For years, I struggled with traditional earbuds. The constant pressure in my ears, the muffling of my surroundings, and the frustration of tangled wires made my workouts feel less enjoyable and even dangerous. I knew there had to be a better way to listen to music and podcasts while remaining aware of my environment, and I felt that a solution like the Shokz OpenRun (formerly Aftershokz Aeropex) headphones would have been ideal.
Open-ear headphones address a key problem for many: the need for awareness of your surroundings while enjoying audio. This is crucial for runners, cyclists, and anyone who needs to be attentive to their environment for safety reasons. However, they’re not ideal for everyone. If you prioritize noise cancellation or a truly immersive listening experience, you might be better served by traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones. Consider these factors before purchasing open-ear headphones like the Shokz OpenRun: your primary use case (workouts, commuting, etc.), your budget, the importance of sound quality versus situational awareness, and the level of water resistance you require. The right pair will enhance your experience, while the wrong pair can be a frustrating investment.
- Rebranding Update - Aftershokz Aeropex has been renamed as Shokz OpenRun. Welcome to SHOKZ!
- Open-Ear Design - Patented bone conduction headphones deliver premium audio through the cheekbone....
- Lightweight & Comfortable - Experience unmatched comfort with our most lightweight and comfortable...
- 8-Hours of Music & Calls - Enjoy 8 continuous hours of music or podcasts, plus dual noise-canceling...
Introducing the Shokz OpenRun (formerly Aftershokz Aeropex)
The Shokz OpenRun (previously known as the Aftershokz Aeropex) are open-ear bone conduction headphones. They deliver sound through your cheekbones rather than directly into your ear canals. This unique design allows you to hear your surroundings clearly, making them excellent for active lifestyles. Compared to previous Aftershokz models and other open-ear competitors, the Aeropex (now OpenRun) boasts improved sound quality, a more comfortable fit, and longer battery life. These headphones are perfect for runners, cyclists, or anyone who values safety and awareness. However, they might not be suitable for those who need superior noise isolation or deep bass response.
- Pros: Lightweight design, excellent situational awareness, long battery life (8 hours), water resistance (IP67), comfortable for extended use.
- Cons: Sound leakage (others may hear your audio), bass response can be lacking, somewhat higher price point compared to some competitors.
Exploring the Shokz OpenRun’s Features and Benefits
Open-Ear Bone Conduction Technology
The core innovation of the Shokz OpenRun is its bone conduction technology. Instead of using traditional drivers to send sound waves into your ear canal, it transmits vibrations through your cheekbones. This lets you hear your surroundings—crucial for safety while exercising outdoors. After prolonged use, I no longer experience any discomfort from this technology, despite what I initially thought.
Exceptional Comfort and Secure Fit
I found the Shokz OpenRun to be exceptionally comfortable. The lightweight design and flexible titanium frame fit snugly without feeling restrictive. Even during intense workouts, they never fell out, and the earbuds’ design allowed for longer periods of use with no pain. This is a massive upgrade from my past experiences with bulky and uncomfortable earbuds, as well as other bone conduction headphones.
Superior Sound Quality
While open-ear headphones will never match the bass response of in-ear or over-ear models, the Shokz OpenRun’s sound quality is surprisingly good. Vocals are clear and crisp, and the audio is more than sufficient for listening to podcasts, audiobooks and most music genres, excluding those that really emphasize bass frequencies. The sound is significantly improved compared to earlier generations of bone conduction headphones. I found this improvement to significantly improve my listening experience, allowing for clearer enjoyment of audio content.
Impressive Battery Life
The advertised 8-hour battery life is completely accurate in my experience. I could easily use the Shokz OpenRun for my entire day, with many more hours left over. The quick charging feature is also a welcome addition, allowing for a rapid boost in battery power when needed, making it very useful in a pinch.
Water and Sweat Resistance
The IP67 rating provides great protection against sweat and rain. I’ve used them in various weather conditions, including heavy rain, and they performed flawlessly. The moisture detection feature is a smart addition, ensuring safe charging even after exposure to moisture, making them great for any weather condition.
Intuitive Controls
The multi-function button is easy to use, even while running or cycling. It allows for easy playback control, call management, and voice assistant activation. The simplicity of the controls is a welcomed aspect after using many headphones that had multiple buttons that were difficult to discern while active.
What Users Are Saying About the Shokz OpenRun
Across various online platforms, user reviews of the Shokz OpenRun are overwhelmingly positive. Many praise the headphones’ comfort, secure fit, and situational awareness features. While some mention the occasional sound leakage, most agree that the benefits significantly outweigh the drawbacks.
Final Verdict: Are Shokz OpenRun Headphones Right for You?
The Shokz OpenRun headphones effectively solve the problem of needing to listen to audio while remaining aware of my surroundings. Their lightweight design, exceptional comfort, long battery life, and water resistance make them perfect for an active lifestyle. While the sound isn’t perfect and bass response is somewhat lacking, the overall experience is excellent and worth the price. If you’re looking for open-ear headphones that prioritize safety and comfort without sacrificing decent sound quality, click here to check out the Shokz OpenRun.