Best AfterShokz Alternatives (2022 Update)
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Try to imagine sound reverberating through your cheek and jawbones. Sounds like science fiction, right? Well, it isn’t, as AfterShokz has proven with their premium bone conduction headphones.
While AfterShokz is the top-of-the-line manufacturer in bone conduction headphones, its products aren’t what one would call “affordable.” You certainly get what you pay for, but if you’re unsure whether bone conduction headphones are right for you or just want to give them a try without spending an arm and a leg on a pair, we suggest starting with a more budget-friend option.
Below, you can find five of our picks of the best AfterShokz alternatives.
AfterShokz Alternatives Compared
5 Best AfterShokz Alternatives
1. Tayogo
Features
- IP55 sweatproof
- 5-hour playback
- Made with titanium alloy wires
The Tayogo offers the best value for its price tag. At a mere fraction of AfterShokz headphones, audio quality, battery life, and durability do not suffer at all. After just 90 minutes of charging, the Tayogo offers up to 5 hours of playback or 360 hours of standby. That’s a long-lasting battery!
Like every pair on this list, the Tayogo uses Bluetooth 5.0 for quicker pairing at greater distances. These headphones are rated IP55 for resistance against sweat, and titanium alloy wires provide durability with 360° flexibility. According to some users, the Tayogo doesn’t produce the loudest sounds, which can be a slight issue when using them during workouts. All in all, these are lightweight bone conduction headphones are reliable, high-quality, and won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
Pros
- Great value
- Comfortable fit
- Quick, long-distance pairing
Cons
- Could be louder
2. MOING
Features
- IPX5 waterproof
- 6-hour playback
- Hi-Fi stereos
The MOING is the most premium bone conduction headphones on our list. As such, they produce longer-lasting audio playback at just 1.5 hours of charging. Thanks to the built-in Hi-Fi stereos, users with reduced or a loss of hearing in one ear can still enjoy stereo sound. The MOING fits comfortably around most head shapes and sizes while maintaining a firm grip to stay in place during intense exercises.
Audio quality suffers a bit due to the nature of bone conductivity, but at its price bracket, that’s not an issue. Some customers have complained about pairing problems, but these are few and between. Those who enjoy listening to music or podcasts while hitting the gym or jogging will enjoy the comfort and flexibility that the MOING offers.
Pros
- Firm yet comfortable fit
- Fully flexible
- Great for sports and hiking
Cons
- Minor pairing issues
3. Swimaudios
Features
- IP65 waterproof
- 8-hour playback
- Enhanced bass
The Swimaudios bone conduction headphones are a fantastic waterproof pair of headphones. While they’re not made for swimming, IP65 guarantees protection against rain and sweat. These headphones also come with an enhanced bass feature, which is a nice touch for such a pair in its price bracket. In addition, the booming bass won’t impair hearing, so users will still have a feel for their surroundings.
These bone conduction headphones offer a whopping 8 hours of audio playback and over a month of standby time. Also, its audio quality is right up there with the best low-cost headphones. Some users have complained about fitting issues, making them uncomfortable to wear during high-intensity exercises. All things considered, the Simaudios bone conduction headphones are great for first-time users shopping on a tight budget.
Pros
- Quick pairing
- Excellent audio quality
- Excellent value for cost
Cons
- Slight fitting issues
4. IVY
Features
- IP55 sweatproof
- Over 6 hours of playback
- 33 grams
The IVY bone conduction headphones are just about as comfortable as they come. They come in at just 33 grams with a comfortable grip that ensures they won’t slide up and down as you take them for a quick jog. While the bass isn’t as deep as many customers would like, these headphones still produce crisp audio quality for up to six hours per charge.
However, those with eyeglasses might find that the IVY’s design gets in the way. There’s really no workaround for this, so if you wear glasses, you might want to search elsewhere. For everyone else, these headphones provide a firm grip on your tragus to keep them still as you bike, jog, or simply move your head around.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight
- Tight, comfortable fit
- Crisp speakers and mic
Cons
- Can get in the way of glasses
5. Genso
Features
- IP56 sweatproof
- Magnetic charging
- Deep bass
Last up, we have the Genso headphones, an ultra-lightweight model that offers a deep bass function that many users have enjoyed. Its IP56 sweatproof rating ensures that even the most intensive workouts won’t ruin the speakers or control buttons. With six hours of playback per 1.5 hours of charging, you’ll definitely want one of these in your bag as you travel across the country.
These headphones use a magnetic charger that adds both convenience and adds water-resistance. The deep bass function is nice, but it does produce excessive vibrations that some users have found annoying. The audio isn’t the loudest, but you can further “boost” the volume by putting on earplugs to block ambient noises, as some customers have done. Overall, the Genso is a great introductory pair of bone conduction headphones.
Pros
- Super-lightweight
- Quick and far pairing
- Comes with a travel bag
Cons
- Vibrations can be disturbing
Are AfterShokz Worth It?
When looking at bone conduction headphones, AferShokz is at the top of the price and quality spectrum. In terms of price, AfterShokz can cost more than four times as much as any of the models listed above. Although there are more budget-oriented AfterShokz bone conduction headphones available, there is a significant drop in audio quality between them and their premium-grade counterparts.
So, are AfterShokz worth the cost? Yes, they are, if you’re a serious music lover who appreciates the crispest sound quality. That said, the models on our list aren’t that far behind in terms of audio playback while costing a mere fraction of an AfterShokz bone conduction headphone. If you’re not familiar with this technology, we suggest choosing a more budget-friendly alternative than dropping upwards of $200 on a pair of AfterShokz.
Summary
Listening to music via vibrations in your cheek and jawbones sounds like black magic, but bone conduction is a time-tested form of audio technology. AfterShokz is the go-to brand for the best bone conduction headphones, but if you’re looking for a suitable alternative at less than half the cost, any of the five best AfterShokz alternatives should do just fine.
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About Author
Kenny Lee
An electronics engineer of 10 years turned copywriter. Headphones have been my best companion whether it's coding or writing. It's as much about blocking off distractions and tuning in to great music. Also a passionate pianist.