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Shokz has officially expanded its portfolio of fitness-focused audio equipment with the launch of the OpenFit Pro, a new set of open-ear headphones designed to resolve the longstanding compromise between situational awareness and audio immersion. By integrating Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) into a design that does not physically seal the ear canal, Shokz is attempting to offer athletes and commuters a hybrid listening experience that maintains environmental awareness while dampening distracting ambient noise.
Key Points
- First-of-its-kind ANC: The OpenFit Pro features Active Noise Cancellation without utilizing an in-ear tip, relying on a three-microphone array to counter ambient sound.
- Enhanced Audio Architecture: Shokz claims a 50% improvement in low-frequency response compared to previous open-ear models, supported by Dolby Atmos optimization.
- Endurance Battery Life: The device offers up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge (ANC off) and up to 50 hours total with the charging case.
- Pricing and Availability: The headphones are available now in black and white colorways for $250.
Solving the Isolation Dilemma
Historically, consumers have had to choose between sealed in-ear headphones, which offer superior audio quality and isolation but block out the environment, and bone conduction or open-ear models, which allow for safety and awareness at the cost of sound fidelity. The OpenFit Pro targets the middle ground of this spectrum.
The core innovation lies in the device’s approach to ANC. Unlike traditional noise-canceling headphones that rely on "passive isolation" (physically blocking the ear) to assist the electronic cancellation, the OpenFit Pro operates with a completely open architecture.
According to the product showcase, the system utilizes "feed-forward" microphones to monitor external noise and generate inverse sound waves to cancel it out. This allows the wearer to dampen consistent background drone—such as traffic or gym machinery—while remaining spatially aware of their surroundings.
"It's a pretty trippy sensation to be able to hear the sounds around you really clearly while also having the noise floor just drop out from under you. You do get a little bit of the pressure sensation that's typical of ANC... but that's a trade-off Shokz made knowing that the seal also comes with its own set of downsides."
Audio Engineering and Mic Technology
Beyond noise cancellation, Shokz has re-engineered the acoustic drivers to address the common weakness of open-ear headphones: weak bass. The company reports a significant 50% improvement in low-end performance compared to its previous generation. The hardware utilizes a dual-diaphragm design and a high-quality dome cap intended to produce distortion-free sound.
For voice calls, the OpenFit Pro employs a sophisticated microphone array paired with AI voice recognition. Shokz claims this system can reduce background noise by up to 99.4% during calls. The setup includes:
- Mic 1: Primary monitor for external environmental noise.
- Mic 2: Secondary capture to enhance noise reduction.
- Mic 3: Internal placement to detect residual noise directing toward the ear canal.
Additionally, the device supports app-based customization, allowing users to toggle between five EQ presets or create a custom profile. The audio output is also optimized for Dolby Atmos, specifically tailored to enhance the spatial experience within an earbud form factor.
Design, Durability, and Power
Designed primarily for active users, the OpenFit Pro utilizes a secure ear-hook design featuring "Ultra Soft Silicone 2.0" to minimize chafing during long runs. Crucially for gym-goers, the device eschews capacitive touch controls in favor of physical buttons. This design choice prevents "false positives"—accidental pauses or skips caused by sweat or hoodies touching the sensor during intense workouts.
The headphones carry an IP55 rating, certifying them for resistance against dust and water sprays, making them suitable for heavy sweating or rain, though not for swimming.
Battery performance is a standout feature for the new model. The specifications indicate:
- 12 hours of playback per charge at 50% volume (ANC off).
- 50 hours of total playback including the charging case.
- Quick Charge: A 10-minute charge provides approximately 4 hours of playback.
The case also supports Qi wireless charging and is designed to be wider rather than thicker, improving pocketability compared to previous bulky sports cases.
Market Implications and Availability
The release of the OpenFit Pro signals a shift in the premium sports audio market, moving away from bone conduction exclusivity toward air-conduction technology that can compete with traditional earbuds on sound quality. By integrating multipoint pairing that works across ecosystems (Android, iOS, PC), Shokz is positioning the product as a versatile all-day wearable rather than just a workout accessory.
The Shokz OpenFit Pro is available immediately for purchase. Retailing at $250, it enters the market at a premium price point, directly competing with high-end offerings from Sony and Bose, but differentiating itself through its open-ear safety features.
