AfterShokz Trekz Air Review - Rise of bone conduction headphones?

Aside from our smartphones, we always bring a pair of earphones just in case we get bored when travelling, or when we want to enjoy a quiet time alone. But have you ever heard about headphones that do not cover ears? Well, AfterShokz seeks to lead the rise of bone conduction headphones in the market with Trekz Air.

AfterShokz Trekz Air Review

In case you are not familiar with how this bone conduction technology works, let us give you a brief background. According to AfterShokz, the technology provides music through vibrations from the listener's cheekbones, unlike the traditional headphones.

After using the Trekz Air for quite some time now, we would be sharing our experience.

Keep reading for our full review!

Unboxing/Accessories

The box

Inside it, you can find the product itself, USB charging cable, a pair of foam earplugs, user guide, and a carrying black pouch.

The accessories

Build Quality/Design

The body

At first look, we thought, it was not firm but the Treks Air was solidly built despite it being 20 percent lighter than Trekz Titanium. The company said it used titanium for the whole product to make sure it would fit more securely. This actually allows users to flex the device a lot easily.

It is also IP55 certified, repelling sweat, dust and moisture, from workouts to wicked weather.

The design is also minimalist, which is good for those who want a modern yet classy-looking devices.

On the right side, you would see some buttons, allowing you to control playback and volume. The buttons may be too small for those who have big hands though. You can also spot the charging port.

Comfort/Isolation

Because AfterShokz used titanium for this, users will have no problem wearing this around their neck as it is lightweight. Also, since it was designed for people with active lifestyle, it is best and comfortable to use when doing your exercise, like biking or running, without the fear that it would fall out.

Perfect for outdoor activities!

We would also like to note that wearing the Trekz Air in black variant was like wearing no headphones at all, especially if female users let their hair down.

It looks really unique and sleek since the device is not the usual headphones you see in the market.

Battery Life

The Trekz Air is equipped with rechargeable lithium-ion. Based on its website, it claimed the device will last up to 20 days standby time, and six hours for continuous play and calls. Charging hours, meanwhile, will take two hours.

Based on our experience, it could really last for five to six hours if you use this with moderate volume.

On the charging time, on the other hand, we were surprised that we achieved a full charge after one and a half hours only.

Since the device is only good for maximum six hours playing time, we do not recommend this if you have a long journey.

You do not want to encounter the hassle of charging it again before you could enjoy good music and the scenery along the way.

Features

Buttons and ports

AfterShokz Trekz Air is easy to use. All you need to do is turn on the Bluetooth of your music device and pair it with the headphones.

We did not encounter any difficulty in pairing it with our devices. The device supports Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity.

AfterShokz is also featuring Audrey Says voice to guide users through power, pair, play, and talk.

The experience of not having to close your ears with headphones was both overwhelming and amazing. It is also good when you are outside doing some errands as you would still be aware of your surrounding.

Although we think bone conduction headphones are not for everyone, those with hearing problems can benefit from this as it uses vibrations, bypassing the eardrum.

Sound Quality

The speaker

The device boasts the PremiumPitch+ sound technology it has to provide optimized sound with bass and avoid sound leakage.

Bone Conduction Technology delivers sound through cheekbones!

While the Trekz Air produces decent audio output, traditional earphones or headphones, which are in the same price range, are still better when it comes to sound quality.

As we mentioned, the box has a pair or earbuds inside, which you can use to maximize and further enjoy the sound it produces.

When using it, we prefer low to moderate volumes as opting for higher volumes can produce too much vibrations, resulting in sound leakage. The vibration may be overwhelming too for some who are not used to wearing this kind of device on their upper cheekbones.

It has distortion on max loudness as well. 

This technology is promising, but it is not quite on the audio quality level of traditional earphones yet.

Pros - Sleek design, lightweight, comfortable, good sound quality, perfect for athletes

Cons - Battery life needs improvement, vibrations can be overwhelming at full volume, distortion on max loudness

Verdict

AfterShokz Trekz Air offers modern design and decent features for individuals who want to try bone conduction headphones. It is great for those people with active lifestyle, and with hearing deficiencies. It is not for audiophiles, but serves its purpose well.

This product has a price tag of PHP 8,490.

Aftershokz is now available at Astroplus, Beyond the Box, Digital Walker, E-Central Cebu, Glorious Ride Bikeshop, iCenrer Cebu, iLiberty Tech Gadgets and Accessories, JMB Albay Gadgets, Mobile 1, R.O.X., Shopee, and Lazada.

Build/Design - 4.5

Comfort/Isolation - 4

Battery - 3.5

Features - 4

Sound - 4

Average - 4/5