Shokz Headphones: A Deep Dive and Discount Roundup

For a decade now, I’ve relied on Shokz bone conduction headphones, formerly known as Aftershokz, as an essential part of my daily life. Seldom do I step outside without them. Today presents a golden opportunity, with significant price reductions on multiple Shokz models available across various retailers.

For those unfamiliar with the technology, Shokz headphones differ drastically from traditional earbuds. Instead of sitting inside your ear canal, they rest comfortably outside, just behind your temples. The magic lies in their ability to transmit sound through vibrations along your skull, directly to your eardrums. This ingenious design leaves your ear canals entirely open and unobstructed, allowing you to remain fully aware of your surroundings while enjoying your preferred audio content – be it music, podcasts, audiobooks, or anything else.

The experience takes a short adjustment period. But once you’re accustomed to it, it fundamentally changes how you perceive audio. I find this especially true when in public. Bone conduction headphones have become particularly popular among cyclists and runners, as they need to maintain awareness of their environment for safety. However, my affinity for Shokz headphones extends far beyond just those activities. I find them invaluable for nearly all my public excursions.

Shokz OpenMove: An Affordable Entry Point

If you’re intrigued by bone conduction technology but hesitant to invest heavily, the Shokz OpenMove serves as an excellent starting point. It’s the quintessential basic model, stripped of unnecessary frills. It’s incredibly user-friendly, boasting a straightforward setup process. The physical buttons offer tactile control over power, play/pause/track skipping, and volume adjustment. A notable advantage over some of Shokz’s newer models is its charging port: a standard USB-C connection.

The OpenMove offers approximately 8 hours of battery life on a single charge. While its water resistance is minimal, it’s sufficient for light exposure to rain or sweat. The regular retail price is around $80, but you can currently find it on Amazon, Best Buy, B&H, and Walmart for under $55. This represents a substantial discount and makes it even more appealing as an introductory model.

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: A Premium Upgrade

For those seeking a more refined experience, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is a worthy upgrade. I personally purchased these last year to address a specific need: extended battery life for my kayaking adventures, some of which stretch to 12 hours. Beyond the enhanced battery capacity, the OpenRun Pro 2 also boasts a lighter and slimmer profile. It provides superior audio quality. The bass is deeper and richer, and the mids and trebles are noticeably clearer.

I would stop short of claiming that they rival the audio fidelity of traditional earbuds or over-ear headphones. No bone conduction design can truly match the nuances of traditional sound reproduction. However, the OpenRun Pro 2 delivers a marked improvement over the OpenMove. It makes a significant enhancement to the overall listening experience.

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, thankfully, also utilizes USB-C charging. This is a welcome change as the original OpenRun Pro relied on a proprietary charging cable. It maintains the same IP55 water resistance rating as the OpenMove, which means it’s resistant to sweat, splashes, and light rain. But based on personal experience I can vouch for its durability. During a recent kayaking trip, I inadvertently took an unplanned dip in Lake Wallenpaupack, and my OpenRun Pro 2 emerged unscathed and fully functional.

The OpenRun Pro 2 is currently available on Amazon for $140, a $40 reduction from its original retail price. In my opinion, this discount makes them an exceptionally worthwhile investment. The headphones come in both "Standard" and "Mini" sizes. The only difference between the two being a slightly shorter band on the "Mini" version. It is designed to better accommodate smaller head sizes. Amazon offers a variety of colors, but if you’re after the striking orange variant, your best bet is to check Best Buy. If stock runs low there, B&H and Walmart are also worth exploring.

Bone Conduction: A Unique Listening Experience

In summary, Shokz headphones offer a compelling alternative to traditional earbuds, particularly for individuals who prioritize situational awareness or find in-ear headphones uncomfortable. The OpenMove provides an affordable entry point to the technology, while the OpenRun Pro 2 offers a premium experience with enhanced audio quality and extended battery life. With the current discounts available, now is an opportune time to explore the world of bone conduction audio.