Do You Need AirPods, or Open-Ear Audio Sunglasses?

If you've ever taken a call while trying to hear your kid, a colleague, or your own name being called, you've probably run into the same limitation: earbuds are built to block out the world, not let you stay in it.

That's the actual difference between AirPods and the S8 Performance Audio Sunglasses. It's not a question of which is "better." It's a question of which moment you're in.

How AirPods Work

AirPods sit inside your ear canal. They're built for focus, for isolating you from background noise so you can hear your call, your music, or your podcast clearly. That's exactly what makes them the right choice for a lot of moments, a workout, a flight, a quiet room.

How the S8 Works Differently

The S8 doesn't go in your ear at all. It's a pair of sunglasses with small speakers built into the arms, sitting just next to your ear instead of inside it. You hear your audio and your surroundings at the same time.

The specs for the S8 Performance Audio Sunglasses:

• Bluetooth 5.2 connection

• Up to 6.5 hours of music playback, or 6 hours of talk time

• Magnetic charging, approximately 1.5 hours to full charge

• Twin stereo speakers, built-in microphone

• Voice assistant support

• PC/TR90 frame with PC/TAC polarized lenses

• 40g weight

• Approx. 12m Bluetooth range

There's no app required to use it, no account to set up, and no device ecosystem to lock into. It pairs the same way any Bluetooth headphones do.

When Each One Makes Sense

Reach for AirPods when: you want full audio focus and don't need to hear what's happening around you.

Reach for the S8 when: you're walking, doing school pickup, taking a work call while still needing to hear a name being called, or just don't want anything sitting inside your ear that day.

Neither is a replacement for the other. They're built for different moments, not competing for the same one.

FAQ

Do I need an app to use the S8? No. It connects like standard Bluetooth headphones, no app or account required.

Can I hear people around me while using the S8? Yes. Because the speakers sit next to your ear rather than inside it, you can hear your audio and your surroundings at the same time.

How long does the battery last? Up to 6.5 hours of music playback, or 6 hours of talk time, per the manufacturer's specifications.

How is this different from AirPods or other earbuds? Earbuds go inside your ear and are built to focus your hearing on the audio itself. The S8 sits outside your ear, so you stay aware of your surroundings while still hearing your call or music.

Are the S8 sunglasses waterproof? They're splash and water resistant. This isn't the same as fully waterproof, so we wouldn't recommend submerging them.

What's the price? $299 AUD.