Shokz’s latest OpenFit Pro earbuds launch as a high-end option in the growing open-ear headphone market. While marketed with “OpenEar Noise Reduction,” the real appeal lies in their sound quality and comfortable, secure fit—not their ability to block out the world.
Open-Ear Design: A Trade-Off
Open-ear headphones, unlike traditional earbuds, leave your ear canal open, letting you hear your surroundings while listening to audio. This is ideal for safety (runners, cyclists) but means noise isolation is minimal. The OpenFit Pro doesn’t try to compete with active noise cancellation (ANC) found in closed-fit earbuds; instead, it softens background sounds. This approach is more realistic and avoids misleading expectations.
Sound Quality: Impressive for Open-Ear
Shokz has equipped the OpenFit Pro with “SuperBoost” technology, featuring an 11x20mm dual-diaphragm driver. The result is a surprisingly full sound profile, with solid bass, clear mids, and detailed treble. While not matching noise-isolating earbuds in raw bass power, the OpenFit Pro represent a significant improvement over older open-ear models. Some vibration at high volumes is noticeable, but distortion remains minimal.
Noise Reduction: Subtle, Not Dramatic
The “OpenEar Noise Reduction” uses a triple microphone array and Shokz’s adaptive algorithm. It doesn’t eliminate noise like ANC; it dulls it. Ambient sounds are still audible, but less sharp. For users who want awareness of their surroundings, this is a benefit. But in loud environments, it won’t provide the same focus as closed-fit headphones.
Features and Battery Life
The OpenFit Pro includes Bluetooth 6.1, spatial audio with Dolby Head Tracking, and ear-detection sensors. Battery life is up to 12 hours with noise reduction off, dropping to 6 hours when enabled. The case supports wireless charging and provides an additional 38 hours of playtime (with noise reduction off). Call quality is clear, with effective background noise reduction on calls.
Early Verdict
The Shokz OpenFit Pro are among the best-sounding open-ear earbuds currently available. They strike a good balance between audio quality, comfort, and situational awareness. However, they won’t satisfy users seeking powerful noise cancellation. These earbuds excel where they were designed to—delivering premium sound in an open-ear format without overpromising on noise isolation.
