These headphones have solved my biggest problem with listening to music while running
Key points of ZDNET
- Mojawa’s Run Plus are bone conduction headphones that sell for $159 a pair on Amazon.
- They’re much more comfortable to wear while running, and it’s much easier to control audio playback.
- However, you’ll have to get used to the unique design and accept the fact that they won’t completely block out ambient noise.
I have been using it Shokz bone conduction headphones for about ten years now. I started using them after going through countless pairs Traditional headphones simply cannot withstand sweat or constant movement, damaging the wire connections.
Also: 14 audio terms every music lover should know to enhance their listening experience
Best of all, the headphones rarely stay in my ears when I run. The last thing I need is to lose an expensive pair of headphones when physics gets the best of the tiny technology and gravity causes the headphones to fall to the pavement.
I recently started testing a pair of Mojawas similar to my favorite pair Advantages of Shokz Open Run. Since then, it can be said that Mojawa Run Plus have become my new bone conduction headphones. Here’s why.
Specifications
- Battery: Li-Polymer 150mAh with 50 minutes charge time and 8 hours play time.
- Dual suspension anchor system for deeper/more resonant bass.
- Voice assistant: Yes
- Frequency response: 20Hz-20KHz
- Sensitivity: 110dB+/- 5dB
- Bluetooth version: 5.2
- MP3 memory: 32GB
- EQ: Yes
- Waterproof: IP68
- Weight: 29.7g
- Cost: $159
Obviously, some features (like EQ and MP3 Storage) require a third-party app. I don’t usually install such apps (because I prefer security and privacy over extra features), so I don’t bother with EQ or MP3 storage. It’s okay, because I don’t need those options. Why? Bone conduction headphones can only sound so good and I’m always running on my phone.
First run
I won’t lie. The first run wasn’t exactly a spectacular outing. However, initial impressions of the hardware have been impressive. One complaint I’ve had (for the longest time) about the Shokz headphones: The pause and skip song buttons are very small. Worse yet, double-right-clicking to skip a song can be a challenge. Double-click too quickly and it will be recorded as a click. I’ve always had problems with that Open Run Pro button.
Mojawa Run Plus completely solves that problem. With a much larger button on the left side of the headset, pausing (one click), skipping (two clicks), or replaying (three clicks) a song is easy.
Also: These mid-range headphones sound nearly perfect – and they’re not from Beats or JBL
Mojawa takes the UX even further by adding a touch “slider” on the right side of the headset. Swipe up to increase volume and swipe down to decrease volume. Unlike Shokz, which uses two small physical buttons on the bottom right edge of the device to change the volume, Mojawa makes it very easy to increase/decrease the sound.
The first outing was not very impressive because I had trouble with the sound. The sound is too quiet and no matter how many times I swipe up on the touchpad it doesn’t increase. That’s a problem with bone conduction headphones because your ears are wide open and ambient sounds can easily drown out the music.
Also: These mid-range headphones sound nearly perfect – and they’re not from Beats or JBL
Luckily, subsequent runs didn’t have that problem. I’m not sure if it was a Spotify or Android issue, but they sounded noticeably louder the next time I tried the Mojawa Run Plus. In fact, I could easily put them on par Shokz Open Run Pro (these are the best bone conduction headphones I’ve tried).
Should you buy AirPods instead?
Now, you might be wondering: should you buy the Run Plus or a pair of AirPods for the gym? the AirPods 4 will launch on September 20, so now’s a good time to get your hands on a pair. If you plan to do a lot of cardio, buy Mojawa headphones. Their design ensures this pair will stay firmly in your ears without ever falling off. Plus, the Run Plus’s open design lets you chat with your gym buddies without having to take them off.
AirPods offer great audio output but aren’t really meant for exercising. Apple’s pair have an IP54 waterproof rating allowing them to survive drops of water or sweat. Mojawa’s pair have a higher IP68 rating, meaning you can take them into the pool and they’ll be fine.
Also: One of the most immersive speakers I tested that isn’t made by Sonos or JBL (and it’s on sale)
These headphones have now replaced my Shokz Open Run Pros. We’ll see if the Run Plus has longevity (as Shokz headphones tend to last a long time). If so, these headphones earn my highest recommendation for active people looking for headphones that can withstand sweat, water, and the typical impact that exercise takes on the body. Such technology.
ZDNET Buying Tips
Not everyone can get used to bone conduction headphones. I’ve had friends and family try them (on my recommendation) and a few have come back saying they didn’t like the feel on their head. Everyone else loves them.
Who benefits from Mojawa Run Plus bone conduction headphones? These are for you if you regularly exercise and sweat a lot (and don’t care about the best possible sound). Also, if you find Shokz Open Run Pro Headphones Challenging to control, Mojawa will make you very happy.
