eardrum is an acoustically-sealed air tube that transmits the air pulses from the speakers. Anti-EMF headsets take advantage of the inverse square law of electromagnetic energies, which states that the energy intensity from a source drops off by a factor of the inverse of the distance squared (1/d2).
Basically, this means that distance from a source will do a lot in regards to reducing the energy exposure from that source. EMF earbuds have become extremely popular and here we will review several models currently sold with our opinions on their sound and build quality.
Comparison Table
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EDITOR’S CHOICE  |
1. Sanxir Anti-Radiation Headphones
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2. Aircom A3 Active Air Tube Headphones
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3. DefenderShield EMF-Free Earbud Headphones
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4. Docooler FC12 Earphone Stereo Headset
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5. Dr. Mercola Blue Tube Headset
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6. Eoncore Anti-Radiation Air Tube Earphones
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7. Fasdga Anti-Radiation Earbuds
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8. GreyGhost Single Earbud
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9. Kinden Air Tubes
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10. RadiArmor Anti-Radiation Headphones
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11. SafeSleeve Radiation-Free Air Tube Headphones
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12. SYB Air Tube Anti-Radiation Headset
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13. Tauki Air Tube Headset
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14. Tuisy Air Tubes Headset
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15. WOREMOR Safe EMF Headset
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A lot of these headphones are “me too” models that are very similar and do not offer much in terms of unique features. Our reviews are listed alphabetically and our overall opinion is provided at the bottom of the article.
Our Earbuds for EMF Protection Reviews and Comparisons
1. Aircom A3 Active Air Tube Headphones
Product Highlights
The A3 Active Air Tube Headphones by Aircom is an air tube headset with speaker assemblies positioned about halfway between the cord splitter and the earbuds. This keeps EMF-emitting electronics away from the head of the user.
Aircom claims that their Airflow technology uses a larger air space for better sound development and most users do comment that sound quality is excellent for an earbud headset.
Features
- Comes in yellow, black, pink, or white
- Airflow technology
- Magnetic end-caps
- Microphone with on/off switch
- Eartips and rings in three sizes (small, medium, large)
What We Like About Aircom A3 Active Air Tube Headphones
These headphones are made for use during sports and physical activity, which means that they will stay in place very well while exercising. No metal conductors are present near the ears (except the small end-cap magnets).
The sound quality is excellent. The end-cap magnets make stowing the earbuds away very easy and help to prevent tangles.
What We Don’t Like About Aircom A3 Active Air Tube Headphones
Some users have reported problems with the ear tubes disconnecting from the earbud. Some units have a device failure and only produce sound through one earphone (this is actually the most common negative consumer complaint).
Despite the great sound quality and richness, the microphone almost seems like an afterthought, and the voice quality is very poor during calls.
PROS
- Come in several colors
- No sound electronics near the ear
- Comes with a set of earbud tips and rings for different-sized ears
CONS
- Speaker failures
- Build quality issues
2. DefenderShield EMF-Free Earbud Headphones
Product Highlights
The EMF-Free Earbud headphones by DefenderShield are high-quality air tube headphones with EMF-shielded wiring and excellent sound richness. The product comes with ear hooks for use during sports and a full set of earbud tips for regular use and sports use.
The sound quality is the intentional product of acoustic engineers who designed the headphones for full sound without any electronics near the head of the user. Previous versions of DefenderShield headphones had convenient magnets on the end-cap for storage, however, after complaints from EMF-sensitive customers, the newest version of the headphones (reviewed here) does not have magnets.
Features
- Cord made with braided nylon and copper
- The microphone can be used hands-free
- Retaining clip
- Over-ear hooks
- Silicone ear tips (small, medium, large) and sports tips (small, medium, large)
What We Like About DefenderShield EMF-Free Earbud Headphones
Sound quality is great and the generous airspace helps with the development of deeper tones. Wired speakers are set about halfway between the cord splitter and the earbuds, which protects the user with distance from the head.
The copper and nylon braid in the cord is strong and also acts as a small Faraday cage to protect the user from extremely low-frequency radiation (ELF). The cord is also resistant to tangling.
What We Don’t Like About DefenderShield EMF-Free Earbud Headphones
Speaker drums are of high quality, but many users complain that they are heavy. You just cannot have sound quality without weight, but customers should be aware of this feature.
Previous users who are very concerned by EMF complained that these headphones defeat the purpose of an EMF-free device by placing magnets on the backside of the earbuds as a convenience for storage. If you buy an older stock of DefenderShield headphones, they will have this feature, however, the newest version of the headphones has this feature removed to address this consumer concern.
Some users also report device failure on one side after a year of use.
PROS
- A wired cord of braided nylon and copper
- Generous air space for good sound development
- Ear hooks for sports use
- Full set of casual and sports use ear tips
CONS
- Device failure after a year of use
- Speakers are heavy
- Pricey
3. Docooler FC12 Earphone Stereo Headset
Product Highlights
Docooler FC12 headphones feature a shielded cord, sonic concentrators in the earbuds, and function controls on the microphone. The cord is sheathed in trifluoroethylene plastic for toughness.
The microphone is high definition and the chipset does a decent job at filtering out extraneous ambient noise during calls.
Features
- Wire with metal shielding
- Air tubes provide distance from speaker nodes
- Earbuds with dual sonic concentrator
- Function buttons to control music
- Two sets of silicone ear tips
What We Like About Docooler FC12 Earphone Stereo Headset
The TPE (trifluoroethylene) cable is stretch-resistant which is great for those accidental catches that yank the cord. The headset is comfortable to wear. Several users have commented on the quality of the microphone, which is exceptional and not at all typical of small earbud headsets. The earbuds also contain dual sonic concentrators for enhanced loudness.
What We Don’t Like About Docooler FC12 Earphone Stereo Headset
Despite the cable material, the cord is very thin and may not have good durability. The headphones could also benefit from additional size options for the ear tips.
PROS
- Sonic concentrators for better sound
- Controls located on the headset for changing music
- TPE cord
- Excellent microphone
CONS
- A new product, so few comments
- Could use more ear tips
4. Dr. Mercola Blue Tube Headset
Product Highlights
The Blue Tube headset by Dr. Mercola as it says has attractive blue air tubes. It is a headset made by Aircom using older technology (Aircom 2) for sound transmission.
Features
- Enhanced speaker for loudness
- Clear blue air tubes
- Uses RF3 Aircom 2 technology
- Comes with 3 sets of foam ear tips
What We Like About Dr. Mercola Blue Tube Headset
The price point of these headphones is good, which makes them accessible to most people. The air tubes are large and the sound quality is also good. Mercola claims that the short air tubes are more comfortable to wear with the speakers hanging just above the clavicle.
What We Don’t Like About Dr. Mercola Blue Tube Headset
The air tubes of the Blue Tube Headset are very short and the speaker assemblies sit halfway down the neck during use. There also have been reported problems with the microphone. Speakers eventually fail for many users.
PROS
- Affordable
- Large air tubes
- Uses technology from Aircom
CONS
- The air tubes are short
- Device failures over a short time of use
5. Eoncore Anti-Radiation Air Tube Earphones
Product Highlights
The Anti-Radiation Earphone by Eoncore is our least expensive binaural headset on the list, about half the price of lower-priced headsets. With a microphone and a long air tube, the Eoncore earphone is of simple construction with plastic elbows to hold the earbuds and is certainly unique among the other contenders.
It is meant to be a low-cost EMF-safe headset for industrial situations, training, schools, military, and law enforcement.
Features
- Smart Switching Mode technology (boosts volume)
- Microphone
- Set of 3 silicone earbuds
- Garment clip
What We Like About Eoncore Anti-Radiation Air Tube Earphones
Despite being a really cheap headset, many users that have other anti-EMF headsets remark that the sound quality is unusually exceptional. The microphone is very sensitive and picks up sound well.
What We Don’t Like About Eoncore Anti-Radiation Air Tube Earphones
The only time users have had problems on calls are with the microphone, which tends to pick up road noise. The tubes send to come loose regularly, so most users find they have to either super glue or hot glue the connections.
Silicone earbuds also have sharp edges that some users find uncomfortable.
PROS
- Inexpensive
- Set of 3 earbud pairs
- Collar clip
CONS
- Tubes come loose
6. Fasdga Anti-Radiation Earbuds
Product Highlights
These earbuds by Fasdga (don’t exactly know how to pronounce that one) are so similar to the Eoncore headset above, they look like clones. There is one distinct difference from the Eoncone headphones: the air tubes have an elbow in them just before the earpieces.
Apparently, the elbows are meant to hook over the ear to provide additional stability and bear the weight of the speaker pods.
Features
- Inexpensive
- Microphone
- Garment clip
- Set of 3 pairs of silicone earbuds
What We Like About Fasdga Anti-Radiation Earbuds
The sound quality is very good, similar to the Eoncore headset. The air tube bend does help the earbuds stay in place while walking, but this headset is really not meant for active sports.
What We Don’t Like About Fasdga Anti-Radiation Earbuds
The microphone on these earbuds does not seem to pick up enough sound for easy phone calls. Many users have complained of this and simply cannot use the headset with their cell phone for calls, coming across so muffled that the other party cannot understand them.
PROS
- Affordable
- Built-in ear hooks
- Set of earpieces
CONS
- Microphone is terrible
7. GreyGhost Single Earbud
Product Highlights
The design of this anti-EMF earbud is a departure from the rest of the pack since it is a monaural earpiece. The GreyGhost earbud has all the typical features of a headset including a microphone with switches, a garment clip, and a sealed air tube earpiece.
The air tube is long, has a pre-terminal elbow that is meant to hook over the ear and is partially spiraled to provide some relief.
Features
- Monaural
- Garment clip
- Built-in ear hook
- Microphone with controls
What We Like About GreyGhost Single Earbud
This is an ideal, low-cost earpiece for security and law enforcement who need to hear their radio privately but have an ear free to hear what is happening in their environment. Many walkers and joggers prefer this monaural headset when they are exercising since they often share greenbelt paths and trails with bikers.
The ability to hear bikers call out “on your left” is an important thing to hear to prevent collisions. Other customers prefer this headset to others they own for use while driving, which allows them to hear their phone or music while also keeping an ear out for kids in the car to hear what they are doing.
What We Don’t Like About GreyGhost Single Earbud
Some users have reported speaker failures after about 6 months (sometimes less). Also, many customers are less than satisfied with the low sensitivity of the microphone during calls.
PROS
- The design leaves one ear free to hear
- Air tube fits over the ear for support
- Includes a collar clip
- Spiraled air tube for shock relief
CONS
- Device failures after some use
- Air tubes come loose
8. Kinden Air Tubes
Product Highlights
The Kinden Air Tubes are well made and several features, plus some unique ones, that are typically found only on more expensive earbud headsets. The price point of the Kinden Air Tubes is comparable to other lower-priced air tube headsets.
Speakers are enclosed in shielded housings and the wiring to the speaker housings is properly shielded. In addition, the Kinden uses gold-plating on the audio jack, which is intended to reduce magnetic transmission and RF radiation transmission from the attached device while providing an excellent signal connection.
The air tubes themselves are an attractive translucent blue color and are reinforced where attached to the speaker housing and earbuds.
Features
- Shielded wire
- Audio jack with gold-plating
- Set of 3 silicone ear tips (small, medium, large) plus a sports ear hook
- garment clip
- Hard-sided storage case
- Microphone
What We Like About Kinden Air Tubes
Sound quality is excellent and air tubes stay put since they are reinforced at the connections. The sports hook is a nice addition that allows users to engage in physical activity while listening to music or screening calls.
Kinden claims their microphone has Skype Noise isolating circuitry to make calls clearer. Many users claim you can wear these comfortably all day if you spend a lot of time on the phone.
Overall, we found nothing but mostly favorable reviews for the Kinden headset. The inclusion of a storage case is a nice addition.
What We Don’t Like About Kinden Air Tubes
Some reported device failures, but Kinden is good with customer service and returns/exchanges.
PROS
- Looks great
- Shielded wiring and speaker cases
- Gold-plated contacts
- Storage case
CONS
- Some speaker failures after 6 months of use
9. RadiArmor Anti-Radiation Headphones
Product Highlights
RadiArmor was one of the first companies to produce anti-EMF headphones and this model has been recently updated to feature better speakers, better quality buttons and lighter, more compact earbuds made from a magnesium alloy. The weight reduction offers significant advantages in comfort and keeping the earbuds in your ear.
Features
- Shielded, braided wiring
- Magnesium alloy earbuds and speaker housing
- Larger 8 mm drivers
- Air tube reinforcements
- Set of 3 silicone earbuds (small, medium, large)
What We Like About RadiArmor Anti-Radiation Headphones
Many positive comments by users who have to wear a headset all day for work. The RadiArmor headphones are comfortable and produce good sound clarity for extended use.
The design also tends not to become tangled. The air tubes also stay attached and the weight savings with the newer alloy materials is noticed by many users after wearing the earbuds for an extended time.
What We Don’t Like About RadiArmor Anti-Radiation Headphones
There are quite a few reports of speak failures in the RadiArmor headsets, with failure times that range between 3 months and 8 minutes. When used with iPhones, Siri regularly auto activates and interrupts calls and music.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Shielded wiring
- Large speakers
- Sturdy construction
CONS
- Speaker failures
- Problems with iPhone Siri service
10. SafeSleeve Radiation-Free Air Tube Headphones
Product Highlights
The Radiation-Free Air Tubes by SafeSleeve is really your basic set of air tube headphones. The air tubes have a convenient elbow, which serves as an ear hook for comfort, and the earbuds themselves mainly consist of silicone tips and a plastic elbow. The included carrying/storage case is a nice addition.
Features
- Air tube with an elbow to fit over-ear
- Set of 3 silicone ear tips
- Microphone
- Zip-up soft-sided storage case
What We Like About SafeSleeve Radiation-Free Air Tube Headphones
Most users find the SafeSleeve headset comfortable to wear all day and comment that the newer model with a shorter cord is actually better for preventing catches. Sound quality is excellent for calls and music as is microphone quality for clear sound during calls.
What We Don’t Like About SafeSleeve Radiation-Free Air Tube Headphones
Build quality issues are the main downside to the SafeSleeve headset. Many users have received defective headphones that did not work after repeated re-orders (some went through as many as 4 replacements).
Also, noise cancellation is an issue with this headset as the microphone picks up speaker noise and produces echo and feedback.
PROS
- Built-in ear hook in the air tube
- Set of silicone tips for different-sized-ears
- Carrying and storage case
CONS
- Microphone echo
- Build quality issues
11. Sanxir Anti-Radiation Headphones
Product Highlights
The Sanxir headset is somewhat more expensive than most air tube headsets but is built with more durable materials. Drivers are larger than your typical air tube headset at 8 mm and are placed in shielded housings.
The audio jack is also gold-plated to reduce RF and magnetic transmission from the connected device. Cables are shielded and made with enameled copper wire, wound around Kevlar for excellent strength and resistance to stretching.
Earbuds and speaker housing are aluminum alloy for strength and lightweight. The circuitry of the Sanxir headphones uses Intelligent Control Technology that controls crosstalk, echo, and background static from the microphone during calls for clear communications.
In addition to all these features, Sanxir includes their proprietary wing-tip ear tips that seat comfortably and stably in the ear. Included with all these great features, Sanxir throws in a drawstring cloth carrying bag and a neoprene zip-up storage case.
Features
- Large 8 mm drivers
- Aluminum alloy earbuds and speaker housing
- Set of 3 ear tips and 3 “wing-tip” ear tips
- Electronically-stabilized microphone
- Storage bag and case
What We Like About Sanxir Anti-Radiation Headphones
The sound quality of Sanxir headphones is really great. Bass is rich and is helped by the air space in the air tube portion of the headset.
Highs are also clear and not too bright. The Kevlar reinforcements in the cord are an excellent structural addition.
The use of aluminum alloy guarantees durability with low weight, which equals comfort. The chipset for the microphone is also a big bonus since it controls all the trash noise you get from a lot of headsets.
What We Don’t Like About Sanxir Anti-Radiation Headphones
Sanxir is the new guy on the block, so we could not find any negative reviews of this product. The only negative we can say about the Sanxir headphones is the price point, which is about 50% higher than most air tube headsets.
However, you get what you pay for and these are well-made.
PROS
- Large drivers
- Aluminum alloy components
- Kevlar and enameled copper cord
- Gold-plated jack
CONS
- More expensive than most headphones
12. SYB Air Tube Anti-Radiation Headset
Product Highlights
SYB is another big name in anti-EMF products and their air tube headset comes with several interesting features. Bass production in these drivers is excellent and highs are crisp. Overall sound clarity is great.
There are two versions of these headphones: the black set is straight to the ear air tubes and the white set features an air tube elbow to hook over the ear. The black set is linked here.
Features
- Set of 3 silicone ear tips
- Large 8 mm drivers
- A braided cord with shielding
- Microphone
- Convenient zip-up carrying case fits in your pocket
What We Like About SYB Air Tube Anti-Radiation Headset
Choosy consumers who have tried several different types of air tube headphones claim that the SUB has the best balance of sound quality (we do not know what others they have tested). The earbuds are comfortable.
What We Don’t Like About SYB Air Tube Anti-Radiation Headset
Some music aficionados report that the SYB headphones are great for phone calls, but fall short on sound quality when listening to music. There are some build quality issues with broken parts, however, SYB has great customer service and replaced the headphones promptly.
PROS
- Comfortable fit
- Large drivers
- Braided, non-tangle cord
- Storage case
CONS
- Sound quality for music not as good as wired headphones
13. Tauki Air Tube Headset
Product Highlights
The Tauki Air Tube headset by SaferTech has an extra-long cord (40 inches), which is great for listening to music while sitting and eliminates the need to put your phone in your pocket. The website Tech Wellness gives Tauki a high rating for build quality.
The model we reviewed is black with gold accents, but Tauki headsets also come in an attractive rose gold theme.
Features
- Two-color schemes available (black or rose gold)
- Shielded copper cords
- Set of 2 silicone ear tips
- 40-inch cord
What We Like About Tauki Air Tube Headset
- The Tauki headphones have a decent sound quality and build
What We Don’t Like About Tauki Air Tube Headset
These are basic air tube headphones in the metal earbud bracket. Nothing outstanding about their overall design or sound quality. Nothing to write home about.
PROS
- Available in two color schemes
- Long cord for convenience
CONS
- Middling sound quality
14. Tuisy Air Tubes Headset
Product Highlights
Tuisy Air Tube headphones resemble Kinden headsets in almost every feature and are likely a rebranded product. That being said, see our Kinden headphones review above for details.
Features
- Audio jack with gold-plating
- Set of 2 silicone ear tips
- Microphone
What We Like About Tuisy Air Tubes Headset
The sound quality of the Tuisy headphones is good, very similar to Kinden headphones.
What We Don’t Like About Tuisy Air Tubes Headset
Despite looking like a Kinden clone, the Tuisy does not come with the same amount of accessories.
PROS
- Attractive
- Affordable
- Gold-plated audio jack
CONS
- Lack of accessories (only 2 ear tips)
15. WOREMOR Safe EMF Headset
Product Highlights
The WOREMOR Safe EMF Headset by EMR Shielding Solutions is made by EchoTubeZ and is certainly one air tube headset that looks different. When we first saw the design, it reminded us of a medical device, like a wearable heart monitor (BTW, it will not monitor your heart… sorry).
This headset uses premium quality silicone air tubes which are pliable, soft, and will not dry-rot from sunlight. WOREMOR has also designed an odd and unique Pinch2Mute function that detects pressure change in the tubes: all you do when you get a call while listening to music is pinch the air tubes and the music mutes.
The speaker housing is single, plastic, and shaped like a heart which gives a stethoscope-like appearance. There are end-cap magnets (some people may not like this) to link the earbuds together to hang around your neck.
This is obviously not meant to be done while listening, but when you need to remove them temporarily to do some other task. The WOREMOR headset comes in several colors: black, blue, green, pink, red, and white.
Eartips are conical nested tips, quite different from what you find in other headphones. The larger your ear canal, the deeper they seat.
There are also two additional pairs of small and medium, regular ear tips.
Features
- Silicone air tubes
- Pinch2Mute feature
- Garment clip
- One-size-fits-all ear tips plus 2 pairs of regular ear tips
What We Like About WOREMOR Safe EMF Headset
These weird-looking little headphones actually have great sound quality. The design also prevents tangles. Many users really like the pinch-mute feature, which just seems more of a natural way to mute your music.
What We Don’t Like About WOREMOR Safe EMF Headset
Some users have reported air tube problems with the tubes coming loose.
PROS
- Pliable silicone air tubes
- Collar clip
- Pinch2Mute feature
- Range of ear tips
CONS
- Air tubes can come loose after extended use
FINAL VERDICT: Sanxir Air Tube Headset
Where to start? The anti-EMF air tube headset market is currently rather choked, following the growing trend in consumer demand.
As such, there are many models that come and go and we would not be surprised if some of the headphones reviewed here fall by the wayside. After considering all the horses in the race, there are some thoroughbreds and then there are those with tickets to the glue factory.
When selecting an anti-EMF headset, all of which are air tube-based designs, build quality is an important factor. There are also a lot of “me too” anti-EMF headsets out there that simply look like copies of other models and may well be rebranded clones for sale at a lower price and typically lacking accessories.
We tried to be as nice and as positive as possible in our reviews, keeping in mind that lower-quality builds are intended for consumers on a tighter budget. However, the price range for all the headphones reviewed here is really not that broad.
Headsets like DefenderShield which offer high build quality and loads of accessories top out the price bracket at about $80 retail, which is set far apart from the remaining headphones on the list. Situated midway is Sanxir at a little over $40 with all its novel features and excellent build quality.
The next bracket is the $25-35 “me too” headphones, which make up the majority of the models reviewed here. Build quality in this bracket varies widely, with headsets consisting of mostly plastic parts running neck-and-neck for the price of those which use metal components.
Finally, there are a few low-end headsets down around $10-15 that are cheaply made almost entirely of plastic parts and are hit-or-miss for performance. If we had to choose a headset for our personal use and the cost was no object, the DefenderShield headphones have it all with great build quality and sound, plus a bunch of accessories.
DefenderShield is also a big name in the anti-EMF market and has great customer service to boot. However, they are pricey.
For what you get in sound quality, build materials, and accessories, we feel the Sanxir is the best all-arounder. It is only marginally more expensive than the bulk of the “me too” crowd, but what you get for the price is way more than any of those models.
