Thinking about trying bone conduction headphones, but not sure if they’re worth it?
Shokz headphones take a different approach by keeping your ears open while delivering sound, which sounds great for safety and comfort. But does that come at the cost of sound quality or overall performance?
This Shokz review, including a closer look at the OpenMove, will help you figure that out.
In this blog, I’ll break down how they actually perform in real life, what they do well, and where they fall short, so you can decide if they’re the right fit for you.
Basic Overview of Shokz OpenMove
The Shokz OpenMove was released in 2020 as part of Shokz’s effort to make bone conduction headphones more accessible to a wider audience.
Positioned as an entry-level model, it sits below premium options like the OpenRun and OpenRun Pro, offering the core Shokz experience at a more affordable price.
The OpenMove focuses on delivering the brand’s key strengths, including open-ear listening, lightweight design, and all-day comfort, without adding advanced features found in higher-end models.
It is built for users who want to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to audio, making it a popular choice for running, cycling, and everyday use.
What You Get: Features and Specs
Before looking at real-world use, it helps to understand what the Shokz OpenMove offers in terms of design, sound, and everyday functionality.
These features define how the headphones perform and who they are best suited for.
1. Design and Build
The Shokz OpenMove is built with a lightweight titanium frame that feels both flexible and durable.
This design allows the headphones to sit comfortably around your head without creating pressure, even during long sessions.
The open-ear design keeps your ears completely free, which means you can stay aware of your surroundings while listening. This is especially useful for outdoor activities like running or cycling.
The fit is secure enough to stay in place during movement, and the overall design avoids the discomfort that some in-ear or over-ear headphones can cause.
2. Audio and Sound
The OpenMove uses bone conduction technology, which works differently from regular headphones.
Instead of sending sound directly into your ears, it transmits vibrations through your cheekbones.
This allows you to hear audio while still being aware of external sounds. The audio quality focuses on clear mids and vocals, making it a good option for podcasts, calls, and casual music listening.
However, bass is limited, and the overall sound is not meant to be immersive. It’s designed more for situational awareness and comfort than for deep, detailed audio performance.
3. Battery Life
Battery life is practical for everyday use, offering up to 6 hours of playback on a full charge. This is enough for most workouts, commutes, or work sessions.
The headphones also support quick charging, which means you can get a usable battery in a short amount of time when you’re in a hurry.
While it may not match higher-end models with longer battery life, it is reliable enough for regular daily use.
4. Connectivity
The OpenMove supports Bluetooth 5.0, ensuring a stable, consistent connection across devices.
Pairing is quick and simple, and once connected, the headphones maintain a reliable link with minimal interruptions.
They work well with smartphones, laptops, and tablets, making them versatile for different use cases. The wireless range is also sufficient for typical daily movement, with minimal disconnections.
5. Water Resistance
With an IP55 rating, the OpenMove is built to handle sweat, dust, and light rain. This makes it suitable for workouts, outdoor runs, and general daily use.
However, it is not designed for heavy exposure to water, so it should not be used in situations where it could be submerged.
The level of protection is enough for most active users who need durability without going into extreme conditions.
6. Controls and Features
The headphones use physical buttons, which are easier to operate while moving than touch controls.
You can manage volume, playback, and calls without looking at your device.
The OpenMove also includes dual noise-canceling microphones that improve call clarity, even in slightly noisy environments.
Another useful feature is multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect the headphones to two devices at the same time, such as your phone and laptop.
This makes switching between tasks more convenient without having to reconnect each time.
OpenMove vs. Other Popular Headphones
To understand the real value of the Shokz OpenMove, it helps to compare it with other Shokz models and popular alternatives from different brands.
| Feature | Shokz OpenMove | Sony WI-C100 | JBL Endurance Run 2 | Anker Soundcore Life U2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price Range | $79–$99 | $79 | $70–$90 | $60–$80 |
| Design | Open-ear | In-ear neckband | In-ear sport | In-ear neckband |
| Audio Type | Bone conduction | Dynamic drivers | Dynamic drivers | Dynamic drivers |
| Sound Quality | Clear mids, low bass | Balanced sound | Bass-heavy | Strong bass |
| Battery Life | 6 hours | Up to 25 hours | 10 hours | Up to 24 hours |
| Water Resistance | IP55 | IPX4 | IPX5 | IPX7 |
| Awareness | High (open-ear) | Low | Low | Low |
| Comfort | No ear pressure | In-ear fit | Secure fit | Comfortable neckband |
| Best Use Case | Running, outdoor safety | Daily music & calls | Workouts & gym | Long listening sessions |
| Multipoint | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Note: The price may vary depending on platform, seller & sales or discounts.
Fitness and Outdoor Performance
The Shokz OpenMove is built for outdoor use, and that’s where it performs best.
Unlike traditional headphones, its open-ear design lets you stay aware of your surroundings while still enjoying audio.
This makes it especially useful for activities like running, cycling, and walking in busy environments.
The lightweight frame and secure fit help it stay in place during movement, while the sweat-resistant build adds reliability during workouts
- Open-ear design for safety, allowing you to hear traffic, people, and surroundings
- Secure and stable fit, stays in place during running or cycling
- Lightweight frame, comfortable for long workouts without pressure
- Good for outdoor awareness, ideal for roads, parks, and commuting
- IP55 rating, handles sweat, dust, and light rain during exercise
- Clear audio for podcasts and calls, even while moving
- Not ideal for noisy gyms, as external sound can overpower audio
- Minimal ear fatigue, since nothing sits inside your ears
Shokz OpenMove Community Reviews
Specs can look good on paper, but what really matters is how the headphones perform in everyday situations.
Well worth the price, for those who don’t like to ware ear buds. The head set speakers rest in front of your ears. You’re still able to hear people speaking to you if the volume is not maxed. I find the sound quality clear, no crackling sounds. –Adam Bechtel, Amazon
These SHOKZ OpenMove bone conduction headphones have been absolutely game-changing for my active lifestyle and completely solved my biggest audio frustrations – the quality is outstanding with innovative bone conduction technology that delivers surprisingly rich, clear sound while allowing me to stay completely aware of my surroundings for safety during outdoor runs, cycling, and gym workouts.- Ammy biggs, Amazon
We purchased three of these. They work great. My wife is a little hard of hearing and we used regular head phones while watching TV. She tried there a the headphones were put aside. She says the sound is much clearer. It must be the bone conduction feature.- Koko, Amazon
I’ve been a fan of this brand for a while. It was honestly a godsend for me, as I can’t wear inner earbuds. My ear canals are too small for even the smallest ones I’ve found. – ChibiNeko , Amazon
Who Should Buy Shokz OpenMove?
Choosing the Shokz OpenMove really depends on how you plan to use your headphones. These are not made for everyone, but for the right user, they can be a very practical option in daily life.
- Runners and cyclists who need to stay aware of traffic and surroundings while listening to audio
- Outdoor users who prioritize safety and awareness over immersive sound
- Fitness enthusiasts looking for a secure, lightweight fit during workouts
- People who dislike in-ear earbuds and prefer a more comfortable, open-ear experience
- Casual listeners who mainly use headphones for podcasts, calls, or light music
- Audiophiles may not prefer them due to limited bass and less immersive sound
- Users in noisy environments may struggle, as external sound can affect audio clarity
- Gamers or media-focused users may find them lacking for immersive listening
- Those seeking premium features such as advanced audio tuning or high-end noise cancellation may need to consider other options.
Final Verdict
After going through this Shokz review and Shokz OpenMove review, it’s clear these headphones serve a specific purpose.
They’re not trying to impress with heavy bass or immersive sound. Instead, they focus on keeping things simple, comfortable, and safe for daily use.
That makes them a solid choice for outdoor activities and long listening sessions. Still, they won’t suit everyone, especially if you care about detailed audio.
In the end, they work best when your priorities match what they are built for.
