Shokz Openrun vs Openrun Pro: Which new Shokz running headphones should you buy?

Shokz Openrun or Openrun Pro? Shokz (formerly Aftershokz) recently launched it latest series of bone conduction headphones that are quite clearly aimed at runners.
Testers Nick, Tom and Mike have been testing out both headphones over the last couple of months to see what they're made of and are here help you understand how they compare and decide
whether you go Openrun or pay more for the Openrun Pro.
JUMP STRAIGHT IN:
00:03 - Intro
00:13 - Price, detail and features
01:52 - Design, fit and controls
04:25 - Sound quality
09:34 - Verdict
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[@cjboots1115]

Watched nearly 40 videos comparing these headphones and thank you guys for being the most honest and transparent. Although others said that they were given the pros by shockz and their reviews were honest..... obviously not !!!

[@TheRunTesters]

Glad it was useful!

[@diablooo]

The best comparison, today i will order the open run, many thanks guys, respect from Romania

[@dashingexplorer2840]

So refreshing to have a review that does NOT push us to spend more money just for the sake of spending more

[@pilatesplaygroundbymicheleb]

Thank you! I’ve been really struggling with this choice. You helped me settle on the Open Runs 🙏🏻

[@AllenBlay]

Outstanding video guys! This is exactly what a review should be like. Well done.

[@cheekster777]

Thanks for the comparison review guys. 🙏🏻

[@lifegreats]

Thanks for the honest review, exactly what I was looking for in a review.

[@jakedubs]

Been a while since I've heard and actual review on KZbin. Great job guys

[@welshspringer121]

Great review - very much appreciate that you get to the point straight away and show the product in action. I was torn between the two on the basis that I assumed the pro was better audio quality. Have happily ordered the standard version thanks to your review and saved myself £30. I'm a new subscriber and look forward to looking at your other content - thanks!

[@AmineOueldi]

Thanks for the fair and clear review! 🙏

[@ragnarox16]

Great review. Love three different perspectives. Only missed the mic quality. But ultimately, yeah, it's a big price difference for very little difference. My old Aftershokz died the other day, so this video is a great help in deciding the next purchase. Thanks guys!

[@johnhartzler3089]

My first pair died about the same time. Think it was the rain and sweat from a long ride :-( Was a bit nervous about getting another pair, but I love the open air for bicycling

[@gambitgambino1560]

@@johnhartzler3089my condolences

[@TischTosh]

Liked your input, guys.. For me, using them on a run is a bonus. I'm looking for BCH's because I CAN'T do earbuds anymore, so I need them for calls/home use. I used one bad of earbuds recently after YEARS of TWS earbuds, and now my canals have a horrible reaction to any nonfoam tips. Haven't tried foam since this problem started, but I never really cared for foam tips.

[@kevindrake714]

Based off your review I’m not going to upgrade, thanks so much this its exactly what I was looking for.

[@marcconwi]

Definitely helped me decide what to buy.. I really appreciate your feedback on this product

[@johsonug92]

Thanks for this! Most honest comparison I found!

[@danishakhtar2093]

I have both OpenRun and OpenRun Pro, and both works great. Another benefit of the pro version is that it comes with a compact case, while the original version does not.

[@irawanjohan]

I bought the openrun based on your opinion, thank you 🙏

[@irawanjohan]

And I'm loving it, good sound, no need more bass as when I ride on the road the bass is gone, it happened with cardo jbl too

[@julianandyvonne]

Exactly the information I needed guys. What a great review. Cheers 👍

[@calluma8472]

Solid review - thanks

[@TomsThriftyLife]

great stuff, thanks guys! exactly the info I was looknig for

[@snoopybrown2438]

I just bought the shokz open run today. It was on sale for $199 singapore dollars as compared to the shokz open run pro priced at $269 singapore dollars. There were test sets for both models for customers to experiment on and I honestly couldn’t tell any difference in the sound quality. I decided on the shokz open run model because it was more value for money and also it is water proof as compared to the pro which is only water resistant.

[@mohamadhairulnizam9820]

Do Still using shokz now??

[@brianlagace57]

Me to the open run were on for 129 dollars at best buy the open run pro was 229 dollars in canada the price difference wasn't worth it so I bought the open runs. Both were on display at best buy and could hear a difference but not worth the price difference for the price of the pro I can spend an extra 30 dollars and have two pair open runs

[@averywalden5204]

It's never water proof. It's always water resistant. Check the standards to your ip rating. Odds are they probably aren't good past 10 feet of water pressure and the only exposure the do is put it in a cup of water for an amount of time. I think the pros were left under water for like 10 or 50 minutes and still worked just fine meaning they could be submerged even more but it's not rated to survive past 10 feet.

[@julianasalem8298]

I’m getting Addicted to the channel! Congratulations!

[@johntemplin7100]

Great informative video guys 👌

[@cajames1]

Thank you all for the extremely honest review.

[@TheRunTesters]

Our pleasure!

[@traderz13]

really helpful and especially comparing to the openmove as well. Thanks

[@drsandrheas]

Great review! Straightforward and honest. No BS

[@davidpacker7602]

Great review, having 3 perspectives gives it a lot more credibility.

[@alirezavancouver]

Fantastic review!

[@tedthompson9379]

Thanks for the review guys, exactly the info I need. I'm replacing a 4 year old pair of first or second gen pair and you just saved me $60 CND.

[@richardcharleshale]

This is a brilliant review, why aren't there more like this online, honest, meaningful, and fully tested prodcuts!!! Very good, thank you. I was going to spend 40 quid more, not now!!

[@scottwarner1017]

I've just bought the open run, so I was interested to hear your review. It's a good review. Thanks.

[@6.....5.....Detroit]

Great review, to the point. Thanks, fellas 👍

[@JaysonAbion]

Thanks this is the review i needed

[@cyrilescobar8210]

Great review, very useful!

[@isaactone7045]

Appreciate the reaction boys help make the choice

[@pineapplesandpancakes6758]

Great video. very helpful

[@tomm1413]

You guys just saved me $40! Thanks for the great review!

[@kevhino]

Great review boys. Thanks for the recommendation!

[@scottburrell4100]

Thanks guys. I've got a pair of Aeroplex and having watched a couple of your videos on the Shokz I don't think I need to go out and do £150 on a new pair! Seems much of the same with the word Pro after it! Cheers.

[@d0minar]

I buy those for gym and general "outside of the house" use. Best earphones I've ever had for this purpose. Especially at the gym. I no longer have to worry about earphones falling off/out when I'm working on a bag or benching. 10/10!

[@jaspermcdowell229]

Thanks for the in depth review guys!

[@washingtonrealty100]

Thanks for the video I just bought openrun but I think im going to switch them for the openpro just because they are $4 different so I might as well go with the pro thanks again.

[@onezeon]

Got a brand new pair of openrun shokz mini for £40 locally to me!! Happy with that 🎧😎

[@fjfjrfjfjr]

Thank you Sirs! 😀

[@ariereynaldi]

It's give me very good insight. Im gonna buy shokz and i'm sure i will get openrun (non pro). Thanks

[@bars20ru1]

Thanks for the review. How different is the microphone quality of these headphones?

[@marckaplanes8242]

really thorough review. confirmed kind of what I was thinking - the "pro" wasn't enough difference for the price. Plus, they are rated less waterproof.

[@kerimbozkurt3301]

I manage to break one part of my OpenRun ( do not put in your pocket without its case) and I was debating whether I should buy OpenRun or OpenRun Pro, I mainly listen podcasts or talk on the phone so this review saved me from buying Pro, thx.

[@jasonlombera7096]

I bought the pros and had issues with people not hearing me good on the mic when talking through the phone. Returned and got the open runs and they’re great so far

[@Forwardever.]

I am looking to purchase as a truck driving headset. So main use would be for talking on the phone. So would you recommend the open run over the pro for this type of use?

[@FLICSB]

I've tried both as well as the open move. In the noisey streets of NYC and windy places when I travel. Zero difference on the mic between all three so far...they all have serious issue when there's wind and or if you are laying down so the mic isn't on the correct location near your temple...yet they are the best mics for the price I've found (even when compared to Apple pros) on a wireless pair. Disclaimer, i haven't tried Google or Samsung buds...

[@caleblilley6722]

You'd be surprised how many companies allow them since you can wear earplugs so a lot of workers also buy them as well

[@EnduringWrath]

I look at these for factory work, we are not allowed in ear headphones. It would be nice to get an idea of how loud they are in comparison to "louder than normal" ambient noise. I'm glad you guys are here to give an honest review, I'll be picking up a set of the openrun rather than the pro. One thing to consider for you guys, it would be interesting for people like me to know what the average battery life is at max volume. I work 12 hour shifts, so having an idea of which set would get me through a longer period of time at max volume would be helpful. I do understand that the channel is runner focused, but there are no reviews based on factory applications :D.

[@bobbyburke4594]

I work in a factory as well but use the aeropex version which I believe is the non-pro. Since I have to wear earplugs and am not allowed anything in ear besides those these are perfect. My volume for podcast and some music is right at 50%, to 75%, using them about 60% to 75% of the time. They last the entire 10-hour day. I have had them well over a year and no noticeable drop in battery life. I charge them every night.

[@literaryshit2427]

I wouldn't put it on full blast for hearing protection reasons

[@vexxy0ps689]

I use mine every day next to Forklifts and horns going off and honestly it takes a few days to get use to the sound and tone, but when you switch back to normal earbuds you feel vulnerable cus you can't hear anything around you. Audio is pretty good for bone conduction but in ear is always superior. You are sacrificing audio quality for the ability to hear anyone around you it's honestly worth it because I'm half deaf so I can't hear well as is.

[@vexxy0ps689]

Get a portable battery and charge it on your lunch or something. It gives a decent playtime in 10 minutes. I believe it was a 1 1/2 play time.

[@EnduringWrath]

@Kaya-Sem I ended up grabbing them...they've been awesome so far at work, the gym, yard work...doesn't matter.

[@peterbdavies]

I think there are other reasons why someone would be interested in bone conduction headphones other than needing to hear ambient sound or for running or cycling etc. I am not much of a runner at all. My main reason for looking at these it because I am finding more and more that in ear true wireless headphones are uncomfortable and irritate my ear and I have tried a few types. Sure, for proper high quality sound I use over the ear Bose noise cancelling headphones but they are too much when out and about. Hearing ambient sound is handy but use when walking the dogs, in the office on video calls and when travelling are my main uses. On that basis which would you recommend, the Openrun or Openrun Pro?

[@NurseJuno]

The sound quality was my only concern, otherwise, OpenRun seems better in many ways, most attractively IP67, I love to have a shower while listening after running or cycling. The Pro version is perhaps faster in charging and has better sound quality, but I got other headphones for music, etc. saving about $50 sounds reasonable for OpenRun. I am rather surprised that this video is only one telling about the differences between OpenRun and Pro version. Thank you for the video, and reply, it helped me choose.

[@hernanserrano3464]

Can you shower with either version?

[@FluffyLea]

@@hernanserrano3464 I wouldn't. I'm currently looking for new ones because my old Aftershokz (IP67) have been damaged during a run in very heavy rain. But Shokz have some for swimming...

[@pbft.j]

Take this with a grain of salt, but I showered with mine quite a few times (when watching sports aha!) and the silicone began to lose its grip on the plastic BEFORE any kind of damage. It did not impact my user experience personally. I was careful not to fully just sit underneath the shower head, though. @@hernanserrano3464

[@BrianRPaterson]

To me, apart from the price, the biggest difference seems to be battery life. 8 hours on the OpenRuns vs 10 hours on the Pros. If you are out for a big day on the bike or a long hike, I reckon the extra two hours is worth having. Admittedly you can recharge them on-the-go from a powerbank, but it takes planning AND a proprietary cable. I have a cheap set of back-up wireless buds that live in my top-tube bag just in case my OpenRuns run down. One other thing. When the battery starts getting old and run time deteriorates, the Pros should still last a bit longer than the regular OpenRuns. That might be worth factoring into the calculation when deciding whether the extra money is worth paying. Either way, Shokz are the best sports headphones I've ever used. All the other brands I've tried have died due to sweat getting in and killing the electronics. UPDATE I overlooked one other difference: The OpenRun Pro can use the Shokz phone app. That might make setting them up or changing settings easier. Cheers

[@Alan-Smith]

Shokz Openrun on sale for just under £85 in Costco UK at the moment

[@blushihtzu]

What do you recommend if you have conductive hearing loss in one ear?

[@michaelsellors5227]

Agree with the fact that the sound quality is not as bigger upgrade as hoped. However, you can now get in from a run, chuck your Shokz in a drawer and when you’re getting ready for your next run just charge them for a few minutes and you’re good to go. Think that’s a game changer.

[@BigDiscEnergyLLC]

It is but the difference between them is 5 minutes of charge. 5 to 10 minutes isn't a massive change.

[@LP11294]

Love my OpenRuns. Have a set of Sony Wireless earbuds and love them but running for more than 5K with them in starts making me feel sick and stops my runs. Finally able to go much longer with 0 distractions with the Shokz 💪🏻

[@thebigmann81]

I'm thinking of getting the Rigin rumble. They have 20 hours of battery life haven't found anything with this much battery life as of yet but I'm still searching before I make final decision . I work 12-14 hour days so a basic 6-9 hours won't cut it.

[@cedricjausserand5530]

Merci pour cette comparaison, cela m'a aidé à bien choisir. Ayant revendu mon aeropex normal et ma femme possédant l'open run mini, je cherchais à remplacer l'aeropex par un mini et j'hésitais entre l'open run et le pro. Maintenant mon choix est fait !

[@averywalden5204]

Just picked up 3 pairs of the open run pro for $100 each for Christmas gifts. Literally EVERYONE absolutely was blown away by how they work. Audio is decent but for the features I'm okay with not absolutely perfect audio. Everything sounds like it's coming off an album to me. For the pro my only complaint is I just wish the app had more features and a more in-depth equalizer.

[@averywalden5204]

That and the specific charger it requires 💀

[@averywalden5204]

I got 10 hours out of the pro at about 40%. I use them for a lot more than running cause that's not the only place these are useful. Factory, retail, cycling, casual listening, there's so many more applications of this product that aren't discussed. For example not getting ear fucked by wind or that weird earwax sweat we get from in ear headphones.

[@averywalden5204]

Y'all also don't go over that the pros ONLY have an app

[@mtbkrdon]

Am I. Issing something from the App because to me the thing it does is change the EQ from music to podcast, and ability to pair with multiple devices. Anything else it does that makes it even worth downloading?

[@averywalden5204]

@@mtbkrdon honestly no, I mean don't get me wrong I do actively use the built-in equalizer but it's one of those things where if I didn't have it I wouldn't even notice it I just use my normal one

[@stuffandnonsense8528]

I have used openmove every day, almost all day, for the last couple of years. I have just upgraded to openrun because the moves broke. I do not regret going for run over run pro.

[@KOKAYADP]

Thank you for your review, but I'm asking if both multi connection Bluetooth

[@cado3335]

I just got into bone conduction headphones and the first I bought was the Openrun Pro. Should I return the Openrun Pro and get the Openrun?

[@allenkmp]

Bought the OpenRun because of the better IP rating (waterproof vs water-resistant).

[@RoughRidersTV]

what about the call mic quality when on phone calls? Is there a big difference for listeners from the mic?

[@moonlidgt8220]

Please what about the mic .. are they good for teacher online?? Zoom meeting

[@paulbetesta]

Jut bought second pair after shocks got the open run as good enough for my needs for running cost me £117 from derby runner Spondon as local running shop to me and love my shocks open run 🏃

[@jimnasr9529]

Hey guys anything abt the mic quality differences?

[@MelvinChia]

hi, it seems that with my OpenRun Pro Mini, the "digital assistant" function triggers on my iPhone, but the mic on the OpenRun Pro Mini doesn't work with Siri.. it only works with the mic on my iPhone..

[@johnkennedy163]

Beware that Shokz won’t honour their 2 years warranty if you haven’t bought from an ‘authorised dealer’ who seem to sell superior products than independent stores. They have a poor customer service but it’s a decent product to run in.

[@yathercantillano3874]

That is so lame it hurts. Ugh 🤦

[@rustic35]

So the more expensive model has a reduced water rating. That's crazy.

[@kd300]

Thanks guys great review I’ll get the open run not the pro

[@edarmando2683]

I just bought 3 pair’s today of open runs the best bargain for your bucks for $90 each can’t wait to get them I saved $99

[@user-eb5ri3nf9d]

hi, i have the aeropex worth upgrade to openrun pro?

[@mrcraggle]

The difference in price is typically £30 which I think is worth it because there are some other things you guys didn't mention here that are an improvement but now the regular OpenRuns are on sale for £110. That's a price difference of £50 and at that point it's a no brainer to go for the regular pair. I'm going to see if I can return my Pros and get the regular model.

[@jimjamthebananaman1]

Are they worth it? I still can’t decide

[@mrcraggle]

@@jimjamthebananaman1 sorry, I only just saw your reply. I have both and tested them side by side. I will say that the Pros do sound better and it is noticeable and that might be worth it for some but if you're out and about, that difference is likely lessened. Both headsets vibrate at higher volumes though but due to the extra bass, the Pros more so and it's down to comfort at that point. The Pros also get a hard shell carrying case whereas the regular Ooenrun's get a small pouch. That's really all it comes down to. I'm sticking with the non-Pro model and saving myself £50. I added a little more bass in the EQ settings on my phone to help with the sound. While it doesn't match the Pros, it's an improvement over the headphones default sound which I find somehow flat and harsh depending on what you're listening too. The non-Pros also have better water proofing too so I can feel a bit more confident that they'll be ok to use when it's raining.

[@mikesalim]

Hi there, just wondering whether openrun has the dual noise cancelling too? Have you test the calls for both model?

[@mutemute]

How could you have noise cancelling with your ears open..

[@ukmanthailand]

@@mutemute He's talking about the dual noise cancelling microphone system. Maybe think first before jumping in and trying to sound clever.

[@rondijcks9162]

At the 8.30 min mark , you mention the battery life and how quickly it dies when on stand-by, ...but if you Turn-OFF the device, it will keep a reasonable amount of its charge for a long while, maybe even weeks... But again, in the true OFF position they WILL hold adequate charge, and also these do charge pretty fast, particularly if you are in a pinch, hence a quick 5, 10 or 15 minute quick charge would give you from 1 to about 2.5 hrs of music, and even more for phone, and standby....

[@communicationiskey-]

Good review… Are these like Apple AirPods, when battery dies you need to purchase a brand new set or can battery be swapped out ?

[@mav48185]

Brand New. Not replaceable

[@DroidLocks6971]

I'm Listen Yu Guys Via Mis Aftershoks Aeropex Which Are AweSomeNess PerSoNiFied My Aeropex Last 16 to 20 hours on a single charge so the open run Pros will probably be even longer on a single charge - im planning to by the open run pro - movies podcasts music calls and callers and sound really nice

[@cheekbones2]

Maybe because of my curly hair I also experienced little difference in sound quality. I am compelled to believe there's some specific anatomy at play since some reviewers have a strong preference for the Pro. Some even claim "excellent" sound quality from either which has to be either BS or inexperience. IMO H15, Mairdi 100, and G7(Ebay) sound much better. ..

[@stevkyt2374]

I've not noticed any bass with my Shokz Pro. The high end is acceptable but the overall sound is really flat and very disappointing. Yes, they are the most comfortable headphone I've tried but I wouldn't recommend them for decent sound.

[@rondijcks9162]

Toward the end of your video, IMHO, it doesn't appear that you adequately discussed or credited 3 potentially-worth-the-cost differences regarding the pro vs non pro, that you pay extra money for, but might be of value in having, and 1., the pros charge much faster, full charge in1hr for pro vs 2hr., and 5 min vs 10 min for a 1 to 1.5 hours of use. 2., The Pros have the EQ sound profiles for calls or music which might be helpful depending on how being used. And 3., also, I don't think you mentioned that they come in a MINI version that effectively eliminates the overhang behind the neck, making the minis great for most women, and smaller adults in general AND Racing. In my experience, the minis stay MUCH closer to the neck in back, due to them being of shorter length from ear to ear. I am an average-sized man, and they fit great. They are worth the look if they stick way out from behind one's neck which can make them uncomfortable when using head rest, or laying back, say reclined on a plane or other such place/position... And sadly for the Pros, they have minimal Water Resistance where the OpenRuns are virtually water proof in shallow water for short periods of time, but you could swim with them IMO. Finally, you mention racing / running, and having the open ear design. There is another very very important place where having open ear design is a must... IN the CAR. Some jurisdictions have made in-ear phones illegal and will cite drivers if caught. These are a definite compromise in sound quality from an audiophile or music enthusiast POV but for all other purposes, they really are just great.

[@QuasiRandomViewer]

Is the button beep behavior between the two the same? Just as loud?

[@TheRunTesters]

Can't say we've noticed a difference between the two

[@mlee6050]

I'm sort of curious say if someone deaf as like can't hear people talk but then these make it possible to hear people or music as goes through bone than ear drum

[@ZadakLeader]

Why couldn't they have a USB-C connector. I hate it with all these proprietary connectors everywhere...

[@bkd2117]

These seem great for a very active lifestyle but I just can't see myself using these much over a traditional pair of headphones. Im more into sound quality and these just sound kinda weird to me especially when turned up louder. Just too much vibration in my ears. It tickles too much! Lol

[@songokuo5131]

What is the difference between khorz aerophex and khorz open run

[@BHShaman]

I am challenged to understand how these are noise canceling when they are completely outside of the ear canal. The entire purpose is to allow external noise to carry through to allow for awareness in sports (running, hiking, swimming, biking) that external noise is an important safety factor.

[@AB-cp6dk]

For phone calls, it cancels the noise from your end so the other person can hear you better.

[@songokuo5131]

What is the difference between aftershokz aerophex and open run

[@TheRunTesters]

Hi Son, Mike here. The key difference is the quick charge feature you get on the OpenRun over the Aeropex. Everything else is basically the same.

[@songokuo5131]

Thanks for the information ,because I bought this product

[@Msigw]

What? If you ever plan to listen to music in a stationary position, the Pro version has MUCH better sound quality than the “normal”. The normals just barely buzz your face, the pro does a much better job of simulating bass.

[@asfdasdful]

Listening on open run regular

[@rottenwendy4965]

What is the elastic strap for?

[@partofme100]

It presses the earbuds against your ear bone and keeps them in place.

[@tigerjazz61]

What device do you guys and gals typically pair your Shokz headphones with? Phone, watch, Mp3 or 4 or something else??

[@TheRunTesters]

Pretty much always a phone but occasionally a Garmin when racing

[@tigerjazz61]

@@TheRunTesters Thanks!

[@tigerjazz61]

@@TheRunTesters I’m pairing them with my IPhone now and am satisfied. I have the open run mini and think they are a better value than the open run pro!

[@goldendereck2726]

the pro version is way more comfortable to wear for me.

[@rondijcks9162]

There is no question that those who use the Shokz, (or any brand of...) bone conduction products, or any other bone conduction products, is that they CANNOT achieve the same level of base and/or music quality when mounted outside of the ear as they are designed to be. This does NOT mean that they are bad. It means that they have a certain appeal for how they are used, and one example is when driving. These technically remove the possiblilty of being cited by police in the areas where having headphones or ear buds on/in your ears, due to the open ear aspect of the product. HOWEVER?, there is a clear and noticeable loss of music quality with Bone Conduction produclts.

[@alanrezu]

Why nobody talks about its microphone?

[@epsileth]

Pro should have the higher waterproof rating, and open run has no android app support. Maybe the next version will fix this.

[@ryanalfafara4477]

the shokz openrun sipped my sweat and destroyed the power button. i think the pro nas better seat proofing

[@wehiro]

microphone testing misses?

[@TheeMoonstar]

Call quality is great on any Shokz.

[@rlowle1228]

Too bad there isnt an "on"light . Now you have to touch the "+" to see.