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The Shokz OpenFit earbuds are an exceptional example of a market leader innovating their tech. Renowned for their bone conducting technology, Shokz is much-loved by cyclists and runners alike. However, how will their latest endeavour fare? By moving away from its bone-conducting roots, the company could anger their fan base. Yet, having tried these true-wireless earbuds for a few weeks, I was thoroughly impressed.
The air-conducting technology delivers exceptional sound quality. Furthermore, you are situationally aware without jeopardising your audio experience. Therefore, it is obvious why these earbuds will be popular with sports people. However, I want to take a moment to discuss the benefits of open-ear technology.
Why use these over traditional headphones?
Over-ear cans or in-ear headphones have been popular for years. However, these immersive audio devices were not great for your health or your safety. Consequently, when Shokz (previously AfterShokz) designed their bone-conducting headphones, people took notice. No longer did you need to worry about damage to your hearing. Furthermore, the ability to hear the ambient sound without compromising your music was fascinating.
Alongside this, the headphones were designed with sports people in mind. As such, they are comfortable, sweat-resistant, and built to last. On top of this, whenever you are training along busy roads, you are aware of every noisy danger. Accordingly, when you use any form of bone-conducting headphones, you feel reassured to push yourself harder. Yet, there was always an argument that this tech undermines audio quality. Users reported underwhelming bass and hit-and-miss tonal range. However, I’ve never experienced any problems and I’ve loved every set I’ve tested. Consequently, with differing opinions, people may not wish to try out this latest piece of tech. Yet, I believe the Shokz OpenFit earbuds will surprise you because of their air-conducting technology.
What’s in the box of the Shokz OpenFit earbuds?
- The compact packaging oozes style and sophistication. Furthermore, it has some key selling points and begs to be opened.
- The Shokz OpenFit earbuds have a Dolphin arc hook and are extremely lightweight. Moreover, they are available in a cream or black finish. The earbuds have a refined style with no obvious buttons.
- A colour-matched charging case is provided. This magnetic device houses the earbuds whilst charging them at the same time.
- A USB-C cable is provided to charge the case.
- Learn the fundamentals with the easy-to-follow user guide.
Technical aspects.
The over-the-ear design ensures ultimate comfort and exceptional situational awareness. Furthermore, thanks to the Direct Pitch and Shokz’ OpenBass technology, you get a hearty range of tones and a decent bass line. As such, every song sounds great even when you are pounding the streets or racing cars on your push bike.
Unlike bone-conducting headphones, the Shokz OpenFit earbuds work well even in noisy situations. Yes, some of the sound is washed out by extreme ambient noises, but this is to be expected. Whenever I rode at high speeds, or I was passed by tractors or lorries, my music could still be heard. Additionally, I didn’t experience any distortion no matter the genre. Now, my music taste is eclectic, therefore, I listen to some soft quiet songs and some aggressive thrash metal. However, no matter the genre, these true-wireless earbuds survived the test.
Phone calls.
Hands-free calling is annoying, but it is also part of everyday life. Consequently, I expect any modern headphones or earbuds to deliver in this department. Fortunately, the Shokz OpenFit earbuds do a pretty good job. During testing, I was able to use the earbuds in some noisy environments. Thankfully, I had no reports of echoes or uncomfortable ambient sounds.
Unfortunately, though, unlike its peers, there is no Bluetooth multi-point connection. This simple feature should be standard in any high-end tech. However, disappointingly, it hasn’t been included. As such, it isn’t as functional as some of its own Shokz counterparts.
Build quality.
The Shokz OpenFit earbuds are a phenomenally comfortable device. Thanks to the flexible ear hooks and the incredible lightweight design, you don’t feel like you are wearing them at all. Additionally, I appreciated the lack of a rear headband that is associated with bone-conducting headphones. The refined design was great to look at and pleasant to the eye.
Whilst exercising, the earbuds were stable and didn’t shift an inch. Consequently, I felt reassured that I wouldn’t accidentally lose one whilst cycling at high speeds. Moreover, the over-ear design ensures that this is a one-size-fits-all scenario. Therefore, you needn’t worry about sizing issues and other associated problems. Another feature I liked was the compact charging case. Not only does it look great, but it extends the battery life to 28 hours.
Usability.
Thanks to the IP54 rating, the earbuds are sweat and water-resistant. This is fantastic if you like to exercise in all sorts of weather. Furthermore, the touch controls worked no matter how damp the earbuds were. With basic functionality, you can stop, start, fast forward, rewind, and answer calls. However, there is no volume control, so this may irk some users. This wasn’t an issue that bothered me, as I rarely touch the volume once I get going.
Alongside the excellent touch controls, these earbuds are extremely user-friendly. With or without the instructions, you can get started with ease. As such, even the greatest of technophobes will love these earbuds.
Are the Shokz OpenFit earbuds worth it?
Whether you love to walk, run, or cycle, the Shokz OpenFit earbuds are the perfect choice. Not only are they user-friendly, but they deliver excellent battery life and superb audio. Moreover, the hands-free technology is second to none. Alongside this, I adored the ability to hear my surroundings without compromising my audio experience. As such, I loved using these earbuds and I recommend that you buy them here!
(More information on Shokz can be found here!)
