Shokz OpenSwim Pro Review – Perfectly Adapted

Comparisons –

OpenRun Pro (269): The OpenRun Pro is slightly cheaper than the Swim but offers slightly improved battery life and a newer generation BCD. While the driver design appears very similar, the OpenRun Pro does have bass ports that offer a low level of air conduction intended to enhance the bass response. This works with mixed success and is certainly nowhere near the level of the Open Pro 2. With that said, they do offer a slightly punchier sound than the OpenSwim Pro and vocals sound slightly more natural. The average listener likely wouldn’t notice a huge difference, especially in the presence of ambient noise. Beyond the modest sound quality advantage, the two are mostly identical with the Swim offering a wider feature set. One may consider the Swim simply due to its superior moisture protection which will make it easier to clean and better protected from sweat and the elements.

OpenRun Pro 2 ($319): The OpenRun Pro 2 uses fundamentally different audio technology creating a far more balanced and full range sound. It does so whilst retaining the same comfortable and stable open-ear form factor. Other benefits include longer battery life and the use of a Type-C charging port. However, this has come with some compromises. Specifically, there is more sound leakage on the Pro 2 and less contribution from the bone conduction drivers. This means they cannot be used as effectively with earplugs should isolation be required. Sonically, the OpenRun Pro 2 is the clear winner, having a real bass response and a far more natural overall voicing. Vocals especially sound more true to life on the OpenRun Pro 2 meaning they are not only better for music but multimedia as well.

Verdict –

The OpenSwim Pro is a strong update to the original model bringing subtle improvements in sound quality but mostly the addition of new features that greatly enhance quality of life. Specifically, Bluetooth connectivity means the OpenSwim Pro is far more versatile and can be used for other activities and general listening too. The media player remains which suits use away from the smartphone or underwater. While I lament the lack of Type-C charging and user-adjustable eQ, the included presets are perfectly suited towards earplug listening using the Swimming and Vocal settings. Unlike the OpenRun Pro 2, the sound quality doesn’t break the mould for the form factor but does excel in specific use cases such as when swimming where air conduction isn’t possible. Many brands have tried their hands at delivering music while swimming from a sealing in-ears design. However, the slightest upset in fit ruins the listening experience and often they aren’t stable enough to be practically used yet alone comfortable enough to be enjoyed. Shock’z swim model performs on par with their other models with the OpenRun Pro having just a slight bass response advantage. Shokz deliver a perfectly adapted headphone for the intended use case if shy of the absolute versatility of the new OpenRun Pro 2.