Bone-conduction headphones: Long-term test and review of AfterShokz

Beneath the AfterShokz Air headset itself are an accessory bag, printed user manual, and a pair of included (but strictly optional) foam earplugs.

In March 2021, we tested Lucyd Lyte Bluetooth sunglasses, a pair of shades with built-in off-ear headphones. Lucyd Lyte didn't quite impress—mostly because their tiny built-in speakers are nearly as audible to everyone around you as they are to you. Today, we'll take a look at two models of bone-conduction headphones suggested to us in that review's comment section—the AfterShokz Titanium and AfterShokz Air.

I purchased one each of the Titanium and Air in early March and have used them regularly in the months since. Bone-conduction headphones are definitely not for everyone—but they're fantastic for people who need the particular mix of comfort, awareness of surroundings, and improved hygiene they offer.

Open, comfortable ears

Aftershokz headphones disappear pretty effectively on most users' heads—despite hair ranging from quite short (pictured) to outright crew cut (current), my family rarely notices when mine are on. [credit: Jim Salter ]