Why I run with these bone-conduction headphones instead of Shokz (especially at its new price)

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• Mojawa’s Run Plus are bone-conduction headphones that promote for $159 a pair on Amazon.
• They are much extra comfy to put on throughout runs, and controlling audio playback is way simpler.
• Nevertheless, you’ll have to get used to the distinctive type issue and are available to phrases with the truth that they will not fully block out surrounding noise.

At Amazon, the Mojawa Run Plus is on sale, going from $160 to $130.

I have been utilizing Shokz bone conduction headphones for about ten years now. I began utilizing them after going via numerous pairs of traditional headphones that merely couldn’t take the sweat or the fixed motion, ruining the wire connections. 

Additionally: I swapped my Shokz with these bass-heavy bone conduction headphones

On prime of all that, earbuds not often keep in my ears once I’m working. The very last thing I want is to lose an costly pair of earbuds when physics will get the perfect of the tiny expertise and gravity takes the earbud for a crash touchdown on the pavement. 

I just lately began testing a Mojawa pair that resembles my Shokz Open Run Pros. Since then, it is protected to say the Mojawa Run Plus has change into my new go-to bone conduction headphones. This is why.

Clearly, among the options (corresponding to EQ and MP3 Storage) require a third-party app. I usually do not set up such apps (as a result of I favor safety and privateness over added options), so I have not bothered with the EQ or the MP3 storage. That is wonderful, as I do not want these choices. Why? Bone-conducting headphones can solely sound so good, and I at all times run on my telephone.

The primary run

I am not going to lie. The primary run wasn’t precisely a spectacular outing. Nevertheless, the preliminary impression of the {hardware} itself was spectacular. One criticism I’ve had (for the longest time) concerning the Shokz headphones is that the button to pause and skip songs is tiny. Even worse, getting the double-click proper to skip a tune may be difficult. Double-click too shortly, and it registers as a single click on. I’ve at all times had issues with that Open Run Professional button.

The Mojawa Run Plus solves that downside fully. With a a lot larger button on the left facet of the headphones, pausing (one click on), skipping (two clicks), or replaying (three clicks) a tune is easy. 

Additionally: I recommend these budget earbuds over pricier Bose and Sony models – here’s why

The Mojawa takes the UX even additional by including a contact “slider” on the proper facet of the headphones. Swipe as much as enhance the amount, and swipe right down to lower it. Not like the Shokz, which makes use of two small bodily buttons on the underside of the proper facet of the machine to vary quantity, the Mojawa makes rising/lowering the sound very straightforward.

The primary run outing was lower than spectacular as a result of I had bother with the sound. The sound was far too comfortable, and irrespective of what number of occasions I swiped up on the touchpad, it would not enhance. That is problematic for bone-conducting headphones as a result of your ears are broad open, and the ambient sound can simply drown out the music.

Additionally: These $60 wireless earbuds made me question my audio spending habits

Thankfully, the following runs did not undergo from that subject. I am undecided if it was a Spotify or Android subject, however they sounded significantly louder the following time I went to check the Mojawa Run Plus. In truth, I’d simply place them on par with the Shokz Open Run Pro (that are the perfect bone-conducting headphones I’ve tried).

Do you have to purchase AirPods as an alternative?

Now, chances are you’ll be questioning: must you get the Run Plus or a pair of AirPods for the health club? Properly, the AirPods 4 can be found, they usually include highly effective Lively Noise Cancellation. If you are going to be doing a variety of cardio, get the Mojawa headphones. Their design ensures the pair grips your ears with no likelihood of ever falling off. Plus, the open design of Run Plus permits you to maintain conversations along with your health club buddies, and you do not have to take them off.

AirPods ship nice audio output however aren’t actually meant for train. Apple’s pair has a water resistance score of IP54, permitting them to outlive splashes of water or sweat. Mojawa’s pair has the next score of IP68, that means you possibly can take them within the pool with you they usually’ll be wonderful.

Additionally: I recommend these budget earbuds over pricier Bose and Sony models – here’s why

These headphones have supplanted my Shokz Open Run Professionals in the intervening time. We’ll see if longevity is on the facet of the Run Plus (as Shokz headphones are likely to go the space). In that case, these headphones will include my highest suggestion for lively individuals on the lookout for headphones that may tolerate sweat, water, and the everyday beating that train inflicts on such expertise.

ZDNET’s shopping for recommendation

Not everybody can get accustomed to bone-conducting headphones. I’ve had family and friends who tried them (on my suggestion), and a handful of individuals have come again to say they did not like how they felt on their heads. Everybody else liked them.

Who advantages from the Mojawa Run Plus bone-conducting headphones? These are for you should you often train and produce appreciable sweat (and are not involved about the perfect sound potential). Additionally, should you discover the Shokz Open Run Pro headphones to be difficult to regulate, the Mojawa will make you very blissful.

The way it compares

Newest updates

July 31, 2025: Added a brand new comparability chart evaluating the Mojawa Run Plus to the Mojawa Purra Run. The newer mannequin shares a number of similarities whereas enhancing on the battery life, noise cancellation, and wi-fi connectivity. Outdated hyperlinks had been additionally changed.