Shokz OpenFit Open-Ear Headphones Review

Shokz has made a name for itself with its range of bone conduction headphones, products that allow sports enthusiasts to enjoy music, podcasts, and audiobooks while still hearing the outside world. They are a safety marvel and I’ve spent many miles with my OpenRun Mini pair. With the Shokz OpenFit, the company is utilizing different technology called DirectPitch to maintain situational awareness while boosting sound quality. It all sounds promising, but how does it perform in practice?

A different type of technology

As the name teases, OpenFit is an open-ear design intended to allow wearers to stay tuned into the background noise around them. For runners like me, this means being able to hear important noises like cars and cyclists, as well as walkers and other runners, which is a key part of remaining safe.

Of course, Shokz has already implemented this ‘Safety First’ approach in its bone conduction headphones, so what makes the OpenFit so different? Well, the delivery of the audio is a lot different, which translates to much better sound quality. While I love my OpenRun Mini, there’s a clear sacrifice made to how music sounds and volume can also be a problem when running alongside busy roads. The OpenFit sounds better and gets louder, solving these problems.

Potentially more comfortable

The OpenFit will also interest those who have never gotten along with bone conduction headphones. Some folks don’t like how they sit on the ears, or the long connection piece that touches the back of the neck, and some people even find the bone conduction vibrations uncomfortable. OpenFit is another option.

During my time spent running with the OpenFit, as well as using them during day-to-day chores like tidying the house and washing up, I’ve come away very impressed by the overall comfort. Though I’ve never had comfort issues with my daily OpenRun Mini, I quickly forgot I was wearing the OpenFit, which is just as comfortable.

Improved sound quality

Sound quality in the OpenFit is a clear step up from its bone conduction brethren. However, there is a sacrifice, as while the OpenFit does allow for significant situational awareness, it’s not quite on the same level as Shokz’s OpenRun. It strikes a good balance, but those who are prioritizing hearing surroundings above all else (including sound quality) then bone conduction may still be the way to go.

Battery life is a strong point, too, as the OpenFit can last 6 to 7 hours on a charge, with the case extending this to 28 hours. While this longevity is nice, I’m more impressed by the quick charging, which allows for an hour of payback with just five minutes of charging. For someone who regularly forgets to charge their headphones before a run, quick charge is clutch.

Touch woes

The only thing I don’t really like about the OpenFit is the touch controls. At the start of the run, they’re okay, but as soon as things get rainy and/or sweaty, the touch functionality becomes inconsistent. I’d prefer physical buttons, similar to what’s on the OpenRun line.

Disclosure: Review sample provided by Shokz.