Shokz Open Ear Headphones “OpenRun” Review
I am lucky enough the be given the Shokz OpenRun Open Ear headphones to test for our community.
I was given a set of Shokz OpenRun by our designated headphone partner of the BTU, Shokz to try. The Shokz Open Run is the Next Level headphone on the Shokz line. So I was super excited to be testing the top of the 8th generation of bone conduction technology.
OpenRun is the updated Aeropex, that was the top selling model of Shokz. Now they have been updated with a quick-charge feature and re-named as OpenRun. A 10-minute quick charge gives you 1.5 hours of listening time so you can get on-the-go fast!
What were my thoughts?
The Shokz OpenRun headphones came with their own carry case and easy-to-follow instructions. I particularly like the feel of the magnetic charging plug that effortlessly found the correct charging point on the Shokz OpenRun so I didn’t have to fiddle around worrying that I was connecting the adaptor to the correct point. They are Shokz lightest headphones to date weighing in at a tiny 26 grams.
The Shokz OpenRun came about 50% charged, I 35 minutes at home reading the instructions and setting it up to Bluetooth etc. The total time was about 35 minutes to be fully charged from the box. If the Shokz OpenRun needs to be charged, there is a RED light letting you know it is charging. I checked the Shokz Open and the RED Light changed to BLUE so I know it was charged and ready to go.
The Shokz Open Run also has a 10-minute power charge, which will get you 1.5 hours of running.
Fully charged the Shokz OpenRun will keep the party tunes coming for an impressive 8 hours of battery life and water resistant. So don’t be afraid to sweat or get caught in the rain. OpenRun IS waterproof, but not for Swimming (if you want to swim with them you’ll need the Shokz Swimming MP3, won’t connect to your music apps and music is stored on the MP3 Shokz Devise).
Connecting the Shokz OpenRun was seamless too with my IPhone 13. I just pressed on the “on” button for 5 seconds and the red light changed to flashing RED/BLUE. My phone Bluetooth technology found the Shokz OpenRun one within seconds.
So, how does Shokz OpenRun sound?
The Shokz OpenRun is powered by patented 8th generation bone conduction premium sound technology. Bluetooth 5.1, and PremiumPitch™ 2.0+. What is the difference in sound between the OpenRun and OpenRun Pro? You might be able to hear it. I can hear the difference I will leave it up to you to read and compare and weigh up the waterproof feature with the reduced battery life and sound quality difference. But the sound experience is FUN! I love feeling the music on my ear bones. It is a surround sound experience that you can feel, like you are close to a speaker and bop along the trails too.
Bone Conductor Technology Not Noise Cancelling Headphones.
What’s excellent about Shokz products is that they are NOT noise cancelling, meaning you have situational awareness. They feature Shokz proprietary bone conduction technology with an open-ear design that does not block your ear canal. I could hear cars and sirens, my coffee order and people passing me, or talk to people as I passed them. This means they are safer to run with on the roads and trails.
What do I think about the fit?
OpenRun you can choose your size. I was given a larger size and it was fine for me. I have a tiny head, being only 5.2 female, I’m not a big person. Shokz OpenRun stayed on without issue, slamming it downstairs, along technical trails with a ponytail swishing side to side, with a running visor. There was enough area for larger heads, as the fit is universal. I didn’t worry about them at all. I forgot about them being on and just enjoyed the music.
Do I reccemmend Shokz?
YES! Shokz have been added to our Safety Briefing as our preferred headphones to use when training and racing on our course because of the situational awareness, making them safer for you than in-ear headphones. Plus, if you can hear your competitors around you, trail etiquette is way better; you can still connect with fellow trail-running BTU Buddies.