There is no need to sacrifice sound quality when using an open-ear headset since the OpenRun Pro are the best bone conduction headphones we’ve tested. These headphones come with an impressive quick charging feature, which can enable up to two hours of playback after just five minutes of charging, and a full charge lasts you up to ten hours.
This Shokz OpenRun pro review aims to explain the design, performance, quality, and price balance of these headphones.
Design of Shokz OpenRun Pro
| Brand | SHOKZ |
| Ear Placement | Open Ear |
| Connectivity Technology | Bluetooth |
| Item Weight | 1.02 ounces |
| Product Dimensions | 6.61 x 5.35 x 2.68 inches |
In the OpenRun Pro, Shokz has developed a formula that works, and the OpenRun Pro remains true to it. In addition to these headphones, the company’s other models also employ the same OpenFit design, which uses pads that rest on your cheekbones and transmit sound via vibrations to your aural nerve, leaving your ear canals open. To keep them firmly in place while running, an elastic but springy titanium band connects the two pads, which does not pinch the skin.
The left pad comes with a large button, enabling you to take phone calls using the headset’s built-in microphone, while the right pad provides control over power, volume, track, and battery life.
At first glance, the OpenRun headphones seem to be very similar to their predecessor, but there are a few key differences to note. The controls on the headphones are larger, allowing you to adjust the volume, skip tracks, and turn on/off the headphones without looking down. Holding down the volume down button during playback will allow you to see the power level.
The second thing that has been changed is the position of the charging connector. Suppose you decide to use the OpenRun Pro. In that case, you’ll be able to charge it using a proprietary magnetic cable, which is far easier to connect than the traditional micro-USB cable. The battery charging port on Shokz’s new model has been moved, so it is no longer right next to the control buttons, which makes it much easier to connect the charging cable.
Other than that, the headsets are very similar. In addition to being extremely lightweight and comfortable, the OpenRun Pro is also made of titanium and is durable enough not to bounce when you run.
With an IP55 rating, they will help keep your feet dry even when you sweat a lot or run in the rain, but they won’t keep you dry when you swim. For this purpose, you will need a pair of waterproof headphones, like the Shokz OpenSwim.
Performance Shokz OpenRun Pro
There is no doubt that the Shokz OpenRun Pro provides excellent sound quality. Thanks to the new bass transducers, there’s a significant improvement in the overall sound quality, which is far superior to what we’ve heard from bone conduction headphones in the past. As runners, we enjoy rock and metal playlists while running, and the OpenRun Pro is the first model that can handle heavy music during a run. There is still a distance between the best of these headphones and the best conventional headphones, but the gap is closing.
Aside from the fact that you can hear the extra bass, you can also sense it as an incessant buzz against your face that pulses with every beat of the music. Even bone conduction headphones produce this effect when played at high volumes, but it’s more noticeable when using the OpenRun Pro.
While working, wearing the headphones might prove distracting if you are trying to concentrate. The sensation is not uncomfortable, and unless you crank up the volume, it’s little more than a tickle to feel.
Despite the improved bass, ambient noise can still be heard thanks to the open-ear design of these headphones. Several noise-canceling headphones feature a ‘transparency’ mode which allows you to transmit external sounds to your ears, but not in the same way as bone conduction headsets.
In addition to sound leakage, bone conduction headsets do not have a silicone seal between the transducers and the outside world, so those close to you can hear your songs, audiobooks, and phone calls. When the volume is kept modest, the OpenMove Pro is one of the least leaky Shokz headsets we have tested.
You will be alerted by a voice message that once the OpenRun Pro runs low on power, it is time to recharge them. There will be two warnings before the headset turns off so that if you are near the office or at your desk, you can plug them in before the headset shuts off.
If your headset is fully charged, you’ll be able to listen to your music for up to ten hours (a figure we were able to replicate in our tests), which is the best battery life we’ve seen from any headset we’ve tested so far. The OpenRun Pro is a great bone conduction headphone if you do not like the short playtime of other bone conduction headphones. I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised.
Why Should You Buy Shokz OpenRun Pro?
The OpenRun Pro is the first bone conduction headset we’ve tried that does justice to bass-heavy music and is an excellent alternative to in-ear headphones when you need intense audio to motivate you.
With the OpenRun Pro’s quick charge feature, you can keep your headset running for 10 hours if you’re disorganized.
The OpenRun Pro headphones are comfortable enough to wear all day at your desk, and they have a long-lasting battery. You can also make video calls with their improved onboard microphone.
Why Should You Not Buy Shokz OpenRun Pro?
The Shokz OpenRun Pro bone conduction headphones are the most expensive ones we’ve tested. There is no doubt that the original OpenRun and the older Trekz Air are both excellent options to consider if you do not mind sacrificing some sound quality.
The advantage of bone conduction headphones is that they allow ambient noise to enter. If you want to block out the noise around you, you can use them in conjunction with a pair of earplugs. However, this is not as effective as active noise cancellation.
Related: You can read Aftershokz Opencomm Review.
Decision Time
With the OpenRun, the bone-conduction headphones industry has experienced a significant advancement. Although these headphones are still light on bass when compared to traditional headphones, they are the best-sounding headphones Shokz has ever produced and are built with the durability to outlast the competition.
You will get a higher level of performance in every department, including water resistance. So it is definitely worth the price difference unless you’re a big fan of water sports.