Shokz Headphones on Sale: A Bone-Conduction Convert’s Guide

I’ve been a devoted user of Shokz bone conduction, open-ear headphones for a long time – practically since they first emerged as Aftershokz. Honestly, it’s a rarity for me to leave the house without them securely perched behind my ears. And great news for anyone curious: today, numerous Shokz models are being offered at significant discounts across several major retailers. Time to explore the possibilities!

For those unfamiliar with the magic of bone conduction technology, allow me to explain. Unlike traditional earbuds that sit directly in your ear canal, Shokz headphones rest comfortably just outside your ears, right behind your temples. They work by sending vibrations through the bones of your head, effectively delivering sound directly to your eardrum. This innovative approach leaves your ear canals completely open and unobstructed, allowing you to maintain full awareness of your surroundings while still enjoying your favorite music, podcasts, audiobooks, or whatever audio content you choose.

It’s true that the sensation takes a little getting used to initially. The feeling of vibrations subtly transmitting sound is unlike anything you’ve likely experienced before with conventional headphones. However, once you adapt, it’s a truly transformative way to listen. I believe that the advantages of awareness outweigh the initial novelty.

Bone conduction headphones have become incredibly popular among cyclists and runners, and it’s easy to see why. These athletes need to stay vigilant and aware of their environment – traffic, pedestrians, other cyclists – while still enjoying the motivation and entertainment that audio provides. However, I personally adore Shokz headphones for nearly every situation I encounter while I’m out and about in public. Whether I’m navigating busy city streets, walking through a park, or simply running errands, the ability to hear both my audio and the world around me offers unparalleled safety and convenience.

Now, let’s delve into some specific Shokz models that are currently available at discounted prices:

Shokz OpenMove: Your Entry Point into Bone Conduction

If you’re intrigued by bone conduction technology and are searching for the most affordable way to experience it firsthand, I wholeheartedly recommend the Shokz OpenMove. This is the brand’s entry-level, no-frills model, designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind. The setup process is incredibly straightforward, and the headphones feature physical buttons for essential controls: power, play/pause/track skipping, and volume adjustment. I personally find physical buttons much easier to manipulate than touch controls, especially when exercising.

One of the OpenMove’s particularly appealing features is its charging method. Unlike some of the more recent Shokz designs that utilize proprietary charging cables, the OpenMove conveniently charges via a standard USB-C cable. This is a huge plus for anyone who already has a collection of USB-C cables for other devices, eliminating the need to carry around yet another specialized cable.

In terms of battery life, the OpenMove will provide you with approximately 8 hours of continuous listening on a single charge. While this might not be sufficient for extremely long runs or all-day adventures, it’s perfectly adequate for most everyday activities. The OpenMove also offers basic water resistance, providing protection against sweat and light rain.

The Shokz OpenMove typically retails for around $80, but you can currently find it on sale on Amazon for under $55. This is an exceptional value for a reliable and functional pair of bone conduction headphones. You can also find it at this discounted price at Best Buy, B&H, and Walmart, so be sure to check your preferred retailer for availability.

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: A Premium Bone Conduction Experience

If you’re looking to upgrade your bone conduction listening experience and are willing to invest a bit more, I highly recommend considering the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2. I personally purchased these headphones last year primarily for their extended battery life, as I needed a pair that could reliably last through kayaking trips that often extend to 12 hours or more.

Beyond the impressive battery life, the OpenRun Pro 2 offers a number of other significant improvements over the OpenMove. They’re noticeably lighter and slimmer, making them even more comfortable to wear for extended periods. The audio quality is also significantly enhanced, with deeper bass and clearer mids and trebles.

While I wouldn’t go so far as to say that the OpenRun Pro 2 sounds as good as high-end traditional earbuds or over-ear headphones – no bone conduction design truly achieves that level of audio fidelity – it’s undoubtedly a substantial upgrade compared to the OpenMove. If you’re a discerning listener who appreciates clear and balanced sound, you’ll definitely appreciate the improvements offered by the OpenRun Pro 2.

Just like the OpenMove, the OpenRun Pro 2 recharges via USB-C (a welcome change from the original OpenRun Pro, which did not). It also retains the same full physical controls, which I find to be far more reliable and intuitive than touch-based controls, especially during physical activities.

The OpenRun Pro 2 boasts the same IP55 water resistance rating as the cheaper OpenMove, meaning it’s protected against sweat, splashes, and light rain. However, I can personally attest to its durability beyond the official specifications. On my last kayak trip, I experienced an (ahem) unscheduled swim in Lake Wallenpaupack, and my OpenRun Pro 2 survived without any issues whatsoever. While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend intentionally submerging them, my experience demonstrates that they’re more resilient than you might expect.

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is currently available on Amazon for $140, representing a $40 discount off its regular retail price. In my opinion, this is a worthwhile investment for anyone who’s serious about bone conduction listening. The OpenRun Pro 2 is offered in both "Standard" and "Mini" sizes, with the only difference being a slightly shorter headband designed to better fit smaller heads. Amazon typically carries these headphones in various colors, but if you’re particularly interested in the distinctive orange version (which can be harder to find), I recommend checking Best Buy. If stock runs low there, you can also check B&H and Walmart.

Author Bio

Michael is a seasoned technology journalist with a decade of experience covering a wide range of topics, from Apple innovations to ZTE devices. As the resident keyboard enthusiast at PCWorld, he’s constantly experimenting with new mechanical keyboards, building custom boards, and expanding his desktop setup. Michael’s previous work has appeared on prominent technology websites such as Android Police, Digital Trends, Wired, Lifehacker, and How-To Geek. He’s also covered major industry events like CES and Mobile World Congress live from the show floor. Michael currently resides in Pennsylvania and is always looking forward to his next kayaking adventure.