We’re here to compare two bone conduction headsets from Shokz, previously called Aftershokz – the Shokz OpenRun Pro and the Shokz OpenRun. We’ll look closely at their important features, how they’re designed, how comfortable they are, how they connect, the quality of the sound, and how well they perform overall. If you’re thinking about getting a new headset or upgrading, this detailed comparison will give you the info you need to make a smart choice.
 |  |
|---|---|
| Shokz OpenRun Pro | Shokz OpenRun |
| PROS | PROS |
| Latest Bone Conduction Technology Comfortable and Secure Fit Enhanced Bass Improved Battery Life IP55 Rating Versatile for Outdoor Use | Established Bone Conduction Technology Rebranded and Upgraded Comfort and Safety Reasonable Price |
| CONS | CONS |
| Potential Distraction in Gyms | Not the Latest Technology Smaller Bass Capability Slightly Shorter Battery Life |
| CHECK ON AMAZON | CHECK ON AMAZON |
Shokz OpenRun Pro
The Shokz OpenRun Pro is the newest bone conduction headset with advanced technology. It’s an improved version of the Aeropex, known for being light and comfy. The design hasn’t changed much, but it’s sturdier. The OpenRun Pro has bigger speakers with better bass, making it great for outdoor activities. It’s water and dust resistant (not for swimming), making it durable. Perfect for runners and cyclists, it has a long battery life, quick charging, and a tough case. With good Bluetooth and upgraded sound quality, it’s a top choice for those wanting comfy, high-quality headphones for workouts.
Shokz OpenRun Pro Key Features
- Latest bone conduction headset from Shokz.
- New generation with advanced bone conduction technology.
- Lightweight and durable titanium band with a snug fit.
- Upgraded bass-capable speakers and Turbo Pitch technology for enhanced sound.
- Improved comfort and fit with a smaller, lighter main unit behind the ears.
- IP55 rating for water and dust resistance; suitable for rain, sweat, and splashes.
- Ideal for outdoor activities like running and cycling, providing situational awareness.
- Long battery life of up to 10 hours on a single charge.
- Quick charge feature provides 1.5 hours of use with just a 5-minute charge.
- Sturdy hard case for protection and convenient storage.
- Bluetooth version 5.1 for quick pairing and a reliable connection.
- Dual noise-canceling microphones for clear phone call quality.
- Button layout for easy control, with app support for additional functionality.
- Enhanced sound quality with Turbo Pitch technology and improved bass response.
- Vocal booster mode for emphasizing vocals in podcasts or Netflix.
Shokz OpenRun
The Shokz OpenRun, previously known as Aftershokz Aeropex, got a facelift with a new name. It’s a solid bone conduction headset, keeping the comfy design. While not as advanced as the OpenRun Pro, it still has quick charging and decent Bluetooth. It’s good for outdoor activities with its durability against water and dust. The battery lasts around 10 hours, suitable for workouts. In noisy places, like gyms, it might face some challenges. Despite lacking some features of the Pro, it’s a reliable choice for those who prioritize comfort, safety, and being aware of their surroundings during workouts.
Shokz OpenRun Key Features
- Formerly known as Aftershokz Aeropex, rebranded as Shokz OpenRun.
- Features a quick charge function for faster battery replenishment.
- Bone conduction technology allows external sounds for safety during activities.
- Lightweight at 26 grams, providing a comfortable fit for extended use.
- IP67 waterproof rating, suitable for use in rain and during sweaty workouts.
- 8-hour battery life for long listening sessions during various activities.
- Fast charge function offers 1.5 hours of use after only 10 minutes of charging.
- Proprietary charging cable; charging point designed to prevent moisture issues.
- Volume and power buttons on the right earbud for easy control.
- Multi-function button on the left earbud for music playback and calls.
- Available in multiple colors, including black, grey, blue, and red.
- Approved by England Athletics for use in road races.
- Suitable for various activities, including running, hiking, and cycling.
- Comfortable to wear with glasses, hats, and face coverings.
- Provides an open-ear listening experience, making it suitable for environments where awareness is crucial.
Design and Comfort
The Shokz OpenRun Pro maintains the sturdy design of its predecessor, the Aeropex, featuring a lightweight titanium band that is both flexible and robust. The earpieces have a slightly increased weight due to the inclusion of larger speakers with enhanced bass capabilities. Nevertheless, the overall comfort and fit are retained, if not slightly improved. With an IP55 rating, the OpenRun Pro ensures protection against water and dust, making it suitable for outdoor activities. The design caters to both runners and cyclists, offering a snug fit and heightened situational awareness.
On the other hand, the Shokz OpenRun, a rebranded version of the older Aeropex, inherits the same robust and comfortable design. The lightweight titanium band securely wraps around the neck, and the open-ear design enhances situational awareness. It maintains an IP67 waterproof rating, expanding its suitability for various outdoor activities. The design remains consistent with the earlier models, ensuring a comfortable fit for extended use.
Battery Life and Charging
The OpenRun Pro impresses with a 10-hour battery life, marking a 25% improvement from its predecessor. A notable addition is the quick charge feature, offering 1.5 hours of use after just five minutes of charging. The magnetic charging connector, consistent with previous models, ensures user-friendly convenience.
On the other hand, the OpenRun maintains a respectable 8-hour battery life, suitable for extended workouts and outdoor activities. Although lacking the quick charge feature, it delivers reliable performance for users seeking a good balance between battery life and usage.
Connectivity and Controls
The OpenRun Pro comes with Bluetooth version 5.1, ensuring a quick and stable pairing experience. It supports AAC and SBC audio codecs, ensuring a dependable connection across different devices. The button layout, featuring a multi-functional button on the left and a volume rocker/power button on the right, remains unchanged from previous models. The buttons offer tactile feedback and are easy to use, giving users control over media playback, volume, EQ settings, phone calls, and voice assistants.
Similarly, the OpenRun also boasts Bluetooth version 5.1 for a stable connection during workouts or outdoor activities. Its button layout mirrors that of the OpenRun Pro, providing convenient control over various functions.
Sound Quality
The OpenRun Pro introduces Shokz’s ninth generation bone conduction technology, known as Turbo Pitch. This technology promises better sound quality with added bass enhancers. The bass response is notably improved, offering a more balanced and full-bodied sound compared to earlier models. The mid-range is also described as less shouty, providing a natural and enjoyable listening experience. The OpenRun Pro even includes a vocal booster mode for those who want vocals and highs to stand out.
On the other hand, the OpenRun, being a rebranded version of the Aeropex, provides reliable sound quality through bone conduction technology. However, it doesn’t incorporate the specific enhancements found in the OpenRun Pro, such as Turbo Pitch technology and improved bass response.
Additional Features
The OpenRun Pro includes a new hard case, offering stronger protection for the headphones and extra storage space for the magnetic charging cable. This upgrade in the case is a significant improvement, providing both durability and added convenience.
On the other hand, the OpenRun sticks with the silicone case from its predecessor, offering compact protection for the headphones. While functional, it lacks the robustness and extra storage space found in the hard case of the OpenRun Pro.
Conclusion
To sum it up, both the Shokz OpenRun Pro and Shokz OpenRun are reliable bone conduction headphones focusing on comfort, safety, and situational awareness. The OpenRun Pro brings several enhancements, including longer battery life, quick charging, improved sound with Turbo Pitch tech, and a stronger case.
Your choice depends on what matters to you. If you want the latest tech, better sound, and extra features, the OpenRun Pro is worth the higher cost. However, if you seek a good balance between performance and price, the OpenRun is a solid option.
In the end, both models continue Shokz’s tradition of providing innovative bone conduction headphones ideal for various outdoor activities and workouts.
James Smith has always been intrigued by electronic products since his childhood. After his post graduation in electronics from a popular university, he decided to pursue a career in the electronics sector. But his calling for writing about these marvellous pieces of work got the better of him. That is how UBG was started. With a writing career spanning more than 12 years, James has worked on several hundred product reviews. During his free time, he like to spend time with his pet dog and relax in the swimming pool.