SHOKZ OpenFit Air, Worth to Buy?

Open ear headphones have long been dominated by bone conduction technology, but recently, air conduction headphones have been gaining traction. A prime example is the SHOKZ Open Fit earbuds. These newer models offer richer and fuller sound quality compared to their bone conduction counterparts, making them an attractive option for those seeking more from their audio experience.

Why Choose Open Ear Headphones?

The primary advantage of open ear headphones is situational awareness. Whether you're in an office, walking, running, cycling, or just moving around the house, these headphones allow you to enjoy your music or podcasts while still being aware of your surroundings. This feature is particularly beneficial in sports scenarios where awareness of traffic, other trail users, or even wildlife is crucial. SHOKZ has been a leader in bone conduction headphones for years, but there's only so much sound quality that technology can deliver. This limitation has led to the rise of air conduction headphones, which essentially function like traditional speakers to provide a superior audio experience while maintaining the benefits of open ear design.

Introducing SHOKZ OpenFit Air

The new SHOKZ OpenFit Air headphones incorporate nearly all the features of the original OpenFits but come at a significantly lower price. Priced at $120 compared to the $180 of the originals, the OpenFit Air offers impressive value without major sacrifices. They utilize SHOKZ's DirectPitch air conduction technology to deliver sound that is clear and full, making them suitable for a variety of music genres and podcasts. While the original Open Fits might have a slightly richer sound due to higher-end materials, the difference is not drastic. The OpenFit Air still provides an excellent audio experience, balancing sound quality with situational awareness.

Fit and Comfort

Both the original OpenFits and the new OpenFit Air are designed for comfort. Surprisingly, the Air model, despite its slightly larger pods and marginally heavier weight, is more comfortable. This is due to the redesigned ear hook, which houses the battery inside the pod rather than the loop, resulting in a lighter and more flexible fit. The ear hooks are made from a mix of nickel and titanium, offering durability and flexibility. The silicone material on the outside of each earbud is designed to be soft, making long listening sessions comfortable. Additionally, the Open Fit Air has a more premium look with glossy materials on the exterior.

Performance and Usability

In terms of performance, the OpenFit Air excels in various activities. They are great for gym workouts, running, road biking, and gravel biking. However, for more intense activities like mountain biking or rock climbing, the wraparound design of bone conduction models like the Open Run Pros might be more secure. The OpenFit Air can also be used with glasses, sunglasses, hats, and helmets, though they might not be as comfortable with full-face helmets.

The headphones handle wind noise well, making them suitable for biking at higher speeds. While bone conduction models might handle wind slightly better, the fuller sound profile of the Open Fit Air makes them preferable for most users. Sound leakage is minimal thanks to the design that directs sound into the ear rather than outwards, ensuring privacy during calls or when listening to music.

Features and Controls

The OpenFit Air uses Bluetooth 5.2 and supports multi-point pairing, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously. They are rated IP54 for water resistance, making them suitable for most sports, provided they are not submerged. The capacitive touch buttons on the earbuds are responsive and allow for easy control of playback, volume, and track skipping. These buttons are large enough to avoid accidental presses but still precise enough for intentional commands.

Battery Life

The Open FitAir offers six hours of listening time on a single charge, with the case providing additional charges for a total of 28 hours. This is slightly less than the seven hours offered by the original OpenFits, but the difference is minimal. The case charges via USB-C and includes a quick charge feature, providing two hours of listening time after just ten minutes of charging. One downside is the lack of wireless charging, which is not available on either model.

Call Quality

The microphones on the OpenFit Air deliver clear call quality, making them suitable for both casual and professional use. Despite their lower price, they maintain high standards in both audio performance and user comfort.

Conclusion

The SHOKZ OpenFit Air headphones offer an excellent balance of sound quality, comfort, and situational awareness at a more affordable price point. While there are minor differences in sound quality and battery life compared to the original Open Fits, the overall value makes the OpenFit Air a compelling choice. For those who prioritize security and water resistance, bone conduction models remain relevant. However, the superior sound quality of air conduction technology makes the OpenFit Air a fantastic option for most activities. If you're in the market for versatile, high-quality open ear headphones, the SHOKZ OpenFit Air is definitely worth considering.