What’s up everyone. Today we’re looking at the Shokz OpenFit Pro. These will set you back $249.95, and I’m going to be real with you right from the jump: for that price tag, I don’t think they’re worth it.

The "Fairness" Disclaimer & Transparency
I have to be honest. This might not be a totally fair fight. I’m comparing these to conventional earbuds because I’ve never actually used an open-ear style before. This is my first time with this tech, so keep that in mind as we dive in.
Also, Shokz sent these to me as part of a seeding program. They had no say in what I wrote, and they haven’t seen this review. One quick note: my unit’s serial number starts with "t," which might indicate a testing or demo product, so your retail experience might vary.

The Sound Situation
Shokz is hyping up their new dual-diaphragm driver and "SuperBoost" tech, claiming a frequency range up to 40kHz. One of the big features is DirectPitch 3.0, designed to aim audio into your ear and reduce leakage.
In my testing, it performed pretty well. I had to crank it to uncomfortable volumes before people around me could hear anything. Sound-wise, though? There’s nothing special here. It’s a very safe, non-offensive signature. Along with that, the soundstage is wide because they don't sit in your ear. But there are two big "vibekillers":
 * When you crank the volume, the bass decreases and the buds vibrate enough to tickle your ear.
 * When you turn on noise reduction, the signature shifts completely, losing its warmth and even more bass.

The "Noise Reduction" Twist
Shokz calls this "Open-Ear Active Noise Reduction." Most ANC is designed to block out everything: droning engines, fans, and background hums. This is different. It actually works best for voices and doesn't do much for anything else.
It uses a triple-mic array with AI to target background noise specifically so that human voices come through clearer. It’s less about giving you a "silent bubble" and more about making sure you can hear your podcasts or calls over the surrounding chatter. For open-ear buds, it’s a cool niche, but don't expect it to quiet a plane engine, or even a drone of a car, for that matter.

The App Experience (Beta Warning)
I’ve been testing this using the Beta version of the Shokz app. The main issue? The battery drain on my phone was massive: 21% in just 5 hours while idling in the background.
The app itself is fine. You get a 5-band graphic EQ, Dolby Atmos toggles, and a slider for the noise reduction. You can also handle firmware updates there, which will hopefully fix that battery drain before the official launch.

Build, Battery, and Comfort
 * Battery: Shokz claims 12 hours on a charge (6 hours with noise reduction on). I didn't feel like wearing them for that long to test their claim, but in real use I've never had range anxiety. 
 * Case: It's a bit bulky but feels premium with a nice, damped closing sound. It supports Qi wireless charging and has a quick-charge feature (10 mins = 4 hours).
 * Build: They’re using Bluetooth 6.1 and physical buttons. The buttons are easy to use, though I noticed a slight delay in the response.
 * Comfort: They use "Ultra-Soft Silicone 2.0." Since they stay outside the ear, they are way more comfortable for long sessions than IEMs. They’re IP55 rated, so they’ll handle sweat just fine.
 * The Downside: They are a total fiddle to put on. You really have to mess with them to get them hooked right every single time.

The Verdict
Great comfort, premium case, and decent tech like DirectPitch. But at $249, with that shifting sound signature, the voice-heavy noise reduction, and the current app drain, it’s a tough sell.

Shokz OpenFit Pro review