Review: Shokz open-ear headphones perfect for outdoor pursuits

Open-ear headphones are becoming increasingly popular because they are comfortable and safe to wear, particularly for people enjoying outdoor exercise.

The main reason is because open-ear headphones allow users to soak up sounds from the surrounding environment and stay safe and alert to traffic dangers while listening to their favourite tunes or podcasts — but they are also more comfortable, secure and hygienic compared with in-ear buds.

Even though the technology has been around for a while, I feel like I’ve discovered a completely new thing when I first try a pair of OpenFit headphones from Shokz sent to me for a review.

The soft, flexible ear hooks secure the headphones and the ear pods rest comfortably over my ears.

There’s no faffing around getting them into the ear canal. They immediately feel right and secure to wear. The sound is amazing and when I download the Shokz app I can change between various equaliser modes to suit what I’m listening to. There’s five modes: Standard, Vocal, Bass Boost, Treble Boost plus Customize, which allows me to create my own preferences. The app also allows me to change the Double Tap and Press-and-Hold controls on the ear pods.

Shokz has pioneered open-ear tech since 2011 and has a diverse range of products that are specifically designed for different outdoor pursuits.

The OpenFit model I’m testing uses what the company calls DirectPitch technology, which transmits sound to the ear by directing sound waves and creating an optimised sound field. The other Shokz models — OpenRun Pro, OpenRun, OpenMove and OpenSwim — use bone conduction technology, which converts sound into mechanical vibrations transmitted through the skin and temporal bone to the cochlea.

Both types are made to be comfortable and durable and provide a secure fit for any workout.

The Shokz OpenFit headphones have an IP54 water resistance rating and AI noise cancellation when making calls. They offer up to seven hours of listening on a full charge and up to one hour of battery life with a quick, five-minute charge. They come in a compact charging case and cost $289.

Verdict

As mentioned, I feel like I have discovered something completely new. I barely notice that I’m wearing them. They are super comfortable, lightweight and feel totally secure when I wear them while running and cycling. The sound is first class but what I really like is the situational awareness the product offers me.

I have a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds with an “aware mode” which also allows me to hear my surroundings while listening to music, but the awareness I get while wearing the Shokz sounds and feels much more natural to me. The Shokz experience impressed me enough to buy a pair of their OpenRun headphones.

However, being open-ear headphones, they don’t do noise cancelling (other than the AI noise-cancelling while making calls), so I won’t be ditching my other buds.

To find out more about the other Shokz products, including OpenRun Pro, OpenRun, OpenMove, OpenSwim and the OpenComm2 for home and office users, visit shokz.com.au.

The Shokz OpenFit headphones were lent to Mogens Johansen by Shokz. They have not seen or influenced this story.