Chapter 1: My Journey with Open-Ear Headphones

In certain situations, being aware of your surroundings is crucial, especially when using headphones.

As someone who has enjoyed Apple's Airpod Pros for their noise-canceling capabilities, I find them incredibly useful for travel or while engaged in yard work. However, there are moments when this feature can be a bit overwhelming. While I relish the immersive experience, I also feel the need to stay alert to my environment. This sense of caution drove me to explore bone conduction technology early on.

The principle behind bone conduction headphones is straightforward: traditional headphones deliver sound directly to the ears, while bone conduction headphones transmit sound vibrations through the cheekbones, keeping the ears open to ambient noise. When removed, these headphones allow you to actually "feel the vibrations."

A few years ago, I tried a pair from Aftershokz, which has since rebranded to Shokz. Earlier models left much to be desired, often providing subpar volume and sound quality. I was curious to see how the technology had evolved since I last owned a pair. Unfortunately, I lost those headphones in a gym locker—a tough loss!

Now, I was ready to give the new OpenRun Pro headphones a shot. Shokz highlighted enhancements such as improved bass, longer battery life, and increased water resistance (IP55). Transitioning from previous versions, I found the sound quality had significantly advanced. With this being their ninth generation of bone conduction technology, substantial improvements were evident. Volume issues were resolved, allowing me to enjoy music and podcasts at varying levels, even in different sound environments.

These headphones cater to individuals who wish to enjoy audio content while remaining aware of their surroundings. While the sound quality has improved, it doesn't fully match that of traditional in-ear headphones. The bass enhancement is noticeable but not overwhelming; it feels more subtle than booming. While Shokz has made commendable strides in sound quality, I wouldn't consider these my primary listening device.

To test their calling capabilities, I made and received calls using the headphones. Most callers noted that I wasn't on my phone but were pleased with the overall clarity of the sound.

I've never faced issues with moisture in my past Aftershokz headphones, which certainly endured their share of sweat. I expect these will perform just as well, though they should not be used for swimming since they are water-resistant, not waterproof. For aquatic activities, Shokz offers the OpenSwim model.

As for comfort, I found the headphones to be lightweight, weighing around an ounce (28 grams). After a few minutes, I barely noticed them on my head. While I haven't tested them for extended periods, I anticipate they would remain comfortable over time.

The advertised battery life is around 10 hours, which I found to be accurate. A brief 5-minute charge provides an additional hour of playback time. However, I was disappointed to see that they came with a proprietary charging cable. It would have been more convenient to have a micro-USB or USB-C option. Losing this unique cable could become an issue, especially since many people don't have extras lying around. Fortunately, Shokz has an easily accessible accessories page where this cable can be purchased for $12.99 plus shipping.

I appreciated the inclusion of a semi-hard case, which is essential for traveling through airport security.

The case features a dedicated spot for the charging cable, which I plan to utilize diligently.

The case is compact enough to accommodate a small battery, ensuring you always have charged headphones on hand, although the charging port is covered when stored this way.

Conclusion: These headphones definitely have a place in my tech collection. Shokz has successfully developed a product with meaningful enhancements. I can see myself using them on long bike rides, allowing me to remain aware of oncoming traffic and other cyclists. With a 10-hour battery life, I shouldn't run out of music or talk time. The built-in voice assistant will notify me of my battery status, and I can quickly access Siri by pressing the multi-function button if needed.

Overall, I’m quite impressed with these headphones. I can only wonder what advancements future generations will bring to this technology!

Chapter 2: Video Reviews

In this section, we explore two informative YouTube videos that delve deeper into the world of bone conduction headphones.

The first video titled "Mionbel Openear Bone X2 Swimming Headphones Review" provides an in-depth look at these innovative headphones designed for aquatic use.

The second video, "Are Bone Conduction Headphones Right For Cyclists?" discusses the suitability of bone conduction technology for cyclists, highlighting their unique benefits and features.