Shokz OpenSwim Pro Review – Perfectly Adapted

Pros –

Comfortable and stable open ear design, IP68 waterproof, Minimal sound leakage, Thoughtful eQ for underwater/earplug listening, Inbuilt media player with wide file support

Cons –

Limited playback control in media player mode, Shorter media player battery life, Minimal bass, Proprietary cable

Verdict –

Shokz delivers a perfectly adapted headphone for the intended use case if shy of the absolute versatility of the new OpenRun Pro 2.

---

About Shokz –

Shokz is an American consumer audio brand focusing on open-ear technology, a space within which the brand holds over 4,300 patents. As opposed to sound-isolating in-ear and over-ear designs, Shokz’ designs don’t obscure the ear canal in any way. This has made them among the top choices for athletes and consumers wanting to enjoy music yet without any loss to spatial awareness. The company has achieved renown for their bone-conduction and air-conduction models. Recently, they have combined the two in a world first on their latest flagship model.

Introduction –

After a discussion with Shokz, we decided the summer months in Sydney would be a good opportunity to dive into their new OpenSwim Pro. At their core, these are wireless bone conduction headphones with an open-ear design that offers zero seal and isolation in exchange for perfect unimpeded spatial awareness. The OpenSwim Pro differentiates itself from Shokz other models in a few key areas. It has a more comprehensive IP68 waterproof rating derived from triple-sealed seems and controls enabling full submersion. 32 GB of inbuilt storage permits listening when Bluetooth connectivity isn’t possible such as when underwater and without reliance on a phone. Relative to the non-Pro variant, this model has Bluetooth so it can be enjoyed like a typical wireless headphone outside of the pool too. The OpenSwim Pro is now no less capable than the company’s run models whilst adding comprehensive aquatic-focused features on top.

The OpenRun Pro 2 is available for $299 AUD. You can read all about it and treat yourself to a unit on Shokz.

Disclaimer –

I would like to thank Shokz very much for their quick communication and for organising a review of the OpenSwim Pro. All words are my own and there is no monetary incentive for a positive review. Despite receiving the headphones free of cost, I will attempt to be as objective as possible in my evaluation.

Contents –

• Page 1: Intro, Unboxing, Design
• Page 2: Usability & App
• Page 3: Sound Breakdown
• Page 4: Comparisons & Verdict

Behind the Design –

PremiumPitch 2.0+

The OpenSwim Pro uses the same 8th-generation bone conduction driver as the OpenRun. Relative to the 7th generation driver featured in the OpenSwim, Shokz promises lower vibration and sound leakage in addition to a more balanced sound profile. However, the driver is one generation behind that used in the OpenRun Pro which features a rudimentary air conduction vent system to deliver enhanced bass.

Designed for Swimming

Like the OpenSwim, the Pro has an inbuilt player allowing the headphones to function independently of a source device. Storage has been vastly increased to 32 GB and the same MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, and FLAC files are all supported. This is vital as Bluetooth cannot function underwater. Aligning with this is a triple-sealed chassis permitting an enhanced IP68 waterproof rating.

Bluetooth

The non-Pro model notably did not feature Bluetooth which made it a far more niche choice. The addition of the latest BT5.4 connectivity makes the OpenSwim Pro a far more well-rounded and versatile buy than its predecessor. Battery life has been enhanced to 9 hrs up from 8 however, notably in MP3 mode it has dropped to 6hrs. This is somewhat redeemed with the addition of quick charging.

Unboxing –

The OpenSwim Pro comes in a card box with printed images and text. Sliding off the external sleeve reveals a hard box containing the earphones within a card inlet. Below are warranty and instruction papers in addition to the carrying case. It doesn’t have a moulded inlet like the run models but has a ventilated design to aid drying after use in the pool. The case is made from silicone so it will be easy to clean, maintain and dry. Besides this, Shokz also provides some earplugs that can be used to enhance isolation and reduce pressure and ambient noise when swimming. Given the use of bone conduction technology, sound reproduction isn’t impeded at all when obscuring the ear canal so this is a sensible addition. Of note, the sound signature does markedly change which I will touch upon in a sound section of this review.

Design –

If you’re at all familiar with Shokz earphones, you’ll be right at home with the OpenSwim Pro. It feels nigh identical to the OpenRun which is a very good thing. Both share a similar silhouette with an ear hook design and loop running behind the neck. Where the OpenRun Pro and Pro 2 both have vents on the speaker pods in front of the ear, the OpenSwim Pro is more reminiscent of the non-Pro models with basic formless pods featuring no vents of openings besides the two noise-cancelling call mics. They are in turn, sleek and extremely streamlined which aids stability underwater when swimming at speed. They also have reflective buttons as opposed to the matte finish on the Run models and no metallic accents on the control/battery modules perhaps all enabling their improved moisture ingress protection.

Speaking of which, the OpenSwim Pro is rated at IP68 meaning they can be fully submerged and washed under pressure. Despite being light I did notice they will sink if dislodged in the pool, however, the fit was always consistent during my testing. Should you want to use them for open water swimming, I would definitely advise tucking them beneath suggest a swimming cap as a result. The chassis is still nickel-titanium being lightweight and springing back to shape with zeal. Silicone coats the exterior which aids handling and grip during wear. I’ve found Shokz headphones to be easy to clean as a result, especially darker-coloured units. Besides the aesthetic changes, the OpenSwim Pro is functionally and ergonomically identical to Shokz’ other models which bodes well as I am personally a big fan of their designs and other users appear to share this sentiment.

Fit & Isolation –

For more in-depth comments please see my OpenRun Pro 2 review here. In short, the form factor is delightfully attuned to active use, evidenced by a lineup entering the double digits in terms of generational refreshes. Incidentally, the OpenSwim Pro is the lightest of the current lineup at just 27g. This isn’t really felt in real-world use, as all feel effortless to wear with minimal pressure, discomfort or breathability concerns. As with the Run models, the Swim disappears throughout the day and you can easily forget you are wearing them.

The bone conduction pods counterbalance the battery and control modules achieving balance over the top of the ear. Mild clamp force ensures pressure is minimized whilst upholding fit stability during active use. The headline feature is surely the low-profile design that sits impressively flush to the head. This reduces wind noise when running and cycling but also helps to retain fit stability when worn underwater, especially during tumble turns and more explosive strokes like butterfly. I was able to wear the OpenSwim during an entire 2-hour training session without requiring much adjustment at all and never did I fear that the headphones would be lost.

If I have one gripe, the Swim only comes in one size equivalent to the standard size in the Run lineup. For those wanting a more compact neckband, no mini option is available. Like the Run, this makes them difficult to use in bed or when lying down as the neckband tends to tip the speaker pods, affecting the sound reproduction. Focusing more specifically on swimming, however, being underwater drastically alters the perception of sound given the changes in noise transmission through water vs air. Shockz provide some silicone earplugs to air with this, but they can also be used for listening in loud environments should you want some noise isolation. There is no drop in volume unlike on the new OpenRun Pro 2 due to sole reliance on bone conduction audio.

Next Page: Usability