Shokz OpenMove Review

Shokz specializes in open-style headphones for active people or those seeking effective and constant environmental awareness. With several popular styles, their compelling lineup has something for almost everyone.

Likes

The IP55 dust and water-resistant design is perfect for runners pushing through wetter weather or workouts that could result in heavy sweating. We love the ear-wrap and headband design that keeps the buds securely in place for most runs or upright workouts. The buds drape over the top of your ear, with the conduction component resting on your cheekbones, so your ears are clear to hear the world around you.

While the band is somewhat stiffer than other Shokz we've tested (it's plastic), it is still flexible enough to adjust to most head shapes and sizes. It also only comes in one size, unlike the higher-priced Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, which offers mini and standard-size band options. We had to shift the conductor around somewhat to find the best placement for optimal comfort and sound quality.

These buds provide excellent awareness, offering a superior connection to your surroundings while running, whether in the woods or busy streets where cars are more of a risk than mountain lions. We love the natural sound of the open-ear design over the transparency mode of in-ear buds, which can sound artificial, muddled, and distant. We could hear birds chirping, bikes approaching, and even the footfalls of fellow hikers passing by. The subtle thump of our feet hitting pavement helped drive the pace forward without the jarring smack often experienced in transparency mode models. This helped us focus on the run or running partners nearby.

These Shokz come with USB-C charging and clearly delineated control buttons. We love that the buttons are separated enough to be easily used even with gloves on, and their placement is more intuitive than other bone conduction options we've used. Running is best done uninterrupted, and not stopping to fiddle with controls is a game-changer if finding the right track to motivate you is mandatory for success.

While the sound is not a competitor for best sound quality, we do like that you can choose between a standard or human voice mode. For those who prefer audiobooks or podcasts, human mode helps the voices sound more natural with less piercing moments. If you need the rhythm to get you moving, the standard mode will be the better bet. Also, while you can hear what's playing, others cannot. Even at higher volumes, the audio leakage is almost nil.

Dislikes

Bone conduction sound isn't for everyone. The constant vibration on the cheekbones can create a destabilizing sensation, including headaches and nausea. Even if you don't experience that (and many don't), the strong vibrations can cause discomfort and a sore spot where the buds contact the head, especially when listening at higher volumes or tracks with heavy bass. Wearers tend to pump up the volume, hoping for better bass or richer sound, only to be met with more vibration and only meh sound.

In our experience, chewing while listening can lead to a disjointed listening experience as your cheeks move with each bite. This means gum chewers and snackers will find the experience a hit-or-miss venture that might be more miss than hit. Overall, they weren't as comfortable as the pricer bone conduction designs, which offer dual sound pairing with a more traditional speaker.

The OpenMove has a slower charging time and no quick charge feature. While it can sit idle for about 10 days and hold its charge, it takes 2 hours to get a full charge, which buys about 6 hours of use at medium volume. If you tend to forget to charge, you could find yourself running sans headphones more than you'd like.

The OpenMove has a stupidly loud beep with every button push that is maddening and unnecessary. It can be jarring, and given that you know you are touching buttons, we don't see the point. If there was a way to turn it off (spoiler alert: there isn't), we'd have done so. It also isn't supported by the Shokz app, so there is no way to turn this feature off or avoid it by using the app.

The sound quality on the OpenMove isn't anything to sing about. While expected in a dedicated bone-conduction option, those less familiar with this technology might be surprised. Because it uses vibration and has an open design, the lower frequencies and bass don't come through well, and no volume hyping will help. The sound is very tinny and lacks any richness or depth.

The OpenMove offers so-so comfort, but wearing it for over an hour or two will likely result in sore spots. Its design is somewhat heavier, stiffer, and less forgiving than the OpenRun Pro 2, with a harsher angle over the ear. The plastic construction feels cheaper and less flexible, and we had issues with the headset jostling out of place during sprints and rougher terrain. Looking up the headset will move, and the band bumps against your neck and can get snagged on hoodies when you pull them over your head. You won't lose them, but you will need to readjust. Glasses wearers might also have trouble, as the glasses' arms can cause the headband to slowly shift as it competes for ear space. Overall, the comfort can't compete with the pricer options, where everything is more refined and adaptable.

Should You Buy the Shokz OpenMove?

The OpenMove are not perfect. They struggle for long-term comfort, and the sound quality isn't going ot blow you away. However, for the price, it is an excellent introduction to bone-conduction and the kind of open design tailored to runners who value safety and situational awareness over a superior soundstage. We think that, for the price, they can make a lovely addition to your headphone lineup if you use them primarily for runs that run under an hour or so. It is hard to beat the price or the stable design, and we think many runners will be pleased as punch to hit the road with the OpenMove adorning their ears. However, if you can only afford a single set of buds, we think you'll be frustrated by the lack of sound immersion and comfort.

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