Our reviews are 100% organic. We do not accept payment for reviews or bundle with advertising budgets. In most cases, the brand is providing the product to our reviewers free of charge. Shokz has quickly evolved in this specific category of headphones over the past few years. The original OpenFit headphones were released in 2023, and the OpenFit 2 and 2+ models released in 2025 made significant improvements and advances in both audio quality and functionality. This year, the OpenFit Pro elevates the feature profile and introduces a seemingly contradictory proposition of providing noise cancellation while maintaining an open sound profile. It’s a tricky balance, but works well for its intended purpose.
The first thing we noticed when unboxing the OpenFit Pro headphones is a sturdier and more robust feel. The headphones themselves are larger, with molded mesh aluminum unibody speakers and thicker alloy bands to secure them in place. Each headphone is about 3g heavier than the OpenFit 2. The larger build allows for improved speaker mechanics as well as Dolby Atmos and active noise reduction hardware. Despite the larger and heavier specs, we were pleasantly surprised that the OpenFit Pro has an extremely secure feel around the ear, and the weight difference isn’t noticeable with long-term use.
The sound quality has also improved on the OpenFit Pro compared to the OpenFit 2. A new SuperBoost technology utilizes a synchronized dual-diaphragm driver system for wider acoustic ranges. Shokz claims these speakers produce 50% stronger bass notes than its previous model, and preserve mid-range clarity while minimizing distortion and vibration. Additionally, an Intelligent Audio algorithm is constantly active to maintain clarity and balance, adapting in real time to preserve sound integrity across various environments. A third advance is improved DirectPitch sound leakage prevention that focuses on precise sound projection towards the ear canal, with less loss from air conduction. The OpenFit Pro also allows users to customize five preset equalizer modes to choose from, as well as a 10-band EQ (instead of 5-band on the OpenFit 2) to further refine the sound to your specific preferences.
Additional technology on this model includes Dolby Atmos, which is like having a mini surround sound system in your headphones. It works through an array of sensors that precisely track your head movements and intelligently adjust the sound profile, so the audio stays centered towards the ear canal regardless of your body position. The Dolby component also adds a richness and depth of sound that you probably didn’t think was possible with open air headphones. Without question, all of the technologies packed into the OpenFit Pro result in a sound quality that exceeds anything the company has offered thus far.
Noise reduction is the most intriguing feature, as that seems to cancel the primary purpose of open air headphones. Note that the company is careful to label this feature as noise reduction rather than noise cancelling, and that’s a good way to describe the audio sensation: external noises seem muffled and reduced, while the sound that’s coming through the speakers retains volume and clarity. The technology utilizes a triple-microphone array to monitor environmental noise from multiple directions and dynamically adjusts audio playback to reduce background as needed. Shokz claims a capacity of 14dB reduction in noise volume, and it seems most effective at blocking mid-range frequencies like treadmill humming or the general chatter in busy environments. The degree of noise reduction can be customized in the Shokz app, but we typically use it at the highest level when we want to block outside noise. However, noise reduction dramatically affects the battery life – just 50% of the duration compared to open mode – so we use it only when necessary. Additionally, the Pro version sees a slight bump in battery life, both for a full charge and a 10-minute quick boost.
In addition to being activated via the app, we appreciate the ability to activate and deactivate the noise reduction feature through physical buttons on the headphones. A common workout scenario is a short run followed by a gym session; it’s effortless to go from open mode while outside to stay alert, then switch to reduction mode indoors to block out unwanted gym noise. This is a significant advantage over any other open ear bone conduction headphones, or open air headphones, and has made the OpenFit Pro our product of choice for hybrid outdoor/indoor sessions.
One mild quirk to get used to is operation of the single physical button on each headphone. Either button can be used for all traditional audio and phone controls, in addition to activating or deactivating noise reduction. Other functions require a combination of clicks and holds, as well as side specificity, to remember for various functions. For example, a single press and hold can activate or deactivate noise reduction mode, while adjusting the volume requires a short press followed by a long press. Increasing volume is done on the right headphone, while decreasing is done on the left. You can customize the click functions on each headphone, but we found the default settings the easiest to master.
The button situation was about the biggest obstacle we could find with the OpenFit Pro, and it’s honestly a pretty easy one to work through. Otherwise, these headphones provide the best combination of sound quality, open mode capability and noise reduction we have tested to date. The hardware is lightweight enough to ride comfortably and stays secure while running on trails as well as gym use or any long duration activity. Shokz OpenFit Pro headphones are available at www.shokz.com.
Features & Specs:
- Audio enhancement technologies: Shokz SuperBoost with DirectPitch 3.0, OpenBass 2.0, and Dolby Atmos
- Open ear noise reduction
- 10-band equalizer with five preset and two customized EQ modes
- Casing: nickel-titanium alloy with silicone plastic coating
- Physical multi-function button operation
- Battery life (single charge): 12 hours in open mode, 6 hours in noise reduction mode
- Recharge capacity: Up to 50 hours (open mode) with charging case, 10 minutes for 4-hour quick charge
- USB-C and wireless Qi case charging
- Case dimensions: 80mm x 65mm x 20mm
- Water resistance: IP55
- Weight: 12.3g each
- MSRP: $250