Looking for a pair of headphones that allow you to stay connected to your surroundings without compromising on sound quality? The Shokz OpenMove bone-conduction headphones are shaping up to be a favorite among commuters, outdoor runners, and multitaskers in 2025. With their open-ear design, lightweight build, and reliable Bluetooth connectivity, they offer something truly different in a market dominated by in-ear and over-the-ear options.
As a longtime audio gear reviewer at RatedByMia, I’ve tested everything from premium cans to budget earbuds. The reason I decided to try out the Shokz OpenMove is simple: it’s hailed as one of the most accessible entry points into the world of bone-conduction audio. In this detailed shokz openmove review, I’ll walk you through its best features, limitations, and whether it fits your lifestyle.
Who Is It For?
The Shokz – OpenMove is tailor-made for anyone who wants to listen to audio while staying aware of their environment. Whether you’re a runner navigating busy streets, a cyclist wanting situational awareness, or a remote worker juggling calls and family life, the shokz openmove headphones fill a very specific niche.
These headphones are especially ideal for:
- Fitness enthusiasts and runners who train outdoors
- Commuters who want audio without tuning out the world
- People who dislike the feeling of earbuds inside the ear canal
- Listeners with hearing aids or sensitive ears
However, if you’re an audiophile searching for studio-grade sound or you regularly use headphones in noisy environments (like airplanes or subways), bone-conduction tech—including the OpenMove—may not deliver the isolation or bass response you’re looking for.
Product Overview & Summary Box
Features:
- Open-ear bone conduction technology
- Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity
- Sweat-resistant with IP55 rating
- 6-hour battery life with USB-C charging
- Dual noise-canceling microphones
- Lightweight titanium frame
Star Rating: ★★★★☆
Design & Build
The Shokz OpenMove features a minimal, wraparound design made with a partial titanium frame covered in a matte silicone that feels smooth in the hand and equally comfortable on your head. The entire structure is lightweight—just 29 grams—which means it won’t weigh you down during workouts, video calls, or walks around town.
What really stands out in the design is the open-ear layout. Instead of inserting into your ears like traditional earbuds, the pads rest just in front of your ear on your cheekbone. This allows the OpenMove to deliver sound via bone conduction while keeping your ears completely unobstructed.
The IP55 rating ensures that the headphones are sweat- and splash-resistant. While not fully waterproof, they can survive a run in the rain or intense workouts without issue. Buttons are tactile and easy to find by touch—great for on-the-go adjustments. The USB-C charging port is a nice modern touch, speeding up charge times compared to older micro-USB models.
Features & Functionality
Shokz – OpenMove isn’t trying to be the most feature-loaded headset—its value lies in simplicity and practicality. But the features it does include are implemented extremely well.
The bone-conduction technology is particularly useful for users who want to maintain full awareness of their environment. Whether it’s the honk of a horn, a dog barking, or someone calling your name, you won’t miss important auditory cues when wearing the OpenMove.
The headphones support Bluetooth 5.1, which provides quick pairing and reliable connectivity within a fair range. I found the connection to be solid within an average-sized house or from one end of the gym to another. Dual noise-canceling microphones ensure that calls sound crisp even in moderately noisy environments—an unexpected but welcome bonus.
Though not loaded with EQ customization or companion apps, the OpenMove offers three listening modes: Standard, Vocal Booster, and Earplug Mode. The latter is useful when using included earplugs to block ambient sound, letting you still enjoy clearer audio in noisy environments.
Ease of Use
If you’re into headphones that ‘just work,’ this is it. Everything from initial pairing to playback control is remarkably straightforward. Long pressing the power/multi-function button turns on the unit and pairs it in seconds. Once paired, the OpenMove automatically reconnects to the last used device when powered on, which is a time-saver.
Controls include basic playback, volume adjustment, and the ability to answer or end calls. You can activate voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant with a quick press-hold gesture. Button placement is logical and accessible, making it workable even in the middle of a jog.
Charging is handled via USB-C and takes about 2 hours from zero to full. The battery lasts approximately 6 hours with moderate use, which is sufficient for most daily routines.
Performance / Effectiveness
When it comes to performance, the Shokz OpenMove delivers on its promise of delivering audio in an open-ear format that’s safe and convenient. The sound signature skews toward the midrange with decent clarity in voices and high-frequency instruments—great for podcasts, audiobooks, and phone calls.
That said, bass is naturally limited due to the bone-conduction tech. You won’t get the chest-thumping lows of in-ear or over-ear headphones. Some slight audio leakage is present at higher volumes, but less noticeable than expected.
Microphone quality was better than anticipated. During multiple calls, my voice came through clean and without the need to shout—even with background ambient noise like light traffic or music playing nearby. There’s little to no lag in audio playback when watching videos or streaming, making it practical for content consumption too.
Value for Money
As an entry-level bone-conduction headset, the Shokz OpenMove hits a sweet spot between performance and affordability. It includes several features borrowed from higher-end models, such as multi-point pairing and noise-reduction mics, which makes it feel like a premium experience without the premium price tag.
For people exploring bone-conduction technology for the first time, this is currently one of the most accessible options available. Curious about the exact cost? Be sure to check the live pricing above.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Comfortable and lightweight for all-day wear
- Excellent for situational awareness
- Decent audio clarity for calls and voice content
- USB-C fast charging
- Supports multipoint Bluetooth pairing
- Three EQ modes including an earplug-compatible mode
Cons:
- Limited bass response
- Not ideal in loud environments
- Battery life could be longer
- Some sound leakage at high volumes
Alternatives & Comparisons
If you’re still evaluating your options, the AfterShokz Aeropex (now rebranded as Shokz OpenRun) is another standout. The OpenRun offers superior sound quality, improved battery life, and a more premium build—but at a higher price point. It’s a more feature-packed alternative best suited for those looking to fully commit to bone-conduction listening.
Another competitor is the Vidonn F1, a budget-friendly bone-conduction headphone that gets the job done but lacks the polish and durability of the OpenMove.
In terms of striking the right balance between quality and affordability, the OpenMove still stands strong. It introduces you to the benefits of bone conduction without pushing you into the premium tier.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does the OpenMove work with glasses or helmets?
Yes! Its slim frame and flexible loop easily accommodate glasses, hats, and even helmets without causing discomfort.
2. Can I use OpenMove for phone calls?
Absolutely. The dual microphones provide clear voice pickup, even in moderately noisy places.
3. Is there an app for customizing the sound?
No dedicated app, but the built-in EQ modes (Standard, Vocal Booster, and Earplug Mode) let you tweak the sound slightly.
4. Are they waterproof?
No, but they are water-resistant with an IP55 rating. They’ll handle sweat and light rain but not submersion.
5. Do they support multi-device connectivity?
They do! Multipoint pairing lets you connect two Bluetooth devices simultaneously.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
The Shokz OpenMove strikes an impressive balance of innovation, comfort, and practicality. It’s a solid choice for those discovering bone-conduction technology for the first time or anyone needing audio on the go while staying spatially aware. It won’t replace high-end music headphones or heavy-duty noise cancelers—but that’s not its goal.
For jogging, commuting, working from home, or even casual listening without ear fatigue, the OpenMove delivers admirable performance. After spending weeks testing these out, I can confidently say they’re worthy of the hype in 2025.