Shokz OpenSwim Pro – TDP Review

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro are the latest innovation in bone conduction headphones, specifically designed for multisport athletes. Combining features from the popular OpenRun and OpenSwim models, these headphones promise superior performance both in and out of the water. They offer a comfortable and secure fit, Bluetooth and MP3 playback, and are fully waterproof, making them a versatile choice for anyone who enjoys a variety of workouts. However, with a higher price tag and some limitations in battery life, are they worth the investment? Let’s dive into the details to find out.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Comfortable and Secure Fit: The Shokz OpenSwim Pro feature a lightweight design with over-ear hooks and a flexible band, providing a secure and comfortable fit for various activities, including swimming, running, and cycling.
• Dual Playback Options: The combination of Bluetooth and MP3 playback offers versatility, allowing users to stream music from their devices or play stored tracks during workouts and swim sessions.
• Waterproof Design: With an IP68 rating, the OpenSwim Pro are fully waterproof and can be submerged up to two meters deep for up to two hours, making them ideal for swimming and other water-based activities.
• Bone Conduction Technology: This technology keeps the ears open to ambient sounds, ensuring situational awareness, which is crucial for safety during outdoor activities.
• Customizable Controls: The Shokz app allows users to customize the multifunction button and other controls, enhancing usability and personalizing the experience.
• Quick Charging: A 10-minute quick charge provides up to three hours of playback, which is convenient for last-minute top-ups before workouts.

Cons:

• Higher Price: The OpenSwim Pro are among the most expensive bone conduction headphones in the market, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.
• Shorter Battery Life in MP3 Mode: While the Bluetooth mode offers up to nine hours of playback, the battery life drops to around six hours in MP3 mode, which may not be sufficient for very long workouts.
• Proprietary Charger: The use of a proprietary magnetic charger, while necessary for waterproofing, can be inconvenient if the cable is misplaced, as it requires purchasing a specific replacement from Shokz.
• Sound Quality in Noisy Environments: The bone conduction design, while great for maintaining awareness, may result in the music being overpowered by ambient noise in loud environments, reducing the overall audio experience.

Price and Availability

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro were released in June 2024 and are available for purchase directly from the Shokz website as well as various third-party retailers. Priced at AU$299, they are among the most expensive bone conduction headphones in Shokz‘s lineup. This price places them on par with the OpenRun Pro and AU$45 more than the OpenSwim. Despite their higher cost, the combination of Bluetooth and MP3 playback features makes them a unique and attractive option for multisport athletes.

Design and Fit

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro feature a design similar to other bone conduction headphones in the Shokz lineup, with over-ear hooks connected by a thin, durable band that runs around the back of the head. The band, made from a nickel-titanium alloy, provides some flexibility but cannot be adjusted for a custom fit.

Despite the lack of adjustability, the OpenSwim Pro offer a secure and comfortable fit for various activities. The lightweight design, at just 0.31 ounces per bud and 2.0 ounces for the charging case, ensures that they can be worn for extended periods without discomfort. The bone conduction drivers rest on the cheekbones, leaving the ears completely open to ambient sounds, which is ideal for maintaining situational awareness during outdoor activities.

The headphones are IP68-rated, making them fully waterproof and suitable for swimming. They can be submerged in water up to two meters deep for up to two hours. This water resistance, combined with their secure fit under a swimming cap, ensures they stay in place during rigorous swim sessions. However, the single-size design may not be ideal for everyone, as there is no Mini version available like with other Shokz models.

In addition to swimming, the OpenSwim Pro are comfortable to wear during other workouts such as running, cycling, and strength training. They stay put even during high-intensity movements and can be worn alongside hats and sunglasses without causing discomfort. While the back band might interfere slightly when lying on a bench or floor, it doesn’t significantly impact their overall stability and comfort.

Controls

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro come equipped with intuitive controls that make them easy to use during various activities, including swimming. The controls are split between the left cheek pad and the pad behind the right ear, providing convenient access without interfering with the fit.

Multifunction Button: Located on the left cheek pad, the multifunction button allows you to play, pause, and skip tracks. Using the Shokz app, you can customize this button to either activate your phone’s voice assistant or switch between Bluetooth and MP3 modes.

Volume Controls: The pad behind the right ear features the volume controls, with the volume up button also serving as the power button. By pressing both volume up and down simultaneously, you can switch between the voice assistant and mode switching, depending on your preference.

MP3 Mode Controls: In MP3 mode, you can switch between normal, shuffle, and repeat playback modes by holding the volume up and multifunction button. This feature is particularly useful during long swim sessions where you might want to vary your listening experience.

Customizable Settings: Through the Shokz app, you can further customize the control functions to suit your needs. This customization enhances the usability of the headphones, allowing you to tailor the controls to your workout habits.

The controls are designed to be user-friendly, even when wet. Voice notifications and sounds confirm that your commands have been registered, ensuring you don’t have to stop your activity to check the headphones. This ease of use makes the OpenSwim Pro a reliable companion for a wide range of sports and activities.

Sound Quality

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro employ bone conduction technology to deliver sound through vibrations on the cheekbones, keeping your ears open to ambient noise. This design provides a unique listening experience, especially during workouts and swim sessions.

General Sound Quality: While bone conduction headphones generally don’t match the sound quality of traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones, the OpenSwim Pro offer impressive audio performance for their category. The sound is clear and detailed, making it suitable for various types of music and podcasts. However, they lack the deep bass and noise isolation found in other types of headphones.

Swimming Performance: Underwater, the sound quality remains robust. The included earplugs enhance the audio experience by reducing water interference. Listening to music while swimming, the OpenSwim Pro deliver a surprisingly full range of sound, ensuring that you don’t miss out on any details of your favorite tracks.

Outdoor Workouts: During outdoor activities, the OpenSwim Pro allow you to stay aware of your surroundings, an essential safety feature for runners and cyclists. However, in noisy environments, the audio may be overpowered by ambient sounds. The bone conduction design is particularly beneficial in quieter settings where the clarity of the sound can truly shine.

EQ Modes: The Shokz app offers different EQ modes tailored for various activities. There are two EQ settings for Bluetooth playback: standard and vocal. For MP3 playback, there is a mode designed specifically for swimming. While these modes provide some audio customization, the differences are subtle, and the standard mode is generally sufficient for most listening scenarios.

Comparison with Other Models: Compared to the Shokz OpenRun and OpenSwim models, the OpenSwim Pro deliver comparable sound quality. If you prioritize both swimming and other workouts, the OpenSwim Pro offer the best combination of features and sound performance in the Shokz lineup.

Battery Life

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro offer respectable battery life, though it varies depending on usage mode. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Bluetooth Playback: When using the OpenSwim Pro in Bluetooth mode, you can expect up to nine hours of battery life on a single charge. This duration is adequate for most daily workouts and even longer training sessions.

MP3 Mode: In MP3 mode, the battery life decreases to around six hours. This reduction is primarily due to the increased power consumption required for onboard music playback. While this might be less than ideal for marathon sessions, it is sufficient for regular swim practices and other shorter workouts.

Charging and Convenience: The OpenSwim Pro use a proprietary magnetic charger to maintain their waterproof design. This charging method ensures that the headphones remain fully sealed against water ingress, but it also means you need to keep track of the specific cable. A quick 10-minute charge provides approximately three hours of playback, making it convenient for those last-minute top-ups before a workout.

Real-World Performance: In practical use, the actual battery life can be slightly less than the rated figures, especially if the volume is consistently set to high levels. During my testing, the battery lasted around eight hours in Bluetooth mode and just under six hours in MP3 mode, which aligns closely with the advertised specifications.

Battery Management: To extend the battery life, consider lowering the volume during use or switching to MP3 mode only when necessary. The headphones provide voice notifications of battery status when powered on, helping you manage your usage better and avoid unexpected shutdowns.

Overall, the battery life of the Shokz OpenSwim Pro is sufficient for most activities, though heavy users and those planning very long workouts might need to keep the charger handy. Despite the slightly shorter battery life in MP3 mode, the quick charge feature and overall performance make the OpenSwim Pro a reliable choice for multisport athletes.

Verdict

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro stand out as a versatile and high-performing option for multisport athletes, combining the best features of Shokz’s previous models. Their comfortable and secure fit, waterproof design, and dual playback options make them an excellent choice for those who swim and engage in various other workouts.

The bone conduction technology is particularly beneficial for maintaining situational awareness, which is essential for outdoor activities. The sound quality, while not on par with traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones, is impressive for bone conduction headphones, especially underwater. The customizable controls and quick charging feature add to their overall usability and convenience.

However, the higher price point and shorter battery life in MP3 mode may be considerations for some users. Additionally, the proprietary charger and lack of a Mini version could be potential drawbacks. Despite these minor shortcomings, the Shokz OpenSwim Pro offer a unique and effective solution for athletes who need reliable and high-quality headphones for both land and water activities.

If you’re looking for bone conduction headphones that can seamlessly transition between swimming and other workouts, the Shokz OpenSwim Pro are hard to beat. Their blend of advanced features and solid performance make them a worthy investment for serious athletes.

Should You Buy?

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro are a compelling choice for multisport athletes who require versatile, high-quality headphones that can handle both land and water activities. Here are some key considerations to help you decide if they’re right for you:

Who Should Buy:

• Multisport Athletes: If you regularly switch between swimming, running, cycling, and other workouts, the OpenSwim Pro’s dual playback options and waterproof design offer unmatched flexibility.
• Swimmers: The IP68 rating and secure fit under a swim cap make these headphones ideal for swimmers who want to enjoy music or podcasts while in the water.
• Outdoor Enthusiasts: The bone conduction technology ensures you remain aware of your surroundings, enhancing safety during outdoor activities like running and cycling.
• Tech Savvy Users: Those who appreciate advanced features like customizable controls, quick charging, and multipoint Bluetooth connectivity will find the OpenSwim Pro to be a valuable addition to their gear.

Who Might Pass:

• Budget-Conscious Buyers: At AU$299, the OpenSwim Pro are among the most expensive options in their category. If budget is a concern, you might consider other models or brands that offer similar features at a lower price.
• Audiophiles: If top-tier sound quality is your primary concern, traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones might be a better fit, as bone conduction technology has inherent limitations in audio fidelity.
• Users Seeking Extended Battery Life: While the battery life is adequate for most workouts, heavy users or those planning very long sessions might find the shorter battery life in MP3 mode (around six hours) to be a limitation.

Final Thoughts:

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro are an excellent investment for those who value versatility, safety, and convenience in their workout headphones. Their unique combination of features, including waterproofing, dual playback modes, and bone conduction technology, sets them apart from the competition. While they come with a higher price tag, their performance and functionality make them a worthy choice for serious athletes who need reliable headphones for a variety of activities. If these features align with your needs and budget, the OpenSwim Pro are likely to exceed your expectations.

Check them out here: OPENSWIM PRO – Shokz AU

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Zachary Skinner

Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.