Shokz OpenRunchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

Many commenters wear OpenRun for entire shifts at desks, in offices, construction sites, and factories, appreciating that they can hear coworkers and still enjoy audio. Users say they often forget they're wearing them.

@kenniffss

I've been using the Openrun (S803) for about 4-5 years, love them. The mic has just gone on the fritz so have bought the Opernrun 2 Pro, hopefully they last just as long...\nPerfect at work, can listen to what I want, can hear what's going on round me, great for taking calls, I don't disturb others, I can't stand having earbuds in 8 hours a day (irritates my ears something chronic), and over ear headphones are not ideal (they're on, they're off, ears get hot, pressure on your skull).\nThere have been times I've got into bed and realised I still have them on, you just don't notice them after a while.\nSure, the sound is not audiophile quality, but that's ok, I have my Bose for that...\nWould recommend 10/10.launch

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June 21, 2026

@johnny110291

Im using mine more than I imagined I would! I would never use them to workout though, as I prefer my NC Bose buds. In my opinion these are perfect for listening to shows, podcasts, and music specifically at work, shopping, chores, cooking, etc. So easy to tune out the music and listen to the people around you, and viceversa, without ever touching them. Keep in mind, the sound of these SE version is fair, decent I’d say. Don’t expect a full surround sound bass-y sound with a punch that will pump you up to workout. Still worth every penny.launch

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January 29, 2026

@davey3765

Just bought these and updated the firmware - if your in a loud environment use the classic EQ itll go 100% bone conduction - the other EQ's mix the speakers and bone conduction its just not as aggressive. They work great in classic EQ with ear plugs in as well. Im using these at work because im sick of my airpods falling out. I listen to news and a lot of spoken word and these are MORE than enough to listen to that. I've owned Shokz for years this is my 3rd pair and compared to the old original AfterShokz which were pure bone conduction - the OpenRun are 10x better for sound quality. If your someone who doesn't just do sports but works construction or in a shop like me (boat mechanic) these are a dream. Just get the app so you can control how much bone conduction you want it does use more battery but hey you have a USB-C charging port now!launch

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August 22, 2025

@andreasepp7340

I use these all day including at night. My wife doesn't have to hear my music, I don't disturb my colleagues, they fit perfectly in my motorcycle helmet (and I can still hear traffic if I want to), they're perfect for phone calls and work perfectly with my laptop for meetings! To put it plainly, I almost never take them off because I use them almost all the time. And the sound is good enough for me. If you constantly listen to music so loudly that people around you can hear it, you should really see a doctor, because then you must be almost deaf. Battery life is also bomb, but I still have two pairs anyway so one can always charge in peace. From my side a full recommendation! 👍launch

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June 4, 2025

Users highlight being able to hear traffic, cars, and surroundings while running, cycling, or working, which several describe as a major safety benefit. This is repeatedly cited as the single biggest reason to choose OpenRun over closed-ear headphones.

@DarrenH-o8j

I got a brand new open box one from some warehouse guy for 70 bucks. The guy promised it's brand new and free delivery to my place... 😂 Great video you genuinely explained the pros and cons of this thing and honestly the pros outweigh the cons. If you want noise cancellation and bass try pluggin in some earplugs and it sounds good as a 300 dollars headset with all those booms and better noise cancellation than those crappy airpod ones... Hope it'll be useful as I just want something I can wear and walk around and like you said not die getting hit by a truck on the road or something...launch

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May 11, 2026

@diegodiesel2175

These are perfect for every application except sound quality.\n\nRegardless of your use, these WILL help you prolong your hearing by not shoving speakers directly into your ear canal.\n\nOn top of that: Runners, Cyclists, commuters, airport walking, working in a shared office... All of these require attention to the outside world, and these allow you to basically enjoy the normal environment with a soundtrack inside your head.\n\nShooting, Working with power tools, being in a loud environment in general: Turn volume to max, put on earplugs, you'll still hear your music inside your head but your ears are now protected.\n\nAdditional use I found while traveling: These are fantastic airplane headphones. Minimal sound bleed, lightweight and no pressure in/on head, and there is only one small button on your left ear in case you lean on it.launch

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July 16, 2025

@christopherrios6417

The biggest pro is being able to hear your surroundings. If you’re running around cars it can be life saving.launch

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December 31, 2024

@kiphendry841

I can help complete who they are for: cyclists, because we truly need to hear the traffic or world around us while enjoying the music (also skiers, runners who are on a trafficked road, etc). Secondly, parents of small kids who want to be able to listen to a podcast or music while making lunch, trying to tidy up but must be able to hear their kids loud and clear at all times. Not saying you should be faking attention to your kids and actually listening to an audiobook, just saying parents of little ones need to always be aware and this is one way to do it. I know these because I have been all of the above and I love these headphones.launch

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December 23, 2024

Multiple users with conductive hearing loss or deafness in one ear describe being able to hear music or conversation clearly, sometimes for the first time, thanks to bone conduction bypassing damaged eardrums.

@brendanjones7171

Im a Thalimiade survivior and whilst helping out with the State Emergency Services flooding in Townsville here in Queensalnd Australia last week, I came accross the Shokz openrun. My team leader was wearing a pair and he told me what they were. He then offered to let me listen and for the first time in 63 years, i heard sound in my right ear. I have no ear hole or canal. I almost cried. my question is, is there someway of testing their sound quality in normal conversations and some classical music. Unfortunately I cant afford anything right now, but I going to see if I can save up for one.launch

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February 14, 2025

@JayDeeTee

One of the biggest advantages is also when ur inner ear is functional but mid ear transmission is non functioning or compromised. For me to hear stereo I can use these or use a player amp headphone combo with special equalizer capabilities that costs easy 1000 bucks plus. I am in since series one but afraid that these add imbalance again since I hear fully normal one side and at 40% other side via bone conduction to inner ear. I wear the pro during skating BMX swimming (the non pro version) in the office and while cleaning the house and listening audiobooks. Sound is inferior but pretty good though and for me unbeaten since stereo. I sometimes go to bed and forget to put them off…launch

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January 20, 2025

@sfc-95

I'm still using my first generation Aftershokz on a daily basis and I love them. I have congenital conductive deafness in one ear (the nerve is intact but the middle ear bones don't work), so I went my whole life deaf in one ear. But with bone conduction headphones I can hear from both sides! Not a lot of people like me. But that's why I wear them, and I love them. Mostly I listen to podcasts and audiobooks, but you're right -- if you're looking for audiophile quality sound, forget about these.launch

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November 17, 2024

@bjosulliv

I have the Pro for past year. I had mastoid infeaction when 5 year old kid 45 years ago. Where they did operation where they removed my inner bones/upper eardrum. In turn lost half my hearing in one ear. I found with Pro using the cheekbone , give me better hearing experience on that bad ear for sound. I am interested how to compare my hearing loss gain with the new version. So will give it a go today and update as will the tech for bone conducation be better. As air tech should not help is my feeling other than for my good ear .. lets see .. / As huge market if people with hearing this technology outside cycling /runing benefits etclaunch

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September 21, 2024

Users repeatedly note comfort for long wear, no ear canal irritation, and a secure fit that doesn't fall off during exercise, unlike traditional earbuds.

@rrrogster

I just purchased a set yesterday. I always have had problems with earbuds. They become uncomfortable after a while and while at the gym they want to fall out when I am horizontal or moving around quickly. These work great! LIke the speaker, I mostly listen to voices so the loud boom boom base that can permanently degrade my hearing is something I really don't want at all. In fact I would prefer a setting that emphasized clear voice. My TV has that setting so how difficult could it be to add this setting to the options?launch

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August 22, 2026

@johnny110291

Im using mine more than I imagined I would! I would never use them to workout though, as I prefer my NC Bose buds. In my opinion these are perfect for listening to shows, podcasts, and music specifically at work, shopping, chores, cooking, etc. So easy to tune out the music and listen to the people around you, and viceversa, without ever touching them. Keep in mind, the sound of these SE version is fair, decent I’d say. Don’t expect a full surround sound bass-y sound with a punch that will pump you up to workout. Still worth every penny.launch

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January 29, 2026

@TaurusMamii1

I mainly bought these to listen to Audible while going on long walks, and honestly they fit that purpose perfectly. I already own Bose open-ear headphones, but I feel like I won’t really need those anymore since getting these.\n\nFor context, I have a lot of audio gear. I own AirPods Pro (3rd gen)—they have the best sound quality in my opinion and I love the noise canceling, but they irritate the inside of my ears and always make them itch 😢. I also have AirPods Max, which sound amazing, but they’re heavy and not great for running or workouts. I mostly use those when I’m relaxing, listening to ASMR, or watching movies.\n\nI also own Bose QuietComfort headphones, which are excellent and my go-to for gaming. On top of that, I still have wired Apple earbuds 😂 and a Bose Mini speaker that I like to bring on hikes or use when I’m chilling at the park. Years ago I also owned Beats and JBL headphones.\n\nSo I say all this to give context: these Shockz headphones definitely have their own lane. They’re not the best in terms of sound quality, but they’re more than good enough for scrolling on social media, listening to audiobooks, podcasts, or casual content. Most importantly, they’re super comfortable, which is a big win for me.launch

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January 12, 2026

@levinetate81

Personally tried the mini and the standard and I stayed with the mini. It's a lot less adjusting but has a snug fit. It works for me having to wear a hard hat most days. I was expecting both air and bone conduction to work at the same time to find out that it doesn't. It's going to do one or the other not both, which I'm perfectly fine with. Sometimes if I have a lot of background noise from work in the construction field, I will throw in ear plugs and switch to bone conduction to hear what's being played since listen to podcast most of the day. Overall, I recommend these headphoneslaunch

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January 4, 2025

Commenters praise quick charging times and long battery life, with some keeping spare pairs to swap during extended use.

@andreasepp7340

I use these all day including at night. My wife doesn't have to hear my music, I don't disturb my colleagues, they fit perfectly in my motorcycle helmet (and I can still hear traffic if I want to), they're perfect for phone calls and work perfectly with my laptop for meetings! To put it plainly, I almost never take them off because I use them almost all the time. And the sound is good enough for me. If you constantly listen to music so loudly that people around you can hear it, you should really see a doctor, because then you must be almost deaf. Battery life is also bomb, but I still have two pairs anyway so one can always charge in peace. From my side a full recommendation! 👍launch

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June 4, 2025

@Measuretwicelad

I’m on my second pair of Shokz, first pair after a year stopped accepting a charge, replaced under warranty with the Open Run model, 27 months later still functional. I work in a fixed crushing plant and operating earthmoving machinery, with class 5 in ear plugs the bass massively improves and the battery life increases by at least 25% due to the volume increasing hence lowering it which saves battery life. I’ll be upgrading to the Open Run Pro later this year. Oh and my employer has no safety concerns as I can still communicate with team members, two way radios etc. 😎👍🇦🇺launch

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April 20, 2025

@michaellupton7782

I just bought a pair about 2 months ago for work. I work in a steel factory and these are the only headphones we are allowed to have because it still allows us to use safety ear plugs. Noise cancels out very well, battery life(I own the 10hr battery life pair)is awesome. I used them for yard work as well. I can get well over 100ft away from my phone without connection interference. I HIGHLY recommend getting a pair. In fact I talked a few coworkers into purchasing a pair and they love it just as much as myself. Great product, I’m very happy I found out about these.launch

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July 11, 2023

@808pacifica

Aloha Laura and bone-phoneRS,\nGreat Review Laura!\nI got the Open Run on sale yesterday $100 + tax at a big warehouse store in the US. \nI love the first pair in Navy so much that I bought a second pair three hours later. \n\nI am really impressed/amazed with these as a first time user.\nBackground:\nI have two pairs of the original Air Pods that I usually wear in one ear, as I like to be able to hear other sounds around me. I got a wireless Jabra which allows outside sounds in. However I don't enjoy fidgeting with wireless ear buds that you worry about loosing or falling out of your ear.\n\nThese Open Runs sound great, fit well with a hat and glasses and are lightweight. They have all the controls you need.\nThe bone transducer design creates and amazing good enough sound. \nI listen to mostly instrumental jazz music, but also vocals and podcasts. \nI like being able to hear around me on a walk outdoors with this comfortable headset.\nBattery life has been amazing on the first charge. I got the second headset (unopened) in case the battery life and use of the first one is short. So far,I may not need a second (but at least there is a second power cable in that one as back up). Will see in the next month if I really need the second set. I really love the sound and fit and being able to hear other sounds. I find I really do not have to punch up the volume at all...works for me (and others cannot hear the Stereo sound while I can converse with them...Wow scary 😅 ).\nI am a believer in these type of headphones. You fit and use may vary. Give it a try. Once your find your Cinderella of Headphones like I did, She is a Keeper.\nThanks again for the great video.launch

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June 1, 2022

Workers in loud industrial environments report being able to wear safety earplugs alongside OpenRun and still hear their audio via bone conduction, which their employers permit.

@davey3765

Just bought these and updated the firmware - if your in a loud environment use the classic EQ itll go 100% bone conduction - the other EQ's mix the speakers and bone conduction its just not as aggressive. They work great in classic EQ with ear plugs in as well. Im using these at work because im sick of my airpods falling out. I listen to news and a lot of spoken word and these are MORE than enough to listen to that. I've owned Shokz for years this is my 3rd pair and compared to the old original AfterShokz which were pure bone conduction - the OpenRun are 10x better for sound quality. If your someone who doesn't just do sports but works construction or in a shop like me (boat mechanic) these are a dream. Just get the app so you can control how much bone conduction you want it does use more battery but hey you have a USB-C charging port now!launch

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August 22, 2025

@Measuretwicelad

I’ll be upgrading to the pro 2 from my still functioning open run model. Another market Shokz don’t seem to have thought to target is industry where we as operators or technicians are required to wear in ear PPE. The sound quality improvement is huge - day and night, I’m working in an iron ore crushing plant as well as operating earthmoving machinery, these headphones are permitted by our employer and no longer do I miss out on music due to a faulty machine stereo. 27 months for the open run and going strong in this harsh environment is a testament for the quality. I also like the upgrade to USB-C. 😎👍🇦🇺launch

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April 20, 2025

@Measuretwicelad

I’m on my second pair of Shokz, first pair after a year stopped accepting a charge, replaced under warranty with the Open Run model, 27 months later still functional. I work in a fixed crushing plant and operating earthmoving machinery, with class 5 in ear plugs the bass massively improves and the battery life increases by at least 25% due to the volume increasing hence lowering it which saves battery life. I’ll be upgrading to the Open Run Pro later this year. Oh and my employer has no safety concerns as I can still communicate with team members, two way radios etc. 😎👍🇦🇺launch

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April 20, 2025

@levinetate81

Personally tried the mini and the standard and I stayed with the mini. It's a lot less adjusting but has a snug fit. It works for me having to wear a hard hat most days. I was expecting both air and bone conduction to work at the same time to find out that it doesn't. It's going to do one or the other not both, which I'm perfectly fine with. Sometimes if I have a lot of background noise from work in the construction field, I will throw in ear plugs and switch to bone conduction to hear what's being played since listen to podcast most of the day. Overall, I recommend these headphoneslaunch

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January 4, 2025

Users are pleased the newer models moved from a magnetic proprietary cable to USB-C charging, calling it a necessary and convenient change.

@cuebj

Thanks. I'd mislaid (still can't find them) my original OpenRun Pro phones and missed them - I'm old, hard of hearing, cycle, walk, and my wife worries where I am so calls or texts me. Searched for replacement, hit this site, liked what you say, found a very reputable store in Bluewater, Kent, England. Phones were in stock, at a slightly lower price than online, and I could could try them for sound and fit. The Shokz guide is correct - the Mini version fits me, but is slightly tight on my smallish head. The new version seems to be a bit smaller and doesn't stick out as far as the old one so it doesn't want to tip backwards. It's just long enough to fit over a thin beany hat or buff. The plastic feels nicer. USB-C is a very necessary and welcome change from the old connector. The sound is FAR better. My old pair sound had begun to deteriorate. These are a revelation. I went for orange as the black old pair were easy to mislay against a dark backgroundlaunch

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May 23, 2026

@davey3765

Just bought these and updated the firmware - if your in a loud environment use the classic EQ itll go 100% bone conduction - the other EQ's mix the speakers and bone conduction its just not as aggressive. They work great in classic EQ with ear plugs in as well. Im using these at work because im sick of my airpods falling out. I listen to news and a lot of spoken word and these are MORE than enough to listen to that. I've owned Shokz for years this is my 3rd pair and compared to the old original AfterShokz which were pure bone conduction - the OpenRun are 10x better for sound quality. If your someone who doesn't just do sports but works construction or in a shop like me (boat mechanic) these are a dream. Just get the app so you can control how much bone conduction you want it does use more battery but hey you have a USB-C charging port now!launch

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August 22, 2025

@Frostbolter_FPL

Great review. I love that it is USB-C. My plan was to get the Open Swim Pros (which does NOT use USB-C) just because I like the extra water protection as opposed to me swimming a lot. After watching this review I might get the OpenRun Pro 2s now. My only concern is that I use these on planes a lot and I love being able to drown out the background noise with earplugs. Is there an option to turn on the bone conduction to 'bone conduction only' as it were or be able to tweak the settings to maximise the bone conduction option vs air?launch

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October 8, 2024

@bazcurtis178

So pleased to see the magnet charging cable be replaced with USB-C. I have been using their headphones since they were AfterShokz. They have been fantastic.launch

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September 10, 2024

Several long-time users report years of reliable use across multiple pairs, including one citing 27 months in a harsh industrial setting.

@Measuretwicelad

I’ll be upgrading to the pro 2 from my still functioning open run model. Another market Shokz don’t seem to have thought to target is industry where we as operators or technicians are required to wear in ear PPE. The sound quality improvement is huge - day and night, I’m working in an iron ore crushing plant as well as operating earthmoving machinery, these headphones are permitted by our employer and no longer do I miss out on music due to a faulty machine stereo. 27 months for the open run and going strong in this harsh environment is a testament for the quality. I also like the upgrade to USB-C. 😎👍🇦🇺launch

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April 20, 2025

@Measuretwicelad

I’m on my second pair of Shokz, first pair after a year stopped accepting a charge, replaced under warranty with the Open Run model, 27 months later still functional. I work in a fixed crushing plant and operating earthmoving machinery, with class 5 in ear plugs the bass massively improves and the battery life increases by at least 25% due to the volume increasing hence lowering it which saves battery life. I’ll be upgrading to the Open Run Pro later this year. Oh and my employer has no safety concerns as I can still communicate with team members, two way radios etc. 😎👍🇦🇺launch

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April 20, 2025

@kaidenverkist3081

I've had 3 different sets of shokz over the last 6 years. Definitely sticking with them for the new generation they're amazing.launch

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November 13, 2024

@UltaPowderfinger

Thanks for reviewing the SHOKZ. I've been wearing them for years. I still have my first pair of Trekz Ti, and they continue to work! I have run thousands of mile in multiple versions of these. I am currently loving the Open Comm as they have a longer battery life and a boom mic. I find the control buttons on the Open Comm are more to my liking as well. I wear them all day. I wear them on the way to work, all day at work were I do Zoom and MS Teams calls several times each day. I run after work every day and lift with them every other day. They just ROCK. You'll never lose one in a seat cushion and they never fall off or fall out. They don't make you ears sweat either. They charge quickly too. I even ran a 100 mile ultra with three pairs. One on my ears and the other two around my neck. When one pair ran out of power, I just swapped them on my ears and was good to go. I only had to use 2 of the 3 pairs.launch

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December 21, 2022