As a seasoned tech journalist with over a decade of experience, I have always been on the lookout for the best running earbuds. Having tried various options in the past, I recently came across the Shokz OpenFit Air, which piqued my interest due to its unique design and features.
One of the key factors that I consider when testing earbuds is the bass quality. With the Shokz OpenFit Air, I was pleasantly surprised by the improved bass compared to other open-ear headphones. While open-ear headphones are generally not known for their bass performance, the Shokz OpenFit Air manages to deliver a clearer and less muddy sound. However, it is important to note that the bass is still not on par with traditional in-ear headphones.
In terms of sound leakage, I found that the position of the speakers in the Shokz OpenFit Air allows for good audio clarity, especially in quieter environments. However, in noisy settings such as a crowded subway, the sound may get drowned out. Nevertheless, I did not experience any complaints about sound leakage, indicating that the earbuds are effective in maintaining audio privacy.
While testing the Shokz OpenFit Air, I found the overall comfort and fit to be satisfactory. The ear hooks provided a secure hold, allowing me to enjoy my music while maintaining situational awareness during runs. However, I encountered some challenges with the ear hooks when wearing glasses. The bulky design of the hooks made it uncomfortable to wear the earbuds for extended periods, especially when also wearing glasses. This led to instances of accidental touches on the earbuds, disrupting my listening experience.
Additionally, the lightweight design of the Shokz OpenFit Air made them comfortable for everyday wear. I particularly enjoyed using them during household activities such as cooking and cleaning, where I could listen to audio content while remaining aware of my surroundings. The discreet design of the earbuds also made them suitable for casual wear outside of exercise settings.
In terms of battery life, the Shokz OpenFit Air offers approximately six hours of playback on a single charge, with a quick charge feature that provides two hours of use in just 10 minutes. This makes them suitable for daily use, although for more extended activities such as ultramarathons, users may need to recharge intermittently. Additionally, the IP55 rating of the earbuds ensures resistance to sweat and light rain, adding to their durability for outdoor activities.
After extensively testing the Shokz OpenFit Air in various scenarios, I found them to be a reliable option for both exercise and everyday use. Despite some issues with comfort when wearing glasses, the earbuds offer a decent bass performance and comfortable fit for most activities. With a relatively affordable price point and respectable battery life, the Shokz OpenFit Air presents a compelling choice for users seeking open-ear headphones with reliable sound quality and durability. While they may not be the ultimate solution to replace traditional in-ear earbuds, the Shokz OpenFit Air offers a practical and versatile option for individuals with an active lifestyle.