As someone who works in construction from time to time, my favorite thing about these headphones is that they work (actually, better) when you put earplugs in. So, I can protect my ears from loud, repetitive tool noise while still listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. I highly recommend trying these headphones again, and this time stick your fingers in your ears. It's a little weird to be able to still hear like that!
I work in a factory and have the same experience. I absolutely love mine. I got the 1 step up from the ones he go and they came with a hard case that is very nice even has a spot for the charging cable. They also easily last over 10 hors listing to music and books
In my opinion this is the perfect application for these. Using these with earplugs increases the quality of the sound, and allows you to block out loud noises while still listening to music.
I work in construction around a booster water pump that’s about 115db and i second your comment, with ear plugs in i can still hear music or phone calls and notifications while my ears are protected, absolutely great solution
I have an older version of these, and I use them all the time, they are a bit better for spoken word than for music, but they do the job. I am legally blind, these let me walk, listen, and still hear what is going on around me. Lots of blind and low vision users really enjoy this type of head set
My mom actually has a pair of these! She's partially deaf in one ear and near fully deaf in the other, and with these she can hear music in both ears, as it sort of bypasses the parts of her ears that are messed up. It's not perfect, but if she wants to watch shows or listen to podcasts, she can at least understand what they're saying.
My mom also has hearing aids and she had the blue tooth ones but they always died and she had to wait for them to charge. So she got a basic pair and was missing the bluetooth so we tested my pair of shoxs and she loved them and got a pair for herself
I am also partially deaf in my left ear and bought these not even with that in mind, I am so use to it not working well in my left ear. I was so pleasantly surprised to hear my music so well in both my ears wearing this!
I started using the Shokz Open Comm model. The difference is, it has a mic boom, which is better for truck drivers, like me. Took a couple days to get used to. They are now my favorite to use with phone calls in my semi.
I have used these since they first came out with the aftershokz titanium version. They are excellent for maintaining awareness while also listening to music on runs or biking. Another benefit to these is that you can also put in earplugs and use them while doing yardwork or something where there might be loud background noise. You can protect your hearing while still listening to music or podcasts. Note: There are actually two different eq settings. You can get to the other one by pressing and holding both volume up and down at the same time until the voice says something about eq change. One is substantially better than the other one. However, I forget what eq setting they start on by default.
I love mine..a few weeks ago, the right ear cut out...and I was LOST without them..The company honored the warranty and sent a brand new pair..in box..
Thanks for making the EQ version of the music. You are the first person I've seen do that in their review and it is a huge help in deciding to buy them or not.
I love the warranty, I had the true OG ones when they barely came out they broke on accident last year I was kind of hesitant to do a claim because it was so long but they honored it and sent me brand new ones with the updated name
I love these things. For sound quality they aren’t the best but the bass gets better when you put ear plugs in. I use them mainly for listening to podcasts and out of all the headphones I use these are the most comfortable.
Bone induction headphones can be great for a lot of reasons, especially for people who have hearing impairment. However one warning is that anyone with bad anemia it can cause bad bruising. You wouldn't think it's strong enough, but prolonged use can be bad
I have had the Aftershox Aeropex model for about 5-6 years and before that I had an older model that I accidentally left on an airplane. I love them. They are great for running, as they hold up well against sweat and are safer because they do not block outside sounds. I want to be able to hear my surroundings. Also, for some races, they ban any headphones that block your ability to hear your surroundings. As you said, the music quality is limited, but they are not trying to compete with headphone build for audiophiles.
Back in 1989 my wife and I had bone conducting communication devices to wear with our motorcycle helmets and talk on trips. I think they were wired to a transceiver in our pockets but it's too long ago for me to remember the details. Without these there was no chance of communication going down the highway but with these devices we could talk normally.
I got these 2 years ago because I had eczema in my ears and all ear buds were making my ears itch like crazy. These are still working great and, if you don’t count slightly worse audio quality, they don’t really have any downsides.
I was skeptical of these but took the plunge and can't go back. Worth every penny, super comfortable and the battery lasts a long time. I take them every time I go running
I have two pairs of Shokz (one with a boom mic (which is more clear) and one without that's an older generation) and I love them. The sound quality is fine, but not amazing. The newer generation headset definitely has better audio quality than the old pair I have. The battery life on both is amazing. I get way more than 8hrs out of both of mine - I guess it depends on how much you have the volume up. As for the proprietary cable, I normally agree, but the magnetic charging cable on the newer headsets is a big improvement over the micro USB on the older headsets, in my opinion. I use them for two things: 1. I'm in meetings all day long at work and these are way more comfortable than having something on or in my ears for hours at a time. They work fine for calls. 2. I'm also blind, so they let me go out and listen to music or spoken directions from Google Maps, etc. without compromising safety. It's really important for me to be able to hear people/traffic.
After seeing this video, I went and got myself a pair for work. They came in fast with shipping, and I tested them out today. They were astounding, just perfect! They do miss some lower notes but they pick up on almost everything I listen to… on top of that, I am partially deaf in my left ear. These somehow made the tune equal on both sides of my head, a feat that hasn’t happened for me in years. I damn near cried at work while stocking! Thanks for reviewing this life changing ear apparatus, and bringing them to my attention!
I started with the Aftershokz Aeropex (their previous brandname) I recently upgraded to the Shokz Opencomm2 as when cycling I talk to family on the phone and the mic on the Aeropex was not good with wind, the Opencomm works well to reduce wind noise. The audio isn't great but it's good enough for me for having something to listen to and keeping my ears open to hear the world around me.
@@Briaaanz for audio they're fine, and they feel fine with helmet and glasses. If you're planning to talk on the phone while cycling go for the opencomm2
The one caution they mention is that if you have the volume up it will definitely affect your ability to hear things around you. I tried using mine on the bicycle and wasn't really comfortable with how it changed my awareness.
6:41 trust me it’s better. I also had an older version that had a micro usb and having to remove the little cover and getting the plug in was a little annoying.
I had the older version, and one of the nice things about having a mini usb was the ease of charging, the current lower end version still uses usb C and the little cover is even more difficult to remove.. I can see me anyway with a magnetic cord not having the charging cable around when I need it , forgetting it on a trip , losing it in a library etc...and I can't just pop to any store and grab a replacement USB cable or fish out an extra one from some other device.
I own these & I absolutely love them. I use them when I'm walking, working out and also late at night when I want to watch videos on my phone when the wife is asleep.
I bought a pair of cheap "earcuffs" that clip on to the cartilage from aliexpress, something like £3. They are way better than I was expecting and they're TWS as well. So comfortable I forgot I was wearing them.
Ive been using these for years. I work 12 hour shifts in a clean room, so cant access my phone/headphones when working. These are fantastic as i get to still hear everything when i pause, and having earbuds in for 12 hours is insanely uncomfortable.
I've used shockz for years now. Pre covid I worked in an open office, at the time I bought what I think were the 1st generation that charged with a mini USB cable - they worked real well and I could listen to podcasts and if something happens in the office. After covid I got work that was 100 pct remote, I got the shockz with a mic arm and I think 2nd generation magnetic USB like you have here - they work well in meetings and also in datacenter that also allow me to use ear buds to block intense fan noise whilst still able to talk to people. More recently I broke a pair and bought latest normal ones that I think are 3rd generation and have usbc charge cable. Seems to charge quicker too. I swear by these headsets, kinda ok for music but real good for voice and podcasts.
Replicating what other commenters are saying, been using these since the previous version. And there is a noticeable improvement from the Titanium to the Air... Titanium had lower volume and the tickling effect came up earlier, it got annoying overtime. :P So, I really started using these neckband style headphones years ago with Sony's NWZ line, basically because it was the only thing that stayed in my ears during runs, because I sweat a lot. I tried a whole ton of brands, types, styles and whatnot until I got to the NWZ line. But I also have problems with earbuds, in ear and cup style headphones for the exact same reason - sweat. Not only those get filthy, but also they promote pimples and grossness in ear, with ear wax problems and whatnot. I still have my last NWZ phones for swimming, which also has been ages I don't do, but just in case I start over again. xD These bone conduction phones are not cheap, but they aren't too far away from the Sony NWZ line, and so I decided to risk and take the jump with no way to test them before buying. In the end, I'm very satisfied. I don't need to have something stuck in my ears anymore, the ambient awareness is something I actually like having, and the only complaints I have are what James already said - I don't like much that it uses a proprietary cable for charging though I understand why they did it. Sticking a standard USB-C connector would take space and sacrifice water resistance a bit... given my sweat problem, I'd rather it stay as sealed as possible. :P Kinda the same issue for smartwatches. The Sony NWZ line also uses a proprietary connector, pogo pin style, so it wasn't a surprise for me anyways. Music quality is indeed better with headphones, but it's not that bad with bone conduction... in fact, it's kinda surprising how good the bone conduction thing works all things considered. I was expecting things to be way more muffled and muddy, like hearing inside a tank of water or something, but nope, it works very well. One thing to note though - don't think you are going to enjoy music well if the ambient you are in is too noisy. Not a problem with the tech, it's just a problem with the overlap. If you take those on a run along noisy streets for instance, you'll probably need some ear plugs to focus on the music. Alas, I haven't been running, jogging, swimming or doing much these days anymore, and the only situation I really use it these days is when I'm out and about by myself, and when I play games with friends. Works great as a headset, though pairing can be finnicky... there is some weird thing about Bluetooth devices where it's easy to make them connect as a headset device with low sound qualify, but hard if you want high sound quality plus mic. Still, it's an easy thing to go for if you want a headset without wires working pronto. Also use it on trips when I'm by myself to watch UA-cam and other stuff without bothering others... if you turn the volume of those high enough, there might be a little bit of sound bleed, but I don't think it's audible enough to bother even people who are seated right by your side. Oh, these phones have a multipoint Bluetooth connection mode which lets you connect to multiple devices at once... it'll only take audio from one of them, but this allows you to have them connected say, to a smartphone and laptop at the same time, with one taking priority over the other when there's incoming audio. Something that is not advertised much, but it's there. Anyways, my two cents. Last thing to note though - the Shokz Air is not the latest model, though it's also the one I have. Shokz released a new line after this one, and the advertised improvement is exactly the bass... can't say if it delivers or not since I don't have them, but I've been itching to get one. xD
The timing of this video lines up perfectly. My earbuds started acting up so I went looking for new ones and found out about bone conduction. I can't wear just any earbuds so the most common style isn't optional. Management is getting onto us about having anything in our ears on the floor but now I can listen to my music all I want and you can't do anything about it, Lance! It's not for audiophiles but it's perfect for a lot of situations where you need to hear your surroundings and I'm glad this is an option. They're so comfortable too. I've never had headphones that didn't get uncomfortable after a few hours before now. I'm sold.
I used to work at amazons datacenters and they had a high security system where we were to go through a metal detector before going into the rooms. We also had to wear earplugs because the rooms were very loud and they allowed headphones but only specifically this one and a few others. I loved it it worked perfect
That's great you did this one. I always wondered about those headphones. I'm glad you saved me grief as I would have bought them for jogging and been disappointed by the lack of bass. The eq you showed illustrates it well. On the other hand, looks great for jogging while listening to podcasts or motivational speeches. Thank you!
Pretty much the exact same as having a Sena or a Cardo helmet communication set for motorcycles. All mid range, basically its a "better than nothing" approach.
As I bought 3/4 Shokz Titanium, I love these headphones. Just a cons, and two curiosity: - Unfortunately, they are really delicate and it's easy to break them if you put them in a bag with some weight on and no case (that's why I bought so many of them). Exert caution and treat them well, they will reward you. - The first week or two that you use them for the first time, they can cause inflammation and a bit of itching with intensive use. With time it will stop and also if you don't use them for a year. - If you don't hear well, putting a finger in one of your ears will boost the sound. I know, it's strange but I used this method a lot of times when the call was not of great quality.
They get better with time. Once used to them you'll start to actually hear the frequency range you didn't notice at first. I too thought it sounded like audio from a phone speaker placed inside a tin can and thought I wasted $180 on my aeropex, but over time I came to love. And with the IPX rating of aeropex I could use them in the shower. My Open Run Pro do provide much better sound but their IPX is much lower.
Been a fan of this company for a few years. They're great for cycling, working out, or any job where you need to be able to hear people but also want to listen to music or podcasts or whatever like at a restaurant. Super comfortable and easy to forget you're even wearing them.
I've been using this brands products for years now and am a big believer in them. If I really want to get into some music I'll wear my good over the ears headset but for casual listening these do just fine for me. My main use for them though is as a wireless headset for making and taking calls, in which case they are perfect for me since I can wear them all day and they aren't in my ears irritating them. And as another user commented you can get better sound out of them by using earplugs, still not hi-fi but better.
Ooh neat a review I can contribute to!! I also have an older model... Mine are so old in fact that they're from the company's previous brand name, Aftershokz. They are my first pair, I've been using them off an on for over a decade and they still go strong. My 100% use is while cycling, that way I can still listen to traffic as necessary while also catching podcasts, music, whatever. I've used my headphones in at least 6 different states, on 3 different continents, across multiple century rides including the HHH100. They've never failed to be perfect right off the charger in all that time. They might seem pricey, but they hold up so well that I wouldn't hesitate to invest in them again when that becomes necessary. Honestly they are by far the best headphones I've ever owned.
Before the pandemic I went through 3 noise canceling headphones in my attempt to keep outside noise away from my music. On the bus, some folks would sit there having a conversation (more like screaming) via the speaker phone. On the subway (NYC), there were the same problems as well as the whole subway noise problem. The problem with nc headphones is that they don't consider the human voice to be 'noise' so I'd still hear all the crap. Obviously these bone conduction units aren't aimed at solving my problem. I've only seen them in movies & tv where teams are coordinating their movements but still want to be able to hear the regular stuff. I appreciate your effort in testing them (and of course all the other reviews you do).
I have several pairs of these and love them. But I think I like the newer "Open Ear Air Conduction" type headphones better because the sound quality is at a higher level. As an aside, the proprietary cable for Shokz is necessary to get the water and sweat resistance. Unlike other earbuds and stuff, they don't have a case that acts as a charging center. Having a charging case means the earbuds themselves can be sealed and you still get water and sweat resistance. I've recently started trying "Air Conduction" open ear headphones like the Oladance open ear air conduction headphones which are IPS67 and charge in a case (USB-C) which doesn't recharge the headphones like other earbuds... it doesn't need to, the Oladance have an 18 native battery life! They sit outside your ear so you can still hear the surroundings but they actually have speaker drivers you get better audio. They are as expensive of the Shokz or even Air Pods, but even so I prefer them because I don't like putting something in my ear. Still, nothing beats my Bose 700 Noise Cancelling when I am travelling or my Airpod pros for calling with my iPhone or using my iPad. Nothing integrates as well with the apple eco system than then air pod pros.
The OpenMove model I have has a USB C port with a cover to protect said port while the headphones are in use. I'm not sure if the current OpenMove headphones still have that tho
I use these every single day and they are the best headphones I have ever used. In the shower, running, day-to-day around the house, driving. It is amazing and doesn't cause ear pain or that "clogged up" feeling from having in earbuds for prolonged periods of time. I highly recommend these.
How do these fair for those of us who suffer from tinnitus? I'm surprised James didn't bring it up in the review, as he's mentioned in the past several times to suffer from it himself.
Before I was able to drop my child off at school and make it back to the daily Zoom meeting at work, I used to hide myself away and attend the meeting through the phone itself. Then I saw someone with bone conducting earphones and based on what she said about them, I bought a pair. Not the ones being reviewed here, but for Zoom meetings they were perfect. No one could see them or could tell as the sound of my voice didn't change to any significance. I would recommend these for the purpose I got them for and audiobooks. Think also by pairing them with a Bluetooth lapel mic, they would be a cheaper alternative to the rathrer expensive bone conducting hearing aids.
Got mine in March for work in an office and love them. Does good on music, but when playing my drums here at home, I use good JBL over ear headphones with hearing protection.
Love these! Have had several versions, mostly for listening to books and podcasts and to phone conversations. Only dislike is that you can't really lie down wearing them
They truly do suck if you care about the sound quality of your music though as they have no bass, and if you turn them up enough to actually hear them, then they can leak sound so others around you can hear them like a buzzing cheap phone speaker.
Another purpose / use of these is for folks having tinnitus symptoms or minor hearing loss, my brother was asked to move to these by his ENT doctor, as he was showing early signs of hearing loss mostly due to loud in-ear/over-the-head options.
I'm on my second pair of these after losing my initial pair. I have the OpenMove model of these which charges by USB-C. These are the best headphones out there IMO. I've gone a literal 10+ hours on a single charge. Example i start them when leaving my apt at 11:30 am and it's still going when i'm leaving work at 10pm and arriving home at 11:30-midnight. I will add that Shokz/Aftershokz has different models of it's bone conducting headphones for different price points. But overall it's definitely worth the money
This is the best review I’ve ever watched not for this specific product but just a product in general! Thank you so much for the work you put into your video and review ❤
I have version pro and one of best hardware I purchased. You can tilt them in a way that headphones sits in your ear (back part goes higher) so you can lay in bed, wear hat etc. Useful when you walk next to busy street as they sounds 2x stronger. Quick charging, days of use (12h for pro so perfect for dog walking). Happy to see video that promote those :)
Oh my God you brought me back! My dad was a mailman back in the '90s and he used to listen to the radio on his bone phones. I used to love playing with them. I remember they broke one time and he had to have them repaired and they took forever to be repaired but he got them back. He might still have them
I use a similar version at work. I get just over 8 hours of play connected to 2 phones. I keep the volume very low for music as I may be talking to people face to face and I can still enjoy the music. The phone I use for calls is at a higher volume and works well in most instances as well. I would certainly recommend that anyone who needs to be aware of their surroundings get a version of these as the price point isn't very high and enjoy.
It won't work in some applications where open-ear headphones are needed, but for other situations like going for a run I would be interested to know how these compare to the pass-through setting of common earbuds that plays external sounds along with what you're listening to.
I used to work in the oilfield and gold mining industries and headphones like these have always been my go to. That way I can still be aware of my surroundings and walkie, or put in ear plugs for loud noises but still hear my music. Love these.
Idk if you or anyone remembers the Kickstarter ORII. Is was a ring that you wear on your finger and you just press your finger to your head for bone conduction just like where these are. It really just ended up being more of a speaker and you could hear it outside of the small device, though it's clever. Glad to see it's come a long way, these look cool
i am hearing impaired have no ear drum so i use a bone conduction hearing aid makes it so i can listen to music or answer the phone another great video
I had gotten a pair of these a few years back and had to return them as they gave me terrible headaches. I think it might have to do with my history with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome and that's where the bone conduction takes place.
I bought a cheap version, and honestly, the music is…not great. But if I want audiophile headphones, I wouldn’t be using Bluetooth. I use them at work which requires earplugs. Since I have to pull my plugs to hear talk anyway, it doesn’t cause me issues. The ones I have a good for discord, too. It picks up my voice well.
For music playback I would suggest an app that has an equalizer. While it does not make mine as well rounded as my studio headphones, it does improve the overall range by about 50% . With the majority being the bass and only slightly improves the higher end.
I got mine nearly 2 years ago and love them. They have changed the design as my play button is so easy to use. For the first 6 months I played music daily. I don’t do ear buds as they don’t fit properly so these are great. And bar being slightly lower volume no issues.
I work at an auto auction house. I need to be able to hear the vehicles around me. The simplicity of the button on the left side to pause and play, answer calls, and end calls is fantastic. As a work headphone, it's amazing. For audiofiles, it's a good trade off.
I’ve had these headphones for about two three years now I have the original version which were called aeropex before the product and company name change it did take some getting used to. For example like he said in the video the multifunction button that you use to play pause skip and reverse did take me some time to find. However once I got used to them by pretty much wearing them every day it’s second nature for me to go right to the button first try. Because they aren’t sitting in your ears there is a significant downgrade in sound quality however when I’m walking my neighborhood this helps keep me safe and hear cars around me. I highly recommend this product if you are highly active or just always on the move one of the best purchases I have ever made.
I have a pair of the shokz open pro, they sound fine(yes theyre not iem's or even cheap headphones)..only issue o have is their connection issues. Volume buttons work, pause works but the damn things constantly crackle due to a bluetooth issue. Had it on both pairs(returned my original pair), my cheap $35 bluetooth amp for my sennheisers NEVER has that issue. I still use these and they're fine and wont be returning them, but i used my coworkers before buying these. His were from amazon and cheap,...mine were not, alao his didnt have audio issues either. Just try different brands before these...I'd kind of recommend these
I had a couple pairs. I loved them, however in both pair I had the transducer came loose inside and rattled and sounded awful. That was in less than a year of use. The concept is great, but I was not happy with the durability. The warranty replaced the first pair but I decided not to replace them again the second time and switch to LG Tones, still going strong with daily use after a year.
i have the aftershokz titanium and 2S, trust me, the proprietary cable is an improvement. the flap on both of mine barely close because the micro USB stresses it open when you're charging.
@markbajek2541 that's a fair question. I'm not the guy to answer that though. I was just referring to how it brings the bass to life and increases volume so you can hear it without the intense buzzing. I can say that with the plugs in, I really have to moderate my volume to hear ambient sound at work.
I had about 20 smart watches at one time of varying prices, and ONE of them had the Shokz connector, and it was a pretty popular brand. Can't remember which one.
@Freakin' Reviews - Amazon currently have two listings for the SHOKZ Bone conduction headset, The 'OpenRun' at £129.95 rated IP67 (8 Hrs playback) and the OpenMove at £79.95. rated at IP55 (6Hrs playback). In my experience the OpenRun variant's IP67 enclosure is better at preventing sweat/rain ingress and feels more comfortable looped over my ears during hard workouts, lasting a couple of sessions without the need to recharge. But is the OpenRun variant worth the additional £50 for the extra 2 hours runtime and IP waterproof reassurance? I say yes, taking into account I have eardrum damage to both ears and normally can't listen to music wearing my regular hearing aides. And standard headphones are useless unless played excessively loud. Too many Karen's around nowadays to enjoy my music through regular headphones. 😉 Thanks for sharing your informative review. 👍
It’s quite accurate that the sound would be ‘midrange’. Bone doesn’t conduct the higher and lower frequencies as well as air does, so it is going to be limited by physics. Speech is midrange, so it’s makes sense that it’s better suited for podcasts than music.
Good review. I own a previous generation of these and the only thing i would add is that even though mine are blue, people don't pay attention to them and you need to be prepared for people assuming you are talking to them or thin air.
I recommend trying the 'Pro' model.. the bass is noticeably better! I stopped using my headphones AND earpods for my Shokz Pro instead and it's hard to go back.
On my list to try these out! I have very small ear canals, so ear buds never fit well or comfortably (even with smallest fittings i can find). And curious if can work with motorcycle helmet--like that others say the sound is better while wearing ear plugs, which is a must when riding!
I have 2 pairs of these headphones. I use them at work to listen to podcasts. I can still hear my phone if it rings or people who talk to me. Love these so much!!!
I have an old pair of the aftershokz. I like them. I have tiny ear canals and ear buds do not work for me. I don't like over-the-ear. They are too bulky for me. However, the sound is different for sure. Also, they have changed to charging port. Mine is a mini plug. I think that's what it's called. Thanks for the review James.
Did you find that you got distracted by 'outside' sounds and miss or have to rewind what you were listening to on the headphones or were you able to separate the different sounds ?
My husband has the aftershox and loves them! He uses them almost everyday for the past few years. The warranty is wonderful! His original pair had a malfunction and they sent him a brand new replacement pair pretty quickly.
These things are awesome. I've had a pair of them. I love that I can walk down the street, hear people walking up behind me, and still hear my music. (I live in downtown Toronto, so, hearing people sneaking up on you, is important.)
I'm tone deaf (I think that's what its called) but I can't hear the difference in high and low pitch or bass so this would be perfect for me as I wouldn't even notice the sound quality difference
I bought a set of what I thought were bone conducting earphones that look exactly like those. It turned out they weren't bone conducting at all but had thin slits in the pieces near the ear that directed sound into the ear. If you cover the slit the sound is deadened to almost a silent level. That is not to say that the ones you have are not bone conducting but anyone thinking of buying something that looks like them be aware they may not be.
Dude for me I love to talk on the phone while I work so it’d be super cool for that. Wouldn’t do much for music and also I don’t like the wrap around the head look. I know it’s impossible to lose that because they have to actually press against your head so I suppose they’re just not for me. Super cool idea though. Maybe one day if they’re not behind your head I’ll consider.
I bought a pair of these last winter and they are my go-to for phone calls. Everyone I have talked to says they can hear me better when I use the Shokz. They are not, as you say, great for music, but I rarely listen to music. They are good for watching TV when I am trying not to interrupt my wife's sleep. To avoid the problem of the rear band when I'm in my recliner, I just flip them over an put the band under my chin.
Have the kobia? They're not true bone conductive as others can hear but i can cut the grass and still listen to the music so.. they work. Does feel tingly after some use
fantastic review... loved the EQ simulation. If that does approximate the sound, then wow, you REALLY lose a lot of lows and highs. Regardless, I can see why people like those things.
I work in a loud factory that requires earplugs. These things excel much better with earplugs. It's also worth mentioning that radios are allowed, but even at full volume, I haven't heard a single radio that you can hear after you step away from it very far. These things I can hear great over the machines and enjoy my music.
I'd like to see you try the oladance OWS (gen 2 or pro), I love those those headphones, in my opinion, it's the (only) best open-ear headphones I've ever used.
i bought a pair of these a while ago and i love to listen to podcast or audio book and just go to sleep. they dont fall out and dont stab when you lay on your side.
From what I understand the OpeRun is the gold standard in bone conducting headphones. If that's the sound you're experiencing then it sounds like bone conduction headphones have a long way to go before matching traditional headphones.
It's physically impossible for them to sound like regular headphones. That being said, if you want better quality, other brands offer "air conduction"models. Sound peats or tozo are great brands
Thank you for your information on these headphones. I have had these headphones for a year now and I love them. I do not like headphones that go in my ear because my ears are tiny and they always fall out. I have used my fast smart charger and it actually charged faster for some reason.
I recently bought some Walmart brand ones paid 50 for them. It would be great if you could compare the two. The only gripe I have is the length, i have a big head/neck so when I turn sude to side they tend to slip off.
As someone who works in construction from time to time, my favorite thing about these headphones is that they work (actually, better) when you put earplugs in. So, I can protect my ears from loud, repetitive tool noise while still listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. I highly recommend trying these headphones again, and this time stick your fingers in your ears. It's a little weird to be able to still hear like that!
I work in a factory and have the same experience. I absolutely love mine. I got the 1 step up from the ones he go and they came with a hard case that is very nice even has a spot for the charging cable. They also easily last over 10 hors listing to music and books
In my opinion this is the perfect application for these. Using these with earplugs increases the quality of the sound, and allows you to block out loud noises while still listening to music.
I work in construction around a booster water pump that’s about 115db and i second your comment, with ear plugs in i can still hear music or phone calls and notifications while my ears are protected, absolutely great solution
Just came to comment something similar!
I’ve been using these while mountain biking for years. Love them and I think the music quality is excellent.
I have an older version of these, and I use them all the time, they are a bit better for spoken word than for music, but they do the job. I am legally blind, these let me walk, listen, and still hear what is going on around me. Lots of blind and low vision users really enjoy this type of head set
My mom actually has a pair of these! She's partially deaf in one ear and near fully deaf in the other, and with these she can hear music in both ears, as it sort of bypasses the parts of her ears that are messed up. It's not perfect, but if she wants to watch shows or listen to podcasts, she can at least understand what they're saying.
My mom also has hearing aids and she had the blue tooth ones but they always died and she had to wait for them to charge. So she got a basic pair and was missing the bluetooth so we tested my pair of shoxs and she loved them and got a pair for herself
I am also partially deaf in my left ear and bought these not even with that in mind, I am so use to it not working well in my left ear. I was so pleasantly surprised to hear my music so well in both my ears wearing this!
I started using the Shokz Open Comm model. The difference is, it has a mic boom, which is better for truck drivers, like me. Took a couple days to get used to. They are now my favorite to use with phone calls in my semi.
I have used these since they first came out with the aftershokz titanium version. They are excellent for maintaining awareness while also listening to music on runs or biking.
Another benefit to these is that you can also put in earplugs and use them while doing yardwork or something where there might be loud background noise. You can protect your hearing while still listening to music or podcasts.
Note: There are actually two different eq settings. You can get to the other one by pressing and holding both volume up and down at the same time until the voice says something about eq change. One is substantially better than the other one. However, I forget what eq setting they start on by default.
There are actually 3 eq settings...
Normal, boosted bass and boosted treble.they are preset for mid.
I love mine..a few weeks ago, the right ear cut out...and I was LOST without them..The company honored the warranty and sent a brand new pair..in box..
Thanks for making the EQ version of the music. You are the first person I've seen do that in their review and it is a huge help in deciding to buy them or not.
I love the warranty, I had the true OG ones when they barely came out they broke on accident last year I was kind of hesitant to do a claim because it was so long but they honored it and sent me brand new ones with the updated name
I love these things. For sound quality they aren’t the best but the bass gets better when you put ear plugs in. I use them mainly for listening to podcasts and out of all the headphones I use these are the most comfortable.
Bone induction headphones can be great for a lot of reasons, especially for people who have hearing impairment. However one warning is that anyone with bad anemia it can cause bad bruising. You wouldn't think it's strong enough, but prolonged use can be bad
I have had the Aftershox Aeropex model for about 5-6 years and before that I had an older model that I accidentally left on an airplane. I love them. They are great for running, as they hold up well against sweat and are safer because they do not block outside sounds. I want to be able to hear my surroundings. Also, for some races, they ban any headphones that block your ability to hear your surroundings. As you said, the music quality is limited, but they are not trying to compete with headphone build for audiophiles.
Back in 1989 my wife and I had bone conducting communication devices to wear with our motorcycle helmets and talk on trips. I think they were wired to a transceiver in our pockets but it's too long ago for me to remember the details. Without these there was no chance of communication going down the highway but with these devices we could talk normally.
It's nice that you took the time to do the eq comparison for all of us who are curious but don't want to buy them!
Yeah I thought the same.
People can use that info to see whether they should even buy them.
I got these 2 years ago because I had eczema in my ears and all ear buds were making my ears itch like crazy. These are still working great and, if you don’t count slightly worse audio quality, they don’t really have any downsides.
What if you’re wearing a certain hairstyle? I guess you can’t use them?
@@sushimitten I haven't had any trouble
I'm on my second pair and love them. I was sad to lose the first pair on vacation. I hate how ear pods fall out when working out.
I was skeptical of these but took the plunge and can't go back. Worth every penny, super comfortable and the battery lasts a long time. I take them every time I go running
I absolutely love these. I have eustachian tube dysfunction and these have been a life saver.
I have two pairs of Shokz (one with a boom mic (which is more clear) and one without that's an older generation) and I love them. The sound quality is fine, but not amazing. The newer generation headset definitely has better audio quality than the old pair I have. The battery life on both is amazing. I get way more than 8hrs out of both of mine - I guess it depends on how much you have the volume up. As for the proprietary cable, I normally agree, but the magnetic charging cable on the newer headsets is a big improvement over the micro USB on the older headsets, in my opinion.
I use them for two things:
1. I'm in meetings all day long at work and these are way more comfortable than having something on or in my ears for hours at a time. They work fine for calls.
2. I'm also blind, so they let me go out and listen to music or spoken directions from Google Maps, etc. without compromising safety. It's really important for me to be able to hear people/traffic.
After seeing this video, I went and got myself a pair for work. They came in fast with shipping, and I tested them out today. They were astounding, just perfect! They do miss some lower notes but they pick up on almost everything I listen to… on top of that, I am partially deaf in my left ear. These somehow made the tune equal on both sides of my head, a feat that hasn’t happened for me in years. I damn near cried at work while stocking!
Thanks for reviewing this life changing ear apparatus, and bringing them to my attention!
I started with the Aftershokz Aeropex (their previous brandname) I recently upgraded to the Shokz Opencomm2 as when cycling I talk to family on the phone and the mic on the Aeropex was not good with wind, the Opencomm works well to reduce wind noise. The audio isn't great but it's good enough for me for having something to listen to and keeping my ears open to hear the world around me.
I was wondering how well these worked for cycling. Thanks!
the openfits sound good and allow external noise
@@Briaaanz for audio they're fine, and they feel fine with helmet and glasses. If you're planning to talk on the phone while cycling go for the opencomm2
The one caution they mention is that if you have the volume up it will definitely affect your ability to hear things around you. I tried using mine on the bicycle and wasn't really comfortable with how it changed my awareness.
@@kenmoum162 very good point
6:41 trust me it’s better. I also had an older version that had a micro usb and having to remove the little cover and getting the plug in was a little annoying.
Oh yeah, I still have that original version, and this looks much easier to use.
I had the older version, and one of the nice things about having a mini usb was the ease of charging, the current lower end version still uses usb C and the little cover is even more difficult to remove.. I can see me anyway with a magnetic cord not having the charging cable around when I need it , forgetting it on a trip , losing it in a library etc...and I can't just pop to any store and grab a replacement USB cable or fish out an extra one from some other device.
No, proprietary is never better. Just be USB C and be done with it
I own these & I absolutely love them.
I use them when I'm walking, working out and also late at night when I want to watch videos on my phone when the wife is asleep.
I bought a pair of cheap "earcuffs" that clip on to the cartilage from aliexpress, something like £3. They are way better than I was expecting and they're TWS as well. So comfortable I forgot I was wearing them.
Ive been using these for years. I work 12 hour shifts in a clean room, so cant access my phone/headphones when working. These are fantastic as i get to still hear everything when i pause, and having earbuds in for 12 hours is insanely uncomfortable.
I've used shockz for years now. Pre covid I worked in an open office, at the time I bought what I think were the 1st generation that charged with a mini USB cable - they worked real well and I could listen to podcasts and if something happens in the office.
After covid I got work that was 100 pct remote, I got the shockz with a mic arm and I think 2nd generation magnetic USB like you have here - they work well in meetings and also in datacenter that also allow me to use ear buds to block intense fan noise whilst still able to talk to people.
More recently I broke a pair and bought latest normal ones that I think are 3rd generation and have usbc charge cable. Seems to charge quicker too.
I swear by these headsets, kinda ok for music but real good for voice and podcasts.
Replicating what other commenters are saying, been using these since the previous version. And there is a noticeable improvement from the Titanium to the Air... Titanium had lower volume and the tickling effect came up earlier, it got annoying overtime. :P
So, I really started using these neckband style headphones years ago with Sony's NWZ line, basically because it was the only thing that stayed in my ears during runs, because I sweat a lot. I tried a whole ton of brands, types, styles and whatnot until I got to the NWZ line.
But I also have problems with earbuds, in ear and cup style headphones for the exact same reason - sweat. Not only those get filthy, but also they promote pimples and grossness in ear, with ear wax problems and whatnot. I still have my last NWZ phones for swimming, which also has been ages I don't do, but just in case I start over again. xD
These bone conduction phones are not cheap, but they aren't too far away from the Sony NWZ line, and so I decided to risk and take the jump with no way to test them before buying.
In the end, I'm very satisfied. I don't need to have something stuck in my ears anymore, the ambient awareness is something I actually like having, and the only complaints I have are what James already said - I don't like much that it uses a proprietary cable for charging though I understand why they did it. Sticking a standard USB-C connector would take space and sacrifice water resistance a bit... given my sweat problem, I'd rather it stay as sealed as possible. :P
Kinda the same issue for smartwatches.
The Sony NWZ line also uses a proprietary connector, pogo pin style, so it wasn't a surprise for me anyways.
Music quality is indeed better with headphones, but it's not that bad with bone conduction... in fact, it's kinda surprising how good the bone conduction thing works all things considered. I was expecting things to be way more muffled and muddy, like hearing inside a tank of water or something, but nope, it works very well.
One thing to note though - don't think you are going to enjoy music well if the ambient you are in is too noisy. Not a problem with the tech, it's just a problem with the overlap. If you take those on a run along noisy streets for instance, you'll probably need some ear plugs to focus on the music.
Alas, I haven't been running, jogging, swimming or doing much these days anymore, and the only situation I really use it these days is when I'm out and about by myself, and when I play games with friends. Works great as a headset, though pairing can be finnicky... there is some weird thing about Bluetooth devices where it's easy to make them connect as a headset device with low sound qualify, but hard if you want high sound quality plus mic.
Still, it's an easy thing to go for if you want a headset without wires working pronto.
Also use it on trips when I'm by myself to watch UA-cam and other stuff without bothering others... if you turn the volume of those high enough, there might be a little bit of sound bleed, but I don't think it's audible enough to bother even people who are seated right by your side.
Oh, these phones have a multipoint Bluetooth connection mode which lets you connect to multiple devices at once... it'll only take audio from one of them, but this allows you to have them connected say, to a smartphone and laptop at the same time, with one taking priority over the other when there's incoming audio. Something that is not advertised much, but it's there.
Anyways, my two cents.
Last thing to note though - the Shokz Air is not the latest model, though it's also the one I have. Shokz released a new line after this one, and the advertised improvement is exactly the bass... can't say if it delivers or not since I don't have them, but I've been itching to get one. xD
The timing of this video lines up perfectly. My earbuds started acting up so I went looking for new ones and found out about bone conduction. I can't wear just any earbuds so the most common style isn't optional. Management is getting onto us about having anything in our ears on the floor but now I can listen to my music all I want and you can't do anything about it, Lance!
It's not for audiophiles but it's perfect for a lot of situations where you need to hear your surroundings and I'm glad this is an option. They're so comfortable too. I've never had headphones that didn't get uncomfortable after a few hours before now. I'm sold.
I used to work at amazons datacenters and they had a high security system where we were to go through a metal detector before going into the rooms. We also had to wear earplugs because the rooms were very loud and they allowed headphones but only specifically this one and a few others. I loved it it worked perfect
That's great you did this one. I always wondered about those headphones.
I'm glad you saved me grief as I would have bought them for jogging and been disappointed by the lack of bass. The eq you showed illustrates it well.
On the other hand, looks great for jogging while listening to podcasts or motivational speeches.
Thank you!
Pretty much the exact same as having a Sena or a Cardo helmet communication set for motorcycles. All mid range, basically its a "better than nothing" approach.
As I bought 3/4 Shokz Titanium, I love these headphones. Just a cons, and two curiosity:
- Unfortunately, they are really delicate and it's easy to break them if you put them in a bag with some weight on and no case (that's why I bought so many of them). Exert caution and treat them well, they will reward you.
- The first week or two that you use them for the first time, they can cause inflammation and a bit of itching with intensive use. With time it will stop and also if you don't use them for a year.
- If you don't hear well, putting a finger in one of your ears will boost the sound. I know, it's strange but I used this method a lot of times when the call was not of great quality.
They get better with time. Once used to them you'll start to actually hear the frequency range you didn't notice at first. I too thought it sounded like audio from a phone speaker placed inside a tin can and thought I wasted $180 on my aeropex, but over time I came to love. And with the IPX rating of aeropex I could use them in the shower. My Open Run Pro do provide much better sound but their IPX is much lower.
The sleeping check is such an appreciated touch!
Been a fan of this company for a few years. They're great for cycling, working out, or any job where you need to be able to hear people but also want to listen to music or podcasts or whatever like at a restaurant. Super comfortable and easy to forget you're even wearing them.
Ditto, my wife actually reminds me I still have these things on even when I'm not listening to anything. They're extremely comfortable.
I have a different model but love them. I work in a factory and am able to wear them and still remain PPE compliant.
I have had these for 7 years
just now on my second pair. I also think it depends on which airshoks you get. They have different models. Love them.❤❤❤❤
I've been using this brands products for years now and am a big believer in them. If I really want to get into some music I'll wear my good over the ears headset but for casual listening these do just fine for me. My main use for them though is as a wireless headset for making and taking calls, in which case they are perfect for me since I can wear them all day and they aren't in my ears irritating them. And as another user commented you can get better sound out of them by using earplugs, still not hi-fi but better.
Ooh neat a review I can contribute to!! I also have an older model... Mine are so old in fact that they're from the company's previous brand name, Aftershokz. They are my first pair, I've been using them off an on for over a decade and they still go strong. My 100% use is while cycling, that way I can still listen to traffic as necessary while also catching podcasts, music, whatever. I've used my headphones in at least 6 different states, on 3 different continents, across multiple century rides including the HHH100. They've never failed to be perfect right off the charger in all that time. They might seem pricey, but they hold up so well that I wouldn't hesitate to invest in them again when that becomes necessary. Honestly they are by far the best headphones I've ever owned.
Before the pandemic I went through 3 noise canceling headphones in my attempt to keep outside noise away from my music. On the bus, some folks would sit there having a conversation (more like screaming) via the speaker phone. On the subway (NYC), there were the same problems as well as the whole subway noise problem. The problem with nc headphones is that they don't consider the human voice to be 'noise' so I'd still hear all the crap. Obviously these bone conduction units aren't aimed at solving my problem. I've only seen them in movies & tv where teams are coordinating their movements but still want to be able to hear the regular stuff. I appreciate your effort in testing them (and of course all the other reviews you do).
I bought Lenovo bone conduction headphones off Temu and I love them. Gonna upgrade to more expensive ones that playback audio from multiple devices.
When I think about bone conduction, I think of those music-playing toothbrushes, haha.
I have several pairs of these and love them. But I think I like the newer "Open Ear Air Conduction" type headphones better because the sound quality is at a higher level. As an aside, the proprietary cable for Shokz is necessary to get the water and sweat resistance. Unlike other earbuds and stuff, they don't have a case that acts as a charging center. Having a charging case means the earbuds themselves can be sealed and you still get water and sweat resistance.
I've recently started trying "Air Conduction" open ear headphones like the Oladance open ear air conduction headphones which are IPS67 and charge in a case (USB-C) which doesn't recharge the headphones like other earbuds... it doesn't need to, the Oladance have an 18 native battery life! They sit outside your ear so you can still hear the surroundings but they actually have speaker drivers you get better audio. They are as expensive of the Shokz or even Air Pods, but even so I prefer them because I don't like putting something in my ear.
Still, nothing beats my Bose 700 Noise Cancelling when I am travelling or my Airpod pros for calling with my iPhone or using my iPad. Nothing integrates as well with the apple eco system than then air pod pros.
The OpenMove model I have has a USB C port with a cover to protect said port while the headphones are in use. I'm not sure if the current OpenMove headphones still have that tho
I use these every single day and they are the best headphones I have ever used. In the shower, running, day-to-day around the house, driving. It is amazing and doesn't cause ear pain or that "clogged up" feeling from having in earbuds for prolonged periods of time. I highly recommend these.
As if you shower
jk 😇
Omg honey you wear them in the shower?
I have a set of them, and I bought a set for my mother who loves to walk and listen to podcasts.
Yess these are great! It's a weird feeling listening to podcasts and someone starts talking to you.
Very interesting review, James! Love your freaking reviews!
How do these fair for those of us who suffer from tinnitus? I'm surprised James didn't bring it up in the review, as he's mentioned in the past several times to suffer from it himself.
Before I was able to drop my child off at school and make it back to the daily Zoom meeting at work, I used to hide myself away and attend the meeting through the phone itself. Then I saw someone with bone conducting earphones and based on what she said about them, I bought a pair. Not the ones being reviewed here, but for Zoom meetings they were perfect. No one could see them or could tell as the sound of my voice didn't change to any significance. I would recommend these for the purpose I got them for and audiobooks. Think also by pairing them with a Bluetooth lapel mic, they would be a cheaper alternative to the rathrer expensive bone conducting hearing aids.
Got mine in March for work in an office and love them. Does good on music, but when playing my drums here at home, I use good JBL over ear headphones with hearing protection.
Love these! Have had several versions, mostly for listening to books and podcasts and to phone conversations. Only dislike is that you can't really lie down wearing them
I flip them around when laying down. So they go under your chin. I actually think they sound louder and clearer this way.
They truly do suck if you care about the sound quality of your music though as they have no bass, and if you turn them up enough to actually hear them, then they can leak sound so others around you can hear them like a buzzing cheap phone speaker.
Another purpose / use of these is for folks having tinnitus symptoms or minor hearing loss, my brother was asked to move to these by his ENT doctor, as he was showing early signs of hearing loss mostly due to loud in-ear/over-the-head options.
I'm on my second pair of these after losing my initial pair. I have the OpenMove model of these which charges by USB-C. These are the best headphones out there IMO. I've gone a literal 10+ hours on a single charge. Example i start them when leaving my apt at 11:30 am and it's still going when i'm leaving work at 10pm and arriving home at 11:30-midnight. I will add that Shokz/Aftershokz has different models of it's bone conducting headphones for different price points. But overall it's definitely worth the money
This is the best review I’ve ever watched not for this specific product but just a product in general! Thank you so much for the work you put into your video and review ❤
I have version pro and one of best hardware I purchased. You can tilt them in a way that headphones sits in your ear (back part goes higher) so you can lay in bed, wear hat etc. Useful when you walk next to busy street as they sounds 2x stronger. Quick charging, days of use (12h for pro so perfect for dog walking).
Happy to see video that promote those :)
Oh my God you brought me back! My dad was a mailman back in the '90s and he used to listen to the radio on his bone phones. I used to love playing with them. I remember they broke one time and he had to have them repaired and they took forever to be repaired but he got them back. He might still have them
I use a similar version at work. I get just over 8 hours of play connected to 2 phones. I keep the volume very low for music as I may be talking to people face to face and I can still enjoy the music. The phone I use for calls is at a higher volume and works well in most instances as well. I would certainly recommend that anyone who needs to be aware of their surroundings get a version of these as the price point isn't very high and enjoy.
It won't work in some applications where open-ear headphones are needed, but for other situations like going for a run I would be interested to know how these compare to the pass-through setting of common earbuds that plays external sounds along with what you're listening to.
What I'll tell you is that on max volume, the Shokz can be drowned out by traffic noise if you're on top of a freeway overpass.
I used to work in the oilfield and gold mining industries and headphones like these have always been my go to. That way I can still be aware of my surroundings and walkie, or put in ear plugs for loud noises but still hear my music. Love these.
Idk if you or anyone remembers the Kickstarter ORII. Is was a ring that you wear on your finger and you just press your finger to your head for bone conduction just like where these are. It really just ended up being more of a speaker and you could hear it outside of the small device, though it's clever. Glad to see it's come a long way, these look cool
I have Bose glasses now that I use all the time but I really loved the bone conduction ones for work (IT office job).
i am hearing impaired have no ear drum so i use a bone conduction hearing aid makes it so i can listen to music or answer the phone another great video
I had gotten a pair of these a few years back and had to return them as they gave me terrible headaches. I think it might have to do with my history with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome and that's where the bone conduction takes place.
I bought a cheap version, and honestly, the music is…not great. But if I want audiophile headphones, I wouldn’t be using Bluetooth.
I use them at work which requires earplugs. Since I have to pull my plugs to hear talk anyway, it doesn’t cause me issues.
The ones I have a good for discord, too. It picks up my voice well.
For music playback I would suggest an app that has an equalizer. While it does not make mine as well rounded as my studio headphones, it does improve the overall range by about 50% . With the majority being the bass and only slightly improves the higher end.
I got mine nearly 2 years ago and love them. They have changed the design as my play button is so easy to use. For the first 6 months I played music daily.
I don’t do ear buds as they don’t fit properly so these are great. And bar being slightly lower volume no issues.
I work at an auto auction house. I need to be able to hear the vehicles around me. The simplicity of the button on the left side to pause and play, answer calls, and end calls is fantastic. As a work headphone, it's amazing. For audiofiles, it's a good trade off.
I’ve had these headphones for about two three years now I have the original version which were called aeropex before the product and company name change it did take some getting used to. For example like he said in the video the multifunction button that you use to play pause skip and reverse did take me some time to find. However once I got used to them by pretty much wearing them every day it’s second nature for me to go right to the button first try. Because they aren’t sitting in your ears there is a significant downgrade in sound quality however when I’m walking my neighborhood this helps keep me safe and hear cars around me. I highly recommend this product if you are highly active or just always on the move one of the best purchases I have ever made.
I have a pair of the shokz open pro, they sound fine(yes theyre not iem's or even cheap headphones)..only issue o have is their connection issues. Volume buttons work, pause works but the damn things constantly crackle due to a bluetooth issue. Had it on both pairs(returned my original pair), my cheap $35 bluetooth amp for my sennheisers NEVER has that issue. I still use these and they're fine and wont be returning them, but i used my coworkers before buying these. His were from amazon and cheap,...mine were not, alao his didnt have audio issues either. Just try different brands before these...I'd kind of recommend these
I had a couple pairs. I loved them, however in both pair I had the transducer came loose inside and rattled and sounded awful. That was in less than a year of use. The concept is great, but I was not happy with the durability. The warranty replaced the first pair but I decided not to replace them again the second time and switch to LG Tones, still going strong with daily use after a year.
i have the aftershokz titanium and 2S, trust me, the proprietary cable is an improvement. the flap on both of mine barely close because the micro USB stresses it open when you're charging.
Try them with the included ear plugs!! It's a game changer! Also, order the mini version and then you can lay on your back, more comfortably.
with the earplugs do you still hear traffic?
@markbajek2541 that's a fair question. I'm not the guy to answer that though. I was just referring to how it brings the bass to life and increases volume so you can hear it without the intense buzzing. I can say that with the plugs in, I really have to moderate my volume to hear ambient sound at work.
I had about 20 smart watches at one time of varying prices, and ONE of them had the Shokz connector, and it was a pretty popular brand. Can't remember which one.
It looked similar to my husband's Garmin charger which is of course different than either of my Garmin chargers, or the Garmin GPS charger
@Freakin' Reviews - Amazon currently have two listings for the SHOKZ Bone conduction headset, The 'OpenRun' at £129.95 rated IP67 (8 Hrs playback) and the OpenMove at £79.95. rated at IP55 (6Hrs playback). In my experience the OpenRun variant's IP67 enclosure is better at preventing sweat/rain ingress and feels more comfortable looped over my ears during hard workouts, lasting a couple of sessions without the need to recharge. But is the OpenRun variant worth the additional £50 for the extra 2 hours runtime and IP waterproof reassurance? I say yes, taking into account I have eardrum damage to both ears and normally can't listen to music wearing my regular hearing aides. And standard headphones are useless unless played excessively loud. Too many Karen's around nowadays to enjoy my music through regular headphones. 😉
Thanks for sharing your informative review. 👍
It’s quite accurate that the sound would be ‘midrange’. Bone doesn’t conduct the higher and lower frequencies as well as air does, so it is going to be limited by physics. Speech is midrange, so it’s makes sense that it’s better suited for podcasts than music.
Good review. I own a previous generation of these and the only thing i would add is that even though mine are blue, people don't pay attention to them and you need to be prepared for people assuming you are talking to them or thin air.
I recommend trying the 'Pro' model.. the bass is noticeably better! I stopped using my headphones AND earpods for my Shokz Pro instead and it's hard to go back.
On my list to try these out! I have very small ear canals, so ear buds never fit well or comfortably (even with smallest fittings i can find). And curious if can work with motorcycle helmet--like that others say the sound is better while wearing ear plugs, which is a must when riding!
I have 2 pairs of these headphones. I use them at work to listen to podcasts. I can still hear my phone if it rings or people who talk to me. Love these so much!!!
I have an old pair of the aftershokz. I like them. I have tiny ear canals and ear buds do not work for me. I don't like over-the-ear. They are too bulky for me. However, the sound is different for sure. Also, they have changed to charging port. Mine is a mini plug. I think that's what it's called. Thanks for the review James.
Did you find that you got distracted by 'outside' sounds and miss or have to rewind what you were listening to on the headphones or were you able to separate the different sounds ?
My husband has the aftershox and loves them! He uses them almost everyday for the past few years. The warranty is wonderful! His original pair had a malfunction and they sent him a brand new replacement pair pretty quickly.
I love Shinedown! Question: it looks like you could carry on a conversation without having to mute. True?
These things are awesome. I've had a pair of them. I love that I can walk down the street, hear people walking up behind me, and still hear my music. (I live in downtown Toronto, so, hearing people sneaking up on you, is important.)
I'm tone deaf (I think that's what its called) but I can't hear the difference in high and low pitch or bass so this would be perfect for me as I wouldn't even notice the sound quality difference
I bought a set of what I thought were bone conducting earphones that look exactly like those. It turned out they weren't bone conducting at all but had thin slits in the pieces near the ear that directed sound into the ear. If you cover the slit the sound is deadened to almost a silent level. That is not to say that the ones you have are not bone conducting but anyone thinking of buying something that looks like them be aware they may not be.
I fell for that scam too. I still liked them as headphones, but it left me super sceptical.
Dude for me I love to talk on the phone while I work so it’d be super cool for that. Wouldn’t do much for music and also I don’t like the wrap around the head look. I know it’s impossible to lose that because they have to actually press against your head so I suppose they’re just not for me. Super cool idea though. Maybe one day if they’re not behind your head I’ll consider.
Look around for "air conduction" same concept but they offer the non head band variety
Oh, thanks for doing these. Ive always wondered if they were any good or not!
You must test the cooling belt Sparkle Tornado. Semes awesome.
I bought a pair of these last winter and they are my go-to for phone calls. Everyone I have talked to says they can hear me better when I use the Shokz. They are not, as you say, great for music, but I rarely listen to music. They are good for watching TV when I am trying not to interrupt my wife's sleep. To avoid the problem of the rear band when I'm in my recliner, I just flip them over an put the band under my chin.
Have the kobia? They're not true bone conductive as others can hear but i can cut the grass and still listen to the music so.. they work.
Does feel tingly after some use
fantastic review... loved the EQ simulation. If that does approximate the sound, then wow, you REALLY lose a lot of lows and highs. Regardless, I can see why people like those things.
I work in a loud factory that requires earplugs. These things excel much better with earplugs. It's also worth mentioning that radios are allowed, but even at full volume, I haven't heard a single radio that you can hear after you step away from it very far. These things I can hear great over the machines and enjoy my music.
I'd like to see you try the oladance OWS (gen 2 or pro), I love those those headphones, in my opinion, it's the (only) best open-ear headphones I've ever used.
i bought a pair of these a while ago and i love to listen to podcast or audio book and just go to sleep. they dont fall out and dont stab when you lay on your side.
From what I understand the OpeRun is the gold standard in bone conducting headphones. If that's the sound you're experiencing then it sounds like bone conduction headphones have a long way to go before matching traditional headphones.
It's physically impossible for them to sound like regular headphones.
That being said, if you want better quality, other brands offer "air conduction"models.
Sound peats or tozo are great brands
@@United_Kangaroo1992 I misread that as air conditioned models at first. Never heard of air conduction headphones.
I've had a pair of aftershokz bone connected headphones for over 6 years. I love them ! I also have a pair Bose series 45 headphones !
The reverse of scooping the mids
It did seem like the older models had a bit more low end sound
Wasn't expecting Shinedown to be used for testing the controls but I'm here for it
Thank you for your information on these headphones. I have had these headphones for a year now and I love them. I do not like headphones that go in my ear because my ears are tiny and they always fall out. I have used my fast smart charger and it actually charged faster for some reason.
I recently bought some Walmart brand ones paid 50 for them. It would be great if you could compare the two. The only gripe I have is the length, i have a big head/neck so when I turn sude to side they tend to slip off.