The Chinese brand Shokz, specialist in bone conduction headphones, has unveiled its OpenFit, more traditional headphones but still without passive isolation.
Since its debut in 2011, the Shokz brand has become known for its bone conduction headphones, like the Shokz OpenRun Pro. However, aware of the limits of this technology, particularly in terms of bass and treble reproduction, the manufacturer decided to announce, on Tuesday, a much more classic pair of headphones, the Shokz OpenFit.
As their name suggests, this time they are headphones in an open format, which therefore do not obstruct the ear canal. However, unlike Apple’s AirPods 3 or Huawei’s FreeBuds 5, Shokz’s OpenFit aren’t earbuds either. They are in fact equipped with particularly large dynamic transducers, 11 x 18 mm, which are positioned within the concha of the ear and which direct the noise towards the auditory canal without being positioned within it. Enough to ensure, as on the brand’s previous helmets, good safety by allowing users to remain aware of their environment – to the detriment of passive isolation.
To improve the sound reproduction, Shokz combines two in-house algorithms: OpenBass to increase the bass and DirectPitch to direct the sound towards the ear canal.
Comfortable and open headphones
Shokz headphones are also true wireless earphones, like the Beats PowersBeats Pro for example. The frames used are rather thin and the headphones rather light for this type of format with 8.3 grams each. Shokz also claims to have used ultra-soft silicone to prevent chafing and ensure optimal comfort.
Regarding connectivity, the headphones are compatible with Bluetooth 5.2 and with the most classic codecs on the market, namely AAC and SBC. They are not multipoint Bluetooth compatible but work with Google Fast Pair pairing for Android smartphones. for autonomy, Shokz announces up to seven hours of use with the headphones alone and a total of 28 hours with the charging case. The OpenFit are also suitable for sports use thanks to an IP54 certification ensuring sealing against dust, perspiration, splashes or rain.
The Shokz OpenFit will be available in France from July 6th. They will be available in two colors, black and beige, at a price of 199 euros.
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