Bone conduction technology has revolutionized the audio experience for athletes and safety-conscious listeners, and Shokz (formerly AfterShokz) has consistently led this niche market. Their latest flagship model, the OpenRun Pro, promises improvements in sound quality, battery life, and comfort. After extensive testing in various environments and activities, I’m sharing my comprehensive review to help you decide if these unique headphones deserve a place in your fitness gear collection.
Pros/Cons Summary
Pros:
- Exceptional situational awareness while listening to audio
- Premium build quality with lightweight titanium frame
- Impressive 10-hour battery life
- Quick-charge feature (1 hour of playback from 5 minutes of charging)
- Improved bass response compared to previous models
- Comfortable for extended wear, even with glasses
- IP55 water and dust resistance
- Multi-point pairing for connecting to two devices simultaneously
Cons:
- Audio quality still can’t compete with traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones
- Limited passive noise isolation (by design)
- Higher price point than many wireless earbuds
- Microphone quality is merely adequate for calls
- Some sound leakage at higher volumes
Technical Specifications
- Model: Shokz OpenRun Pro (successor to Aeropex)
- Technology: 9th generation bone conduction
- Drivers: Premium bone conduction transducers with TurboPitch™ technology
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
- Charging Time: 1 hour for full charge; 5-minute quick charge for 1.5 hours of use
- Water/Dust Resistance: IP55 rating (protected against sweat, rain, and dust)
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, multi-point pairing
- Codec Support: SBC, aptX
- Weight: 29 grams (1.02 oz)
- Colors: Black, Blue, Pink, Beige
- Warranty: 2 years
Sound Quality Assessment
The OpenRun Pro represents a significant improvement in sound quality compared to earlier Shokz models, though with some inherent limitations of bone conduction technology.
The most notable upgrade comes in bass response, which has traditionally been a weak point for bone conduction headphones. The new TurboPitch™ technology provides more depth and resonance to low frequencies, making tracks with prominent bass lines more enjoyable than on previous models. While you won’t feel the chest-thumping bass you might get from premium in-ear headphones, the improvement is substantial enough that bass-heavy genres like hip-hop and electronic dance music are now entirely listenable.
Midrange frequencies, where most vocals reside, come through with good clarity. Podcasts and audiobooks are particularly well-suited for these headphones, with voices sounding natural and distinct. The updated transducers also handle acoustic instruments with better definition than previous models.
Treble response is adequate but can become slightly harsh at higher volumes. This is where the limitations of bone conduction become most apparent, as the technology struggles to deliver the crispness and detail in higher frequencies that traditional headphones can achieve.
One important factor to consider is that ambient noise will blend with your audio. While this is intentional for safety reasons, it does mean that sound quality can degrade in noisy environments. The OpenRun Pro performs best in quieter settings where the balanced sound profile can shine through.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort is where the OpenRun Pro truly excels. The titanium frame weighs just 29 grams and exerts minimal pressure on the cheekbones. I wore these headphones for a 3-hour training session and barely noticed them after the first few minutes.
The design hooks over the ears and wraps around the back of the head, staying remarkably stable during high-impact activities. I tested them during sprinting, jumping rope, and even basketball with no issues of slipping or bouncing. This stability is crucial for athletes who can’t afford distractions during training.
For glasses wearers, the OpenRun Pro offers a significant advantage over many sports headphones. The slim titanium band coexists peacefully with eyewear, causing none of the pressure or friction that can make wearing both glasses and headphones uncomfortable. I wore them with both sunglasses and prescription glasses without issue.
The open-ear design also prevents the ear fatigue that can come from extended use of in-ear headphones. There’s no pressure buildup in the ear canal, no sweaty ear tips, and none of the isolation-induced anxiety that some users experience with traditional earbuds.
Battery Life (Wireless)
Battery performance is impressive for such a lightweight device. The OpenRun Pro delivers on its promised 10-hour battery life during real-world testing. A typical week of daily 1-hour workouts only required charging once, making these headphones reliable companions for even the most dedicated athletes.
The quick-charge feature is particularly valuable for forgetful users. Just 5 minutes of charging provides enough power for a 90-minute workout session – perfect for those moments when you realize your headphones are dead right before heading to the gym.
Charging is handled via a proprietary magnetic cable. While I generally prefer USB-C for its universality, the magnetic connection is secure and easy to use with one hand. The cable attaches cleanly without having to remove any covers or flaps, preserving the water resistance.
Battery status announcements help manage power expectations, with voice prompts indicating high, medium, or low battery levels upon powering on the device.
Additional Features
The OpenRun Pro includes several quality-of-life features that enhance its overall value:
- Multi-point pairing: Allows connection to two devices simultaneously, making it easy to switch between music on your phone and a video on your laptop without re-pairing.
- Physical controls: Large, tactile buttons are easy to locate and press even while moving. The volume +/- buttons flank a multi-function button that handles play/pause, track skipping, call management, and voice assistant activation.
- Moisture detection: The headphones automatically detect moisture on the charging contacts and will refuse to charge until dry, preventing potential electrical damage.
- EQ settings: A basic two-mode EQ allows switching between Standard and Vocal Booster modes, with the latter enhancing speech clarity for podcasts and calls.
- Voice assistants: Seamless integration with Siri and Google Assistant via a long-press of the multi-function button.
- Carry case: A simple silicone case is included for protection during transport, though it adds minimal bulk to a gym bag.
The microphone performs adequately for calls in quiet environments but struggles in windy conditions or noisy settings. While it’s fine for occasional use, those who prioritize call quality might want to look elsewhere.
Price/Value Analysis
At around $179.95 (MSRP), the OpenRun Pro sits in the premium segment of sports headphones. This price point puts them in competition with high-end traditional wireless earbuds like the Jabra Elite Active series or the Beats Fit Pro.
The value proposition depends heavily on your priorities. If maximum audio quality is your primary concern, traditional earbuds in this price range will deliver superior sound. However, if you prioritize situational awareness, comfort during activity, and long-term wearability, the OpenRun Pro offers unique benefits that justify its cost.
For serious runners, cyclists, or anyone who exercises in environments where hearing surroundings is crucial for safety, these headphones provide a solution that few alternatives can match. The combination of decent sound, exceptional comfort, reliable connectivity, and impressive battery life creates a compelling package for the right user.
Comparison to Alternatives
vs. Standard OpenRun (formerly Aeropex) The Pro model commands approximately a $30 premium over the standard OpenRun. For that additional cost, you get improved bass response, longer battery life (10 hours vs. 8 hours), and the quick-charge feature. For most users, these upgrades justify the price difference.
vs. Shokz OpenMove The entry-level OpenMove costs significantly less (around $79.95) but sacrifices battery life (6 hours), uses older bone conduction technology with noticeably weaker bass response, and has a less refined design. The OpenRun Pro is worth the upgrade for regular users.
vs. Traditional Sports Earbuds (Jabra Elite Active 7, Beats Fit Pro) Traditional earbuds offer superior sound isolation and audio quality but at the cost of situational awareness. Some models include transparency modes, but these don’t match the natural awareness provided by bone conduction. The choice depends on whether you prioritize audio quality or environmental awareness.
vs. Bose Sport Open Earbuds Bose’s open-ear alternative uses directional speakers rather than bone conduction. They offer slightly better audio quality but shorter battery life (8 hours) and a bulkier design. The OpenRun Pro provides a more secure fit for high-impact activities.
Who Should Buy This
The Shokz OpenRun Pro is ideal for:
- Runners and cyclists: Anyone exercising in environments where hearing traffic and surroundings is essential for safety.
- Outdoor enthusiasts: Hikers, trail runners, and outdoor athletes who want to maintain awareness of wildlife or other people.
- All-day wearers: Those who need headphones for extended periods without ear fatigue or discomfort.
- Glasses wearers: Users who struggle with traditional headphones interfering with eyewear.
- Office workers: Professionals who need to remain aware of colleagues while listening to music or calls.
The OpenRun Pro may not be suitable for:
- Audiophiles: Those who prioritize sound quality above all other factors.
- Bass enthusiasts: Despite improvements, the bass response still can’t match traditional headphones.
- Public transit commuters: The lack of noise isolation makes these less ideal for noisy environments.
Takeaways
The Shokz OpenRun Pro represents the current pinnacle of bone conduction technology. It successfully addresses many of the shortcomings of previous generations while maintaining the core benefits that have made bone conduction headphones popular among certain user groups.
These headphones excel in specific use cases – particularly for activities where situational awareness is crucial – rather than trying to be all things to all users. Shokz clearly understands their target audience and has refined their product to meet those specific needs remarkably well.
While audio purists will still find the sound quality lacking compared to traditional headphones, the OpenRun Pro offers the best listening experience available in the bone conduction category. The improvements in bass response and overall clarity make these headphones versatile enough for most genres of music, podcasts, and calls.
For athletes and outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize safety and comfort alongside decent audio, the OpenRun Pro sets a new standard. The premium price is justified by thoughtful design, quality construction, and features that enhance the user experience in meaningful ways.
The Shokz OpenRun Pro isn’t trying to replace your audiophile headphones – it’s carving out its own niche for situations where traditional headphones fall short. In that context, it’s an impressive achievement and a worthy investment for the right user.
