Shokz OpenFit 'air conduction' headphones review - an excellent wireless option for situational awareness

The Shokz OpenFit share a lot of similarlities with their 'monoform' cousins - but bring the full freedom of separate earbuds

Female cyclist holding the Shokz OpenFit headphones
(Image credit: Charlotte Broughton)
Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Shokz OpenFit are a super comfy wireless bluetooth set of earphones. The sound quality is great, and cars and other vehicles can still be heard from way off. These earphones are therefore excellent for helping you to be aware of your surroundings while also being able to enjoy some music, a phone call, an audiobook or a podcast. Different modes can also be selected on the Shokz app to help heighten your listening experience. Another great aspect is the battery life: claimed to be up to 7 hours this is also really impressive. The controls can be a little temperamental, but overall the OpenFit earphones are great for workouts and everyday usage.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Great battery life

  • +

    Very comfortable

  • +

    Can hear other road users from a long distance away

  • +

    Good sound quality

  • +

    Charging case is really useful and a good size

  • +

    Compatible Shokz app is easy to use

  • +

    Different settings that can be changed on the app

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Touch controls can be a little fiddly

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Trying to find a solid pair of earphones that are both comfortable, produce a high sound quality and also allow you to hear the environment around you has proven somewhat tricky for me. I was also skeptical about ditching the wired variety and going for the wireless earbud style - especially given who clumsy and forgetful I can be; often misplacing gloves and socks, let alone an item as small as earphones. 

Therefore, I was equally excited and nervous to try the Shokz OpenFit air conduction earphones while out riding on my bike, 

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