My favorite open earbuds

There are headphones, and then there are headphones that leave your ears open to hearing the world around you. If you want to listen to music or podcast and also want to stay safe on a bike, open ear headphones are the way to go. Dieter Bohn looks at five options, from the Aftershokz Aeropex to the Bose Sport Open Ear headphones to a Bluetooth bike helmet.
If you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy: bit.ly/2TQsqjB
Bose Sport Open Earbuds: bit.ly/3ljCjSA
Bose Frames Tempo: bit.ly/2OTN4iu
Sena R1 Evo bike helmet: amzn.to/3tkMt8k
AfterShokz Aeropex: amzn.to/3ts1XYj
Samsung Galaxy Buds Plus: amzn.to/3qRjAPi
Read the full review here: bit.ly/3to0xhn
0:00 Intro
0:19 Why Open Ear Headphones?
1:05 Open Ear Headphone Priorities
2:03 Bose Sport Open Earbuds
3:20 Bose Frames Tempo
4:33 Sena M1 Evo
6:00 Aftershokz Aeropex
7:13 Galaxy Buds Plus
8:27 Dieter's Top Pick
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[@TheVerge]

What's your solution for audio when you need to hear the world around you?

[@BrZi38501]

Airpods pro 😊

[@cypriendelaporte5041]

Galaxy beans

[@Corrido789]

Xperia ear duo work well for back ground music blended with real world and also have the mesh feature. Very comfy but you lose a bit in sound

[@AbbatyKori]

AirPods Pro with Transparency

[@captainhowdy9297]

That's funny how you mention the strategy of using one earbud so that you keep the left ear (or just the ear exposed to traffic) unoccupied because I've been doing that somewhat instinctively for whenever I go jogging. I really don't like the idea of sealing off all environmental/ambient sounds around me while I'm doing some sort of physical workout outdoors; I tend to get completely absorbed by the activity and as a result, dangerously oblivious to my surroundings. I like the idea of open headphones but not enough to replace the single earbud use method, especially when you can configure your audio settings to have 100% sounds levels travel thru either side.

[@iatlost]

Dieter: "Usually when you think of a headphone review you think about..." Me: "Becca" Dieter: "...sound quality and noise isolation..." Me: "Oh, ok. That too."

[@MickiMinach]

Lol same

[@viplovedhingan3995]

I was thinking exactly the same 😂😂😂

[@FranciscoAreasGuimaraes]

Exactly

[@Rxlochan]

Exactly 💯

[@TheVerge]

lol fair - Dieter

[@TheVerge]

Cut for time: ambient mode. It's an option! But I don't like it because it... 1. Usually creates WAY too much wind noise 2. I guess I'm paranoid enough that I'd rather just have an open ear than trust an ambient mode from software Anyway wanted to mention that, thanks for watching! - Dieter

[@sid_the_ant]

Yeah that was the first thought that came into my mind and was surprised you didn't cover that. Seems like the best of both worlds!

[@Rtong98]

You should pin this :)

[@DaemonViews]

This came to my mind as well. Because I do this with my airpods pro. And that works. No wind noise. And that surprised me as well. My Sony wh1000xm3 have that issue when there is a lot of wind. The 2 times I biked with the airpods pro, it was no issue.

[@DQSH8999]

I've also noticed that when eating with the pods in your jaw moves your ears and depending on how you eat lol, I've sometimes lowered or increased the volume by accident.

[@DQSH8999]

I've also noticed that when eating with the pods, your jaw moves your ears and depending on how you eat lol, I've sometimes lowered or increased the volume by accident.

[@JeanB95]

Anything with Dieter on it is a must watch for me.

[@olehc.1532]

Especially if Dieter Bohlen

[@dieterwerwath]

@@olehc.1532 My name is Dieter...This guy is my new favourite reviewer haha

[@yankj023]

If you are gonna stick with one single earbud in one ear, on android and iOS you can go to the settings and use mono audio to hear both stereo channels in one and dont miss the stereo details in music.

[@LashanR]

As a cyclist, I really appreciate this video Dieter.

[@johannlopez4524]

from experience, a pair of cat ears and aftershokz work great.

[@DuvJones]

Oh, I get his frustration when it comes to the bike vs. car...

[@thesoretoe8059]

I love this. Thank you so much for covering this, Dieter!

[@StephenDeLaRosa]

One Bud plus with ambient sound on has been working for me for a long time! Glad to see that setup in this.

[@mrjoelist]

I've been using transparent mode with the airpod pros, I can hear everything and lots of wind, so much wind.

[@TheVerge]

Yes the wind! Added a comment above, but wind noise is one reason I don't recommend ambient mode for cycling :) - Dieter

[@DarthPuma]

I just picked up the Aftershocks Aeropex, and man I love em! I work in a warehouse so they're perfect to work with open ears and listen to music!

[@djdrew1326]

Got these last week for school lectures/office work - they do not disappoint! No more irritated ears from being sealed all day

[@Smokey_A]

I love my aftershox. Had them for a couple of years. Great for walking the dog, going in stores, etc. Actually plan to buy their new style with an external mic boom for work calls. Mic tests look amazing on them.

[@KiranJonnalagadda]

Yeah, I'm waiting for the OpenComm to show up in my parts.

[@ninjanerdstudent6937]

I like that he's concerned with safety of bike riding before pleasure of music.

[@jaex9617]

Well, sound quality is not super important when you're dead, so 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@radotras]

Finallyyyyyyyyyyy a review from you after soo longggggg !! Thank you !

[@ZeusTechZone]

Thanks for the video review. I am about to start bike riding again and wanted to purchase something like this. I went with the Aftershokz Aeropex...I cant wait to get them and check them out.

[@ryanpalmer5728]

I bought the Shokz OpenRun Pro's today at Best Buy after watching this review from you. So far I love everything about them! You sold me when you talked about people hating earbuds in their ears and these being perfect for not going in your ear.

[@StevenMGruber]

AfterShokz headphones are the greatest! Phenomenal biking, running, and hiking companion!

[@marcodeuritz3196]

I'd love if you were to do a video on bike infrastructure!

[@dannyvfilms]

Honestly my big takeaway from this is to look out for the next version of the Sena bike helmet. If they up the speaker quality for the next version it sounds like a complete package.

[@TheVerge]

One thing I didn't know until after I shot the video is you're only supposed to use a bike helmet for five years? Makes me think about helmet recycling and also how Sena could contribute to ewaste. On the other hand, good reason to look out for an upgrade I guess - Dieter

I love my Aftershokz Trekz Air, which are similar to the ones reviewed. I personally think the sound quality is great, have surprisingly a lot of bass, and I actually got them to wear at work (you know, back in the old days of working at offices) so I could listen to music at a reasonable volume and still hear my coworkers talking to me.

[@DisKeda]

Excellent review. Really charismatic and articulate guy. Pleasure to watch. Thanks.

[@tyronem.3413]

I got the the aftershocks areopex last year. Great battery life, decent sound, and they feel very secure. I use them all the time.

[@johnpicollo]

Been using aftershokz for a couple years now. Definitely a big believer. Although the sound isn't perfect, for the model I have it's damn impressive for something that doesn't even go in your ear

[@jtrtsay]

i appreciate the verge video ratio making the most estate with the notch in landscape

[@richardsarkhosh4622]

FYI with the Bose frames you can get different lenses for different lighting, so for example I use a yellow tinted one that aren’t polarising to improve visibility in low light conditions, having them makes the frames to a summer accessory to something I ride with daily when cycling

[@Vezon2121]

Awesome vid! Might consider the aftershokz for walking. Live in a sketchy area so having open headphones would be nics

[@AbramPT]

I've been doing the one-earbud-in-the-right-ear thing for the last couple of years and it's been a pretty solid option! A little disappointed that there isn't a better cost-effective alternative, but I guess saving money and NOT buying more earbuds is probably the responsible choice.

[@tobyrwhite]

I’ve been using the Aftershocks for a couple of years. Not a biker, but they are great for around the office so I can listen to my podcasts. And the battery lasts all day.

[@ninjanerdstudent6937]

That's a pretty cool track suit that he's wearing. I like that.

[@alicialewcock]

The Jabra Active Elites have a hear through feature where their exterior mics pick up what's happening around you, and you can control what percentage of hear-through you need. it's pretty great!

[@Roscoepoundz]

Good review, but I think water resistance is an important factor to consider for these kinds of headphones. I use the aeropex for running even in pouring rain, they’ve been great.

[@sagisarius]

A friend just introduced me to the Aftershokz about a month ago. In ear headphones kind of drive me nuts (and cut out too much audio), so they're kind of game changing.

[@tiscover]

Really would love such a video for runners!

[@Harzanable]

Yeeee Aftershokz. Love them for running, they might not have the best sound quality (defo not audiophile, still acceptable) but the fit is perfect for people like me. I’ve tried so many earbuds for running but they simply don’t hang in my ears long enough. This is the first one and I look to keep to the Aftershokz line. 😎

[@thatpitter]

Both of my parents use Aftershocks (though the older version) and they use them all the time. :)

[@RogerEcks]

As always Dieter continues to impress with his thorough, relevant reviews!

[@ilyas6933]

Great review before the season starts. Thanks, will use my galaxy buds 😅

[@schummm]

Aftershokz is the best solution. Two years I spent with Trekz Air and for the year and a half Aeropex is my choice. They sound decent to get some vibe while riding a bike or a footbike, and the keep me safe, and call quality is good. And also using them at home is not a gimmick, good enough for podcasts and youtube

[@leobustos740]

Really good video, didn't even notice the 10 minutes pass by !

[@OK_doitnow]

Happy to see you!

[@AngieCurl]

I have the aftershockz.. and I love them!

[@proudincredibleindian]

Truly said thank you 😊 ❤

[@Dreamwriter4242]

I really like the Aftershokz Aeropex for work, they are barely noticeable on video calls. And when in the office, you can clearly hear your music, nobody else can at all - you can even have a conversation with someone standing next to you with the music somewhat loud, the other person can't hear the music, you can hear the music *and* the other person.

[@BillReals]

Pre-COVID daily bike commuter for years. I've tried all sorts of combos and ended up with Aftershokz plus this little fuzzy (dead cat) material wraps on the helmet straps near my ears to cut the wind noise. I could listen to podcasts/books/music and still hear the vehicles, even when going down hill at 30mph. I would upgrade to a newer version of Aftershohz but that proprietary charger is a deal breaker.

[@cian.horgan]

Open back headphones (either over ear or on ear) could be a great option too. Koss Porta Pro, Porta Pro Wireless or Sporta Pro come to mind because they're cheap and have great sound quality but you have to deal with a headband, or their smaller KSC75 for the separate ear pieces

[@fjfjrfjfjr]

Thank you Sir!😀

[@snows2211]

Fun fact: the Galaxy Buds Plus actually switches to mono if you put the other bud in the case. That way, you're not really losing half of the sound. Also if you want bonus outside sound in that one ear, you can turn on ambient sound and it works well (so long as it's not on extra high cause you'll be hearing the wind)

[@impendio]

Man I love Dieter so much, he’s the best~

[@RobinCapper]

Agree, love Shokz for cycling and general use. Another advantage is their 7-8 hour battery life so you can ride all day without recharge hassles

[@goldfever4570]

One change that makes me more comfortable riding with music playing is to have a small mirror on the traffic-side bar end. Glancing at it helps mitigate the surprise when a vehicle comes by too close or too fast. Looks a little dorky but I do a lot of miles and I wouldn't ride without one now!

[@jriver226]

Listening to this ony aftershokz, have to agree. I switched to these from bose wireless buds for commuting (getting to and from train station, and riding train). I also use them as general phones since I can easily wrap around around my neck when I'm don't need it. I honestly only need isolation some times. Also nothing worse then waiting on train taking off helmet and dropping a headphone on the track.

[@chesdasann3345]

I have an aftershokz headphone that i use every time i go for a bike ride. It is the best solution for listening to music while keeping yourselves safe from traffic and stay alert with your environment

[@trikesalot771]

I have 5 Ultimate Ears bluetooth speakers (2 Boom 3's and 3 Megaboom's) strategically mounted to my recumbent trike, its basically 4 channel stereo with a subwoofer. The sound is incredible, and I am still aware of my surroundings and can hear sirens, traffic, children, and barking dogs! I carry 2 Mophie Powerstation XL battery packs to supply the power necessary to drive the speakers, It's freakin awesome!!

[@jrisner6535]

Love it Dieter, please please make the cycling videos

[@RohitJain_plus]

Great video

[@SteveOnotsky]

A fair number of wireless earbuds have an implicit mode, in which using just the primary bud (usually the right) will switch audio output to effectively mono. So Dieter's last suggestion/recommendation is quite valid.

[@mkannan]

Dieter is awesome!

[@alecfotsch3533]

Dieter you're so trendy on your gravel bike riding singletrack. I like my jabra 75t buds that get me through most rides without needing a recharge. I wish someone would make a headphones that deals with wind noise in the mic on calls!

[@jayg339]

The AirPods Pro actually work really well if you get some silicone tips on amazon to go around the AirPods Pro to give them a really strong fit. The galaxy buds are really good as well for bike riding/running.

[@sduck409]

I bought the aftershokz things a while ago, didn’t like them, put them away. While moving recently, found them again, and tried them again - after some time I got used to them, and I really like them. They desperately need a bunch of EQ to sound good - crank the bass and high end, lower the mids. So you need to use an app that has eq, like Spotify or whatever. The battery in these things lasts forever!

[@biharijivandana6894]

Open ears are the best ones. As those earbuds jams my ear so for that i have been using sony mdr as210-4 i though there only exists one open earphone. but thanks to you the list is a long way to go. And i can choose from the many

[@Najeebster]

Would interesting to know what microphone quality (if they have microphone, other than the helmet?) was like for taking/making the odd call. I like your gravel bike Dieter 👍🏼

[@Partsforscooters1]

Aftershokz fixed some of your complaints with the new OpenMove model. Less expensive, and has USB-C. It's the better buy unless you're swimming.

[@subspaceanomaly]

I always used grado sr80's while cycling, was perfect for me, great for classical music

[@someidiotonyoutube]

Poor Dieter, couldn't stick the landing on a classic Bohn pun on video :'(

[@ohrwein7154]

When jogging or biking I prefer semi wireless bluetooth headphones (the one that connect to each other but not your phone idk what they are called), because if one suddenly falls out I don't have to turn around search for them in the dirt

[@Unintended911]

I use the Aeroshockz to cycle and they’re game changers, they’re that good

[@sush3450]

The headphones are sweet, but I love your specialized diverge

[@xavineira9403]

I’ve had these for awhile now and they are the best. Better than air pods. And yes I bike so it’s so amazing and comfortable. Sometimes I even forget I have them on

[@cian.horgan]

I want to hear Dieter ramble about cycling infrastructure ❤️

[@truekiba]

That's another video

[@davidhenriksen5947]

best headphone video ever made!

[@ZxhirZ]

I think you’re my favourite on the verge channel 😉👀

[@joelgermany1236]

I work in construction and I can tell you that the aeropex have been nothing short of life saving for me on the job site.

[@jonnob]

What about the Buds+ and Buds Pro with ambient noise where the surrounding sound is replayed into your ear while you have BOTH earbuds in? I do that all the time and it works great!

[@901D]

The Galaxy Buzz Plus is the best choice. because it has a function that lets you hear the surroundings sounds in app. You can adjust that separately, if you increase it to the maximum, it will even sound like wearing a hearing aid.

[@JoeBrown1]

Love my aeropexs after trying Bluetooth sunglasses they’re much more versatile for biking and scooting and stay mostly out of the way. Only use for podcasts though not the best quality audio!

[@dreaming_fox163]

wow you did exactly what i do. put on one side of earphones on my left side(we have right hand drive)

[@davidthefat]

Sennheiser Momentum earbuds have transparent hearing where they take the sound from the sound isolation mics and pipe it to the output. Makes hearing people and ambient noise easily. It's easy to turn off to tune out the world.

[@quazar2086]

He carries this channel

[@RobinSampsonMcCarthy]

Thank you. I have to wear an open ear because my ear canals are too small for any of those available that go into the ear.

[@DavidNodenHooper]

I have a pair of galaxy buds + for day to day usage and a pair or aftershokz for when I want to do a bit more of a strenuous exercise as I worry the buds + falling out

[@warrenreach]

Nice ride down Jefferson St. in downtown Oakland!

[@trinhtunglc]

You might wanna try galaxy buds pro with the ambient mode, it's pretty good IMO

[@WORDS-F-T-MOSTHIGH]

I still use headphones but I would love these because I really do not like the feel of ear buds in my ears. Thank you for sharing.

[@HenningGu]

I'll transition into commuting with my bike next week so this video finally applies to me! :D

[@vince894]

I don't bike. I don't care for open-ear headphone. But I still clicked ASAP just because of Dieter. Keep up the great reviews, buddy! Cheers.

[@dandsarahyrudder8650]

Have you tried the headphones with pass thru? Like hearing aids. Sounds so good.

This one was hilarious 😂 great job 👍

[@syaheedmsbi]

You should check out the Nuraloop or Nuraphones! They're both gems!

[@danielm2934]

My Jabra have “hear through” and it works great for when I’m running.

[@TheOrisya]

I use to have an AKG K403, and when at the office i often put the cans between my temple and ears. It sounds great and I can hear my coworkers calling me

[@Cristheneonartist]

I like the single one ear method. I like the Galaxy Buds Pro for more outside natural noise to be heard with out the assisted software. Though it's there to turn on. (Wind nosie) The Pros will also be more secure over the Galaxy Live.

[@davelu2688]

That's a pretty cool Helmet

[@Junior-mw1zn]

I cycle and the aftershokz is amazing.

Loved the cycle infrastructure mini-rant at the beginning

[@OnlyLokimobile]

The Areoplex is my all-day headphones. I wear them for meetings for work. When I am out at stores. Hanging with the kids. It's nice not having heads phones you have to adjust all day. I will say this though, after you wear them for a few days your temples get kinda raw. But that would happen if you wore anything 14 hours a day all the time. Upside they are water proof. I shower in them too. For sound quality I pop in my galaxy pro's. You can wear them both for an ultra combo.

[@BrahanMadhav]

perfect solution for biking and music was bose soundwear . Sad that there is no update wheter it is discontinued or not:( Dieter could you please update if you know about it

[@ccroy2001]

I used to ride with 1 Galaxy bud as well. Ultimately for me I decided bike rides are a time to unplug and think my thoughts. I wonder how the newer buds that amplify ambient sounds would work?

[@mbizozo6271]

I use the AirPod Pros with Transparency mode on. You just learn to be careful with the stems. I got a nice fit, good sound quality and I can hear the world around me.

[@tanmaychavan1512]

How about samsung galaxy buds live they have a transparent ecosystem kinda vibe are they a good choice for such a situation? 🚴