Shokz, a well-known brand in the bone conduction headset market, has decided to shake things up with their latest release. Introducing the Shokz OpenFit Bluetooth earbuds, a departure from their usual bone conduction technology. These new earbuds utilize “air conduction” technology, providing a unique twist on the brand’s previous offerings.
Unlike traditional in-ear buds, the OpenFit earbuds are designed to sit just outside of your ear with an over-the-ear hook to keep them securely in place. This design makes them comfortable to wear for extended periods of time and allows for some degree of situational awareness. They strike a balance between the audio quality of in-ear buds and the openness of bone conduction, delivering better audio, including bass, compared to bone conduction models while still allowing you to hear your surroundings.
Externally, the OpenFit earbuds resemble most other earbuds on the market. They come in a sleek matte black or beige color, with a soft silicone exterior that feels lightweight and comfortable. The over-the-ear hook ensures they stay securely in place, even during physical activities like running or working out. The earbuds themselves are IP54 rated, making them sweat-resistant and suitable for workouts. However, the charging case is not sweat-resistant, so it’s important to wipe them off before storing them to maintain their quality.
The Shokz OpenFit earbuds are equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 technology and feature 18 x 11mm customized dynamic drivers for enhanced sound quality. They have a frequency response of 50Hz – 16kHz and support AAC and SBC codecs. The battery life of the earbuds is rated at up to 7 hours of listening on a single charge, with the charging case extending that to up to 28 hours of playback. Additionally, these earbuds offer fast charging, providing an hour’s worth of battery life with just 5 minutes of charging.
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Compared to bone conduction headsets, the OpenFit earbuds offer a more pronounced bass response. They are suitable for casual daily use at lower volumes and work well for both music and spoken word. While they don’t provide complete isolation from your surroundings like traditional in-ear buds, they allow you to enjoy your music while still being aware of your environment. This makes them ideal for wearing during daily activities such as shopping or running errands.
For those who prioritize situational awareness, the Shokz OpenFit earbuds are a great choice. They allow you to ride your bike while still hearing what’s going on around you, as long as you are cautious with the volume. However, if you prefer to listen to genres with heavy bass, such as dance music or hip hop, these earbuds may not handle the low-end frequencies as well, resulting in a slight crunchiness in those beats. It’s recommended to test them with your preferred music before making a purchase.
To enhance the user experience, Shokz offers a companion app for the OpenFit earbuds. The app allows you to customize the touch controls, select from EQ presets, control playback, and monitor battery levels for each earbud and the charging case. The app is available on iOS at launch, with the Android version coming at a later date.
Overall, the Shokz OpenFit Bluetooth earbuds offer a comfortable and enjoyable listening experience. They provide an alternative to bone conduction technology while still maintaining situational awareness. The only downside is the handling of certain low-end frequencies, but for everyday use at lower volumes, they are a solid choice. The earbuds are priced at $179.95 and are available for purchase on the Shokz website and Amazon in black and beige options.
