We have featured Aftershokz products a number of times on RUN247 (see here) and the Openmove is the latest pair we have had the pleasure to try out.
What is it?
If you’re new to the brand they produce a range of headphones aimed at active people and feature a clever bit of audio technology. Aftershokz have been developing and fine tuning bone conducting headphones for many years. The result being a range of headphones that conduct sound through the bones in your cheek area.
The sound emitting element sits in front of your ear and so there is no issue with correct sized ear buds, it’s one size.
AfterShokz OpenMove key features:
- Bone conduction technology – PremiumPitch™ 2.0 Stereo Sound
- Bluetooth® version – Bluetooth® 5.0
- Wireless Range – 33 ft (10m)
- Sweat/Water resistance – IP55
- Weight – 29g
- Battery – Rechargeable Li-Polymer battery
- Continuous play – Up to six hours
- Standby time- Up to 10 days
- Charge time – two hours
- Charge type – USB-C
- Warranty – two years
In use the headphones across the range are very comfortable to wear, there is no fatigue from buds wedged in your ear canal and they are very lightweight. The headphones fit snuggly in front of your ear and the bit round the neck is flexible yet keeps things in place during activity.
The key benefit of the technology is that it allows you to still have an awareness of your surrounding ambient noise. If your running you can hear traffic etc. It’s a little odd at first to experience both your music and upcoming traffic but you quickly adapt to the experience. In a positive way. In a direct comparison to in ear headphones and the Aftershokz you will notice a difference in the sound, bass is not as deep and the volume of sound slightly lower.
The more you use the headphones the more you appreciate the technology and it’s benefits. For example I would never listen to music whilst cycling from a safety point of view. With the Aftershokz you can and still detect traffic approaching and you can use the headphones to pick up direction cues from your cycle computer. Whilst running you can hear things around around you and there’s nothing to fall out of your ears.
In the case of the Openmove you can use them asa headset for making voice calls or making video calls. In fact I did use them as my handsfree kit in the car and forgot to take them off and only realised halfway through a mountain bike ride when the phone rang!
The Openmove are at the entry level but offer great performance. Compared to the top end bluetooth model the Aeropex the sound might be a fraction better on th top model but if you can’t compare you’ll not notice any shortcomings.
Is it worth your money?
As a pair of headphones they are not cheap but they are (quite) unique in their technology. As an introduction to bone conducting headphones they are great value. There’s not a lot to dislike about the Openmoves. As you step up the range you get more waterproofing and slightly longer battery life and technically better sound but are those features worth the additional spend if you are not going to notice the difference greatly.
As entry models they perform very well. Sound is good, they are sweat proof and they have a long battery life. Are they worth your money? A resounding yes. I have been surprised at how good the Aftershokz have performed, be that at the entry level or the top end models. If your after hi-fidelity then these might not be for ALL your audio needs. Aftershokz are used everyday here, with the phone, the computer, in the car on the run and sometimes on the bike! In the gym they will be great. From a safety and functional perspective they are brilliant. Go try a pair.
For more information, please visit https://aftershokz.co.uk/products/openmove.
