SHOKZ OpenFit Headphones (Including OpenRun Pro Comparison)

Headphones have become an indispensable companion in everyday life. They allow the enjoyment of music and podcasts without disturbing others and make phone calls easier on the go. Particularly popular are wireless in-ear headphones, as they are compact and fit into any pocket.
But whether the headphones fit directly in the ear canal or completely cover the ears, they tend to become uncomfortable sooner or later or shield too much from the outside world. This can lead to dangers, especially in traffic.

For this reason, we recently introduced the OpenRun Pro from Shokz headphones with bone conduction technology, which were convincing with their more comfortable fit and the extremely high environmental awareness. However, the sound quality was not optimal, the maximum volume level had difficulties with loud street noises, and the headband was not to everyone's liking in certain situations.

Out of interest, we ordered another open-ear model, the Shokz OpenFit, which is based not on bone conduction, but on the equally innovative DirectPitch technology.
Apart from their light, open design, which allows both the sound and the ambient noises to be heard, Shokz promises a successful combination of stability, comfort, and optimal sound experience. We have also subjected these headphones to an extensive review.

1. Open Wearing Comfort: With DirectPitch technology and the (semi-)open ear design that doesn't block the ear canals, the OpenFit offers all-day comfort - even during intense workouts - and further an ergonomic fit with a light weight of 16 grams (per pair).
2. Unrestricted Freedom of Movement for More Safety: Ambient sounds are not drowned out at normal volume, which provides more safety while listening to music on public roads - whether you're cycling, running, or just wandering around.
3. Freedom of Movement: Without annoying cables, you can move freely without getting caught or constantly having to untangle them.
4. Secure Fit: Ergonomic and flexible ear hooks fit perfectly, even if you wear glasses, and ensure that the headphones stay in place during every workout.
5. Shokz Directpitch Technology for Enhanced Bass: This audio technology allows for very good sound quality, creating a perfect balance between strong highs, clear mids, and the bass.
6. High Battery Performance: Up to 7 hours of listening time with a single charge and up to 10 days of standby.
7. Versatility: The OpenFit use AI noise cancellation technology to ensure undisturbed call quality and are optimal for calls and voice commands.
8. Mobility: The headphones stored in the compact charging case are easy to transport and are fully charged three more times within.
9. Pairing: The OpenFit can be effortlessly paired with Bluetooth devices and automatically connect upon powering on. Further configuration, firmware updates, or even pairing with two devices (MultiPoint-Pairing) is possible via smartphone app.
10. Fast Charging: A 5-minute charge results in 1 hour of battery life (music).

The OpenFit have two buttons and are sweat and water-resistant according to IP54 protection class.

Shokz OpenRun Pro vs. OpenFit

The Shokz OpenFit offer an innovative alternative for athletes who want to enjoy music during their hobbies without losing sight or hearing of their surroundings. They are also a secret tip for those who do not get along with in-ear headphones, as the OpenFit sit just outside the ear canal.

Compared to the OpenRun Pro, the OpenFit deliver a clearer and higher quality sound despite their open design, and it's absolutely fun to listen to music with them in everyday life. Quieter and melodic pieces like "Paramour" by Fleshgod Apocalypse impressed with crystal clear vocals, and aggressive songs like "Vultures of North" by Orbit Culture with powerful bass - perfect for training.

As said, the sound offered here is good, but still no comparison to better noise-cancelling in-ears. For me personally, however, safety while cycling (and in everyday life) outweighs the total sound experience, and in this regard, the Shokz headphones definitely offer added value.
They consciously integrate the outside world into the sound experience, which is particularly advantageous for perceiving ambient noises and reacting quickly to them. Moreover, the open design does not create pressure in the ear, does not trap heat, and avoids problems that people prone to middle ear or eardrum infections might encounter.

Thanks to their ergonomic fit, the OpenFit integrate well into daily life and provide 7 hours of music enjoyment with a single battery charge, which can be extended to 28 hours with the charging case.
Their light and comfortable design is, however, at the same time one of the two main points of criticism. Because at times, you hardly feel that you are wearing the OpenFit and might accidentally rip them off your head.

The second point of criticism concerns the integrated touchpads, which have rather moderate functionality and are difficult to operate compared to the buttons of the OpenRun Pro.