Shokz OpenFit Review

Summary / TL;DR

The Shokz OpenFit headphones offer a unique open-ear design, providing situational awareness while listening to music. They feature a sleek and modern build, using durable materials that ensure longevity without being too heavy. The open-ear design enhances safety during activities like running but may lack noise isolation for those who prefer it.

Comfort-wise, these headphones are lightweight and stable, making them suitable for prolonged use. The sound quality is impressive, with clear mids and highs, though the bass is less pronounced due to the open-ear format. Battery life is solid, offering around 8 hours of playback with a quick charge feature for convenience.

Connectivity is straightforward with Bluetooth 5.1, and touch controls are integrated, though they can be overly sensitive. The headphones are durable with an IP55 rating, making them resistant to sweat and light rain but not fully waterproof.

Overall, the Shokz OpenFit headphones provide good value, balancing comfort, sound quality, and durability, despite some minor drawbacks.

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Introduction

Looking for a unique pair of headphones that will let you enjoy your tunes while staying aware of your surroundings? The Shokz OpenFit might just be what you need. This innovative pair of open-ear headphones promises a different listening experience compared to traditional in-ear or over-ear designs.

Open-ear headphones are becoming increasingly popular, especially among those who prioritize safety and situational awareness. By not blocking your ears, these headphones allow you to hear external sounds, which is great for outdoor activities like running or cycling. However, does this come at the cost of sound quality?

Let's see what the Shokz OpenFit brings to the table, from its design and build quality to its sound performance and battery life. We'll also examine its comfort and fit, connectivity features, and durability, ensuring you have all the info needed to decide if this is the right pair for you.

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Design and Build Quality

The Shokz OpenFit headphones boast a sleek and modern design that'll catch your eye right away. These babies have a minimalistic look, perfect if you're into that clean aesthetic. The build quality feels solid without being too heavy, which is always a plus.

Materials-wise, they use a mix of durable plastics and some metal accents. This combo makes them sturdy yet lightweight. You can tell they put thought into the construction – everything fits together seamlessly. No weird gaps or loose parts here.

One thing that stands out is the open-ear design. Instead of the traditional over-the-ear or in-ear formats, these sit just outside your ear. This might take some getting used to, but it's a game-changer for situational awareness. Imagine jogging in the park and still being able to hear that cyclist coming up behind you – pretty neat, huh?

However, the open-ear design also means they might not block out noise as well as other headphones. If you're someone who really values noise isolation, this might be a bit of a downside.

The controls are integrated into the design, with touch-sensitive areas on the sides. This makes for a super clean look, but could be a hit or miss depending on how smooth you find the touch controls.

Overall, the Shokz OpenFit headphones are built to impress with their modern design and sturdy build quality. Just be ready for a bit of a learning curve with the open-ear concept and touch controls.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort and Fit are often deal-breakers when it comes to choosing the right headphones. So, how does the Shokz OpenFit fare in this department? First off, these headphones are super lightweight, which means you can wear them for hours without feeling like your ears are carrying small weights. The ear hooks are flexible yet sturdy—kind of like the perfect mix of yoga and weightlifting. This design makes them stay put even during intense activities, like jogging or dancing like nobody's watching. One really cool thing is that they don't actually go inside your ears.

This open-ear design can be a game-changer, especially if you’re someone who hates the feeling of having something stuffed in your ears. It's also great for situational awareness; you can stay tuned into your surroundings while enjoying your beats. However, this might not be the best if you’re looking for total sound isolation. The ear tips are made of soft silicone, which adds an extra layer of comfort. They don't chafe or irritate, even during long listening sessions. But, if you have really small ears, you might find the fit a bit less snug.

In summary, the Shokz OpenFit offers a comfortable and stable fit that suits a variety of activities. While it excels in lightweight comfort and flexibility, the open-ear design might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially if you prefer complete noise isolation.

Sound Quality

When it comes to the sound quality of the Shokz OpenFit, it packs quite a punch. Given it’s an open-ear design, you might expect some compromises, but it performs surprisingly well. First off, the mids and highs are crisp and clear. Vocals sound natural, and instruments have a nice separation that makes listening to music a joy. Whether you're jamming to rock, pop, or classical, the details come through beautifully.

The bass, however, is where things get a bit tricky. Due to the open-ear design, you don't get that deep, thumping bass you might experience with traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones. It's there, but it won’t rattle your bones. If you’re a bass head, this might be a bit of a letdown. On the flip side, the open-ear design offers a more natural listening experience. It’s almost like having a mini concert right there with you without completely blocking out the world. This makes it perfect for outdoor runs or when you need to stay aware of your surroundings. Finally, one cool feature is the noise isolation. While it doesn't block out noise like noise-canceling headphones, it does a decent job of minimizing ambient sounds. This can be a double-edged sword, though.

Sometimes, you might catch more outside noise than you'd like, especially in really noisy environments. Overall, the sound quality is pretty impressive, balancing clarity and openness, even if it sacrifices a bit on the low end. If you're looking for a solid pair of open-ear headphones, this one’s worth considering.

Battery Life

You know how annoying it is when your headphones die in the middle of your favorite song? With these, that's not much of a worry. The battery life is pretty solid. You get around 8 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. That's enough to get you through a full workday or a long flight without needing to recharge. Even better, they come with a quick charge feature. Just 15 minutes of charging gives you about 1.5 hours of use. Perfect for those times when you need a quick boost before heading out.

However, if you're someone who listens to music all day and night, you might find yourself needing to charge them daily. It's not a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind. The charging case itself is compact and easy to carry around, which makes recharging on the go super convenient. You can pop the headphones into the case, and they'll be fully charged in about an hour and a half. In summary, the battery life is reliable and the quick charge feature is a nice touch. Just remember to bring the charging case along if you’re planning a marathon listening session.

Connectivity and Controls

Connecting these headphones to your devices is a breeze. The Shokz OpenFit uses Bluetooth 5.1, which means you get a solid connection and decent range. Pairing it up is as simple as holding down the power button and waiting for that little light to start blinking. Once you're paired, it remembers your device, so you don’t have to go through the hassle every time. Controls are straightforward, but they do take a little getting used to.

There are touch controls on the sides of the headphones. You can tap or swipe to play/pause music, skip tracks, or take calls. Sounds cool, right? But here’s the catch: sometimes the touch controls can be a bit too sensitive. You might find yourself accidentally pausing your music when all you wanted to do was adjust the fit.

For those who love multitasking, it supports multi-point connectivity. You can connect to two devices at the same time. Imagine listening to music on your laptop and being able to seamlessly switch to a call on your phone. It’s like having your cake and eating it too! One thing to keep in mind is the lack of an app for customizing the controls. If you're someone who loves tweaking settings to get everything just right, you might find this a bit limiting. The default controls are fine for most folks, but it would be nice to have that extra level of customization. So, in summary, the connectivity and controls are generally solid and user-friendly. Just be prepared for a tiny learning curve with the touch controls and the absence of advanced customization options.

Durability and Water Resistance

Durability and Water Resistance are key factors for anyone considering these headphones. Let's be honest: you want something that can withstand a bit of rough use, right? The Shokz OpenFit doesn't disappoint here. They sport an impressive IP55 rating, which means they can handle splashes of water, sweat, and even a bit of dust. Perfect for those gym sessions or a run in light rain.

However, it’s worth noting that while the headphones are sweat and water-resistant, they are not fully waterproof. So, if you're planning on swimming with them, think again! Dropping them in water could be a deal-breaker.

The build quality is solid, with a sturdy yet flexible frame that feels like it can take a few knocks. The materials used are premium and give off a robust vibe, so you don't have to worry about them breaking easily. But as with all tech, a bit of care goes a long way to ensure longevity.

In a nutshell, the Shokz OpenFit are pretty durable and will handle most daily challenges you throw at them. Just remember, they’re not invincible, so diving into the pool with them is a no-go!

What's in the Box

So, you've got your hands on the Shokz OpenFit? Let's take a look at what's inside the box. The packaging is pretty minimalist, yet it feels premium. Right off the bat, you'll find the headphones themselves nestled in a foam insert to keep them secure during transit.

Alongside the headphones, there's a charging cable. It's a standard USB-C, which is awesome because it means you can use it with your other devices too. No need to carry around multiple chargers.

Next up, there's a little quick start guide. It's pretty straightforward and gets you up and running in no time. If you're new to this kind of tech, it's a handy reference to have.

One thing you might notice is the lack of extra ear tips or accessories. The OpenFit uses an open-ear design, so there aren't any tips to swap out. While this simplifies things, it also means you don't get the same level of customization you'd find with in-ear models.

Lastly, there's a small warranty card. It's always good to know you're covered in case something goes wrong.

In a nutshell, the box contents are straightforward and functional. You get the essentials without any unnecessary extras. It's a no-fuss package designed to get you started with minimal hassle.

Video by: Shokz

Price and Value

When it comes to price and value, the Shokz OpenFit sits in the mid-to-high range of the headphone market. You might be wondering, are they worth the investment? Let's break it down.

First off, the sound quality is pretty darn good for open-ear headphones. You’re getting clear mids and highs, and surprisingly decent bass. If you're an audiophile, you might miss the depth that more expensive, over-ear models provide, but for everyday use, they more than suffice.

Comfort and fit are also strong points here. These headphones feel light and rest comfortably without pressing on your ears. For those long listening sessions, you'll appreciate the design that prevents fatigue. They’re perfect for workouts or long listens.

Now, on to the durability and water resistance. They’re built to last and can handle a bit of sweat and rain, making them a solid choice for active users. You won't have to worry about babying them, but they’re not completely waterproof, so keep them out of the pool.

One area where these might come up short is battery life. While decent, they’re not the best in class. You’ll get enough juice to last you through a long workout or a day at work, but you might find yourself charging them more often than some other models. If you're used to headphones that last for days, this could be a slight inconvenience.

On the plus side, the connectivity and controls are intuitive and reliable. Pairing is a breeze, and the controls are easy to use even when you're on the go. You won't find yourself fumbling around trying to adjust the volume or skip tracks.

As for what's included in the box, you get everything you need to get started without any unnecessary extras. This keeps things simple and straightforward.

Considering all these factors, the Shokz OpenFit offers a well-rounded package. They provide good value for those who prioritize comfort, sound quality, and durability. While they might not be the cheapest option out there, you’re definitely getting a lot for your money.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Shokz OpenFit headphones bring a lot to the table, especially if you value open-ear design and situational awareness. These headphones excel in areas like comfort and build quality. You can wear them for extended periods without experiencing discomfort, which is a big plus for anyone who’s always on the move or loves long workout sessions. The sound quality, while good, might not satisfy hardcore audiophiles looking for deep bass and crystal-clear highs.

But for casual listening, podcasts, and calls, they perform admirably. Also, the battery life is quite impressive, ensuring that you don't have to worry about constant recharging. On the downside, the connectivity might occasionally be a bit finicky, especially in crowded areas with lots of wireless devices. However, the controls are straightforward and user-friendly, making it easy to manage your audio experience on the go. The durability and water resistance features mean you can take these headphones almost anywhere without worrying about them getting damaged by sweat or rain. 

That said, they might not survive being fully submerged or treated too roughly. Overall, the Shokz OpenFit headphones offer great value for their price, especially if you're looking for a versatile and comfortable pair of headphones for everyday use. They may not be perfect, but their strengths definitely outweigh the few minor drawbacks.

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Pros & cons

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Technical specifications