Review – Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction Cycling and Running Headphones

Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction Cycling and Running Headphones
I have been using a set of Aftershokz bone conduction headphones daily, ever since I reviewed the Bluez2 headphones back in 2015. The Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones are the re-branded and most up to date model within the Shokz range.

This latest model offers a few notable updates over its predecessor – the Aftershoz Aeropex. The updates include better sound quality, a better noise-cancelling microphone, quick-charge functionality, and an outstanding ten hours of runtime. In short, these new headphones take an already exceptional product and improve upon it.


About Bone Conduction Headphones

Bone conduction headphones allow for an open ear listening experience—where the headphones sit next to the ear, rather in the ear like an earbud. The result is that your ear canals are kept clear, so you keep your ambient sound listening capabilities—a vital safety consideration for cyclists and runners, as well as a necessity for optimum balance and stability.

Back in 2015, with the Aftershokz Bluez2 headphones, I was impressed by the bone conduction technology. I remember being sceptical whether the sound would be comparable to normal headphones, but I was amazed by the clarity. There were a few small pitfalls of the Bluez2 model though; such as sound leakage, a slightly bulky design, and the fiddly buttons and micro-USB port. With the Aftershokz Aeropex, almost all these concerns were addressed. Now, the Shokz OpenRun Pro takes things to an even higher level of functionality and performance…


Shokz OpenRun Pro Headphones Review

Like the Aeropex, the OpenRun Pro has a titanium frame to create a super lightweight yet strong and flexible structure. The headphones feel minimalist and discrete when you are wearing them, with zero bounce or discomfort.

The sound quality has also evolved with the new OpenRun Pro. Featuring Shokz Turbopitch™ Technology, these headphones have an enhanced bass level for those thumping motivational tunes. The OpenRun Pro uses the same PREMIUMPITCH 2.0+ design as the Aeropex; with angled transducers to deliver louder volumes with less vibration than other bone conduction headphones.

The Shokz OpenRun Pro charges using a magnetic charging cable similar to the Aeropex—to avoid the need for a cable port. The Quick Charge functionality is exclusive to the new OpenRun Pro though; allowing you to add 90 minutes of playback and calls in just a 10 minute charging period—ideal for when you forget to charge the headphones before a ride or run. With a full 90 minutes of charge time, the OpenRun Pro will last for an incredible ten hours. The lack of charging cable port also means these attain an IP55 Water Resistant rating.

Finally, Shokz have ironed out one problem that I felt did still exist with the Aeropex: the microphone performance. The new OpenRun Pro features a dual noise-cancelling microphone for clearer calls than with the Aeropex. This is a superb evolution, and it makes these headphones potential the only headphones you will ever need, for work or play.


Summary

There is extraordinarily little that I can fault with these headphones. I have previously tested high-end earbud headphones from the likes of Sennheiser, and the sound with these bone conduction headphones is certainly comparable; but with a more secure and safer design.

The Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones provide you with a flexible, durable, and long lasting audio listening device. In my honest opinion these are the best headphones for cycling and running, as well as being a great pair of headphones for general wear.

The Shokz OpenRun Pro sets a new standard for sports headphones.

Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction Headphones

Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction Headphones

Disclaimer: A set of Shokz OpenRun Pro Bone Conduction Headphones was supplied for this test and review


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

SwissStop Disc Brake Pads Comparison Test Review – Are All Disc Brake Pads Made Equal?

Recipe – The Ultimate High Energy Flapjacks

Review – Selle Italia SLR Boost Gravel Superflow Saddle S3

Review – TRP Spyre SLC Cable Disc Brakes

Review – Scicon Aerocomfort 3.0 TSA Road Bike Bag