Compare Shokz OpenSwim Pro vs Shokz OpenRun

Underwater playback earns especially strong praise for its fullness and clarity. On land the audio is good for bone conduction but noticeably less rich than conventional earbuds, especially at loud volumes.

Often clear and enjoyable by bone-conduction standards, especially in quiet surroundings. It loses richness and detail beside good conventional earbuds, particularly outdoors near loud traffic.

Noise-reducing microphones keep land-based calls intelligible in ordinary settings, although very loud surroundings remain a challenge.

Background-noise suppression is inconsistent: voices can come through clearly when cycling, yet loud surroundings often reach callers.

Wind can overwhelm the music on faster bike rides and exposed runs, although the streamlined design helps reduce physical wind buffeting for some.

Wind can ruin call intelligibility on the move and even interfere with listening, limiting its usefulness for conversations while riding.

Bass is limited compared with sealed earbuds, especially on dry land, but can sound noticeably fuller underwater or with earplugs. Some swimmers find its punch surprisingly strong for bone conduction.

Bass is the recurring musical sacrifice: many find it thin or lacking depth, although some are content with the available punch during workouts.

Open ears keep environmental sounds accessible, which is valuable outdoors but makes trains, busy roads and loud gyms difficult places to follow audio.

They deliberately do very little to shield outside noise, which is a poor fit for planes and crowded transit but useful when hearing surroundings matters.

At restrained listening levels the headset may be unobtrusive, but loud music can be audible to nearby people, especially at a crowded pool wall.

Leakage is modest at restrained settings for some wearers but becomes noticeable in quiet shared spaces; music may be audible to people nearby.

The standard band does not suit everyone, and several accounts wish for a shorter Mini option. One account describes size choices differently, so fit expectations should be checked carefully.

Standard and Mini versions give smaller heads a better chance of a comfortable, secure fit, although each version has a fixed band size.

Gentle frame pressure supports a secure fit, but a tight swimming cap can push the hooks against the ears or temples during longer sessions.

The band holds securely without the tight squeeze that can make some athletic headphones tiring to wear.

The flexible, silicone-coated frame survives ordinary active use and feels durable, though some find it less rigid than the previous OpenSwim.

The flexible, soft-touch frame generally survives hard workouts, but pressure from helmet straps can break the band.

Turning up bass-heavy tracks can produce a noticeable cheekbone tickle or vibration, which some find distracting. Others report less vibration than on earlier Shokz models.

Cheekbone vibration can be distracting or irritating, especially when raising the volume for bass, though some barely notice it once moving.

The light, soft frame often disappears during hours of running, swimming, or daily wear. A few users notice pressure from snug swim caps or the headband during certain positions.

The lightweight frame is exceptionally easy to wear for hours and avoids in-ear fatigue. Some face-pressure or gear-interference complaints remain.

The compact, low-weight frame is barely noticeable to most users across long sessions, although head shape can make it feel less airy for a few.

The featherweight frame is frequently described as barely noticeable, making extended runs and long rides more comfortable.

The streamlined wraparound shape looks discreet on the head, and the brighter color option appeals to those wanting a distinctive piece of swim gear.

The slim, soft-touch design looks sporty without feeling bulky; color and finish earn praise alongside the comfortable shape.

The companion app makes EQ and mode selection easier and can help configure controls or multipoint connections. Its handling of onboard songs draws criticism, although one account notes newer playback-order controls.

There is no companion app for the standard OpenRun, leaving some control preferences and audio personalization inaccessible.

There are basic preset choices rather than a full customizable EQ. Some listeners find the limited options underwhelming for fine-tuning music.

Custom sound adjustment is lacking, which makes it harder to compensate for a bass-light profile or vibration at higher volume.

Voice calls come through well in offices and during walking or cycling in moderate noise. Busy roads and louder places can make speech harder to follow.

Quiet indoor calls are workable, and a few find them clear, but other users sound fuzzy or difficult to understand outdoors.

Most find the tactile controls workable while running or swimming, including with wet hands or gloves. Smaller volume and mode buttons can be fiddly, with occasional accidental switching.

Physical play and pause controls are convenient while exercising, but closely packed volume buttons and triple presses can be fiddly with gloves.

Bluetooth pairing and basic operation are straightforward, even with a computer. File loading and less common configuration settings require more effort.

Bluetooth pairing is mostly quick and painless, and the headphones are straightforward to operate without a complicated setup process.

Adding Bluetooth makes this far more versatile than a swim-only player, with generally reliable connections for music and calls on land. Underwater playback still requires stored files.

Pairing and everyday connections are usually reliable, with few interruptions during runs or regular listening.

Swim earplugs are useful for stronger perceived sound and lower pool noise, and the supplied case helps store the wet headset. These extras make the swimming package more complete.

A pouch and exercise-oriented extras are helpful for taking the headset out, although the bundle varies and is not especially lavish.

Higher-frequency detail and vocals remain clear enough for enjoyable music, including underwater, even if the overall presentation is not audiophile-grade.

High notes can sound clear and present, though the praise is less emphatic than for spoken voices and overall outdoor practicality.

The supplied soft or silicone case is handy for storing the headset and its special cable, while drainage or ventilation helps wet gear dry. Its practical design suits pool bags.

The included pouch or soft case is useful for everyday storage, but it offers less protection and polish than a rigid case.

Bluetooth is described as dependable, and switching between connected devices works without much disruption in normal use.

The wraparound band stays put through running and vigorous activity far better than loose earbuds; lying back can be an exception.

The proprietary headset connection draws repeated complaints from people wanting an everyday USB-C charging cable. Some appreciate its water-sealing rationale, and charging-end connectors can vary.

The proprietary charging setup is a nuisance for anyone who wants to use the same USB-C cable for all their devices.

Volume is adequate in calmer environments but often cannot overpower wind, crowds or traffic. Raising it to maximum can add distortion or unwanted vibration.

Volume is sufficient on quieter routes for some, but traffic, construction noise, and busy gyms can overwhelm it. Others appreciate that they are not tempted to drown out their surroundings.

The ear hooks stay put through running, strength drills and many swimming strokes, including flip turns. Fit is less predictable under a tight cap, with some bounce or pressure reported.

Fit is generally effortless and secure, though precise cheekbone placement can change audio quality and certain movements or accessories complicate it.

Vocals and midrange material come through clear and balanced, helping spoken-word listening and music retain definition despite restrained bass.

Vocals and spoken material come through particularly well, even when bass-heavy instruments or other musical details struggle to keep pace.

The magnetic connection can feel secure and simpler than the original charging cradle, but the proprietary cable is a recurring headache: losing it means finding the correct replacement.

The magnetic connection is convenient and helps protect the hardware, but needing a proprietary cable is frustrating if it is lost or forgotten.

Swim goggles and caps generally work with the slim frame, while glasses and sunglasses are more divisive. Some wear them together comfortably and others find combinations crowded.

Glasses, hats and cycling helmets often work well, but some combinations crowd the ears or require rearranging straps and headwear.

IP68 protection is the core appeal, handling laps, flip turns, showers and wet workouts rather than merely splashes. The stated depth and duration limits still matter.

The IP67 protection inspires confidence through sweat, rain and accidental splashes, outclassing many workout earbuds. It is not an endorsement for swimming.

Swimmers and multisport users are particularly enthusiastic about the unusual combination of underwater playback, secure fit and land connectivity.

A favorite for exercise and outdoor awareness, though its purpose-built approach is less convincing as an all-day replacement for conventional headphones.

Keeping the ears unobstructed makes traffic, conversations and other surroundings easier to hear while moving. This remains one of the strongest reasons to choose the design.

Open ear canals make traffic, conversations and household sounds easy to monitor without stopping music. This is the standout reason to choose the OpenRun.

Despite its open-ear construction, the headset delivers pleasing separation of musical elements in both local playback and Bluetooth listening.

Layered vocals and intricate arrangements can remain surprisingly distinguishable despite the unconventional sound delivery.

The two-year coverage, including reassurance about water ingress, is a welcome benefit for equipment used in the pool.

Two-year coverage adds peace of mind, with replacement service proving helpful after a band failure.

The premium feels justified for swimmers who also run or cycle and need both playback modes. Land-only listeners or swimming-only buyers often have cheaper ways to cover their needs.

Good water protection, fit and fast charging make the price worthwhile for serious outdoor use, while cheaper and better-sounding options challenge its value for casual listening.

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 listening.

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.

Two-device pairing adds useful flexibility for switching between personal devices and taking a call. Setup is handled through the app and generally works as intended.

Two-device multipoint keeps work and personal sources connected, making it a useful productivity convenience.

A sealed magnetic connection avoids exposing an ordinary port to water, a deliberate compromise that helps preserve swim-ready waterproofing.

Moisture detection and the sealed magnetic connector add welcome reassurance after wet or sweaty workouts.

Bluetooth endurance generally covers full workdays and most training sessions, but local-file playback is shorter and high volume reduces runtime. Long-distance athletes may need to plan around that gap.

Around eight hours of typical playback is convenient for regular runs and many workdays, though heavier use and high volume can cut into endurance.

Fast charging is a standout convenience, frequently praised for adding hours of playback in a short top-up. The unusual connector is less universally convenient than USB-C.

Fast charging is a major strength, regularly supplying enough playback for a workout after only a brief top-up. The magnetic connection is easy to use.

This open-ear headset cannot mask loud gym music or other intrusive sounds. It suits awareness-focused activity rather than noise-cancelling listening.

Connections and playback normally remain stable, although occasional brief audio stutters can interrupt listening.

The tonal balance noticeably underrepresents deep sub-bass, so it will not sound faithful to low-frequency-heavy recordings.

The open-ear, bone-conduction approach lacks the enveloping soundstage of more traditional headphones, particularly when external noise intrudes.

Switching between streamed music on land and stored files underwater makes one headset work across sports. Some dislike fiddly button combinations and returning to Bluetooth after each restart.

Copying locally owned files is straightforward once connected to a computer, but the cable, possible adapter, and manual preparation feel dated beside streaming services.

Phone voice assistants activate smoothly, and the microphone can recognize spoken commands without trouble.

The headphones can sink if they come loose, creating a particular loss risk in lakes or deeper open water. Securing them under swim gear is sensible.

Masks, thick scarves and gear around the back of the head can push against the neckband or make it uncomfortable.

There is no adjustable-length band, so a poor fit cannot be fine-tuned; picking standard or Mini sizing matters.

Hands-free calling is a useful built-in convenience, although the microphone works far better in quiet conditions than in wind.

Bass-heavy music can distort when volume is pushed toward the top, particularly outdoors when listeners are trying to overcome surrounding noise.

Works smoothly with several everyday phone and watch setups, including major mobile voice assistants.

The large onboard music library is a signature strength, making underwater and phone-free listening possible. Finding, ordering, and transferring songs can be less smooth than the sheer storage capacity suggests.

Large storage does not guarantee easy listening: track order, folder access, shuffle repeats and sparse in-app navigation frustrate many. A few accounts report improved app or folder controls, so experiences differ.

The stiff, wraparound frame does not fold neatly into a pocket, making a bag or protective pouch more practical.

Vocal presets can help speech, and swimming mode changes the underwater balance. Preferences differ sharply: some like the swim tuning, while others find it flat and prefer Standard.

A snapped titanium band cannot be repaired by the wearer, making careful helmet-strap placement especially important.

Ordinary streaming is convenient through Bluetooth on land, but saved subscription playlists generally cannot be transferred for underwater offline playback. Owned compatible files are needed.

A damaged pair was replaced with relatively little hassle, offering reassurance when something does go wrong.