Shokz OpenFit: Specs
Price: $179 / €179 / AU$289
Colors: Black, beige
Battery life (rated): 7 hours; 28 hours (charging case)
Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2
Water resistance: IP54
Size: 1.22 x 0.86 x 0.94 inches (per bud); 1.78 x 2.39 x 0.85 inches (charging case)
Weight: 0.29 ounce (per bud); 2.0 ounces (charging case)
Open-ear headphones offer an interesting compromise: accept less-fulfilling audio quality compared to most of the best headphones, in exchange for an experience that lets you stay connected to your surroundings and keep your ear canals clear.
Whether you care about situational awareness or dislike the feeling of plugging your ears with traditional wireless buds, the Shokz OpenFit ($179.95) could be a solution. These hook-shaped earbuds use an air conduction transducer rather than the bone-conduction technology the brand is best known for, leaving the wearer’s ears open for up to 7 hours of straight listening. And while the listening quality might not be quite as satisfying as you’d get for earbuds that cost the same price, the performance is surprisingly punchy.
Shokz OpenFit review: Price and availability
The Shokz OpenFit cost $179 / €179 / AU$289 and are available to buy now at Shokz.com or via online retailers including Amazon. They come in two colors, black and beige.
That said, if you’re hoping to spend less, Shokz more recently launched the Shokz OpenFit Air for $119 / €119. You’ll make a few compromises but we found the OpenFit Air to be great workout earbuds.
Shokz OpenFit review: Design
Unlike the company’s existing bone-conduction headphones, which feature a flexible headband, Shokz OpenFit are a pair of independent wireless earbuds. They secure around the ear with a dolphin ear hook made of flexible memory wire covered in silicone. When I tested the Powerbeats Pro, I found the hook created a secure fit, but at the expense of long-term comfort due to a pesky pinching sensation. I didn’t find the same issue with the OpenFit, even when I wore them at my desk for several hours straight.
