Compare Shokz OpenSwim Pro vs Shokz OpenMove

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.

Audio is serviceable for background music and speech, with some listeners finding surprisingly clear detail. Others hear thin, radio-like sound that falls well behind conventional earbuds and pricier Shokz models.

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 clearest audio compromise: low notes lack depth and punch, even when the volume rises. Bass-heavy music rarely sounds satisfying.

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

The microphones suppress steady sounds such as air-conditioning or light wind reasonably well, but sudden noises may still reach the other person.

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

There is some sense of space and cohesion in the presentation, but the soundstage lacks the impact of conventional hi-fi headphones.

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

Wind and fast cycling can drown out the already modest sound output, making music and speech hard to follow. Riding more slowly or covering the ears can help.

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

There is little acoustic separation from the outside world, which is helpful for safety but unsuited to blocking distractions at work or on transport.

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 usually modest at quiet volumes, but some listeners nearby can detect music, especially when playback is turned up. Experiences vary from almost silent to intrusive in close quarters.

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.

Standard USB-C charging is a standout convenience: ordinary charging cables work instead of a model-specific magnetic lead.

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.

Tiny changes in driver placement can noticeably change loudness, clarity, and comfort. Once the ideal position is found it can be stable, but jaw movement or vigorous activity may upset it.

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 fabric pouch is lightweight and serviceable but provides little protection in a crowded bag. Some would prefer a rigid carrying case or a more compact travel solution.

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

Separate strings and backing elements can remain audible, but the arrangement is not especially punchy or revealing.

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

Treble sounds reasonably smooth and well controlled in music, although the presentation is not especially dynamic.

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.

IP55 protection handles sweat, damp workouts, light rain, and dusty outdoor use well. Heavy rain and immersion are beyond what this model is intended to withstand.

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.

The vocal-booster setting can make podcasts and audiobooks clearer, while standard mode suits music better. Earplug mode gives mixed results, and not everyone hears a meaningful improvement.

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.

Simple extras such as earplugs, a charging cable, a pouch, and decorative stickers add some utility. The earplugs help with alternative listening modes, but they are basic rather than luxurious.

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

Voices are generally understandable and sometimes crisp, particularly when the headset sits precisely on the cheekbones. Speech becomes less distinct when its position shifts.

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

The overall response is positive for inexpensive, awareness-first listening, especially for activity. Satisfaction falls when premium audio, effortless fit, or all-day comfort is expected.

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

Output is adequate on calmer streets but quickly gets drowned out by traffic, wind, and trains. Turning it up can make calls jarringly loud or increase sound leakage.

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

The wraparound frame stays secure for ordinary runs, walks, and many upright workouts. Sprints, awkward head movements, and lying back can shift the drivers out of their sound sweet spot.

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, sunglasses, caps, and some helmets can coexist with the ear hooks, but fit depends heavily on strap thickness, hair, and the order of putting things on.

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.

Keeping ears entirely unobstructed is the major attraction: traffic, approaching cyclists, conversations, and outdoor cues stay audible alongside music. The tradeoff is that outside noise can overpower playback.

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.

The OpenMove does not integrate with the Shokz app, preventing app-based adjustments, battery information, and the option to silence irritating control tones.

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

Initial setup is simple: pair over Bluetooth and learn a few physical button commands. The absence of app support limits deeper configuration.

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.

The separated physical buttons make pausing, skipping, and adjusting volume straightforward, even during activity. Small controls, unintended commands, and especially loud confirmation beeps frustrate some users.

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.

Bluetooth pairing is usually quick and dependable on compatible phones, including busy wireless environments. The connection is one of the less troublesome parts of daily use.

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.

Calls are generally clear enough for conversations and remote meetings, with several accounts of successful hands-free use. Voice pickup is less polished than a dedicated headset, particularly for background disturbances.

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.

USB-C charging is convenient, but a full charge takes around two hours and there is no fast top-up feature. A charging failure is also reported, with warranty coverage potentially available.

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.

Battery life typically lands around the advertised six hours, sometimes stretching further in lighter use. It can cover most workouts or rides but feels short against ordinary wireless earbuds or higher-end Shokz models.

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.

The entry-level price makes bone conduction accessible without paying for the top-end series. The value is strongest for awareness and exercise; buyers seeking rich audio or premium fit may prefer to spend more.

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

A two-year warranty provides a useful fallback if the headset develops a fault, including charging problems, though it does not prevent downtime.

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.

Multipoint lets the headset move between a phone and computer without frequent re-pairing. Switching works smoothly once configured, although discovering the setup procedure can take effort.

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.

Comfort divides opinion sharply: some wear the lightweight band for hours, while others develop pressure or soreness around one ear in about an hour. The firmer plastic hooks are less forgiving than premium models for many head shapes.

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.

Some listeners barely notice the cheekbone vibrations, and newer tuning feels gentler than older devices. Others find the buzz or tickling at higher volume uncomfortable or distracting.

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 clean, understated look and color choices appeal to many, especially at this price. Firmer plastic hooks and a conspicuous rear band make it look and feel less refined than premium versions.

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.

A single band size limits fine fitting, especially for smaller heads. Shokz models with mini options offer an advantage for those who need a shorter loop.

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.

At roughly 29 grams, the headset often feels light enough to forget during activity. A few users nevertheless feel disproportionate weight or pressure because of how the band distributes it.

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

The frame holds up to workouts, bumps, and ordinary carrying for many users. Others find the plastic hooks noticeably stiffer and less premium than Shokz's costlier metal-and-silicone builds.

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 the headset steady with gentle tension for some wearers, but others feel excessive pressure against their head or cheekbones over time.

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

Pairing with Android phones is straightforward and reliable, with no special app needed for basic listening.

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.

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 rear band can interfere with collars, hoodies, ponytails, or resting the headset around the neck. For some wearers it stays clear of jackets and helmet straps with no trouble.

Some cycling helmets and straps fit comfortably alongside the band, while bulkier arrangements require fiddling or simply do not fit well.

Magnets keep the headset together when it hangs around the neck, but some wearers find the earpieces snap uncomfortably around their throat.

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

The headset works across Android, iPhone, and computers, making it an easy device to share between different everyday platforms.

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 flexible band can be stowed in a bag or pocket, yet its fixed loop is awkward to pack and not as compact as independent earbuds.

Sound quality can change sharply when the cheekbone transducers move a few millimeters. A settled fit is important for consistent audio.

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.

The voice status reports only broad battery levels rather than a precise percentage; the abrupt drop between levels can make charging hard to plan.

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

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.

Every button press produces an unusually loud beep, a recurrent annoyance that cannot be disabled through an app. The feedback can be startling when listening quietly.

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

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

The physical button can trigger Siri hands-free, adding a handy way to issue commands while on a ride or walk.

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.