As someone who is constantly on the move and loves to listen to music or podcasts while running, finding the perfect pair of running earbuds is crucial. Two years ago, I thought I had found the holy grail with the Beats Fit Pro. However, a move to the suburbs exposed the limitations of its ambient mode when faced with aggressive drivers. This led me to explore open-ear headphones as a potential solution to my dilemma.
After dabbling with bone conduction headphones and missing the deep bass drops, I decided to give the $119.95 Shokz OpenFit Air a try. While Shokz is primarily known for its bone conduction technology, the OpenFit Air utilizes traditional air conduction like most wireless earbuds. The unique speaker position above the ear canal, combined with ear hooks for security, caught my interest despite initial reservations about comfort.
When it comes to sound quality, open-ear headphones inevitably have limitations, especially in the bass department. While the bass on the Shokz OpenFit Air was an improvement over bone conduction, it still fell short of my expectations. Nevertheless, the clarity was decent enough to distinguish music even in noisy environments like busy streets.
I found that the speaker’s position allowed me to hear my content reasonably well, making these earbuds suitable for quiet environments like a bus or train. However, the limitations became apparent in loud settings such as the New York City subway, where the ambient noise drowned out my audio. The earbuds seemed to hold up well during exercise, offering a comfortable fit and a secure hold.
With approximately six hours of playback on a single charge and quick charging capabilities, the Shokz OpenFit Air proved to be a reliable companion for shorter runs or workouts. The IP55 rating added peace of mind for sweat resistance and light rain exposure, although caution was advised for heavy downpours. The lightweight design and secure fit were ideal for most activities, except for instances where glasses interfered with the positioning behind the ears.
Surprisingly, I found myself gravitating towards the Shokz OpenFit Air for daily wear rather than just exercise. The sleek design and discreet appearance made them suitable for various activities beyond running. I particularly enjoyed using them while cooking or cleaning, where I could listen to audio while remaining attentive to my surroundings.
While the Shokz OpenFit Air offered an affordable option with decent bass and comfort, I found myself still yearning for a slightly more secure fit on days when glasses were worn. The search for the perfect running earbuds continues, but these earbuds came close to being a viable alternative to my previous favorite.
The Shokz OpenFit Air provides a lightweight and comfortable option for those seeking open-ear earbuds with good sound quality and durability. However, individual preferences and use cases may vary, so it’s essential to consider personal comfort and fit when choosing the right pair of running earbuds.
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