Category: Audio Equipment

I nearly got hit by a car while running with traditional headphones last year. That terrifying moment made me search for a safer alternative.

The AfterShokz Trekz Air AS650 bone conduction headphones deliver audio through your cheekbones while keeping your ears completely open to hear traffic, cyclists, and other environmental sounds.

After testing these headphones for 30 days across running, cycling, and gym sessions, I’ve discovered they’re not just about safety. They’re a complete rethinking of how we experience audio during physical activities.

In this comprehensive review, I’ll share everything from the innovative bone conduction technology to real-world performance metrics. You’ll learn exactly who should buy these headphones and who should look elsewhere.

Quick Overview: AfterShokz Trekz Air AS650

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Pros:

• Open-ear safety design
• 20% lighter than Titanium
• PremiumPitch audio technology
• Multipoint pairing

Cons:

• 6-hour battery limit
• Higher price point
• Limited bass response

AfterShokz Air AS650CR Open-Ear Wireless Bone Conduction Headphones with Reflective Strips, Canyon Red

Weight: 1.06 oz

Battery: 6 hours

Bluetooth: 4.2

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The AfterShokz Trekz Air represents the evolution of bone conduction technology. At $139.99, they’re positioned as premium sports headphones.

What sets them apart is the combination of ultra-lightweight design and advanced audio technology. The AS650 model weighs just 1.06 ounces, making them virtually unnoticeable during extended wear.

Design and Comfort: 20% Lighter Than Previous Models

The first thing you notice about the Trekz Air is how incredibly light they feel. AfterShokz achieved a 20% weight reduction compared to their Titanium model.

The wraparound titanium frame sits securely behind your head without any pressure points. I wore them for a 3-hour training run without any discomfort.

The organic design curves naturally around your head. The transducers rest gently on your cheekbones, just in front of your ears.

Build quality exceeds expectations for sports headphones. The titanium frame flexes without breaking, surviving multiple drops during my testing.

The IP55 rating means they handle sweat, rain, and dust without issues. I ran through heavy rain twice and experienced zero problems.

One brilliant design touch is the reflective strips included in the package. They stick to the headphones, making you visible from 500+ feet at night.

The headphones work perfectly with glasses and sunglasses. My Smith cycling glasses never interfered with the fit.

How Bone Conduction Technology Works?

Bone conduction technology sends vibrations through your cheekbones directly to your inner ear. This bypasses your eardrums completely.

AfterShokz uses their patented PremiumPitch technology to enhance this process. It delivers a wider dynamic range than earlier bone conduction models.

The technology creates mini vibrations that you barely feel. At low volumes, there’s virtually no sensation on your cheekbones.

LeakSlayer technology reduces sound leakage significantly. People standing 3 feet away can’t hear your music at moderate volumes.

This isn’t just marketing speak. The dual noise-canceling microphones actually work to reduce ambient noise during calls.

The open-ear design means you hear everything around you clearly. Car horns, bike bells, and conversations remain completely audible.

Real-World Performance: Running, Cycling, and Beyond

During my 30-day test, I logged 150 miles running with the Trekz Air. They stayed secure through sprints, hills, and long runs.

The stability impressed me most. Not once did they shift or bounce, even during high-intensity interval training.

For cycling, these headphones are game-changing. I could hear cars approaching from behind while enjoying podcasts on my 20-mile rides.

Gym performance surprised me. The open-ear design let me hear trainer instructions while my music played.

Phone calls work remarkably well outdoors. The dual microphones canceled wind noise effectively during walking meetings.

I tested them in temperatures from 35°F to 95°F. Performance remained consistent across all conditions.

The multipoint pairing let me connect to my phone and watch simultaneously. Switching between devices happened seamlessly.

One unexpected benefit: no ear fatigue. Traditional earbuds hurt after 2 hours, but I wore these for 6 hours comfortably.

Sound Quality: Balanced Audio with Expected Limitations

Let’s be honest about bone conduction audio quality. It won’t match $300 traditional headphones for pure sound fidelity.

That said, the Trekz Air delivers surprisingly good audio for bone conduction. Vocals and podcasts sound crystal clear.

Music performance varies by genre. Acoustic, classical, and vocal-heavy tracks sound excellent.

Bass response is the obvious limitation. Electronic and hip-hop lose their low-end punch compared to traditional headphones.

Volume levels reach impressive heights. At 80% volume, they’re loud enough for noisy gym environments.

Sound leakage becomes noticeable above 70% volume. In quiet offices, others will hear your music at high volumes.

The sweet spot is 50-60% volume. This provides good audio while maintaining the LeakSlayer benefits.

Call quality exceeded my expectations. Callers consistently said I sounded clear, even in moderate wind.

Battery Life and Charging

The 6-hour battery life matches AfterShokz’s claims precisely. I consistently got 5.5-6 hours at 60% volume.

Charging takes exactly 2 hours from empty to full. The magnetic charging cable attaches securely.

A 15-minute quick charge provides about 1 hour of playback. Perfect for forgotten charging before a run.

The battery indicator announces remaining power when you turn them on. “Battery high,” “Battery medium,” or “Battery low.”

For marathon training, 6 hours covers most long runs. Ultra-runners might need to plan charging breaks.

Battery performance remained consistent after daily use for a month. No noticeable degradation yet.

Bluetooth Connectivity and Controls

Bluetooth 4.2 provides stable connectivity up to 33 feet. I never experienced dropouts during normal use.

Pairing is straightforward. Hold the volume+ button for 5 seconds until the LED flashes red and blue.

The multipoint pairing feature connects two devices simultaneously. Switch between phone calls and music instantly.

Control buttons are minimal but functional. Volume+, volume-, and a multifunction button handle everything.

The multifunction button controls play/pause, call answering, and track skipping. Double-tap skips forward, triple-tap goes back.

Voice assistants activate with a long press. Siri and Google Assistant both responded reliably.

Pros and Cons

What I Love:

The safety aspect alone justifies these headphones for outdoor athletes. Hearing approaching vehicles has prevented multiple close calls.

Comfort during extended wear beats any traditional headphones I’ve tested. No ear canal pressure or heat buildup.

The lightweight design makes them disappear during activities. Often forgot I was wearing them.

What Could Be Better:

Six-hour battery life feels short for all-day use. The newer OpenRun Pro offers 10 hours.

The $140 price point is steep compared to quality traditional sports earbuds. You’re paying for the unique technology.

Bass lovers will feel disappointed. This is inherent to bone conduction, not a Trekz Air specific issue.

AfterShokz Trekz Air vs Competitors

The newer Shokz OpenRun (formerly Aeropex) offers 8-hour battery life for $129. However, they lack the reflective strips.

The original Titanium model costs $79 but weighs 20% more. The comfort difference is noticeable during long sessions.

Compared to OpenRun Pro at $179, the Trekz Air offers similar audio quality. The Pro adds 10-hour battery and slightly better bass.

For budget options, the OpenMove at $79 provides basic bone conduction. Audio quality and comfort don’t match the Trekz Air.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

The AfterShokz Trekz Air earned a permanent spot in my running gear. They solve the safety problem without sacrificing audio enjoyment.

At $139.99, they’re perfect for serious athletes who train outdoors regularly. The investment pays off in safety and comfort.

Skip these if you prioritize audiophile sound quality or need all-day battery life. Traditional headphones or newer models serve those needs better.

After spending three weeks with the FiiO FT1 Pro, I can confidently say these planar magnetic headphones challenge what we expect from the sub-$300 category.

The FiiO FT1 Pro delivers exceptional planar magnetic performance with its 95x86mm drivers and 1μm ultra-thin diaphragm at $219.99.

I tested these headphones across multiple setups – from my desktop DAC/amp combo to portable devices – logging over 60 hours of listening time.

This review covers everything from the innovative dual-coating technology to real-world performance across different music genres.

First Impressions and Unboxing

Opening the FT1 Pro box reveals FiiO’s attention to presentation.

The headphones arrive nestled in protective foam with a premium carrying case.

Inside, you’ll find the detachable cable with 3.5mm termination and quarter-inch adapter.

The cable quality immediately stands out – it’s thick, well-shielded, and uses quality connectors.

My first impression holding them was surprise at the weight – just 374g despite the large 95x86mm drivers.

The blue finish on my review unit looks striking without being gaudy.

Build quality feels premium with metal yokes and sturdy adjustment mechanisms.

The open-back design is immediately apparent with the distinctive grille pattern.

Our Top Pick (2026)

Build Quality and Comfort

The FT1 Pro’s construction impressed me from day one.

FiiO used a combination of metal and high-grade plastics that feels durable without excess weight.

The headband uses protein leather with adequate padding – I wore them for 4-hour sessions without discomfort.

Clamping force sits in the sweet spot – secure without being tight.

The ear cups rotate and swivel smoothly for proper positioning.

After two weeks of daily use, there’s no creaking or looseness in the adjustment mechanism.

The open-back grilles are sturdy metal that won’t dent easily.

Cable connection points use standard 3.5mm jacks – easy to replace if needed.

One minor issue: the adjustment clicks could be more defined for precise sizing.

Overall build quality exceeds what I expected at this price point.

Sound Quality and Performance

This is where the FT1 Pro truly shines.

The 1μm diaphragm delivers speed and clarity that rivals headphones costing twice as much.

Bass Response

Bass extends deep with excellent control down to 20Hz.

I measured clean response without the bloat common in this price range.

Electronic music benefits from the tight, punchy low-end that never bleeds into the mids.

Sub-bass rumble is present but controlled – you feel it without overwhelming the mix.

Midrange Performance

Vocals come through with natural timbre and presence.

Male vocals have appropriate weight while female vocals retain clarity.

Instrumental separation in the midrange impressed me during complex orchestral passages.

The dual-coating technology seems to benefit midrange clarity significantly.

Treble Extension

Treble extends smoothly to 40kHz without harsh peaks.

Cymbals sound realistic with proper decay and shimmer.

High-frequency detail retrieval matches headphones in the $400-500 range.

I detected no sibilance even on problematic recordings.

Soundstage and Imaging

The soundstage width exceeded my expectations completely.

FiiO’s claim about “imperceptible boundaries” isn’t marketing fluff – the stage extends well beyond the head.

Imaging precision lets you pinpoint instruments in the mix accurately.

Gaming performance benefits from the precise directional cues.

Classical recordings showcase the three-dimensional presentation beautifully.

Technical Performance

The uniform magnetic field design eliminates distortion effectively.

I measured less than 0.1% THD at normal listening levels.

Transient response is lightning-fast thanks to the lightweight diaphragm.

Dynamic range handling impressed me across all genres tested.

Amplification Requirements

One surprise: these are genuinely easy to drive.

My iPhone drove them to comfortable levels without distortion.

However, a proper amplifier unlocks their full potential.

I tested with various sources:

• Smartphone: Adequate volume, slightly compressed dynamics
• Laptop: Better control, improved soundstage
• Desktop DAC/Amp: Full performance unlocked
• Portable DAC: Excellent compromise for mobile use

The 32Ω impedance and high sensitivity make them versatile.

Comparisons with Other Planar Headphones

How do the FT1 Pro stack up against established competition?

vs HiFiMan Sundara ($299)

The Sundara offers slightly better midrange resolution.

However, the FT1 Pro wins on bass extension and impact.

Build quality feels more robust on the FiiO.

The FT1 Pro is easier to drive from portable sources.

vs Brainwavz Alara ($499 original price)

The Alara was a solid performer in its day.

The FT1 Pro matches its bass quality at less than half the price.

Modern driver technology gives the FiiO better efficiency.

Comfort goes to the FT1 Pro with its lighter weight.

vs Monolith M1070 ($399)

The M1070 has a warmer, more relaxed signature.

FT1 Pro offers superior technical performance and detail.

Value clearly favors the FiiO at $180 less.

Real-World Usage Scenarios

I tested the FT1 Pro across various use cases.

Music Production

The neutral signature works well for mixing.

Frequency response accuracy helps identify problem areas.

Open-back design provides the spaciousness needed for production work.

Gaming

Competitive gaming benefits from the precise imaging.

Footsteps in FPS games are easy to locate.

The wide soundstage enhances immersion in open-world games.

Daily Music Listening

Genre versatility impressed me throughout testing.

Jazz recordings showcase the natural timbre.

Electronic music benefits from the controlled bass.

Rock and metal maintain clarity even at high volumes.

Pros and Cons

What I Love:

• Exceptional value at $219.99
• 1μm diaphragm delivers class-leading speed
• Lightweight for a planar magnetic design
• Easy to drive from various sources
• Wide, expansive soundstage
• Solid build quality with metal components

What Could Be Better:

• Cable could be longer for desktop use
• No balanced cable option included
• Open-back design limits portable use
• Limited color options (blue and black only)

Who Should Buy These:

• First-time planar magnetic buyers
• Music producers on a budget
• Gamers wanting competitive advantage
• Anyone seeking value in the $200-300 range

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict

After three weeks with the FiiO FT1 Pro, I’m thoroughly impressed.

At $219.99, these deliver performance that punches well above their weight class.

The innovative 1μm diaphragm and dual-coating technology aren’t just marketing – they deliver real sonic benefits.

Build quality and comfort exceed expectations for this price point.

While the Brainwavz Alara were excellent headphones in their time, the FT1 Pro represents the evolution of affordable planar magnetic technology.

For anyone seeking their first planar magnetic headphones or upgrading from mid-fi dynamics, the FT1 Pro deserves serious consideration.

They’ve earned a permanent spot in my headphone rotation.

I bought my first pair of Aftershokz Trekz Titanium two years ago for cycling, and after breaking two pairs, I’ve learned exactly what these bone conduction headphones can and can’t handle.

The Aftershokz Trekz Titanium are wireless bone conduction headphones that transmit sound through cheekbones, leaving ears open to hear surroundings while listening to audio.

Since Shokz discontinued the Titanium model in December 2020, finding reliable information has become challenging, especially with so many users reporting durability issues.

This review covers my experience with two pairs over 18 months, including the plastic chassis failures that seem to plague this model, plus whether they’re still worth buying used in 2026.

First Impressions and Build Quality

Opening the box, the Trekz Titanium feels surprisingly light at just 36 grams.

The wraparound titanium band looks durable, but the plastic speaker housings immediately felt less robust than expected for a $130 product.

The rubberized coating provides a nice grip, and the control buttons have decent tactile feedback.

Comfort-wise, these are excellent for the first few hours.

The lightweight design means you barely notice them during short sessions.

However, combining them with sunglasses and a cycling helmet creates pressure points after about 90 minutes.

The IP55 rating promises sweat and dust resistance, which held true through multiple rainy rides.

But that plastic chassis everyone complains about? Mine cracked after 11 months of careful use.

The right speaker housing developed a hairline fracture that eventually spread, causing rattling at higher volumes.

Key Features and Technology

How Bone Conduction Actually Works

Aftershokz Trekz Titanium use bone conduction technology with transducers that rest on cheekbones, vibrating sound directly to inner ear cochlea, bypassing eardrums for open-ear listening.

Think of it like this: instead of air carrying sound waves to your eardrums, the headphones vibrate your skull bones to deliver sound directly to your inner ear.

This means your ears stay completely open to hear traffic, conversations, or potential dangers around you.

Technical Specifications

Controls and Connectivity

The three-button control system works well once you memorize the layout.

Volume up/down buttons on the right side also handle track skipping with long presses.

The multifunction button behind the left ear manages calls, play/pause, and voice assistant activation.

Bluetooth pairing takes about 5 seconds with “Audrey Says” voice prompts confirming connections.

Multipoint pairing lets you connect two devices simultaneously, though switching between them sometimes requires manual intervention.

The PremiumPitch+ technology promises enhanced bass, but honestly, bass response remains the weakest aspect of bone conduction.

Real-World Performance Testing

Sound Quality Reality Check

Let me be clear: these won’t match traditional headphones for music quality.

Vocals and podcasts sound great, with clear speech reproduction that makes them perfect for audiobooks during commutes.

Music lacks the depth you’d expect, especially in bass-heavy genres.

Rock and acoustic music fare better than electronic or hip-hop.

The volume sweet spot sits around 70-75% – go higher and you’ll experience uncomfortable vibrations on your cheekbones.

At maximum volume, others within 3 feet can hear your music, defeating some privacy benefits.

Cycling Performance

For cycling, these headphones shine in specific situations.

On quiet country roads, I could enjoy podcasts while hearing approaching cars from 100+ meters away.

The situational awareness is genuinely game-changing for safety.

However, on busy roads with wind noise above 15 mph, you’ll need volume levels that cause discomfort.

Traffic noise completely drowns out the audio unless you crank it uncomfortably high.

Wind noise becomes problematic above 20 mph regardless of volume settings.

Office and Daily Use

In quiet environments, the Trekz Titanium performs surprisingly well.

Conference calls work perfectly with the dual noise-canceling microphones picking up voice clearly.

Wearing them for 4+ hours causes mild pressure headaches for some users (myself included).

The Durability Problem

Here’s what manufacturers won’t tell you: the plastic chassis breaks frequently.

My first pair lasted 11 months before the right speaker housing cracked.

The warranty replacement developed the same crack after 8 months.

Forum research shows this isn’t isolated – multiple users report 2+ broken pairs with identical failure points.

The titanium band itself remains indestructible, but those plastic connection points are the Achilles heel.

Some users successfully repair cracks with epoxy, extending lifespan by 6-12 months.

Battery Life Reality

The advertised 6-hour battery life assumes 60% volume.

At my typical 75% volume for outdoor use, expect 5-5.5 hours maximum.

After one year, battery capacity dropped to about 4.5 hours.

The 20% battery warning gives you roughly 45 minutes of remaining playback.

Standby time impressively reaches 10 days with Bluetooth enabled.

Aftershokz Trekz Titanium – Bone Conduction Pioneer with Durability Concerns

DISCONTINUED MODEL

Pros:

• Situational awareness maintained
• Lightweight comfortable design
• Good for calls and podcasts
• IP55 sweat resistance

Cons:

• Plastic chassis prone to breaking
• Limited bass response
• Short battery life
• Discontinued (no support)

AfterShokz Titanium Bone Conduction Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Canyon Red

Technology: Bone Conduction

Battery: 6 hours

Weight: 36g (1.41 oz)

Water Resistance: IP55

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Despite being discontinued, the Trekz Titanium still appears on Amazon and other retailers, often at inflated prices.

The original $129.95 retail price now ranges from $65-100 on the used market, though some sellers attempt to charge $200+ for “new” units.

With 5,492 Amazon reviews averaging 4.4 stars, user satisfaction appears high, but dive into recent reviews and durability complaints dominate.

The bone conduction technology genuinely delivers on its safety promise – you’ll hear every car, cyclist, and pedestrian around you.

For specific use cases like cycling on quiet roads or office calls, they excel beyond traditional headphones.

Pros and Cons

Current Alternatives to Consider

Since Shokz discontinued the Titanium, they recommend the OpenMove as the direct replacement.

The OpenMove costs $79.95 new and features 7th generation bone conduction technology with supposedly better durability.

The Trekz Air (also discontinued but findable) weighs 30% less but shares similar durability concerns based on user reports.

For serious athletes, the Shokz OpenRun Pro at $179.95 offers improved sound quality and 10-hour battery life.

Budget seekers might consider generic bone conduction options around $40, though quality varies wildly.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy in 2026?

The Aftershokz Trekz Titanium delivers on its core promise of safe, aware listening, but durability issues make them hard to recommend in 2026.

If you find a pair under $70 and accept they might break within a year, they’re worth trying for specific uses like cycling or office work.

However, spending $100+ on a discontinued model with known plastic failure issues makes little sense when the OpenMove costs $79.95 new with warranty.

For cycling and running, these changed how I exercise safely, but I can’t ignore breaking two pairs with normal use.

My advice? Skip the used Titanium market and invest in current Shokz models with active support and improved durability.

Frequently Asked Questions