Classifying Shokz OpenFit headphones is a thankless task. On the one hand, in terms of size, they should relate to in-channel models. But according to the principle of action, they are overhead. In fact, Shokz is better known for its bone conduction headphones, but OpenFit works differently and more naturally, based on the company’s open-ear concept.
In OpenFit, the sound source is an 18 x 11 mm oval driver, which is located directly opposite the ear canal, and there is no liner, whether silicone or foam. In fact, these are over-ear headphones without an ear cushion, which is why the user hears everything except music and everything around quite normally. And, of course, no ANC.
Behind-the-ear mounts are responsible for the accuracy of the location of the sound source – an elastic arc with a soft silicone lining in gray or beige. Shokz also mentions its DirectPitch technology, which uses “reverse sound waves to optimize the distance and angle between the sound source and the human ear.” This, according to Shokz, improves the sound and reduces sound leakage.
Future owners of OpenFit are promised powerful bass on the manufacturer’s website, and the headphone frequency range is also published there – from 50 Hz to 16 kHz. Wireless Bluetooth 5.2 works with AAC and SBC codecs. The battery life of the headphones themselves is 7 hours, and 3 more charges are stored in the battery case.
Touch control perceives, including double-tap and press-and-hold. Deep customization is available in the Shokz app, released for the 2022 OpenRun Pro model and compatible with OpenFit. There, touch control can be reconfigured, but so far only from an iOS gadget. Android version is promised later.
For US customers, the Shokz OpenFit headphones are available for $180.
