Suunto's new Spark earbuds bring air-conduction open-ear audio to runners

A lighter, in-ear alternative to bone conduction, with training metrics built in and a $179 price tag

Suunto has just launched the Suunto Spark ($179), the brand's first air-conduction open-ear earbuds and a meaningful expansion of its headphone portfolio beyond the bone conduction Wing and Wing 2.

Available now at suunto.com and selected retailers, the Spark is aimed squarely at runners who want situational awareness, genuine audio quality, and integrated training data; all in a lightweight, earbud-format package.

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Air conduction vs bone conduction: what's actually different

If you've used the Suunto Wing or Wing 2, you'll know the open-ear argument: keep your ears unblocked so you can hear traffic, other runners, and your environment while still listening to music or podcasts.

Bone conduction achieves this by vibrating sound through your jaw and cheekbones rather than through the ear canal.

Air conduction, which is what the Spark uses, takes a different approach; the earbuds sit near the ear opening and direct sound in without blocking or sealing it, more like a speaker resting on the ear than a traditional in-ear bud.

The practical difference is mainly about audio quality and feel. Air conduction typically delivers fuller, more natural sound than bone conduction, and the Spark backs that up with a hybrid multi-driver system: balanced mids, clear highs, and dynamic bass.

For runners who found the Wing's bone conduction sound acceptable but not particularly immersive, this is a genuine step up. Suunto also supports Hi-Res Audio via LHDC 5.0 for those who want the fine detail, and head-tracking spatial audio adds a 3D dimension that moves with you as you run.

Our Suunto Wing review covers the bone conduction experience in depth if you want a direct comparison point.

Built specifically for runners

The Spark is lighter than a bone conduction headset, each earbud comes in under 9g, held in place by a slim silicone-coated memory-titanium loop that follows the ear's natural contours. Suunto used extensive ear-shape scanning and fit testing to get the geometry right, and the result is described as a pressure-free fit that stays secure across long runs without clamping down.

Beyond comfort, the Spark functions as a training companion in its own right.

Built-in running algorithms track cadence, stride, and running mechanics in real time, delivering the kind of form feedback that usually requires a separate sensor or chest strap.

When paired with a Suunto watch, voice guidance delivers pace, heart rate, distance, and lap updates hands-free; a useful feature for anyone using the Suunto Race 2, Vertical 2, or similar.

There's also a neck health monitoring feature that tracks flexibility and fatigue levels, sending alerts when posture degrades. This is a detail that's particularly relevant for anyone spending long hours at a desk between training sessions.

Practical specs

Price: $179 at Suunto.com
Battery life sits at 7 hours on a single charge, with up to 36 hours total via the charging case.
IP55 dust and sweat resistance handles workouts and variable weather.
Bluetooth 5.4 enables dual-device connection, so you can stay connected to both your phone and watch simultaneously.
Touch controls and head gestures handle playback, calls, and navigation on the move, and the Suunto app gives you customizable EQ settings or preset sound modes.
Colors: Black, White, and Coral Orange.

Where it fits in the Suunto lineup

The Spark joins a portfolio that now spans five open-ear models: the Wing 2 (bone conduction, endurance-focused), the Sonic (bone conduction, everyday training), and the Aqua and Aqua Light (water-ready).

Together these cover a genuinely wide range of use cases, from commuting and everyday training through to swimming and multisport. The Spark's air-conduction format fills the gap for runners who want better audio quality than bone conduction offers but don't want to give up situational awareness with a standard sealed earbud.

Learn More at Suunto

For a broader look at how Suunto's headphone ecosystem fits alongside their watch lineup, our Suunto Race 2 and Wing 2 launch article covers how these products pair together for structured training.

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