MEE audio AirHooks Open Ear Headphones : The Open-Ear Headphones for Situational Awareness

Published on June 4, 2023, 2:04 p.m.

Tired of being completely cut off from your surroundings when you have headphones on? The uniquely designed MEE audio AirHooks allow you to let outside sounds mix with your audio, so you can stay aware of your environment.
 MEE audio AirHooks Open Ear Headphones

Overview

The MEE audio AirHooks Open Ear Headphones are open-ear wireless Bluetooth headphones with earhooks for security and comfort. Instead of resting in or over your ears, they use small speakers that sit off your ears. This leaves your ear canals open to let in ambient sounds.

 MEE audio AirHooks Open Ear Headphones

Design

Weighing just 0.6 ounces, the MEE audio AirHooks Open Ear Headphones have a lightweight and comfortable design. The earhooks keep the headphones securely in place without applying uncomfortable pressure. You can wear them for hours without ear fatigue or sweaty ears like closed-back headphones can cause.

Features

Connectivity is provided by Bluetooth 5.0. The MEE audio AirHooks Open Ear Headphones have an integrated microphone with mute function for taking calls. Buttons allow control of volume, play/pause, and activating voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant.
 MEE audio AirHooks Open Ear Headphones

Audio Quality

While bass is lacking due to the open ear design, midrange and treble reproduction are very good. Vocals sound clear and natural for podcasts and audiobooks. Acoustic and instrumental tracks also come through with clarity and presence. Maximum volume reaches over 85dB - loud enough for moderately noisy environments like the gym. The open fit prevents pressure and discomfort at high volumes.

Microphone Quality

Voice calls made with the MEE audio AirHooks Open Ear Headphones sound clean and natural to recipients. The mic effectively picks up the wearer’s voice while minimizing ambient noise. Callers report no issues hearing or understanding you while using the headphones’ integrated microphone.

Noise Isolation

As open ear headphones, the MEE audio AirHooks Open Ear Headphones provide minimal noise isolation by design. Allowing in ambient sound is their key feature. If you want to block out external noise, look instead for sealed in-ear or over-ear models.

Battery Life

Battery life is rated at 6 hours of continuous playback per charge. A USB-C charging cable provides 1.5 hours of use from a 15 minute quick charge.

Controls

The intuitive controls allow you to adjust volume, play/pause audio, skip tracks, and mute the microphone with different clicks and holds of the multifunction button. Voice assistant access is also available at the push of a button.

Water Resistance

An IPX4 rating means the MEE audio AirHooks Open Ear Headphones can withstand sweat and splashes. You don’t have to worry about damaging them during rainy runs or high intensity workouts.

 MEE audio AirHooks Open Ear Headphones

Usage Scenarios

The open-ear form factor gives the wearer the superpowers of situational awareness and social availability. You can hear traffic and nature when running or biking for better safety. Listen to podcasts during a hike without missing animal sounds and trail encounters. Blast your workout playlist at the gym while still being able to chat with others between sets. Wear the MEE audio AirHooks Open Ear Headphones when walking the dog and never miss Fido barking at a squirrel. The possibilities are endless!

Customer Feedback Analysis

The MEE audio AirHooks Open Ear Headphones have a 3.7 out of 5 star rating on Amazon. Positive reviews praise the comfortable and secure fit, ability to maintain environmental awareness, sweat resistance, and call clarity. Many reviewers find them ideal for outdoor activities like running, hiking, and yard work. Critical reviews mention weaker bass performance compared to sealed earbuds, along with some experiencing Bluetooth connectivity issues. Some note the sound leaks out at higher volumes which may disturb others nearby.

Pros and Cons

Pros
- Open-ear design provides situational awareness
- Lightweight and secure earhook fit
- IPX4 sweat and splash resistant
- Crisp audio for voice calls and podcasts
- Easy controls to manage music and calls
- Good battery life

Cons:
- Lack of bass depth
- Sound leakage at high volumes
- Potential Bluetooth connection issues

Value

With a retail price of $49.99, the MEE audio AirHooks Open Ear Headphones deliver good value compared to similar open ear headphones. You get an innovative design, comfort, situational awareness, and decent audio in a sporty and affordable package. The open ear style sacrifices some sound quality for the unique ability to blend music and ambient sounds. But for listening scenarios that benefit from hearing your surroundings, the MEE audio AirHooks Open Ear Headphones give you great value.

Conclusion

If you want to keep environmental awareness while listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or casual music, the MEE audio AirHooks Open Ear Headphones are a great open-ear headphone choice. Their secure fit and IPX4 water resistance make them ideal for workouts and outdoor activities. Just don’t expect deep thumping bass from these unique open-ear headphones.

What’s in the Box

  • MEE audio AirHooks headphones
  • USB-C charging cable
  • Instruction manual

Specifications

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0
  • Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 6 hours playback
  • Water resistance: IPX4 rating
  • Microphone: Integrated with mute function
  • Controls: Volume, play/pause, track skip, mic mute, voice assistant access
  • Speaker: Open-ear amplified speakers
  • Weight: 0.6 ounces
  • Dimensions: 6.3 x 4.69 x 1.97 inches
  • Color: Black
  • Model number: 11237744

Instructions

  • Charge the headphones fully before first use using the included USB-C cable
  • Turn on the headphones and pair them with your phone or device via Bluetooth
  • Place the earhooks over your ears and adjust the speakers to sit off your ear canals
  • Use the buttons to control volume, play/pause, skip tracks, mute mic, etc.
  • Avoid submerging the headphones in water. Wipe off sweat after workouts.
  • Recharge as needed when battery runs low. A quick 15 minute charge provides 1.5 hours of use.