Open-ear earbuds can compromise on sound quality due to the design and shape and not fitting quite like tradional earbuds. However, the OpenDots ONE aim to defy this expectation with their Bassphere technology which uses dual 11.8mm drivers to deliver an almost in-ear earbud experience. This, combined with Dolby Audio support, results in a surprisingly full and bass-rich sound for their class. These also have Dynamic Ear Detection on deck which means like many of these they can differentiate between left and right automatically.
In a quiet environment, the audio is clear and balanced. Voices and music are well-defined, and the Bassphere technology provides a much-needed low-end presence that is often lacking in open-ear designs. You will not get the full in-ear or headphone experience but these are close and with the app you have control over the sound stage you want they are loud and there is notable differences between the EQs here unlike other offerings out there with a similar design you will be impressed there is some leakeage when they are maxed out on volume
The OpenDots ONE boast impressive battery life. You can expect up to 10 hours of continuous music playback on a single charge, with the compact wireless charging case providing an additional 30 hours for a total of 40 hours. A quick 10-minute charge gives you two hours of listening time. The case supports both USB-C and Qi wireless charging, adding a layer of convenience this will be different for every user with how they have theirs set up but the battery life claimed as most do is claim is almost accurate.
The Shokz OpenDots ONE are a great addition into the clip-on open-ear market. They offer excellent comfort and a secure fit, making them a fantastic choice for those who dislike traditional earbuds or prioritize situational awareness which with the dark nights now closing in is a not a bad idea for people that walk or jog etc and those who want to try the new design who have not done so yet this is around the 20th pair of this type of clip-on for me to review now and they come with Find My Earbuds on board which is great if lost or isplaced at home of the office and whilst not a fan when they came out I am now.
While no open-ear headphone can completely match the sound isolation of an in-ear model or headphones the OpenDots ONE deliver a good audio experience with impressive bass for their design and give you a near tpyical in- ear experience.
The touch controls can be a bit tricky as there is two areas but you will over time get the thumb memory in action, and with their app you have more control, these are more expensive that others we have tried but as mentioned one of the best so far this year, check out the video below for more..
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Effortless Clip-On Style
Designed with a sleek nickel-titanium “JointArc™” frame wrapped in soft, skin-friendly silicone, OpenDots ONE gently clips onto the outer ear—offering a secure fit that complements glasses, hats, or jewellery. -
Interchangeable and Intuitive
No more fumbling with left and right earbuds. OpenDots ONE features Dynamic Ear Detection that automatically senses which ear it’s in, so you can wear and store them interchangeably—no worrying about sides. -
Surprisingly Mighty Sound, Pocket-Sized Design
Shokz’s proprietary Bassphere™ dual-speaker module packs the punch of a 16 mm driver into a compact sphere—delivering rich, immersive audio enhanced further by Dolby Audio and DirectPitch™ technology to minimize sound leakage. -
All-Day Wear, All-Day Battery
Each earbud delivers up to 10 hours of playtime, with the compact charging case extending that to a remarkable 40 hours. A quick 10-minute charge gives an additional 2 hours—plus, the case supports convenient wireless charging. -
Stay Aware, Stay Comfortable
Open-ear design keeps you alert to ambient sounds—ideal for commuting, exercising, or multitasking. The ergonomic JointArc™ and featherlight build (around 6.5 g per earbud) ensure all-day comfort without ear-canal pressure. -
Adaptive Intelligence at Your Fingertips
Customize your sound with four EQ presets—or build your own—in the Shokz App. Activate Dolby Audio for an immersive output, set up multipoint pairing, tailor touch gestures, access “Find My Earbuds”, monitor battery levels, and stay updated with firmware enhancements. -
Rugged and Ready
Built for life, OpenDots ONE boasts an IP54 rating for protection against sweat and splashes, making them a dependable choice for active lifestyles.
OpenDots ONE is now available from Harvey Norman Ireland, DID Electrical and other independent retailers