REVIEW – If my memory serves me correctly, several years ago I purchased Bone Conduction headphones from AfterShokz. I loved their design and function but I also remember them being a bit hard and rigid and that they would hurt in places around my head after wearing them for a while. I also remember parting ways with them after they broke which I believe was a result of them being so rigid. I can see that over the years the design has evolved and now I get to test one of their new models. Enter the AfterShokz Aeropex Open-Ear Endurance Headphones.
What is it?
The AfterShokz Aeropex Open-Ear Endurance Headphones feature an IP67 waterproof rating, are compatible with iPhone and Android, and PC and Mac computers that have Bluetooth capabilities. They are engineered for premium sound and include a built-in long-lasting battery. They are available in two sizes: Standard and Mini.
What’s in the box
- AfterShokz Aeropex Open-Ear Endurance Headphones
- Silicone Carrying Case
- 2 Magnetic Charging Cables
- Earplugs
- User manual
Design and features
Features
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OPEN-EAR COMFORT: Our open-ear design powered by bone conduction technology allows for total awareness of surroundings and bud-free, comfortable listening. Available now in 2 sizes to maximize comfort and ensure a secure fit. Aeropex Mini has a .5 inch shorter band size.
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WATERPROOF: An IP67 rating makes these completely sweat and waterproof to welcome intense workouts and extreme weather. A moisture detection alert ensures safe charging. Not intended for swimming.
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PREMIUM SOUND QUALITY: Powered by patented 8th generation bone conduction, Bluetooth 5.0, and PremiumPitch 2.0+™, Aeropex delivers clear sound, powerful volume, and rich bass.
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LIGHTWEIGHT + COMFORTABLE: Meet your new favorite training partner. Designed for athletes, our lightest wireless headphones stay put for comfortable all-day listening while keeping you motivated and aware of your surroundings.
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8 HOURS OF MUSIC AND CALLS: With 8 hours of battery life and easy commands such as play, skip, pause, and back-a-track, you can enjoy music, calls, audiobooks, and podcasts all day long.
The headphones are very flexible and feel like they are made out of ABS/plastic and rubber. The multifunction button is on the left side and the power/volume controls, LED and connection interface are on the right side.
Performance
The first order of business is to charge the AfterShokz Aeropex Open-Ear Endurance Headphones. The LED lights red when charging and blue when fully charged:
The headphones fit comfortably around the back of my head and on top of the front part of the ear. I think the correct name used in anatomy descriptions is the “Tragus”. The multifunction button is on the left side and the volume buttons are on the right.
Thus far these headphones have performed flawlessly. The sound is good for what the headphones are, they fit comfortably, connect easily via Bluetooth, and can be worn for an extended period of time. They are so lightweight that I use them at night with sound files to help me to sleep. I love to play rain and thunder audio when sleeping and these headphones work better than earbuds because they stay in place and the battery lasts all night and way longer than my Apple airpods.
For music, they sound decent with the several genres that I have listened to, but despite the manufacturer’s mention of enhanced bass, one should have realistic expectations for what you hear via bone conduction. These cannot be compared to audiophile headphones, and I do not believe that is a part of the intended design.
Phone calls are clear for both parties but keep in mind that if someone is in close proximity and your volume is up, they can likely hear your conversation. This is the same for music.
What I like
- The build quality
- The flexibility
- The lightweight and compact design
- The sound it produces
- That it is waterproof
- Very comfortable to wear for extended periods of time
What I’d change
- I honestly cannot think of anything at the moment
Final thoughts
Using the AfterShokz Aeropex Open-Ear Endurance Headphones reminded me of how much I loved the previous headphones by this manufacturer, except that these are way less likely to break and offer great connectivity. They are lightweight, comfortable, and sound good. Their sound cannot be compared to closed-back headphones but they work well for both phone calls and listening to music. I also like that I can hear what is going on around me because my ears are not covered. While opinions of this device may differ based on preference, I give these headphones a well done and two thumbs up!!
Price: $129.95
Where to buy: Aftershokz website and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by AfterShokz
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Are you wearing them over your ear canal in the picture, or just in front of your ear canal? If so, that is NOT the correct way to wear this product. I use mine under my motorcycle helmet – it is the best way I have found to listen to music while cycling and being able to hear my environment.
I wear them in front of the ear canal on the Tragus as per the instructions.
Both my wife and I have the Aeropex series from Aftershokz, and I second these as an awesome product. I wear mine for running and short periods of music listening, my wife has hers on approximately 6-8 hours every day. They are by far the most comfortable headphones you can wear for extended durations that I have found. I agree that the audio quality isn’t as good as a good pair of over-the-ear or in-ear headphones/monitors, but they’re plenty good for their intended purpose.
Just wanted to mention: if you need a bit more sound isolation for calls, the OpenComm is basically an Aeropex with a boom mike.
I wear mine basically all day – it works great for voice or video chat, as well as for the normal music, etc. (Though the boom does mean there’s more parts – I wouldn’t want try sleeping with it. The boom is movable however so it stays out of the way.)
Yes, because of this review and others I purchased them and they have become my go to headphones! I think they sound great for what they are and are so comfortable. I also noticed that I can bring the vol up to a little more than halfway on my iPhone and its plenty loud. Everything else I have tried needs more volume.
I purchased Sony’s WF-1000XM4 which are awesome – but -they have all the issues I have with in-the-ear headphones. The top two is that putting them on while walking on a busy street is very hard to do and no matter what, one doesn’t feel like it will stay in my ear.
A new version was just released – upgraded to BT 5.1 and now has quick charge capabilities. Thinking about getting those and leaving these at work so I always have a pair handy.
Pro Tips:
iPhones clock app will not play thru BT for alarms. You need a 3rd party clock to do that. With the Aropex that doesn’t matter.
They don’t look like headphones or earbuds, so you look less rude when people talk to you.
I work in NYC and wear glasses. They fit and feel fine even with a mask, glasses and a hood over my head.