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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.