Shokz OpenMove Headphones Offers Bone Conduction Audio on a Budget

Runners, bikers, and anyone else who has to navigate the turmoil of busy streets understands the challenge of maintaining a steady pace while remaining connected to the outside world. You’re either listening to music/podcasts on loop or wearing ordinary headphones that filter out horns, footsteps, and so on, but Shokz offers an alternative: bone conduction. This technology employs vibrations to send music directly from the cheekbones to the inner ear, leaving your ears free of external disturbances. The OpenMove, priced at $54.95 (was $79.95), is a less expensive way to try it out without sacrificing any of the magic.

A flexible titanium band gently wraps around the back of your head, securing two transducers just in front of your ears. Weighing in at just 29 grams, you scarcely notice you’re wearing it. A little sweat and a light drizzle won’t stop you from getting through the majority of your normal workout or rainy commute thanks to the OpenMove’s IP55 rating. Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity helps you connect quickly and stays with you even in congested city traffic. The controls are nicely tucked away on the right side, where you’ll find volume buttons that also function as track skippers and a single key that allows you to play, stop, and answer calls.

The OpenMove has a six-hour battery life and takes an hour and a half to fully charge via USB-C. Standby mode lasts ten days, which is a good benefit for when you just need it sometimes. The dual mics will pick up your speech great during calls, but if you’re traveling too quickly, you may hear some background wind noise.

For bone conduction, the OpenMove produces crisp, clear sound with a decent blend of midrange and high-end. Voices remain clear as day, and the bass delivers a nice thump without becoming overbearing. Turn increase the volume, and you’ll feel a tiny vibration in your cheekbones, which is a good reminder of what’s going on behind the scenes. There is also very minimal leakage, so you don’t have to worry about your music driving your neighbours crazy.

In terms of fit, the OpenMove is rather secure and will stay in place even if you’re out for a run, a bike ride, or a leisurely stroll around the block. Even if you’re wearing glasses or a hat, the band holds you in place nicely. Longer sessions, on the other hand, can reveal a few pressure points here and there, and finding the proper fit can be a real pain. Positioning is critical; even a slight adjustment in head position results in a significant difference in volume and sound quality. So be prepared to modify and adjust a few times until you get it exactly right.

Shokz refers to the OpenMove as their “portal to bone conduction,” and it’s fair to say they’re on to something with the seventh generation of transducers designed to improve the listening experience. There are no complex apps or software to fiddle around with; everything is clear and simple to use. The OpenMove comes with a handy carrying pouch and a set of earplugs, which is a great touch, especially if you’re on a long travel or stuck in a particularly noisy location.