Shokz OpenDots ONE Review

Shokz, the pioneer of open-ear audio innovation latest offering is the OpenDots ONE and we have been testing these out the last while and while this is a earbud style that is catching on now with many manufacturers these are one of the best in class yet for bone conduction.
The most notable feature of the OpenDots ONE is their unique design. Instead of a traditional ear-hook or in-ear fit, they use a “JointArc” clip-on mechanism made of a flexible nickel-titanium alloy with soft silicone padding. At just 6.5 grams per earbud, they are exceptionally lightweight and designed to provide a secure fit when running or training in the gym.

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..

SHOKZ App
Key Highlights:
  • 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.
Availability & Pricing
OpenDots ONE is now available from Harvey Norman Ireland, DID Electrical and other independent retailers
RRP 199.99 EURO

Shokz OpenFit 2 True Wireless Earbuds Review

The Shokz OpenFit 2 True Wireless Earbuds are a pair of open ear styled earbuds which look clean and fit well on the ears and are ideal for those into fitness and more.

Coming in a nicely presented package these are not only for those into sports but for any one else really as open-ear styled earbuds are a thing now and you will have noticed more wearing them.

The design is clean and they have a nice matt finish on the unit we reviewed they also come in Beige we tested the Black ones so there is a choice of colour and I would prefer the Beige over Black personally but hey.

The case itself is also nice and will protect the Shokz OpenFit 2 whilst not in use there is decent battery life here to with up to 48hrs all in though this will vary per user and their settings and ten minutes charge gives two hours extra which is great.

OpenFit 2 brings you bigger, better, more dynamic open-ear sound with DualBoost Technology, OpenBass 2.0 and Direct Pitch 2.0 and yes you seen the word bass which I am a fan of and clearly noted with these.

The App is also quite good with a simple UI and easy menu to follow to adjust your settings and try out the EQs or create your own and the sound overall is great for this style of earbud with decent volume no tinny sound when maxed out or lag latency all my test tracts played well overall and that is a long list of tracks from all types of genres.

The controls work well too with a button each side that is tactile and a touch area on the outer part of the main earbuds and no issues to report there we go through all this in the full video review below so do check that out.

Calls were fine on the few I took and you also have the feature of being aware due the design so you have the best of both worlds here and you have multi point pairing again a must have feature for me and in case you loose them at home or in the gym there is find my buds.

 

SHOKZ App

 

  • Flexible Ear Hook Design
Inspired by the concept of the golden spiral, the innovative flexible ear hook contours to the unique shape of your ear. The ear hook’s integrated nickel-titanium alloy ensures not only a secure fit but also a personalized experience that adapts to your movements, whether you’re in the midst of an intense workout or simply going about your daily activities.
  • Ultra-Soft Silicone™ 2.0
Ultra-Soft Silicone™ 2.0 is a state-of-the-art material that’s softer than ever, providing a cushioning effect that gently hugs your ears. Its secure fit keeps the earbuds in place, allowing you to enjoy your favourite tunes for hours without any discomfort, making it perfect for prolonged wear.
      Physical Buttons for Intuitive Control
The OpenFit 2 features a thoughtfully upgraded design that includes tactile physical buttons, ensuring precise and intuitive operation. With a simple press, you can effortlessly adjust the volume to suit your environment, skip tracks to find your favourite tunes, answer calls seamlessly, and manage a variety of other functions—all at your convenience. This user-friendly interface transforms the way you interact with your music and calls, making every interaction smooth and hassle-free.
Shokz Signature Open-Ear Design
OpenFit 2 continues Shokz’s legacy of open-ear audio. This signature design offers numerous benefits, helping to keep you safer and healthier while delivering a more social listening experience:
  • Stay Safe
With OpenFit 2, you can immerse yourself in your favourite music and phone calls without losing awareness of your environment. This feature is particularly beneficial for outdoor enthusiasts engaging in activities like running or cycling, where being alert to your surroundings is crucial.
  • Protect Your Ears
The open-ear design is tailored to minimize the risk of ear damage and bacterial growth that often accompanies the prolonged use of traditional earbuds. OpenFit 2 prioritizes your ear health  audio giving continuous airflow and sound to travel naturally.
Buy