I've had some aftershokz for a couple of years, whatever the top model was at the time, though there'll be better now. Main use is for navigation while deliverooing and listening to music or podcasts in the quite bits between jobs. I like them, comfortable, clear, long run time, quick charge, always connect instantly to my phone. Nothing to dislike, though I'm with road-runner in not really understanding your friends problem. At home I prefer open headphones and I'm not sure there's any difference in the ability to hear what else is going on. plus the headphones at around the same price have a nicer sound.