Shokz OpenFit Pro Review: ANC on Open Earbuds?

New York: The Shokz OpenFit Pro earbuds sound open and airy, which makes them feel like you’re listening to speakers. You can make the sound even better by using a mode called Optimized for Dolby Atmos. This mode isn’t really about replacing Dolby Atmos but uses Dolby’s best audio tech for earbuds. It helps create a wider sound, so you feel like you’re in a bigger space. You can also enjoy this feature with any music, though Dolby says it shines more if you’re listening to Dolby Atmos content.

This is the first time Dolby’s tech has been used in open-ear earbuds, and it works well. It makes music sound bigger and fuller without hurting loudness, which can often be a problem with other systems. In my experience, I’ve tried Dolby’s tech on several products, but this is the first time I wanted to keep it on all the time for music.

However, it’s not as smooth as what Bose offers with its Immersive Audio on the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. While Bose has a better feel when watching movies, the Shokz earbuds excel in call quality. The mics on the OpenFit Pro do a great job of blocking background noise, so even if you’re in a noisy place, your callers won’t know it. Plus, since you can hear your own voice, it feels more natural during long calls.

Another plus is comfort. The OpenFit Pro has soft silicone ear hooks that stay in place. Unlike older models, the speakers are closer into your ear. This makes them steady, though I felt the touch after wearing them for a while. They weren’t uncomfortable, but they weren’t as forgettable as previous models. Even if I wear glasses, the ear hooks didn’t bother me much. Shokz also gives optional silicone loops for those who need a better fit.

Like other hook-style earbuds, the OpenFit Pro charging case is bigger. It looks good with its aluminum frame and has wireless charging, which is a nice touch. Still, it’s bulkier than some other models like the AirPods Pro.

For the OpenFit Pro, Shokz switched from hybrid touch/button controls to all physical buttons. This change lets you choose exactly what each button does, like play or pause music, skip tracks, or adjust volume, giving you more control than before.