Shokz OpenFit Air review: The open-ear headphones I barely noticed wearing
SHOKZ’s sleek OpenFit Air headphones look the part, but do they deliver?
In this Shokz OpenFit Air review, I've put these lightweight bone-conduction headphones through their paces to see if they justify the price.
Shokz OpenFit Air, £119 £94
Shokz has earned a reputation for its innovative bone-conduction tech, offering a unique way to enjoy sound.
Ideal for fitness lovers, Shokz keeps your ears open, making it one of the best wireless headphones for running.
In 2023, it launched its first true wireless open-ear headphones: the OpenFit and the more budget-friendly .
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After putting the flagship model to the test in my Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review last year, I was keen to see how the OpenFit Air measured up.
I’ll admit, I was taken with them as soon as I unboxed them, so I had lofty expectations.
But with so many open-ear options out there, do these really stand out?
Let’s dive into this Shokz OpenFit Air review and see if they’re worth your hard-earned cash.
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Pros
- Comfortable open-ear design
- Situational awareness
- Solid battery life (up to 7 hours)
- Lightweight with a secure fit
- Crisp, clear audio
Cons
- Struggles in noisy environments
- Touch controls are laggy
- A bit pricey for an open-ear style
Rating: 4 out of 5
Shokz OpenFit Air review: quick summary
The Shokz OpenFit earbuds are a refreshing departure from conventional in-ear or over-ear designs.
They’re comfortable, light, and ideal for those who value situational awareness while staying entertained.
The sound quality is clear, though the bass could be stronger. However, it’s unlikely to disappoint the average listener.
While the controls are convenient in theory, they can sometimes be unresponsive and become more frustrating than they should be.
At £94 (down from £119), they present good value, particularly for fitness enthusiasts and casual listeners.
However, if you're after premium sound or seamless controls, you may want to explore other options.
Shokz OpenFit Air review: how I tested
Like millions of others, I started the New Year with that old cliché resolution to “get back in shape”.
Fortunately, that goal synced up perfectly with my chance to test the Shokz OpenFit Air, which I’ve been using for the past three weeks as I ease back into running.
Getting into shape might be a bit generous in my case, let’s call it finally getting into shape.
For me, that means walking the dog more, jogging, and walking to the office with these headphones with me every step of the way.
Shokz OpenFit Air review: full review
First impressions
Having tested the Shokz flagship OpenRun Pro 2 headphones before, I wasn’t stepping into this review as a total newbie.
My expectations were already high, and these didn’t disappoint.
Right out of the box, they feel premium, arriving in compact shrink-wrapped packaging that has the same unboxing excitement you get with Apple products.
Inside, I found the charging case (housing the earbuds), a USB-C cable, and some quick-start guides.
The case is ultra-light, and the earbuds themselves feel feather-light at just 8.7 grams each.
I popped them on, opened my phone’s Bluetooth settings, and they appeared instantly.
A quick tap and they paired in seconds and the connection remained just as reliable throughout testing.
Performance
Using the OpenFit Air was a delight for the most part, though I did come across a couple of gripes during testing.
The standout feature of these bone-conducting headphones is their open-ear design; a concept I’ve surprisingly grown to appreciate.
Typically, I wouldn’t have opted for this style, being a creature of habit and loyal to in-ear designs.
But, the OpenFit Air allowed me to stay aware of my surroundings, which is a definite safety bonus when walking or running near traffic.
I also found the pliable cut-out ear hooks comfortable and adaptable, conforming to the contours of my ears.
The fit was snug without being tight, making them ideal for extended wear, and they stayed securely in place even during exercise.
Shokz OpenFit Air, £119 £94
While the audio performance was solid in quieter settings, external noise often overpowered the sound in busier environments, requiring me to crank up the volume.
The Shokz also feature manual controls: double-tap the left earbud to pause or play music, and the right to skip tracks.
A long press on the left reduces the volume, while the right increases it. While these controls are great in theory, they fall short in practice.
Often, they lagged or failed to register, leaving me a tad frustrated
I frequently had to stop what I was doing to fiddle with the earbuds or resort to using my phone instead.
This lagging responsiveness was a significant downside, especially when compared to the seamless controls of my everyday Apple AirPods Pro.
I could live with adjusting the volume in noisier settings, but the unreliable controls were where the Shokz fell short and lost points for me.
On the plus side, the IP54 rating meant I could use them during sweaty workouts and light rain without worry, though I would have preferred the more durable IP67 rating at this price point.
That said, the open-ear design and silicone body felt sturdy and well-suited for intense workouts, including the uphill sprints of my run and the inevitable sweat that followed.
Battery life is solid, offering up to 7 hours on a single charge and an additional 17 hours with the charging case, which is pretty standard for wireless headphones these days.
Audio Quality
The OpenFit Air offers a great listening experience with clear, balanced audio, making the Shokz perfect for everyday use.
I also took a few calls, and the sound came through clear and crisp, just as well as with most in-ear headphones.
That said, like all bone-conduction models, these headphones fall short on bass, and I found myself cranking up the volume more often than I’d like.
You’ll also notice that the open-ear design lets in some external sounds, which is fantastic for staying aware of your surroundings but not ideal for noisy environments.
For someone like me, whose ears aren’t finely tuned to the subtleties of midrange and bass, these headphones were just as enjoyable as any other pair I’ve used.
But if top-tier sound quality is your top priority, you might want to look elsewhere.
Design
Shokz OpenFit Air, £119 £94
Sports headphones often prioritize performance over looks, which is exactly what you'd expect.
But Shokz has truly nailed the design with the OpenFit Air.
The titanium frame strikes the perfect balance between flexibility and durability, while the soft-touch finish gives them a premium feel.
With the lightweight build and ergonomic fit, these headphones are easily some of the most comfortable I’ve worn for long stretches, I often forget I’m wearing them.
The open-ear design might give off a bit of a retro Bluetooth earpiece vibe, but with the performance they deliver, it’s a minor quibble.
Where to buy Shokz
The best place to pick up the OpenFit Air earbuds is the .
There you’ll get the added perk of free delivery and the reassurance of a 30-day return window to try them out.
That said, you’re not limited to just one option; many top retailers stock these earbuds, so you can choose the one that works for you.
Here’s where you can find them:
How much are the Shokz OpenFit Air?
The Shokz OpenFit Air typically sets you back £119, a bit of a splurge for wireless earbuds.
But the good news is they've recently dropped to £94 on the official Shokz website, which I’d argue is a fairer price tag.
Occasionally, other discounts can be found at major retailers like Amazon or Argos, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for deals.
And right now, John Lewis is getting in on the action with its price match guarantee, meaning you can snag them for that reduced £94.
Shokz alternatives
The Shokz OpenFit Air have plenty to offer, but if they’re not quite what you’re after, here are some alternatives to consider.
The , priced at £219, deliver superb sound quality, integration with Google devices, and top-notch noise cancellation.
If you need something durable for an active lifestyle, the in-ear headphones are a solid choice, retailing for £189.05.
Or, the overhead headphones stand out with their solar-powered design and a wallet-friendly price of just £102.30.
Shokz OpenFit Air review: The verdict
The is a solid choice for those seeking comfortable, open-ear headphones that prioritise safety and awareness.
Their ergonomic fit, lightweight design, and IP54 rating make them well-suited for workouts, while the clear audio performance ensures enjoyable everyday listening.
However, the inconsistent manual controls and lack of bass impact may disappoint music lovers.
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At the reduced price of £94, they offer good value for fitness-focused users or casual listeners, but those needing premium sound quality or seamless controls might want to consider alternatives.
Shokz OpenFit Air, £119 £94