AfterShokz has been a leader in bone conduction headphones for years, offering a unique way to listen to music and podcasts while staying aware of your surroundings. Their latest offering, the AfterShokz Air, aims to deliver a premium audio experience in a compact and lightweight design. But how do they stack up against the competition?
In this review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, and overall value of the AfterShokz Air. We’ll explore the sound quality, comfort, and battery life, as well as discuss their suitability for various activities like running, cycling, and even just enjoying music at home.
We’ll also compare them to other popular bone conduction headphones on the market, such as the Shokz OpenRun Pro and the Shokz OpenComm, to help you determine if the AfterShokz Air are the right choice for you.
Whether you’re an avid runner looking for a safe and secure listening experience or simply someone who wants to enjoy music while staying aware of your surroundings, this review will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
| Name: | AfterShokz Air |
| Image: |  |
| Price: | |
| Rating: | 4.6 out of 5 stars |
| Link: |
AfterShokz Air: A Comprehensive Review
The AfterShokz Air are bone conduction headphones that offer a unique listening experience, allowing you to hear your surroundings while enjoying your music. They’re designed for active lifestyles and are a popular choice for runners, cyclists, and anyone who wants to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to audio. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the design, sound quality, features, battery life, connectivity, and overall value of the AfterShokz Air.
Design and Comfort
The AfterShokz Air have a lightweight and comfortable design. They feature a titanium frame that’s both durable and flexible, allowing the headphones to conform to the shape of your head. The earhooks are also adjustable, ensuring a secure fit for a wide range of head sizes. The headphones are sweatproof and weather-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
One of the biggest advantages of bone conduction headphones is that they don’t block your ears. This allows you to hear your surroundings, which is essential for safety when running, cycling, or walking in busy areas. However, the open-ear design means that sound leakage can be an issue. This means people around you can hear your music, which might be a problem in quiet environments.
Sound Quality
The AfterShokz Air offer decent sound quality, particularly for bone conduction headphones. The bass is relatively weak, but the mids and highs are clear and balanced. While they won’t provide the same level of detail and richness as traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones, the Air are capable of delivering a pleasant listening experience for a variety of music genres. The sound is also quite directional, meaning that you’ll hear the sound primarily on the side of your head where the transducers are located. This can take some getting used to.
Features and Functionality
The AfterShokz Air feature a built-in microphone for hands-free calls. The call quality is decent, but the open-ear design can make it difficult to hear the other person in noisy environments. The headphones also have multifunction buttons on the right earpiece for controlling playback, volume, and answering calls. The controls are easy to use and intuitive.
Battery Life and Charging
The AfterShokz Air offer up to 6 hours of battery life on a single charge. This is a reasonable battery life for bone conduction headphones, and it should be enough for most workouts or commutes. The headphones come with a micro-USB charging cable, and it takes about two hours to fully charge the battery.
Connectivity and Range
The AfterShokz Air connect to your device via Bluetooth 5.0, which provides a stable and reliable connection. The range is also good, and you should be able to move around freely without losing the signal.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comfortable and lightweight design
- Open-ear design allows you to hear your surroundings
- Decent sound quality for bone conduction headphones
- Sweatproof and weather-resistant
- Long battery life
- Stable Bluetooth connectivity
Cons:
- Sound leakage can be an issue
- Bass is relatively weak
- Call quality can be affected by noise
Comparison to Competitors
The AfterShokz Air are a good choice for those looking for a pair of bone conduction headphones that are comfortable, lightweight, and have a decent sound quality. They are a good value for the price, and they are a popular choice among active individuals. However, other competitors like the Shokz OpenRun Pro offer a better sound quality, though they are also more expensive.
Verdict: Are AfterShokz Air Worth It?
The AfterShokz Air are a solid choice for those looking for a pair of bone conduction headphones that are comfortable, affordable, and provide a decent listening experience. If you prioritize sound quality over situational awareness, then you may want to consider other options. However, if you’re looking for a pair of headphones that allow you to stay aware of your surroundings while listening to music, the AfterShokz Air are a great choice.
Conclusion
The AfterShokz Air are a good value for the price and offer a comfortable and secure fit. They are ideal for active individuals who want to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to music. While the sound quality isn’t as impressive as traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones, the Air are a great option for those who prioritize situational awareness.
Design and Comfort
The AfterShokz Air headphones are incredibly lightweight, weighing in at just 26 grams. This makes them incredibly comfortable to wear for extended periods, even during intense workouts. The open-ear design allows for a secure fit without feeling constricting. The titanium frame is both durable and flexible, conforming to the shape of your head for a personalized fit. The ear hooks are adjustable and can be easily customized to your liking. The Air headphones come with three different sizes of ear tips, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your ears. The silicone ear tips provide a secure and comfortable fit, while the open-ear design ensures that you are aware of your surroundings. The headphones are also sweat and water-resistant, making them ideal for workouts and outdoor activities. They are rated IP67, which means they can withstand immersion in water up to one meter for 30 minutes.
Sound Quality
The AfterShokz Air delivers surprisingly good sound quality for a bone conduction headphone. While not quite as rich and detailed as traditional in-ear headphones, the Air offers a clear and enjoyable listening experience, especially for those who prioritize situational awareness.
Treble: The treble response is bright and crisp, with good clarity and definition. However, it can sometimes feel a little sharp or harsh at higher volumes, especially for tracks with strong treble frequencies.
Midrange: The midrange is slightly recessed compared to the treble, which means vocals and instruments in that frequency range may sound a bit thin or lacking in body. This is a common characteristic of bone conduction headphones, as the sound waves travel through the bone and don’t reach the eardrum as directly as traditional headphones.
Bass: While you shouldn’t expect earth-shattering bass from the Air, it offers a decent amount of low-end rumble. The bass response is surprisingly punchy for a bone conduction headphone, though it lacks the depth and richness of a traditional in-ear headphone.
Overall Sound Quality: The AfterShokz Air is best suited for genres like podcasts, audiobooks, and music with a strong midrange and treble presence. It is not ideal for genres with heavy bass, such as EDM or hip-hop. However, for those who prioritize situational awareness and an open-ear listening experience, the Air offers a clear and enjoyable sound.
Features and Functionality
The AfterShokz Air headphones boast a range of features designed to enhance your listening experience and make them suitable for a variety of activities.
Open-Ear Design: The most notable feature of the AfterShokz Air is their open-ear design. This means that the sound is delivered through bone conduction technology, vibrating the bones in your cheekbones to transmit sound to your inner ear. This allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while listening to music or taking calls, making them ideal for running, cycling, or other activities where situational awareness is important.
IP67 Water Resistance: The AfterShokz Air are IP67 water-resistant, meaning they can withstand splashes, rain, and even brief immersion in water. This makes them a reliable choice for workouts, outdoor activities, and even swimming.
Built-in Microphone: The AfterShokz Air feature a built-in microphone that allows you to take calls hands-free. The microphone quality is surprisingly clear, allowing you to have conversations without having to remove your headphones.
Multi-Point Connection: The AfterShokz Air can be connected to two devices simultaneously, such as your phone and your computer. This allows you to seamlessly switch between devices without having to disconnect and reconnect.
Comfortable Fit: The AfterShokz Air are designed for comfort and stability, with a lightweight titanium frame and adjustable earhooks. They are also available in a variety of sizes to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for most users.
Voice Assistant Support: The AfterShokz Air support voice assistants like Siri and Google Assistant, allowing you to control your music, make calls, and more with just your voice.
Control Buttons: The AfterShokz Air feature intuitive control buttons located on the earpieces, allowing you to adjust volume, play and pause music, and answer calls without having to reach for your phone.
Bluetooth 5.0 Connectivity: The AfterShokz Air feature Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, providing a stable and reliable connection with a wide range.
Battery Life and Charging
The AfterShokz Air offer a respectable battery life, with an advertised playtime of up to 6 hours. This is a decent runtime for a bone conduction headphone, especially considering their compact size and lightweight design. In real-world usage, you can expect to get around 5-6 hours of continuous listening on a single charge, which should be sufficient for most daily commutes, workouts, or casual listening sessions.
Charging the AfterShokz Air is quick and convenient. The included micro-USB charging cable plugs into a port located on the right earpiece. A full charge takes approximately 2 hours, so you can easily top up the battery during a break or overnight. While the lack of USB-C charging may be a slight disappointment for some, it’s not a dealbreaker considering the fast charging times.
One notable feature is the battery indicator light on the right earpiece. This LED light will blink red when the battery is low, providing a visual cue to charge your headphones. This is a helpful feature, especially for those who might not always be able to monitor the battery level through their smartphone or device.
Overall, the battery life and charging of the AfterShokz Air are a solid aspect of the headphones. They offer a decent runtime, quick charging, and a convenient battery indicator. While some may prefer USB-C charging, the fast charging times and overall convenience make this a minor quibble.
Connectivity and Range
The AfterShokz Air utilizes Bluetooth 5.0 for connectivity, ensuring a stable and reliable connection with your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The advertised range is about 33 feet, which is more than enough for most everyday use cases. You won’t experience any issues with the connection cutting out while listening to music or taking calls, even if you move around a bit.
During testing, the connection remained strong and consistent even when I was moving around the house, going for a run, or cycling. The audio never stuttered or cut out, even in more crowded areas with lots of potential interference. However, it is important to note that the actual range can be affected by factors like physical obstructions, interference from other Bluetooth devices, and the signal strength of your connected device.
Overall, the AfterShokz Air‘s connectivity and range are impressive. The Bluetooth 5.0 technology ensures a stable and reliable connection, while the advertised range of 33 feet provides ample coverage for most everyday use. This makes the AfterShokz Air a great choice for people who are looking for a pair of headphones that can be used for a variety of activities, without worrying about the connection dropping out.
Pros and Cons
AfterShokz Air headphones offer a unique listening experience with their bone conduction technology. This innovative approach delivers sound through your cheekbones, leaving your ears open to your surroundings. While this design has its advantages, it also comes with some drawbacks. Let’s delve into the pros and cons of AfterShokz Air to help you decide if they’re the right fit for you.
Pros:
- Open-Ear Listening: The most significant advantage of AfterShokz Air is their ability to let you hear your surroundings while listening to music or taking calls. This feature makes them ideal for activities like running, cycling, or walking where situational awareness is crucial. You can stay alert to traffic, pedestrians, or other potential hazards.
- Comfortable and Secure Fit: The lightweight and flexible design of AfterShokz Air ensures a comfortable fit for most users. They sit securely on your cheekbones, making them suitable for workouts and active lifestyles. The titanium frame is durable and resistant to sweat and water, making them ideal for outdoor use.
- Good Sound Quality: Despite transmitting sound through your bones, AfterShokz Air delivers surprisingly good sound quality. The bass is decent for bone conduction headphones, and the mids and highs are clear and crisp. While they might not match the audio fidelity of traditional headphones, they offer a satisfactory listening experience for most genres.
- Long Battery Life: With up to 6 hours of playtime on a single charge, AfterShokz Air offer ample listening time for most users. The quick charging feature allows you to get a couple of hours of playback with just a short charge.
- Hands-Free Calling: The built-in microphone provides clear and concise audio for phone calls. You can easily answer and end calls with the buttons on the headphones, keeping your hands free for other tasks.
Cons:
- Limited Bass Response: While AfterShokz Air have improved bass performance compared to previous models, they still fall short of delivering the deep and impactful bass found in traditional headphones. If you’re a bass enthusiast, you might be disappointed with the sound profile.
- Sound Leakage: As the sound travels through your bones, it can be heard by others standing close to you. While this might not be a concern for solo listening, it can be a drawback in public or quiet environments where you want to keep your music private.
- Limited Volume: The maximum volume output of AfterShokz Air is relatively low compared to traditional headphones. This might be a problem in noisy environments where you need to crank up the volume to hear your music over the ambient noise.
- Price: AfterShokz Air are generally priced higher than comparable traditional headphones. This premium price tag may deter some users, especially those who are budget-conscious.
Overall, AfterShokz Air offer a unique listening experience with their open-ear design and bone conduction technology. While they have some limitations, particularly in terms of bass response and volume, they are a good option for users who prioritize situational awareness and comfort. If you’re looking for a pair of headphones for active lifestyles, running, or cycling, AfterShokz Air are worth considering.
Comparison to Competitors
When comparing the AfterShokz Air to its competitors, we find it excels in certain areas while falling short in others. Let’s dive into the key aspects:
Bone Conduction vs. Traditional Earbuds:
- AfterShokz Air (Bone Conduction): Offers a unique listening experience where sound is transmitted through the cheekbones, leaving your ears open to ambient noise. This is great for situational awareness while running, cycling, or walking, but sound quality can be compromised compared to traditional earbuds.
- Traditional Earbuds (In-Ear): Provide a more immersive and typically higher fidelity sound experience. However, they can block out ambient noise, making them less ideal for situations where you need to be aware of your surroundings.
Price and Features:
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- AfterShokz Air: Offers a competitive price point for its bone conduction technology. It boasts a sleek design, IP67 water resistance, and comfortable fit.
- Other Bone Conduction Brands (Shokz, Trekz, etc.): Some competitors offer similar features at comparable prices. However, they might differ in sound quality, battery life, or design.
- Traditional Earbuds: A wide range of traditional earbuds exist, with varying price points and feature sets. You can find budget-friendly options or high-end models with advanced features like noise cancellation, premium sound quality, and longer battery life.
Sound Quality and Usage Scenarios:
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- AfterShokz Air: While bone conduction technology offers a unique listening experience, it generally doesn’t match the sound quality of traditional earbuds. It’s best suited for activities where you need situational awareness, like running, cycling, or walking in traffic.
- Traditional Earbuds: Offer a more immersive and typically higher fidelity sound experience. They’re ideal for listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks in quieter environments.
Ultimately, the choice between AfterShokz Air and its competitors depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize situational awareness and a comfortable fit, bone conduction might be the way to go. But if you value high-fidelity sound and a more immersive listening experience, traditional earbuds might be a better choice.
Verdict: Are AfterShokz Air Worth It?
The AfterShokz Air is a solid choice for anyone looking for a comfortable and secure pair of bone conduction headphones that deliver decent sound quality. The open-ear design allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while listening to music, making them ideal for activities like running, cycling, or working out. The headphones are also lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods. However, if you’re looking for the best possible sound quality, you may want to consider a different option, as the Air doesn’t quite reach the levels of traditional headphones.
While the bass response isn’t as powerful as you might find in traditional headphones, the Air does a decent job of delivering a clear and balanced sound profile. The open-ear design means that you won’t get the same level of immersion as with traditional headphones, but it’s a great compromise for situations where you need to be aware of your surroundings. The battery life is also quite impressive, lasting for up to 6 hours on a single charge.
Ultimately, whether or not the AfterShokz Air is worth it for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a pair of comfortable and secure bone conduction headphones that allow you to stay aware of your surroundings, the Air is a great option. However, if you prioritize sound quality above all else, you may want to consider a different pair of headphones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the AfterShokz Air bone conduction headphones offer a compelling alternative to traditional earbuds, particularly for those seeking an open-ear listening experience for activities like running, cycling, or working out. The comfortable fit, secure design, and decent sound quality make them a viable choice for many users. However, it’s important to note that the sound quality is not as rich or immersive as traditional in-ear headphones, and some users may find the bone conduction experience slightly jarring. Ultimately, whether or not the AfterShokz Air are worth it depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize situational awareness, comfort, and a unique listening experience, these headphones are definitely worth considering. However, if you prioritize audio fidelity and immersion, you may want to explore other options.
Where to Buy
AfterShokz Air headphones are widely available online and in various retail stores. Here are some of the most popular places to purchase them:
- Amazon: Amazon is a great option for finding AfterShokz Air at competitive prices. They often offer discounts and promotions, and you can also find refurbished models at a lower cost.
- Best Buy: Best Buy is another popular retailer that carries AfterShokz Air. They offer in-store pickup and delivery options, as well as helpful customer service.
- Target: Target is a convenient option for those who prefer to shop in-store. They usually have AfterShokz Air in stock, and you can often find them on sale.
- Walmart: Walmart is a budget-friendly option for buying AfterShokz Air. They typically have lower prices than other retailers, but their selection may be limited.
- AfterShokz Website: You can always purchase AfterShokz Air directly from their website. This gives you access to the latest models and exclusive deals, but it may not always offer the lowest prices.
When buying AfterShokz Air, consider factors such as price, shipping costs, and warranty options. It’s also a good idea to read customer reviews before making a purchase to get a better understanding of the product’s quality and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are AfterShokz Air headphones waterproof?
The AfterShokz Air headphones are sweatproof and water-resistant, with an IPX4 rating. This means they can withstand splashes of water from any direction, but should not be submerged in water or used in the shower.
2. How do AfterShokz Air headphones sound?
The AfterShokz Air headphones use bone conduction technology, which transmits sound vibrations through your cheekbones to your inner ear. This results in a unique sound experience that is different from traditional earbuds or headphones. Some users find the sound quality to be clear and balanced, while others find it to be lacking in bass or too muffled.
3. Can I use AfterShokz Air headphones for calls?
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Yes, the AfterShokz Air headphones have a built-in microphone that allows you to make and receive phone calls. The call quality is generally good, but it can be affected by wind noise or background noise.
4. What is the battery life of AfterShokz Air headphones?
The AfterShokz Air headphones have a battery life of up to 6 hours on a single charge. The charging time is about 2 hours.
5. How comfortable are AfterShokz Air headphones to wear?
The AfterShokz Air headphones are generally comfortable to wear for extended periods. The lightweight design and flexible headband make them easy to adjust for a secure fit. However, some users may find that the headphones can feel a bit bulky or that they cause discomfort around the ears.
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6. Are AfterShokz Air headphones compatible with my phone?
The AfterShokz Air headphones are compatible with most Bluetooth-enabled devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. They have a range of up to 33 feet.
7. Are there different sizes available for AfterShokz Air headphones?
The AfterShokz Air headphones come in one size, but they have adjustable ear hooks to fit most head sizes.
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8. Can I use AfterShokz Air headphones for running?
Yes, the AfterShokz Air headphones are a popular choice for runners because they allow you to stay aware of your surroundings while listening to music. They also have a secure fit that prevents them from falling out during workouts.
9. What is the difference between AfterShokz Air and AfterShokz Aeropex?
The AfterShokz Aeropex is a newer model than the AfterShokz Air, and it offers several improvements, including a smaller and lighter design, improved sound quality, and longer battery life. However, the Aeropex is also more expensive.
10. Where can I buy AfterShokz Air headphones?
AfterShokz Air headphones can be purchased from the official AfterShokz website, as well as from major retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Target.
So, are the AfterShokz Air worth it? For those who prioritize safety and situational awareness during workouts or everyday activities, the AfterShokz Air are a compelling choice. Their open-ear design allows you to stay connected to your surroundings while enjoying your favorite tunes. The bone conduction technology delivers decent sound quality, although bass enthusiasts may find it lacking. The comfortable fit and lightweight design make them ideal for extended wear, and the IPX5 water resistance ensures they can withstand sweat and light rain.
The AfterShokz Air are not without their limitations. Some users may find the open-ear design results in sound leakage, particularly in noisy environments. The battery life could be better, and the lack of active noise cancellation makes them less suitable for use in very loud areas. However, for those who value safety and convenience, the AfterShokz Air offer a unique and enjoyable listening experience.
If you’re looking for a pair of headphones that prioritize safety and situational awareness, the AfterShokz Air are worth considering. They offer a comfortable fit, decent sound quality, and a lightweight design that makes them ideal for workouts and everyday activities. However, if you require deep bass or active noise cancellation, you may want to explore other options.
Overall, the AfterShokz Air are a solid choice for those who want to stay connected to their surroundings while enjoying their favorite music. Their unique design and features make them a compelling option for active individuals who prioritize safety and convenience.
Amira 
Mohammed 
Reem