SHOKZ OpenFit Air Review // Premium Open-Ear Headphones at a Budget Price!

[@Bruceneuman]

The best review of these I have heard thus far, especially in explaining the difference between the Airs and original Open Fits. I loved the originals, which I gave to my son. Happy to have a $50 less expensive alternative, as I found myself missing the originals.

[@yo_drew]

thanks for the review, love the clarity and clear & concise verbiage / examples

[@DesFit]

Happy to help!

[@geaizee-JZ]

First time on your channel (was looking for shokz reviews). Very well done. Thank you for including about glasses and hats, those are always factors for me.

[@DesFit]

Happy to help and welcome to the channel!

[@billcrowe7111]

H Des. Just awaiting delivery of my OpenFit Air headphones. Saw your review, excellent. Have been a Shokz wearer for several years, first with the Aeropex then with the Open Comm which I used for working from home prior to retirement. Got the OpenFit originals mainly for listening to music and podcasts. Hated regular headphones and earbuds, a combination of gluggy sweaty ears and that feeling of isolation and a lack of awareness around you. My wife is being donated my 'old' OpenFit while I'll use the new Air version. Oh and good for gaming and answering my wife's questions simultaneously 😂. Again super review. Bill in Bonnie Scotland

[@LeoDeGrand]

For security you could put a loose length of fishing wire through the loops in the new design and tie them to your bike helmet :)

[@toddkearney6464]

Thanks for the review. I’m looking forward to your OpenSwim Pro review!

[@DesFit]

Coming up!

[@paulkline3011]

I just bought these about a week ago and so far they are absolutely awesome. Great battery life. Sound quality is superb. I'm actually hearing things in some Pantera songs I've never heard before even after hearing these songs for 30 years. Stuff I've never heard with any in ear buds. I use these at work for an 8 hour shift and they actually last all day. Well I put them on the charger during my 30 minute lunch. And I do a 2 hour walk everyday after work. And I love that they just wrap around my ear and they just stay. In ears always kept slipping out of my ears especially during a walk when im all sweaty. I am just super happy with these open fit airs.

[@claudiobravoa.5339]

SHOKZ OpenFit Air Review NOT buy these headphones, you will be DECEIVED: can ONLY be used on the phone, cannot be installed on the iPad, nor PC, MC

[@Kinobambino]

That's one of the main reasons I began looking for over ear ear buds, no matter the size of the foam/plastic piece they always fall out of my ears. I'm excited to be able to actually move around with more full compacity while still listening to my music

[@Esauofisaac]

@@claudiobravoa.5339these are a BT device, they can be connected to anything that can connect to BT devices. I don’t have OpenAirs but I have the OpenRuns and they I’ve connected to all those things. I don’t know how they would even be able to connect BT to only the phone but nothing else, that doesn’t really make sense

[@Thebassguru84]

​@claudiobravoa.5339 what? This makes no sense

[@RXP91]

Got these just now, they are unbelivable for comfort even compared to the regular bone conduction ones. My previous go to for open fit was Sony Link Buds, but they kept falling out. These are rock solid, very impressed.

[@Kameleonic]

Comfort, yes. Audio quality, no way.

[@RXP91]

@@Kameleonic you are limited by physics when the driver is so far away from your ear with bass response. It’s either or sadly

[@afteraftersun]

Which one would u prefer for running? Do u find the open air easier to fall off for running activities?

[@SethBrower]

I've enjoyed my link buds, but the battery is starting to act up, and the rumors of a new version seems to keep being delayed. How do you find the audio of the Airs vs the Link buds?

[@miguelsuarez1511]

Your reviews are simply TOP. Great job 👌

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@uzairazmi8793]

Just bought them. Thinking I would be disappointed not hearing the bass as a normal ear phone. I was wrong. I enjoyed it more as it doesn’t hurt your ear and it is very comfortable that sometimes you forgot you wearing it. No issue answering call with it. Very satisfied.

[@johndaddabbo9383]

Very nice review except, (or did I somehow miss it?) I didn't hear any talk of which Codecs are supported. Turns out that it is only SBC and AAC, which means that the overall sound quality will be marginal at best (slightly better with AAC, but with the latency impact).

[@JohnW_NeuroticAspie64]

Hi, I found this very informative and gave me some info to consider when looking at getting some earbuds early next year and will look at Shokz as well as SoundPeats.. Cheers from Australia.

[@mad_incognito]

I still prefer the bone conducting because I can pull them down around my neck and they stay securely there when running even when pulled down on one side.

[@edlobi]

How's the microphone (in a room vs on a bike)

[@tombush7455]

I just bought these headphones yesterday at Best buy and I love them they work good

[@neilk22]

I purchased the OpenFit Gen 1 last July because of Dez's review, best fitness related purchase ive made in the last year 👌🏻👌🏻

[@DesFit]

Glad you’ve been enjoying them!

[@heicas1]

Finally someone who solved all my concerns. And even more now that it's Black Friday in 4 days. SHOKZ Air are discounted on Amazon at $99 dollars. I will buy them immediately. I practice cycling and my decision was between the model Open Run Pro but they are very expensive. I see that you wear them with glasses and there is no problem. Same for the water issue. It repels it. Greetings from the land of the best coffee in the world, Colombia. Thanks.

[@mrfailure93]

Holy in depth reviews batman! Thanks for this.

[@Mtngirl4]

I always enjoy your reviews! I’m enjoying mine-lightweight, fits well, good sound quality, sleek looking. Just really wish they had physical buttons!!

[@michaelarnold1150]

I know that with the original openfit I couldn't use them at all when cycling, even at lower speeds of 14 mph or so. So if these actually are still usable at 20 mph that is a win for me.

[@WilliamH.JeffersonJr.-bw2dd]

Great review, thank you. Question, Are they good for 15-hour Flights?

[@DesFit]

I’d prefer noise cancellation for flights but that’s just me

[@bjc1219]

Thanks, Des! Office Space reference ftw!

[@Esauofisaac]

I have the Open Run Pros and they’re the absolute best pair of headphones I’ve ever used. I love being able to run outside or run errands and be 100% aware of my surroundings. Unfortunately I just can’t stand the headband and find it annoying. I use them while working since I’m wfh and also when going to bed, and the headband is always getting in the way of resting my head back whether it’s on a pillow or the chair headrest. I really wish they’d release another bone conduction model without the band, I’d be interested in trying these Open Airs but I’m a bit reticent since they’re air conduction, so I’m afraid they’d wake my gf while I use them in bed which I don’t have to worry about with the Shokz.

[@karlinmckinnon2878]

I have a pair and trust me, she won't hear a thing unless you're blasting it and she's right beside you.. These are a game changer! 👍🏿

[@MegaUrzo]

The update to Open run is so good

[@jb5434]

Love your thorough reviews. Thank you! I wonder how these compare to the Bose Ultra Open.

[@rabomarc]

3:55 a few months have passed and the OpenFit Airs can actually have custom EQ settings.

[@zionsoldier08]

The TOZO Openbuds are a much better option in my opinion especially for the price point. They have an adjustable earhook making the audio more prevalent. I returned my Openfit Airs.

[@joshuasuarez2370]

But heavier

[@theFriebe]

I tried the OpenFit and had many issues where the Bluetooth drops or sounds robotic on phone calls. Have to return those-Have you had any issues like this from your testing on either your OpenFit or OpenFit Air? Wondering if there was an improvement in Bluetooth technology between the models

[@michaellanger5671]

I sent back every bone conduction headphone since I found them lacking for podcasts or audiobooks when you have wind and ambient noise during bike riding! I prefer my Bose sunglasses which have great sound and protect my eyes 👍🏻 But great clip …thanks Des!!

[@Kameleonic]

Totally agree. For me though, it's the sound quality that can never be as good as even a cheap pair of eabuds.

[@Checque]

Have you had a chance to get a hold of some Bose Ultra Opens, if so, are they worth the almost 3X premium?

[@nicolemartinez9034]

I was wondering the same thing!

[@phongtran901]

I had those and returned them due to the microphone . It is terrible .

[@tomsakievichforutahcountyc1070]

I really wanted to love these but after trying them for several hours they were not comfortable. I returned them.

[@morganmartin9286]

I'd be curious to see if they will suffer with the internals breaking loose and rattling. I know it has been a problem for some(including myself) with some of their other products.

[@mart2.n]

I took SoundCore sport x10 - very solid and cheap sports buds

[@mr-sp0rt]

I am really looking forward to your review of the openswim pro.

[@Mdogbrown]

I’d like to know your thoughts on the tozo open buds. They’ve been getting a lot of attention lately for their price to performance ratio, rivaling headphones 2-4 times their price.

[@Xtelv]

I have the Openrun pro and the openfit Air. The reason why I got the openfit Air is the volume. The case for the Openrun is ridiculously big and take too much room in the bag.. For travel the Openfit are the better option.

[@RAGINGXBULL2]

I recently lost a pair of openruns. If these were IP67 like the openruns, I'd instantly buy them

[@fitgearhunter]

This is fantastic. How is sound quality or mic quality for calls? And within that for sound quality - how loud is volume? I use Powerbeats Pro for calls in the car and I often have to strain a little bit to hear the person on the phone

[@noelsampson4195]

Hi sir, I purchased 2 pairs of these for my wife and myself and loooove the sound quality,very warm and beautiful sound, But does shokz offer a lanyard with these ??? I see the slot on the molding like it could support a lanyard in case 1 were to pop off while running so it wouldn’t hit the ground or be lost,

[@dacook1987]

Shokz Openfit Air vs Anker Aerofit Pro?

[@DeviDaylight]

We need more testing about the Mic Do SHOKZ OpenFit Air Mic pick up ALL the sound and Air in noicy places or high winds?

[@nivity]

Will try these. Bone conduction does not work for me at all. And I don't like in ear or over ear due to tinnitus and irritation in ear canal issues from in ears. Also have problems with airpods pro falling out all the time whenever i need to use them.

[@tokyofelix]

Hi, excellent review! I'm big into road cycling and I was wondering whether these or the new openSwim Pros would do the job better? I love that these are quite a bit cheaper and give better sound quality but I'm worried about not being able to hear cars properly with them on. How much better is the sound quality on these than on the openswims in general?

[@afteraftersun]

Which one would suit better for running? I know that many use openrun for running but I see that the open fit air looking better. Is the open fit air also more comfortable even when it’s off? In comparison where u can just put the open run around ur neck.

[@georgelrg]

Thanks man for this excellent review! I wanna ask: I love to run, and music is an important part of my running routine. I sync my Forerunner 265 with a pair of WF C700N which provide great sound and have ANC. But the fit is highly unreliable and uncomfortable for long sessions. Haven’t tried neither Bone-conduction or air conduction before, but I’d love something good sounding, comfortable and with good fit. I’ve been eyeing this airs, but haven’t discarded the open run. Are the airs secure? Are preferable over the openrun sound wise? Thank you Sir!!

[@syedyaseen8984]

Hello, I would appreciate it if someone could provide more information about the microphone's performance. Specifically, I am curious about how it works while driving, especially with the windows open, and how it performs in a room setting. I am considering purchasing this product due to some ear-related issues I have. I used to use iPhone earphones, but having my ears fully blocked has become uncomfortable and even painful, often causing my ears to get hot. Any insights regarding the microphone's performance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance for your help.

[@BillyNewport-ez2vn]

Wind is a big problem with these. If it's windy then you cant hear the podcast any more. This is when running at maybe 8:30 pace facing the wind. Maybe not so much a problem with music but for podcasts it's terrible. I still run with my openrun bone conduction as a result. Wind isn't an issue.

[@DesFit]

One thing I forgot to mention with these is that with the larger pod, they cover the ear canal just slightly more than the original OpenFit which seems to block wind better and I found these to be very comparable to bone conduction with vocals and podcasts.

[@BillyNewport-ez2vn]

@@DesFit My experience is with the original openfit. Very good for calls outside though. Maybe, I'll swap to these and see but the openrun's are so good... Maybe not worth it.

[@johnhughes5219]

$99 right now at Best Buy. Yes they sound really good with music from Spotify.

[@nelb.4976]

I'm wondering how it will be at par with theSoundcore Aerofit Pro

[@Luli408]

You spell quickly about the microphone… how old does it do outside in a noisy street? Does it do a good job in filtering background noise?

[@clydevaughan1443]

Hi can these be used with ear plugs as I would have to wear ear plugs with them at work due to health and safety?

[@mrmark199]

Thanks for the great review Des! Between these and the original Openfit, do either press against the tragus (the flap that covers the ear canal), or do they have little/no contact with it? I very easily get issues from pressure on that area.

[@zmielonyrzuf]

are they usable on high speed biking? can they fight with wind noise?

[@AntoineThisdale]

Funny i was just watching your previous video about the Openfit.

[@GlennThomas]

Same!

[@DesFit]

🙌

[@AC-lt5ro]

You missed the microphone comparison !

[@DesFit]

Try watching the video again, you may have missed it

[@AC-lt5ro]

⁠​⁠I was hoping to have a "comparison" between the originals. 9:38

[@parkerkerth8446]

have you had any issues with them chargng? I have had 3 pairs of openfits and they all stop charging in the case

[@ulolalola]

Thank you for your video. Could you please confirm if they are compatible with the running watches with music? I had problems connecting it with my Garmin sq music

[@TischTosh]

Nickel! Oh dear, thanks for the heads up on this Des. Why can't earbud companies use another metal (anyone other than LG)? I can't be the only one who is super sensitive to nickel and latex.

[@DesFit]

NiTi is just for the metal material within the hook but the hook is coated in silicone (which of course some may have a reaction to)

[@TischTosh]

@DesFit Thanks for replying! 💓 I had a reaction to my openrun shokz pro, and the silicone is probably the same. Only the LG FP9 work for me but I might try these....

[@EzCh33zy]

Thanks for the video. Would you happen to have an update on the Dual Noise-Canceling Mic? Wondering if this would be a good option to use for work calls (both Teams and phone). My current wired apple headphones with the mic literally pick up anything and reslly loud and can annoy my coworkers. Always have to be stressing about muting and unmuting myself constantly.

[@ArvinRosales03]

can i wash it? what i love about their bone conduction phones is that i can wash them thoroughly with soap after a run or ride. if yes, i will definitely buy one

[@chemicalclowns]

I could never make the switch- too many people have told me the issue of either of them coming off was stupid annoying. Also if they have a touch sensor I've always had issue with earbuds thinking my wet hair is my finger and pushing the volume to max or turning off ;n;

[@michaelnewman4302]

These don't solve the problem I have with bone conduction earphones. Anything that sits on top of my ear *with* my eyeglass stems *hurt*. This is why I'm using Bose Ultra Wireless Open earbuds now. I had to invent my own retention system for the Bose, being concerned about losing them out on the road...but that's another issue. I no longer listen in pain.

[@DesFit]

You may want to give these a try if you haven't done so already. I also experience some over-the-ear fatigue with wrap-around bone conduction headphones due to the weight but these, as well as the original OpenFits are light and very comfortable. Over the ear isn't my first choice usually but I don't experience any issues with these. Interesting you mentioning the custom retention system you added to the Bose.

[@Boracheat007]

I could not find the app in App Store. Is it available in only some regions?

[@jrhogben84]

I have the openfit (originals), which i choose over competitor open ear headphones, as i tried a few options. But after many runs with them, I've had a few issues. 1. Accidentally presses when wearing a more fitted hood due to rain i find common 2. Them not disconnecting from my phone when I put them in the case I would love to have the option to turn the touch buttons off as that would solve the accidentally presses

[@SonnyDarvish]

I use my aftershokz mostly when taking a shower or for walks and jogging in quite areas. Their products are useless for road cycling as the wind noise quickly overwhelms the music. It's worse for podcasts as missing words here and there constantly forces the user to rewind. I don't think speaker style would resolve the wind noise issue, so I'll continue using ear buds for now.

[@BMoore215]

Should have just put the bone conduction in the video as well since the main topic is about them!

[@ricoviii1]

How about JBL soundgear sense pretty great review those

[@ericbaluya361]

Just wondering how people with hearing aid will react with this as they are complaining when I use my Bose frames during my daily commute.

[@davidscott358]

can you use hea siri with these thank you

[@mikewilson0]

I had the originals and they were plagued with horrible battery and charging issues. Never again.

[@kfahren1]

I have the same problem. Just contacted them a 2nd time and they are replacing again under warranty. I am wondering the same thing about the battery.

[@rusty9514]

Gotta say I was surprised to see that you listen to The Nuge

[@DesFit]

The tracks on my go-to playlist are all over the map...but no Michael Bolton in sight ;)

[@emreon3160]

Just one more thing that was missed, and is important. The sound quality is not as good with the new openswim pro models, less BASS, and ONLY the 9th generation OPENRUN PRO has this feature. The older bluetooth with respect to sound codecs is irrelevant as the speakers are not studio quality anyway, so the bass feature is probably critical.

[@TheStammerer-sn3qs]

The open fit air - It's absolutely useless for running - the touch function is dreadful, esp when sweating, they are not responsive and sometimes don't work. When changing songs, the song skips and sounds awful. I have tested these twice on long runs and consistently bad - my honest review is coming soon

[@bobbyblade1423]

That's an awesome price

[@IanRuns]

If you are to choose between these and oladance ows sport, which will it be?

[@DesFit]

These

[@WowRixter]

Will this method be damage your hearing like wearing earbuds can? My wife has a problem with hearing and she quite enjoys her OpenRun but doesn't like earbuds. Damage is probably too harsh a word, but more wondering if this tech is harder on your hearing than bone conduction

[@hobotify]

The only reason i wear open ear headphones is the fit. Sound quality is shit in all of them. I constantly need to fidget with silicone-tip earbuds to get the right seal, and they often fall out. Over-ear headphones are too big and cumbersome to wear for training. I need that earloop/neckband design, even at the expense of sound quality.

[@LawandaFinch]

Any tips on pairing? I can’t get them to pair.

[@capturedbyfabian]

I literally opened the lid and went to bluetooth and there they were. Clicked on it and connected immediately. iphone 14 Pro

[@Stevencablr]

The product I picked from HK in one of the store at Decathlon. 3 Months the product stopped working (Open Fit Air). It won't disconnect from the phone or Mac even after it's inside the charging box. The product is so bad that even though you manually disconnect its still goes and connect to the last known device. The battery drys off ... and left ear bud won't charge and right ear gets charged because some contact issue with magnetic. The product is failure ... and they sell at 60 // 70 or 80% discount. This company uses all 3rd grade chip and usb software made by some cheap company. Please avoid... and save your money.

[@Kameleonic]

Good review. Personally, I think this type of headphone is terrible: the sound is nothing but weird. I tried these in the shop and within 30 seconds was, "No way".

[@gillty]

The use of the term air conduction harms consumer decision making by presenting the technology of open air speakers as a novel or new technology. @desfit I understand why manufacturers like Shokz promote the term, however I would appreciate if reviewers refrain from making consumer decision making more difficult. At worst the consumer is misled by a gimmicky term, at best the consumer recognizes what is a marketing term. The use of the term simply has no place in informing consumers.

[@LifeCycle1978]

I’m not sure the public is as confused by the term “air conduction” as you think they are.

[@DarrenCroton]

Just say “speaker” then

[@capybara5494]

Have you watched the video ?

[@DarrenCroton]

Yes. It’s a characteristically solid and very helpful review from Des. But that doesn’t change the validity of the top comment which we’re all replying to.

[@capybara5494]

@@DarrenCroton you seem to have missed the part when he specifically says that it’s just a speaker then

[@evdb7246]

Bet wind noise is awful on these

[@DesFit]

They actually do quite well. These as well as the original OpenFits are my go to for road and gravel riding with plenty of wind.

[@JustinMintz01]

Damn i just got the regular openfit today :(

[@ilyave]

Lost me at touch control. Worst feature on any product. Accidental pause or skip ruins experience no matter how good the sound quality. OpenRuns are great with physical buttons.

[@bakinak9091]

Air conduction and bone conduction are medical definitions of hearing. Not as complicated as you think. - Board certified ear doctor

[@MookieKong]

How many times can Des say the word “open” in one video? 😜

[@DesFit]

Open to any guesses 🙃

[@WeirdSnakeGal]

in my country the openfit air is $20 more expensive than the openfit 😑they're really taking the piss

[@claudiobravoa.5339]

SHOKZ OpenFit Air Review NOT buy these headphones, you will be DECEIVED: can ONLY be used on the phone, cannot be installed on the iPad, nor PC, MC

[@claudiobravoa.5339]

SHOKZ OpenFit Air Review NOT buy these headphones, you will be DECEIVED: can ONLY be used on the phone, cannot be installed on the iPad, nor PC, MC

[@sby1076]

Yah nah, Baseus Eli Sport 1 is more worth it than this

[@joshuasuarez2370]

But heavier

[@sby1076]

@joshuasuarez2370 I have been wearing shokz open run pro and this Baseus is so much lighter ...like wearing nothing ...definitely ain't much difference to this.....low latency is so good too, the sound :) try yourself ....:)

[@Jay-ws7tv]

I don’t like that they look phallic

[@farkumaxis9064]

only brand i won't buy SHOKZ

[@capturedbyfabian]

Definitely missing out 😂

[@claudiobravoa.5339]

SHOKZ OpenFit Air Review NOT buy these headphones, you will be DECEIVED: can ONLY be used on the phone, cannot be installed on the iPad, nor PC, MC

[@capturedbyfabian]

@@claudiobravoa.5339 you are wrong. I have them and use them with my iphone and ipad at the same time 🤦‍♂️

[@Deveem4738]

Voice assistant sucks. It doesnt know what a playlist is

[@raxcentalruthenta1456]

Air Conduction is a horrible marketing term.

[@claudiobravoa.5339]

SHOKZ OpenFit Air Review NOT buy these headphones, you will be DECEIVED: can ONLY be used on the phone, cannot be installed on the iPad, nor PC, MC

[@benanderson2823]

talks to fast and to much

[@russellledonne4370]

Try not to use poor spelling TOO often.