Shokz OpenFit Air Review

The Shokz OpenFit Air launch a year after the original OpenFit, a product that utilised the company’s new DirectPitch tech to deliver audio in a new way. This resulted in a better-sounding product when compared to Shokz bone conduction headphone range. With the OpenFit Air, we’re seeing the same DirectPitch tech but in a significantly cheaper product, making it more accessible to those on a lower budget.

Striking a balance

As with the original OpenFit, the OpenFit Air is intended to keep a user’s ears unobstructed, allowing them to hear environmental sounds, while also enjoying high-quality audio. For runners like me, this is extremely important, as I need to be able to hear other runners, walkers, bicycles, and vehicles. It’s simply too dangerous to be wearing standard earphones, particularly on riskier routes where there might be stretches of country lanes with no footpaths.

Similar features

The OpenFit Air retains many features that the more expensive OpenFit boasts, with a charging case bolstering the already impressive battery life and a dedicated app that can be used to fine-tune EQs. While the standard OpenFit might boast that bit more battery life and be a touch lighter, the two products are very, very similar.

Sound quality is another area where the new OpenFit Air and older OpenFit share similarities. I think the OpenFit is supposed to sound a bit better, but I genuinely can’t tell the difference, even when quickly switching between them.

Charge it and go

Like with the original, the OpenFit Air’s quick charging can be a real lifesaver, allowing up to two hours of battery life from just 10 minutes charging. This is huge for those who, like me, always forget to charge their earphones before heading out on a run. I can simply plug these in while I’m getting ready, then grab them as I exit the door, knowing that they’ll last the workout.

For me, when deciding between the OpenFit Air and OpenFit, the significant savings of going with the OpenFit Air greatly outweigh the small advantages of the OpenFit.

Touch vs. Physical

As was the case with the original OpenFit, my only gripe is to do with the touch controls. They simply become inconsistent during exercise. I would much prefer to have physical buttons, like those found on my Shokz OpenRun Mini. Touch just isn’t good here.

Disclosure: Review sample provided by Shokz.