An open earbud that reduces noise sounds contradictory until you ask which noise you want to remove. The OpenFit Pro can take the edge off voices while leaving the ear canal clear. Asking it to hush an aircraft cabin is a different proposition.
In depth
Shokz OpenFit Pro review
Published
Best forListeners who want to soften nearby conversation while keeping their ears open.
At a glance
- Noise cancellation
- Supported
- Weight
- Approx. 12.3 g per earbud
- Battery life
- Up to 6 h (ANC on)
- Connections
- Bluetooth multipointUSB-C or wireless case charging
Pros
- Open fit leaves the ear canal free.
- Noise reduction can quiet part of the speech range.
- The case supports wireless charging.
Cons
- Bass-heavy environmental noise still gets through.
- Enabling noise reduction halves rated single-charge playback.
Sound & Noise Reduction
- Open-ear air conduction
- Adjustable noise reduction
The OpenFit Pro plays sound through the air rather than vibrating the bone. SoundGuys measured its strongest noise reduction in the midrange. Below 200 Hz there was little change, so the performance that makes coworkers sound quieter will do much less against a low engine rumble. 1
Design & Comfort
- Approx. 12.3 g per earbud
- Supplied support accessories
- IP55
Hooks hold the earpieces outside the canal. The supplied supports can help if they feel loose. The reviewer at SoundGuys felt some pressure with noise reduction enabled despite the open fit; lowering the setting helped. That makes trying the actual listening mode more informative than judging the hook alone. 1
Connectivity & Charging
- Bluetooth multipoint
- Qi and USB-C case
The buds can stay connected to two devices, useful if you take calls as well as listening at a desk. Shokz rates them for six hours with reduction active or twelve with it off. The case extends those totals to 24 and 50 hours, respectively.
Alternatives
The OpenFit 2+ already provides an open hook and wireless case charging. If you own it and welcome hearing the room, there is little reason to move for cancellation you plan to leave off. A sealed ANC earbud is the more useful style to compare for a low, persistent aircraft or train noise.
Verdict
Choose the OpenFit Pro for a shared office or gym where full isolation would get in the way. It earns its extra complexity when the noise you want to soften overlaps the range it can actually reduce.
About this review
This is a research-based review. The Fasit has not physically tested this product.
Sources & Research
1 reference
Independent sources cited in this article.
- SoundGuysShokz OpenFit Pro review (opens in a new tab)https://www.soundguys.com/shokz-openfit-pro-review-151300/
Noise reduction most effective in the mids; little effect below 200 Hz and one reviewer’s pressure sensation.