The Shokz OpenFit Pro earbuds project sound into your ears rather than disappearing inside them. As a result, ambient sounds remain clearly audible.
For safety reasons alone, fast-moving cyclists, runners, and other people exercising on public roads might want to consider something like the Shokz OpenFit Pro. All too often, accidents—or near misses—involving athletes on the road happen simply because they have acoustically isolated themselves from the outside world. Usually, that means wearing in-ear headphones, preferably with ANC switched on as well.
As they race and run through traffic, these effectively ‘deaf’ athletes may fail to hear an approaching bus, tractor, or other vehicle. One sudden turn can then result in a trip to hospital—or worse.
Enter the Shokz OpenFit Pro. This is an open in/on-ear design, although it is somewhat difficult to categorise precisely. After all, nothing actually enters your ear, even though the OpenFit Pro does look somewhat like a conventional pair of in-ears.
The idea behind this category of earbuds is that sound is directed into the ear canal. Think of it as a tiny loudspeaker on a short stem. In the case of the OpenFit Pro, that speaker also features an open-back design.
The aim is to provide the best of both worlds: on the one hand, you can enjoy good-quality music, while on the other, you remain aware of sounds in your surroundings. Internally, Shokz uses its proprietary SuperBoost technology, essentially a driver featuring two diaphragms. According to the manufacturer, this should provide not only higher achievable volume levels, but more importantly greater accuracy. At the same time, the system extends the frequency response all the way up to 40 kHz, ultimately resulting in more detailed reproduction at both ends of the frequency spectrum.
Dolby Atmos and Head Tracking
Furthermore, the Shokz OpenFit Pro has been optimised for Dolby Atmos, including head tracking. Technology such as Open Ear Noise Reduction, combined with the aforementioned SuperBoost system, is intended to provide an even more impressive listening experience.
Meanwhile, three microphones do more than simply enable hands-free calling. They also continuously help adjust the sound being directed into your ear canals. As a result, it should make little difference if one of the earbuds happens to sit slightly higher or lower than usual.
The Shokz OpenFit Pro was actually introduced a few months ago. However, with summer now in full swing and outdoor sports firmly in season, there could hardly be a better time to consider a pair of these open-ear sporting companions.
The price we currently see at retailers such as Coolblue is €249.