Shokz OpenMove Bluetooth Sport Headphones review lightweight bone conduction earphones for workouts

Description

A Unique Listening Experience with the SHOKZ OpenMove

Testing the SHOKZ OpenMove bone conduction headphones has been an intriguing journey. As someone who values both high-quality sound and safe listening, this product caught my attention. It’s not every day you come across headphones that deliver sound through your cheekbones while keeping your ears open to the world around you. This innovative approach to audio feels like a game-changer—though, of course, there’s plenty to unpack here.

Design and Build Quality

The design of these open-ear Bluetooth sport headphones is sleek and functional, making them stand out compared to traditional earbuds or over-ear headphones. The lightweight titanium frame wraps snugly around the back of your head, providing a secure fit that doesn’t budge, even during light jogging or cycling. I found the silicone finish comfortable, though the frame does feel slightly rigid when putting it on. At just 1.02 ounces, it’s so light that I occasionally forgot I was wearing them.

A standout feature for me is the water-resistant design. While the headphones aren’t fully waterproof, they held up well during sweaty workouts and a drizzle-filled bike ride. However, I wouldn’t push my luck by taking them out in heavy rain.

Bone Conduction Technology: A New Way to Listen

This was my first experience with bone conduction audio, and I have to admit—it’s fascinating. The sound is transmitted through your cheekbones rather than your ears, which means your ear canals remain completely open. This is a huge advantage for outdoor activities, as it allows you to stay aware of your surroundings. I felt much safer running on busy streets while still enjoying music.

The audio quality itself surprised me. While traditional headphones often offer deep bass and immersive sound, the OpenMove provides balanced audio with clear mids and highs. The bass won’t blow you away, and audiophiles might find the sound slightly lacking in depth. For casual listening, though, it’s more than adequate.

6-Hour Battery Life and Charging Convenience

Battery life is always critical for wireless headphones, and the 6-hour playback time on a single charge is decent. I tested it with a mix of music, podcasts, and calls, and it reliably lasted through a full day of activity. Recharging the headphones is straightforward with the included USB-C cable, and the 2-hour charging time isn’t a dealbreaker.

One minor gripe: there’s no fast-charging feature. In an era where many devices can juice up quickly, waiting two hours for a full charge feels a tad outdated.

Control Features and Connectivity

The touch controls on the headphones are intuitive and easy to use, though they take a bit of getting used to. Adjusting the volume, skipping tracks, and answering calls all worked without a hitch. I liked how responsive the controls were, even when I was wearing gloves.

Connecting the headphones to my Bluetooth-enabled devices was seamless. The Bluetooth 5.1 technology ensures a stable connection, and I didn’t experience any dropouts within the advertised 10-meter range. Pairing was quick, whether I was syncing them with my phone or laptop.

Key Benefits

• Bone conduction technology keeps your ears open for situational awareness.
• Lightweight and comfortable design for extended wear.
• Water-resistant build ideal for workouts and light outdoor use.
• Bluetooth 5.1 provides a stable and reliable connection.

Areas for Improvement

• Limited bass performance, which may not satisfy audiophiles.
• No fast-charging option, making the 2-hour charging time feel long.
• Frame feels slightly rigid when putting on, though this became less noticeable with use.

Peer Products

Comparing the OpenMove to other bone conduction headphones like the AfterShokz Aeropex or the Vidonn F1, a few differences stood out. While the Aeropex offers better sound quality and an 8-hour battery life, it comes at a higher price point. On the other hand, the Vidonn F1 is more affordable but lacks the water resistance and premium build quality of the OpenMove.

Compared to traditional earbuds like the Apple AirPods or Samsung Galaxy Buds, the OpenMove trades immersive sound for safety and comfort. The open-ear design is a clear advantage for outdoor enthusiasts, but if you’re after noise isolation or booming bass, these might not be the best choice.

Price to Quality Ratio

Considering the features, the OpenMove headphones offer solid value for money. The price feels justified for the bone conduction technology alone, not to mention the reliable build and comfort. While they might not replace high-end earbuds for audiophiles, they’re an excellent pick for anyone who prioritizes safety, comfort, and versatility in their headphones.

Overall, these headphones deliver a unique listening experience that’s perfect for active lifestyles. Whether you’re jogging through busy streets or chatting hands-free during a commute, they blend functionality with innovation in a way that’s hard to ignore.

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