The Best Open-Ear Audio Yet? Shokz OpenFit Pro Review

AMB has been sent the top-of-the-line wireless personal audio accessories from Shokz to put through the wringer, or at least onto the sweaty head of a mountain biker, to see how they stack up against the wild sounds of the forest.

If you’re a fan of on-bike audio for the trainer or in the wilds, the OpenFit is a connect-and-forget experience.  They deliver consistent quality sound reliably and comfortably. For me, that is always a sign of something that works well and is so easy to use that you forget it’s there. 

At around the $400 mark, it’s firmly in premium territory – but it’s also the most feature-packed open-ear model Shokz has released. I know that earbuds are commonplace now, but they still look like a Star Trek accessory to me.  I still remember the old cassette Walkmans! I mention this as a reference to how far we have come.  While this is a comparative review in absolute terms, the standard for personal listening devices is so good these days that there is no comparison to anything from even a few years ago. Wires? We don’t need those!

First Look at Shokz OpenFit Pro

A box in a box, but packaging is part of communicating brand value, quality, and sustainability. The black box in a sleeve opens to reveal the sleek white inset charging case. Bevelled edges make it easy to slide in and out of pockets and create a neat home for new ear jewellery. Straight out of the box, the Shokz OpenFit Pro looks and feels like quality; they have a refined, functional design.  The charging case uses the ubiquitous USB-C cable (supplied) and the usual paperwork. Putting them on the first thing you notice is the build quality. The ear hooks are secure and comfortable. 

The OpenFit Pro’s construction is a titanium core (and who doesn’t love some Ti bling) coated in a soft silicone, which creates flex with the underlying structure. They hold their shape better than previous models, which translates to a more secure fit when you’re bouncing down a trail or grinding out a climb. I never had a single moment when I felt the OpenFit was working its way loose, nor any dislodgment during my testing.

The open-ear design remains perfect for active users who need to be aware of their surroundings while listening to their favourite jam. The slim speaker sits just outside your ear canal, directing sound inwards but leaving your ears unobstructed to outside sources of sound. No tips, no sealing, no pressure – just a light, barely-there feel that’s light and comfortable.

Controls have also been reconsidered compared to the previous model. Instead of relying purely on touch (which can be hit-and-miss with sweaty hands or gloves), the OpenFit Pro introduces physical buttons. It’s a small change, but one that makes a big difference on the bike. 

Under the hood, Shokz has packed in:

• Dual-diaphragm drivers for improved sound, especially bass 
• Open-ear noise reduction (not full Active Noise Cancelling, but designed to cut out background chatter) 
• Multipoint Bluetooth for switching between devices 
• Up to 12 hours battery (50 with the case) 
• IP55 rating, meaning sweat, dust, and a bit of grime won’t faze them 

On paper, it’s the most complete open-ear package Shokz has put together – and in the hand, it feels like it too.

Shokz has been edging toward this for a while – but the OpenFit Pro is the first time it feels like they’ve genuinely nailed the balance between performance, comfort, and everyday usability.

Open-ear audio has always come with compromises, but there is a noticeable improvement over my personal Shokz OpenRun. There’s an actual low-end base, the top-end vocals are clearer, and you don’t feel like you’re missing quality music when you’re out on the trail. It’s not in-ear, sealed-pod-style earbud territory – but it’s easily the best Shokz has sounded.

Comfort is, as expected, exceptional. Long rides, long days – it doesn’t matter. These are the kind of earbuds you forget you’re wearing until you pause your music and realise how quiet everything suddenly feels. I notice a distinct improvement in comfort on longer rides, where the behind-the-head style of my OpenRun Pro one-piece headphones can sometimes create pressure on the temples.

The addition of physical buttons is a significant improvement, especially for mountain bike riders. No more fumbling with taps that don’t register when you’re mid-descent or wearing full finger gloves. The single button has a range of options: single click, double click, click and hold, triple click on each side. These can be customised through the excellent Shokz App. I did struggle to remember how many clicks did what, but that was due to a lack of familiarity more than anything. 

Awareness when on the bike is where the OpenFit Pro excels. You can hear tyres on dirt, traffic approaching, your mates talking, everything that matters when you’re riding outside. That alone makes them a safer, more practical option than other big-brand in-ear pods. 

The Shokz App was excellent, and despite my eye rolling at having to sign up to yet another App, to get the most out of these, you really do need to use the App. The standard charging status and the “where are my earphones” function are just a few of the many very useful settings in the App. Noise reduction, Dolby Atmos™ and equaliser settings are a few of the more technologically advanced options.  There was also a funky Head Tracking sound effect. The faders automatically adjust to keep the sound source feeling like it is directly in front of you, even if you turn your head left or right. For those on the move, this may be less useful, but for the stereo experience while at the desk, it’s a novel feature.  

What about noise reduction?

It is worth being clear, this isn’t true active noise cancelling. While I’m not known for petite ears, when riding at high speed, wind noise easily became dominant, overwhelming the audio.  I think it is unreasonable to expect that all wind noise will be cancelled. What the noise reduction does is to take off the edge of that sound. Think white noise, air-conditioning hum in the office or wind hum at the café stop. 

It helps dampen down background noise, but it won’t block out traffic or engine noise. On the odd occasion when feeling for the button, my finger rubbed the earphone, creating a vibration which the active noise reduction tried to cancel with a short, sharp squeak. Not a problem with gloves, but it was a shock until I worked out what was causing it. Most riders and running using these for active pursuits will likely treat the noise reduction as a ‘nice to have’ rather than a must-use feature. 

If you’ve come from the Shokz OpenRun or OpenDots series, the OpenFit Pro feels like the grown-up version. Better sound, more secure fit, and less fiddly overall. The OpenRun wins on simplicity and price, but it feels like the entry-level option, while the OpenDots vary mainly in ear placement and aesthetics.

Against the Shokz OpenRun (bone conduction), it’s more of a fork in the road than a straight upgrade. The OpenRun still owns maximum awareness and absolute stability – it’s the pick for racers, road riders, or anyone who wants zero movement and zero fuss. But the audio quality isn’t in the same league. The OpenFit Pro offers a more premium experience than both its siblings, better sound than OpenRun, and greater security and premium features than OpenDots.

Our Take on Shokz OpenFit Pro

The OpenFit Pro isn’t trying to replace your noise-cancelling headphones. What it does is create its own niche, high-quality audio for active users that keeps you connected to the world around you while you’re on the move. For mountain bikers, commuters, and anyone who values awareness as much as sound, it’s easily the best option in the Shokz lineup.

If you want one pair of earphones that can handle rides, gym sessions, and everyday listening without compromise – this is it.