Review: Shokz OpenRun Pro
Open ear headphones are all the rage with runners that like to have their music playing but also want to be able to stay in touch with the world around them. There are all sorts of designs in the market, including the oladance OWS2 which we recently reviewed here. In this instance we’re checking out the Shokz OpenRun Pro. Featuring bone conduction technology, they have an open-ear design that doesn’t block your ear canal, instead they rely upon what they’ve labelled Shokz TurboPitchTM technology. The big plus is that you can have really good situational awareness by hearing all the atmospheric sounds around you, while also hearing your music or whatever you’re listening to while running. It’s both a convenience and a great safety feature.
In terms of comfort, the wraparound titanium frame ensures a secure fit that stays comfortably in place at any pace. I have a small head, and they still felt secure! There were no pressure points and very minimal movement. So even after a couple hours, they felt really good. Aesthetically they have a modern design with a certain ‘look’ to them that does set them apart from the normal bud-style or over ear headphones. Available in four different colours – black, blue, beige, and pink – you’ll find something to suit your taste. The build quality is high, using durable materials and featuring IP55 Water-Resistance. They can withstand rainy days or those sweaty summer workouts.
Now to the really important part, how do they sound? Well…surprisingly good! The OpenRun Pro is engineered with Shokz TurboPitch technology which is designed to provide crisp and clear midrange to high frequency sounds as well as decent bass. I listen to a broad range of music styles and pretty much everything sounded good, even the classical stuff that has quite a dynamic range. The only time I found them wanting was when running in high traffic environments or where there was a lot of ambient noise. But typically in those scenarios I liked being aware of the world around me.
With a 10-hour battery life and quick-charge feature, one full battery lasts a week of running and commuting to work.
You can purchase the OpenRun Pro on the Shokz website and in-store (JB Hi-Fi, Myer, David Jones) for $269 AUD.