I replaced AirPods Pro with bone conduction headphones for running

I replaced AirPods Pro with bone conduction headphones for running — hither's what wins

Testing AfterShoks Aeropex for running to replace AirPods Pro

(Image credit: Future)

I'm on a hunt for the best running headphones that don't fall out of my ears. When I tried AirPods Pro for running at the track earlier this summer, information technology was a total neglect. Apple's racket-cancelling buds spent more fourth dimension scattered on the ground than providing a soundtrack for my laps.

Now, I've been trying to break up with wireless headphones for a while. Still, I've felt adamant to detect the best wireless earbuds for running, fifty-fifty if I've worn down the tread of my sneakers in the process. But I decided it'south time to retrieve a little outside the box — err, outside my ear canals.

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A Tom's Guide colleague recommended AfterShokz Aeropex, a $159.99 bone conduction headset with eight hours of bombardment life and fully waterproof pattern. I've never tried bone conduction sound before, then I wasn't sure what to look. I just assumed I'd feel insufficient sound quality compared to when I tried PowerBeats Pro for running or when I tried Jabra Elite Active 75t for running.

Let me get this out of the way: AfterShokz Aeropex isn't the sexeist piece of tech. Luckily, that'south not the vibe I'm going for with my 12-minute mile. I only need comfy headphones that stay put and sound good. And so are bone conduction headphones my ideal running companion? Read on to find out.

Running with os conduction headphones: Condolement and security

Thanks to a mere 0.9- ounce weight, the AfterShokz Aeropex offering a barely-there experience, landing perfectly between comfort and the kind of secure fit I want from running headphones. I didn't have to test out a diverseness eartips since os conduction headphones don't require any. I simply charged the Aeropex upward and paired them to my iPhone via Bluetooth. I missed the automatic pairing of AirPods Pro and Powerbeats Pro via Apple's H1 bit, though.

As I ran, I couldn't milkshake the Aeropex off, or even loose, simply it never felt like the hooks pinched my ears as they did after a while with Powerbeats Pro. I sensed I could wearable these for hours — in fact I forgot to take them off when I got home, even without music playing.

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The only moment of discomfort came when I did finally endeavour to take AfterShokz Aeropex off. Despite how smooth I made it seem in a TikTok I filmed, the neck band really got tangled in my hair a few times. When I sweat, my sleek ponytail turns into an unruly panthera leo's mane, so I need to be more than mindful than I am when I pluck buds out of my ears.

Running with bone conduction headphones: Sound quality

For those unfamiliar with the technology, bone conduction headphones send vibrations into your cheekbones to play audio. This leaves your ears open so you tin have conversations or hear other sounds effectually you without needing a true transparency mode like on the AirPods Pro or the Jabra Elite Active 75t.

AfterShockz Aeropex are secure and comfortable running headphones with solid sound quality — (Image credit: Time to come)

That said, I had depression expectations for the AfterShokz Aeropex sound quality. Yet respecting the limitations of os conduction, the headset actually impressed. Sure, the bass didn't resonate with my pace equally much as information technology usually does on Eminem's 'Till I Collapse, but it kept me moving. The synth riff in Tame Impala'southward Elephant even packed enough punch to extend my run to two and a quarter miles, instead of my typical ii.

I wish the sound offered more complexities for me to get lost in, as to ward off imminent regret in my workout choice for the day.

Running with os conduction headphones: Verdict

AfterShokz Aeropex are the running headphones I've been looking for in terms of comfort and security. While the AirPods Pro and Jabra Elite Active 75t are disposed to dislodging from my ears, Aeropex isn't going anywhere. The os conduction headset doesn't clench uncomfortably like Powerbeats Pro, either.

I wish the sound offered more complexities for me to go lost in, so to ward off imminent regret in my conditioning selection for the day. Simply I appreciated the ability to hear the ambience sounds of the outdoors every bit I ran, every bit well equally the promise of an 8-hour battery life, since the just excuse I need to skip do is expressionless headphones.

For now, AfterShokz Aeropex os conduction headphones are the pair I'll reach for when I'1000 ready to tackle whatever outdoor workout. I still desire active dissonance counterfoil in the gym, and so the Jabra Elite Active 75t will remain a top option in my earbud arsenal.

And where does this leave AirPods Pro? Well, I'm going to test out some accessories that hope a better fit for Apple'southward premium buds. In the meantime, if you're also struggling to find running headphones that don't fall out of your ears, consider giving bone conduction headsets a try.

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Kate Kozuch is a senior writer at Tom'south Guide roofing wearables, TVs and everything smart-dwelling house related. When she's not in cyborg mode, you can find her on an practice bicycle or channeling her inner glory chef. She and her robot army will rule the globe one solar day, but until and so, achieve her at kate.kozuch@futurenet.com.