Best for Codec support
Shokz OpenSwim Pro
3.5 attribute score
Highest scored product for this attribute based on supporting review evidence.
Best Shokz Open-Ear Headphones for Codec support
Codec support Decision Dashboard
Safest pick
Shokz OpenFit Air 2
3.0 attribute score
Balances the attribute score, supporting reviews, and overall product strength.
Most evidence
Shokz OpenRun
1 supporting review
Has the broadest review evidence for this attribute.
Best overall product
Shokz OpenFit 2
4.4 overall score
Strongest overall product among items with scored evidence for this attribute.
The expanded assortment of playable audio file types is welcome for loading locally stored music. Bluetooth codec options are modest, although that does not bother everyone for this kind of...
Pros: Sound quality, Comfort during long use
Cons: Bass performance, Cable quality
SBC and AAC cover everyday Bluetooth listening, but there is no more ambitious high-resolution codec selection.
Pros: Weight comfort, Sound quality
Cons: Noise isolation (passive), Wireless charging
Basic SBC-only wireless audio is a limitation on paper, but higher-quality codecs would do little to fix the open design's acoustic compromises.
Pros: Situational awareness, Overall satisfaction
Cons: Bass performance, Volume output
Codec support is a weak point in the evidence, with one reviewer criticizing the limitation to SBC and AAC.
Pros: Sound quality, Comfort during long use
Cons: Active noise cancellation, Sensors
Codec support drew criticism from one reviewer because the earbuds lack high-end Bluetooth codecs.
Pros: Comfort during long use, Sound quality
Cons: Find My, Carry case quality
Codec support is limited to basic SBC and AAC, which feels underpowered for a premium audio product.
Pros: Sound quality, Comfort during long use
Cons: Value for money, Volume output
Its SBC-only codec support is limited compared with feature-rich earbuds, although the open-ear listening format places other priorities first.
Pros: Sound quality, Overall satisfaction
Cons: Volume output, Sound leakage