Shokz OpenFit Pro Review

When it comes to choosing the right earbuds, a key decision revolves around comfort versus isolation. Traditional in-ear models offer superior immersion and noise cancellation, but many users find them uncomfortable due to the seal they create in the ear canal. On the other hand, open-ear designs, which are known for their comfort and situational awareness, allow outside noise to enter, which can sometimes be a disadvantage. Shokz, a leader in the open-ear space, has been redefining this balance for years, especially among athletes and commuters. Their latest innovation, the Shokz OpenFit Pro, aims to combine the best of both worlds: an open-ear design with noise reduction.

Comfort and Fit: A Seamless Design

Comfort is one of the key benefits of open-ear designs, and the Shokz OpenFit Pro excels in this department. Unlike traditional earbuds that go inside the ear canal, the OpenFit Pro rests comfortably outside the ear, which prevents any pressure or discomfort. The parts that come into contact with your skin are made of ultra-soft silicone 2.0, offering a smooth, pliable feel without being sticky.

What sets the OpenFit Pro apart is the flexible nickel-titanium alloy core that supports the ear hook. This provides the right balance of structure, grip, and flexibility without feeling rigid. When you put them on, they feel light and natural, without any notable pressure points. For those who prefer a more secure fit, optional stability bands are available, although they may not be necessary for most users, even during workouts. Glasses wearers will also appreciate how the hooks rest alongside the frames comfortably and securely, making the OpenFit Pro a great choice for extended use or intense physical activities.

Sound Quality

One of the biggest challenges with open-ear designs is delivering rich, full-bodied sound, particularly in the bass range. Shokz addresses this challenge with a combination of advanced technologies. The Shokz OpenFit Pro features a synchronized dual-diaphragm design paired with the Shokz Super Boost algorithm. This design allows the earbuds to move more air, which results in more powerful bass, a wider frequency range (up to 40 kHz), and reduced distortion. Dolby Atmos support further enhances the sound quality by offering immersive spatial audio with head tracking.

Shokz App

The Shokz app provides users with control over the sound settings, including five EQ presets, two custom EQ options, and the ability to toggle Dolby Atmos and head tracking. The app also features smart wear detection (which pauses playback when the earbuds are removed), multipoint pairing for two devices, and a ‘Find My Earbuds’ feature in case they get misplaced.

Sound Samples: Clarity and Bass

To demonstrate the sound quality, let’s dive into a few audio tests. First, let’s focus on some music samples. Pay attention to the clarity of the vocals and the depth of the bass and drums. How full does the mix sound, and can you feel the weight and power in the low-end frequencies?

Next, let’s test Dolby Atmos. Notice how the sound seems to move around you, providing an immersive experience. The ability to hear where each sound originates can significantly enhance the listening experience.

Open-Ear Noise Reduction

One of the most innovative features of the Shokz OpenFit Pro is its open-ear noise reduction. Traditionally, open-ear designs let in a lot of ambient noise, which is essential for situational awareness but limits immersion. Shokz claims to address this issue by combining external and internal microphones in a way similar to active noise cancellation (ANC) technology. A forward-facing mic monitors external noise, while a feedback mic inside the ear monitors in-ear noise. This technology helps reduce constant background noise, such as HVAC hum, traffic noise, or cafe chatter, while still allowing you to remain aware of your surroundings.

It’s important to note that the OpenFit Pro’s noise reduction doesn’t aim to create the complete isolation found in traditional ANC earbuds. Instead, it seeks to take the edge off ambient noise, making it easier to focus without sacrificing awareness. Through the Shokz app, you can control the noise reduction level, including an open mode setting for minimal interference.

Noise Reduction Test

To test this feature, let’s return to the binaural rig for three different environments: first, without the earbuds, then with them in open mode (no noise reduction), and finally with the noise reduction activated. The difference is noticeable, as the earbuds reduce the “white noise” of the environment, making it easier to concentrate.

Microphone Performance

The Shokz OpenFit Pro also excels in microphone performance, featuring a three-microphone system with AI voice recognition to isolate your voice from background noise. This makes the earbuds a good option for calls, whether you’re on a Zoom meeting or taking a phone call. To demonstrate, let’s listen to how the microphone performs in different scenarios:

• Zoom call: How clearly is my voice transmitted?
• HD phone call: Can you hear me clearly?
• Quiet room: How does it handle minimal noise?
• Windy environment: How does it fare in a breezy setting?
• Cafe environment: How well does it perform with background chatter?

These tests show that the OpenFit Pro effectively reduces ambient noise and keeps your voice clear during calls, even in noisy environments.

Battery Life

Battery life is always a concern with wireless earbuds, and the Shokz OpenFit Pro delivers solid performance. Shokz claims up to 12 hours of listening time on a single charge, and up to 50 hours with the charging case. When using noise reduction, the listening time drops to 6 hours per charge, with a total of 24 hours when combined with the charging case. A quick 10-minute charge provides up to 4 hours of listening time, and the earbuds also support wireless charging.

Article Summary

The Shokz OpenFit Pro is an intriguing product that successfully combines comfort, sound quality, and innovative features like open-ear noise reduction. These earbuds are perfect for commuters, athletes, and anyone who wants to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying high-quality audio. The Dolby Atmos support, the improved sound quality, and the overall comfort make the OpenFit Pro a compelling option, especially for those who need a balance between noise reduction and situational awareness. While they may not replace high-end ANC earbuds for long flights, Shokz has certainly reimagined the open-ear experience with the OpenFit Pro.

Read More: Suunto Aqua Review