Aftershokz Air Red
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According to our earbuds expert
With the AfterShokz Air, you have complete freedom of movement during your workout. These Bone Conduction earbuds aren't inside your ear, but on your cheekbones. The sound is sent to your brains via vibrations. That way, your ears aren't closed off from ambient noise. This is extra safe when you're in traffic. Because the earbuds are water-resistant, you can listen to music during your workout. They won't break down from sweat or rain.
Note: these earbuds are less suitable for phone calls.
Bone conductionBone conduction earbuds don't go directly into your ear canal, but rest on your cheekbones. That way, your eardrums aren't involved. The vibrations of the music go to your auricle via your bones, where the vibrations are sent to the auditory nerves and end up in your brains.
Type of ear cushions | Bone conduction | |
|---|---|---|
Noise canceling | ||
Average battery life | 6 hours | |
Sound quality according to customers | Good | |
Carrying comfort according to customers | Very good | |
Bluetooth | ||
Built-in microphone | ||
Water resistance | Splash proof |
5 stars
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4 stars
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Sound quality
User friendliness
Wearing comfort
Design
This 'headset' is not for everyone and everything.
First of all I would like to say that I have been using the headset for about 1 week now. My search for replacement earphones has ended with this one. I wanted something for sports, calling on the road and with which I can cycle safely. Because if I don't wear earphones, I wear over-ear headphones. Which then isn't safe.
In my first week I tested it extensively and experienced multiple scenarios where they are good and where they are not so good. It takes getting used to hearing sound in 2 different ways and being able to distinguish between them. But this got used to with time. These scenarios are described below.
If you want it for something specific. Can you possibly compare it with 1 of the examples.
General: Music quality is better than expected. However, it is not a device for an audiophile who wants to hear every tone correctly. Bass is hard to find and is more of a background sound which is nice to listen to.
The device is light in weight. This keeps it well on the head. But this is also mainly due to the way it is built. It wraps around your ear cup without irritating. There is also a pinching force like an over-ear has, which also presses the headset against your skin. That pressure is necessary to keep your bones 'vibrating'.
The shape is good for small and larger heads. My head is also relatively large and experience a few points of attention. When looking up, the speakers move more towards my ear, which changes the sound. This is because of the rear part that hits the back of my head. However, after looking down again, it automatically falls back into the right place. When looking down, left or right, it remains in the right place. If you have a slightly less gigantic head than me, I expect it to stay in place.
The material feels premium and it feels very strong. That's why I'm not afraid to break it with my clumsy hands. The entire headset is elastic, so the design should be 'one size fits all'. For everyone I've had it try, they also indicate that it is not annoying. Like they hardly even wear it. The latter is very important to me in sports.
Coming back to the sound quality. You can set it very softly but still make it audible. The buttons on it change the volume on the phone. So there is only 1 volume for the phone and headset. When you turn the volume all the way up, it doesn't disturb the sound quality so much. However, you get a tickle that makes you feel the sound pressing on your skin. Different feeling. Unfortunately at this volume you will have some 'leaking' sounds. So the person next to you can listen in to some extent. If this is not as bad as most earphones or headsets. The buttons feel good and when pressed you really feel that it is pressed.
Charging is TOP, but with 1 minus point in my opinion. The charging port is a micro USB. Everyone has one, but maybe not for much longer. This is also my minus point. In contrast to USB-C, the port may become brittle sooner. I also expect this to be the first place that may prevent you from using it in the future. The port is protected against moisture by a rubber cover. Rain or sweat will not get through here. A cable is included and charging in the computer is done within 1.5 hours. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to connect every micro USB because the port is fairly deep in the device.
With a full charge, they indicate that you can use it for 6 hours with active listening. (depending on the volume setting). But the best thing is the standby time. The manufacturer's product page has 20 days on. I have not been able to experience this yet, although I have only charged 1x in the meantime. Have not listened all week but is almost continuously on +- 14 hours a day. The charge is also indicated on an android phone, so see immediately on my phone whether it needs to be charged. It is also possible with the light on the device itself, but I almost never know whether it can be done another day or not. Blue for full and red for almost empty.
Warranty is a big point. Such a device is widely used and will come into contact with moisture. They say you get a 2-year warranty: "Hassle-free 2-year warranty". This sounds great. Didn't use it myself, but my feeling says that if it's real damage it should be able to withstand, they won't make it difficult for you. Luckily I don't have any experience with this yet.
Driving a car: I drive around a lot for work. While driving I am sometimes called and through the car kit I can often hardly understand the people. This is due to the noise of the road and the car. Now I found out to my surprise that you can make calls very well with this variant. The microphone perfectly picks up your voice without the ambient noise. Sound of a voice comes through very well. There is also a lot of ambient noise. The headset can also hang quietly around your neck. This means it doesn't have to stay on my head. With 1 hand it is easy and quick to put it over my ears and I can quickly answer a call. In addition, I do not lose the ambient sounds so that my attention and senses are still on the road.
To play sports: This product is completely made for this. If you're out running, bike and or just take a walk. You can fully hear your surroundings, cyclists, cars and even the birds. But still a nice background music to hear without disturbing others. It is light and water resistant (IP55) so don't be afraid if sweat gets on it. With the button on the left you can pause, choose next and previous track. So keep your phone in your pocket. This is also great in the gym. Whether I'm lying down, sitting or running fast, the device will not fall and will always stay in place. Still, it's nice if someone asks me something and I can still understand the person or have a conversation myself.
Reading a book: This is an interesting one, I really like reading a book with a little music. Only the female may want to rest. With this I can quietly hear background music, concentrate on the book and still be present for a question or conversation. Then I am not completely isolated in the wonderful world of books. There very nice contribution of the headset.
Cooking in the kitchen: With this you can also easily use your Google Assistant from your phone for timers, or quickly translate something. You do this by holding down the left button. A handy additional tool. With nice swinging music that cut onions and have enough hearing to hear the pan cooking.
My conclusion, Wireless and easy to use in many places. I don't recommend it for someone who wants to listen to music in public transport or who wants to be taken in the melodic sounds. But because of the open ears, it is perfect for when you do want to make use of your sensory perceptions. Of course, you can use it in public transport. But then it is best to put the plugs that are included in your ears.
Sébas van der Voort
16 June 2019
Automatically translated from Dutch
The only alternative for people with hearing aids who would still like to use headphones / earphones
danny beeckmans
27 December 2017
Automatically translated from Dutch
Ease of use
David Bernaert
3 December 2017
Automatically translated from Dutch
Product number | 822842 | |
|---|---|---|
Manufacturer code | AS650CR | |
Brand | AfterShokz | |
Warranty | 2 years | |
Processing of your defect | Via Coolblue |
Weight in grams | 30 g | |
|---|---|---|
Color | Red | |
Material | Plastic | |
Built-in microphone |
Water-resistant | ||
|---|---|---|
Water resistance | Splash proof | |
IP certification | IP55 |
True wireless earbuds | ||
|---|---|---|
NFC | ||
Compatible with applications |
Bluetooth | ||
|---|---|---|
Bluetooth version | 4.2 | |
Bluetooth profiles | Hands-Free Profile (HFP), Headset Profile (HSP), Remote control (AVRCP), Standard Audio (A2DP) | |
Multipoint pairing |
Type of USB port | Micro USB-B (type: 2.0) | |
|---|---|---|
Power supply type | Rechargeable battery | |
Average battery life | 6 hours | |
Charging case | ||
USB port |
Sound reproduction | Stereo | |
|---|---|---|
Hi-Res audio | ||
Sound quality according to customers | Good | |
Noise canceling | ||
Volume limit | ||
Frequency range | 20 - 20000 Hz |
Tested by expert | ||
|---|---|---|
Equalizer |
Headphones wearing method | Ear hook, Neckband | |
|---|---|---|
Type of ear cushions | Bone conduction | |
Remote control on ear cups | ||
Physical buttons ear cups | ||
Touchpad ear cup | ||
Volume control ear cup | ||
Carrying comfort according to customers | Very good |
Best tested |
|---|
Detachable cable | ||
|---|---|---|
Ribbon cable | ||
Coil cable | ||
Braided sleeve | ||
Remote in cable | ||
Connectors | n.a. |
Earbuds (sleeves) included | ||
|---|---|---|
Headphones adapter included | ||
Type of USB connector | Micro USB-B (2.0 version) |
