OpenRun Pro - Bone Conduction Headphones by Shokz

Bone conduction headphones free up your ears so you can listen to music while staying aware of your surroundings when you run. It's been three years since I've reviewed bone conduction headphones. So has the technology improved to make the benefits outweigh the costs?
0:00 intro
0:20 run testing
0:51 disclosures
1:10 specs
3:16 fit and comfort
5:05 sound quality
8:12 shokz app
8:49 safety benefits
disclosures: Shokz sent me these headphones for the purpose of review. No one is paying me to make this video or to use these headphones. No one will get a chance to preview any of my footage or my thoughts before this video goes up on KZbin.
Thanks for watching! Leave a comment to let me know you stopped by!
Running footage shot on:
GoPro Hero 10 Black (paid link)
amzn.to/3AD5bMz
Music sourced via Epidemic Sound www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Disclosure: It's 2022, so I think we all know how affiliate links work at this point, but for regulatory compliance or affiliate program purposes, I must state that affiliate links do not increase cost to you, but:
"As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Also, you do not need to use these links. You can also search for these same items in amazon or on any search engine/shopping site of your choice and buy/research them that way.
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[@bc9054]

I have some aftershokz that I have been using for about 3 years now. I love them when running, they stay in place and I can hear what is going on around me. But I also use them all day at work. Most co-workers that I have don't look to see if someone has earbuds in and just start to talk. When I have buds in I miss half of the conversation. But with the aftershokz I can hear the entire conversation. I am not an audio junkie and so these just work for me.

[@sun.2801]

Thanks! I’ve been interested in these new Shokz.

[@leftcoast50]

I’ve been very satisfied with the previous model Aeropex. It works great for listening to podcasts like your livestream on my runs. I can have conversations with my running buddies without having to remove an earbud. One side was starting to rattle just before the 2 years warranty expired, and Shokz exchanged the earphones quickly with no hassle.

[@kerry_runs]

I have a similar experience and as a bonus they used usb-c charging cord so no problems with a proprietary cord. Not sure why they have reverted to a proprietary cord.

[@chefbuff]

Ive been using the openrun pro for the past month or so and its been amazing as a city/trail runner. I ran a half marathon in the rain with them and it was a great experience. Love the build quality. Agree about the connecting band

[@robdevine4361]

I’m in Tucson running mostly trail with a bit of multi use path thrown in. I’m still in the Aeropex model. The safety aspect is a game changer with a small compromise for sound quality. Your review has convinced me to move up to this new model because of the enhanced sound quality.

[@michaelsesler1158]

Love the Syd shirt. Pre-ordered a couple for myself.

[@JasonMolter]

I have previous version 'Aeropex' which are similar, and I love this style for running, walking, and generally can just keep wearing them around the house while still hearing others - no wear fatigue since it's not in your ear. If mine break, I'll immediately go buy this new model OpenRun Pro.

[@LuisBecerra79]

Hope that everything is fine. Just one more week till LA reunion. Oh and yes a great review as always. 👍🏼

[@ericfenske1138]

I have the Aeropex and I love them. I use them for all of my runs and love the ability to hear what's around me while still listening to the music. I agree that the bass or low end is somewhat lacking, but honestly when I'm running I don't really need that. When I run trails I primarily listen to post rock type music and to have the extra sound of the birds in the background is pretty cool. The number one thing for me though is the durability they have. I have gone through no less than 5 sets of in ear earbuds over the course of the last 3 years. For some reason, and it doesn't matter make or model or brand, one of the in ear buds always stops charging. It always stops seating into whatever case is used. I don't know if that's a sweat thing, or the earbuds themselves are getting warped, or what, but it happens every time. and at $60-$100 a pop that was getting expensive. For what it's worth, I've had no issues with the Aeropex yet. Fingers crossed.

[@SugarSweetSparkle]

My Aeropex have been fantastic-they apply just the right amount of pressure for me as someone who’s very sensitive to migraines. I’ve been debating getting the mini version which has the same specs but a shorter band in the back for more comfort while wearing hats/jackets.

[@alfrede.newman1838]

Also have the same new Shokz and completely agree with the review. I'm finding the new Shokz are very convenient to wear around town for shopping, etc.. Even used them on my laptop and they work just fine.

[@justrione]

Thank you for the information

[@wundulo]

I’ve been running with Shokz for past few years, their products just keep getting better and better! One improvement I wish for is wireless charging using standardized interface like Qi, so I can finally ditch the proprietary charging cable.

[@kerry_runs]

Great product for runners. I use my pair whenever I go out.

[@TheRunningRRT]

I will only run with bone conduction earphones! Safety for sure. And sound quality is just fine. I’m not an aficionado but it works for me and I can always hear what’s going on around me.

[@iamgabyap]

you're the only one who mention the app. ill check it out

[@user-yd4nk1es6n]

Thanks for the video. I have an Openrun Pro that impresses me deeply with its sound quality and wearing experience. However, this year I switched to Wissonly Hi Runner because I need a headphone that can be used while swimming. Its IPX8 waterproof and MP3 mode is very suitable for swimming. Now Openrun Pro is used at home, while Hi Runner is used for running and swimming.

[@Ninkul]

I've been using the Plantronics Backbeat Fit 2100 (designed to let outside sounds in) for a few years and picked these up earlier this week. While the sound of the OpenRun Pro is marginally worse, definitely agree that you don't notice the difference while running. The amount of sound these let in compared to the Backbeats isn't huge but I can sense direction more precisely and these are significantly more comfy! The only thing I'm concerned about is waterproofing being IP55 vs the non-pro being IP67. Somehow the Backbeats have survived two washes after forgetting to take them out of my vest 👀

[@michaeltanel3815]

I have an Aeropex and two sets of their OpenMove. I wear them for work calls (awesome BT connecting), general out and about calls, and general podcast listening. They've been quite good since the Aeropex model, so further improvement is awesome. Too bad about the proprietary plug, the OpenMove are USB-C and WAYYY more convenient for charging anywhere outside home (car, plane, friend's house, etc). I'll be catching a pair of these on a future sale.

[@jlwdiggs]

Shockz is good money in my book and customer service is top notch. These are my spring, summer, and fall running headphones.

[@AlbertWeijers]

Just bought the Openrun (not pro), really like it, the bass is not great but it's great for running and listening to podcasts. And the safety aspect is unique. In a busy street you don't hear much of the sound, so I find myself looking for the most quiet route to go on my runs.

[@TheVeganRunner]

I’ve had a pair of Aftershokz for 4 years - the battery is only just showing signs of wear and they are perfect for podcasts. Your review makes me want to upgrade… 😅

[@Jan-ms9tl]

I own the aeropex and another good thing about bc-headphones for people like me with very small and tiny ear-canals is that I have finaly found headphones that do not fall out of my ears every minute. I tried so many inears and all of them where terrible in terms of the fit (because of my ears) but these finaly work for me. They are so underrated...

[@emmawilhelm1148]

Very interesting! I usually wear my JayBirds, which I've found to be too noise-cancelling I think. I have switched over to my airpods pro (turning off the noise cancelling function). They seem to be the perfect amount for me! Can hear the major things around me, but still good music quality.

[@ahilleastzimas475]

my fav headphones

[@innesdunbar]

I have been running with my Aeropex headphones for a while now and I also use them at work, they have been really good and I am very comfortable with them, I wouldn’t think it’s worth upgrading to these latest models, as the Aeropex are very good and were a big step up from the older models. With the Aeropex, I am able to run with Pip (my dog) and give her commands without being too loud as I would be with in ear headphones, being able to hear cars is a very big bonus for our safety as well.

[@TrailrunnerTroy]

Ran a pair of its predecessor through the washing machine (I’m a laundry genius). They worked just fine for another full year of running in all weather. Great product.

[@giovannigrasso444]

I can't do without these earphones ..I.bought my first pair a couple of years ago....I use them for running, working, walking..maybe I will buy also the ones for swimming

[@kofuzi]

great to hear!

[@bradbradhombre]

I have the previous version and they’re an absolute godsend running AND cycling on mixed used paths here in Seattle. I’m way faster at getting out of the way with these v. AirPods. In addition, they’re critical for my cycling safety. I can listen to audiobook or podcast for a few hours on the bike and remain street aware the whole time. Only issues are sound quality, which really is a non issue for me when running or cycling outside (there’s enough ambient noise that I can’t hear high fidelity anyway), and the back head wrap (if that didn’t exist, these would probably be my go to headphones for daily walks and usage)

[@craiggerrish3862]

I bought the afterShokz pro last week and wear them at work in the warehouse and find them fine

[@Chungdol]

I have the first Gen of the trackz Shokz and was... mixed. For cycling they were great, the glasses+helmet presses them really tight on the bone so the sound quality was "okayish" - otherwise, I completely agree to your review past back then the lack of bass was just a killer. But for what they deliver they were terrible overpriced past back then and I see they still are. My Liberty pro 2 in ears basically are on pair with my studio headphones so I stick to them for running. But cycling... conduction headphones it is, for your and others safety. Thank you for this review I might check them up when they are cheaper... because that price tag is still: oof

[@maxchen5083]

Have you seen the Sony Linkbuds? Seems like it might be a good middle ground between these and normal in-ear buds. Would love to see a review on them!

[@Xanthous]

I'm waiting for someone to review these 2 products vs. each other.

[@dazdarren9926]

I have the new Pro version and its a big step up in sound quality compared to the Aeroplex. I also have the OpenComm version which are great for WFH and spending hours each day on audio and video calls

[@suraj.chotalia]

How is the sound quality of the Pro in comparison to the OpenComm?

[@dazdarren9926]

@@suraj.chotalia the sound quality is quite similar between the two

[@JeffRElliott]

Special request - review the open swim! It's not Bluetooth but is an actual mp3 player with 4gb of storage. I'm curious how useful they are since the water is pretty loud when I'm swimming. Maybe they can send you some to review when it's warmer?

[@cgazlan]

Next to try on... Sony linkbuds

[@LucasH567]

Agreed. Those Sony Linkbuds look so interesting. Definitely a niche audience, but I feel like some runners might love ‘em

[@Xanthous]

@@LucasH567 Waiting for a comparison between the 2

[@waltdog123]

I am a long time aftershocks shocks user. but for slightly different reasoning. I have a hard time running with something inside my ear canal and The aftershocxs have always fit the bill. that said I haven't tried any new in-ear options. are there anything that offers a clip or some form of support that's not bone conducting?

[@globerunning1437]

Good review. Thanks. I just spent some money that I don’t have. 😕

[@kofuzi]

I hope you enjoy them!

[@marlonjasonancheta9787]

Does the multi pairing work at the same time from both phones for Open Run Pro? I have the Aeropex. But it didn't work if the two mobile phones screen are open. I need to turn off the screen of one phone to hear the sounds playing from my other phone. But it is connect at the same time, I'll just need to turn off the screen on the other phone to work properly.Not like in my Plantronics Voyager both phone's Bluetooth are working same time even the two phone are open screen.

[@tanty2475]

OpenRun (not pro) does come with mini size to better fit the head.

[@shannonsides6017]

Love your Sydney Gidabuday shirt! Bone conduction headphones: so that if you’re going to get eaten by an animal on the trail, you’ll at least know about it before it actually happens 😂

[@kofuzi]

as I was editing this video, I was like, have I really ever been in danger of being eaten. and then I remember the time I came across a coyote.

[@LouisCaras]

Have you tried the mini size? Im wondering if that would help with your comfort issues with the band

[@AriezGirl_78]

@louiscaras1404 do the mins fit better?

[@user-eb5ri3nf9d]

Hi i have the aeropex worth upgrade to openrun pro?

[@mvzinn111]

One of the slots is probably for the microphone.

[@richardbarclay9095]

Hi, I’m keen to get these for running. But what’s the noise leakage like for using them on your bus commute for example. Nothing worse than annoying the person next to you with bad noise leakage. 😀🤔

[@kofuzi]

so much

[@JAHinHK]

My Aeroplex, which I loved, just died. They were much better than the first version. Curious how these are different or better than Aeroplex as it's not really clear. They seem bigger which is not a selling point and more open to getting sweat inside.

[@JAHinHK]

I went on their website. Seems faster to charge and lasts a little longer, but more expensive, water resistant vs water proof, and heavier. Why on earth upgrade when they're more expensive too? Will go with the Aeroplex again.

[@vincentvenieris2185]

What kind of shirt is that? It looks cool!

[@LucasH567]

The Roots Running “Sydney Gidabuday” shirt! It is sold on the Roots Running website

[@haririan2]

I bought this model, and I have some problems with this headphone 1- single or double click has the same beep, and while listening to music, it is a bit confusing 2- headphone ergonomy is very bad for wearing a hat in winter or lay down on the pillow and same bad experience with bicycle helmets 3- There is no auto switch off system. If you forget to turn off its work to drain all of the battery juice 4- I miss the piroxymeter sensor. This device does not have any system or hardware to know if you are wearing headphone or not 5- There is no option to turn off welcome and battery level voice assistance

[@gustavo01181]

Have you tried these for cycling?

[@JAHinHK]

I use them riding a bike. Perfect use case. Full disclosure, it's Hong Kong, but I'm on a much quieter island. I'm not riding around Manhattan, but you can hear what's going on around you and some music or a podcast.

[@gustavo01181]

@@JAHinHK Many thanks!

[@christianschobinger1131]

I never thought about a creature that could eat me on my run, but now … 🙈

[@johnanderson5815]

I have had two pair that didn’t last a year.

[@C_Mortada]

Can it store music?

[@fastertove]

No. Needs a watch, phone or similar.

[@bichonmomr]

i got the bose, but i don’t like that other people can hear what i listening to. therefore they went back

[@kofuzi]

I tried those as well. they were not my favorite, although they didn't have the problem with hats and jacket collars

[@macau.friend]

I wonder what kind of creature would want to eat Kofuzi 🤔

[@azn5k]

I bought these from amazon. Tried it. Immediately was not a fan. My Powerbeats pro is way better sound quality wise. The open run pro's sound like cheap offbrand ear phones that are placed an inch away from your ears so you have to listen on max volume to get decent audio. Also they vibrate quite alot to get you that "enhanced bass". Does not feel natural for me at all. If these are the 9th generation, I dont have much hope for all the iterations moving forward. I promptly returned it the next day for a refund. Still awaiting for an upgrade for my powerbeats pro sadly :(

[@mid-sizesedan488]

I feel like if you really care about listening to music while running, you wouldn’t want these.

[@justrione]

I am honored to say I have broken every pair. These broke. Apple lighting wire 20 bucks have lasted the longest

[@JasonMolter]

I'm on my 3rd pair, and yes they are delicate in that if you drop them on hard floor, it likely will cause the vibrating mechanism inside to become loose and not work correctly. I'm being very careful now with this 3rd pair because I really like how they work.

[@abdoabdo-yv9iq]

Hi I need for 👶🚼 bapy