AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Wireless Headphones Review

A couple years ago, I ditched the music on my runs for personal safety. The earbud headphones that I used reduced my awareness of my surroundings. Ever since then, I have run in silence for every run and didn’t miss my music. I found that I could better pace myself on speed workouts and better control my effort on easy runs. However, I found myself wishing I could listen to audiobooks on my easy-paced long runs. Long runs provided the time to immerse my mind in a good story and the audiobooks helped pass time on an easy-paced solo long run, where no conversation and no focus on a certain pace and workout could help pass the time. I reluctantly used my iPhone headphones, with one earbud in my right ear and the left earbud dangling loose, bobbing against my shoulder as I ran.

I had all but given up on wireless headphones after we tried multiple brands and continued to be disappointed. I remember once trying a pair of in-ear wireless headphones and not even making it a mile before I removed them, frustrated by the discomfort.

That was until I tried Aftershokz Trekz Titanium wireless headphones. These headphones use bone conduction technology for an open ear design that prioritizes safety and comfort – and are now both Ryan’s and my go-to choice for long runs, treadmill runs, and more.

Over the course of the past month, I tested the Trekz Titanium headphones on an easy run, a 16 mile hilly long run, a strength training workout, and multiple walks. My husband tested these on treadmill runs as well – and with each test run, we both appreciated the excellent design of these headphones. What makes these headphones worth the price tag?

Open Ear Style

Aftershokz Trekz Titanium wireless headphones are different than any other headphones you have used before. Rather than sitting in your ear, the Trekz Titanium sits just outside of the ear and transmit audio through bone conduction. This style allows you to remain completely aware of your surroundings and protects your hearing.

The headphones sat just outside my ears in an open ear style and used bone conduction to transmit the noise. On my test runs, I could clearly hear my audiobook – and I could hear bicyclists as they came up behind me (including those who, ahem, forgot to use bike bells), cars on the road parallel to the trails and sidewalk, and other pedestrians along my route. The headphones did not compromise my awareness of my surroundings.

I felt safe enough to wear these headphones on a run through a nearby neighborhood. I was able to hear cars as they exited driveways and could even hear the school bus before it rounded the corner – far better awareness of my surroundings than I would have with traditional in-ear headphones. 

However, these headphones are not mini-speakers. Through the bone conduction technology, you have a private listening experience – other runners around you cannot hear your music or podcast.

Crystal Clear Audio Quality

Currently, I’m listening to the Harry Potter series on Audible – and with the AfterShokz headphones, I haven’t missed a word. The audio quality is clear and crisp, with a wide dynamic range. For music, the headphones produce a rich bass with an EQ preset.

In addition to high-quality audio, these headphones offer excellent quality on calls. The dual noise-canceling microphone minimizes background noise on calls.

Comfortable Fit

Unlike other wireless headphones I had tried, I didn’t get so annoyed with these that I ripped them off after a couple miles. Quite to the contrary, the open ear style is snug yet remarkably comfortable, even when running long or running on hills. Without anything pressing against my ear canal, I was able to comfortably use these headphones for a 16 mile long run. The design fits easily around a hat, headband, or ponytail. 

What stood out to me the most was how comfortable these headphones were while running in the wind. Normal earbuds create an unpleasant sensation and produce a whooshing sound when running into a headwind, but the out of ear design of the Trekz Titanium remained comfortable even in a strong headwind.  

Easy to Use

The Trekz Titanium headphones have wireless Bluetooth 4.1 connectivity to connect seamlessly to your phone. In all of my trial runs, the connection remained strong (my phone was in the back pocket of my shorts). During test calls, I was able to roam around my living room and maintain a connection between the headphones and the phone.

A conspicuous button on the left headphone makes pausing and unpausing simple and quick. I cross over a busy intersection on one of my long run routes, and I was able to easily tap the button to pause the headphones while crossing the intersection and then seamlessly resume play once I was back on the path. The volume buttons can be easily adjusted while running as well, although not as smoothly as the pause button, so I prefer to set the volume before starting a run.

Aftershokz headphones can go the distance with you on a run. A single charge provides enough power for 6 hours of continuous audio and calls – enough to keep you going through a marathon! The headphones plug directly into the outlet for easy charging.  

Sweat, Dust, and Weather Resistant

The Trekz Titanium headphones have an IP55 rating. This means that they are resistant to dust, water, and sweat. A dusty trail run will not compromise the functionality of the headphones and the headphones are water-resistant enough to withstand a sweaty workout or inclement weather. (Note: I have not yet tested these headphones in the rain, but doubtless soon I will once I build back my long runs during rainy season.)

Downsides

One thing that Ryan noted is that the headphones are uncomfortable when wearing glasses. But other than that issue, there are no complaints we have about the style or function. 

AfterShokz offers a two-year warranty on their headphones and a 45-day money back guarantee when you purchase from their website. The Trekz Titanium cost $129 and come in a variety of colors including slate, ocean, ivy, red, and pink and two sizes (regular and mini). You can purchase them on the AfterShokz website or from outdoor gear retailers including REI and many local running stores.

I received these headphones in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Do you prefer audiobooks, music, podcasts, or nothing on a run?
Would you try these headphones?