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The Shokz OpenSwim Pro: A Review
The Shokz OpenSwim Pro headphones elevate the experience of listening to music while swimming and beyond. This improved version adds Bluetooth connectivity to its already impressive built-in MP3 capabilities, making it appealing to those who want music both in and out of the water.
Unmatched Waterproof Capabilities
Designed for both aquatic and land activities, the OpenSwim Pro is ideal for swimmers in open-water settings and pools. With an IP68 rating, these headphones can withstand depths of up to two meters for as long as two hours—perfect for a rigorous triathlon swim or a lengthy pool session.
Comfort and Design
Similar to other models in the Shokz lineup, the OpenSwim Pro is designed to sit comfortably over the ear, making it compatible with various ear shapes. Although the bone conduction technology may not rival conventional earphones in sound quality, the PremiumPitch 2.0+ technology ensures clear audio with a reasonably strong bass response.
It is noteworthy that while the OpenSwim Pro launched two years after the OpenRun Pro, it still utilizes eighth-generation bone conduction technology compared to the ninth-generation TurboPitch used in the Run model.
Situational Awareness
One of the standout features of the Shokz OpenSwim Pro is that, like other leading bone conduction headphones, it allows users to hear ambient sounds, making it safer for outdoor activities like running or cycling. As a user accustomed to the AirPods Pro with Transparency Mode, I found myself favoring the OpenSwim Pro for daily walks and quick runs, as it helps maintain awareness of the surrounding environment.
Weighing just 27.3 grams, the OpenSwim Pro is light enough to prevent ear fatigue, and it’s available in two vibrant designs: a striking orange and a classic grey.
Audio Features and Switching Modes
While the device is waterproof, Bluetooth signals unfortunately cannot penetrate water. Therefore, music playback in swimming conditions relies on the MP3 format, which is easy to manage given that most swimmers likely won’t have their phones nearby. Switching between MP3 and Bluetooth is straightforward, requiring a simple hold of both volume buttons.
The OpenSwim Pro boasts 32GB of onboard storage, allowing space for approximately 8,000 songs. Transferring music files is seamless—just drag and drop, akin to using a conventional USB drive, although users who prefer streaming services may find this limitation a downside. Note that the supplied cable uses a traditional USB connection instead of the newer and more versatile USB-C.
Battery Life and Performance
The battery life is a strong point for the OpenSwim Pro, with up to nine hours of playback in Bluetooth mode and six hours when using the built-in MP3 library. While it may not surpass the OpenRun Pro’s ten hours, it does share the same rapid charging feature, enabling a quick ten-minute charge to provide up to three hours of usage. In personal trials, I managed to use the headphones throughout an entire workday without compromising on battery life.
Compared to its predecessor, the OpenSwim Pro features enhanced bone conduction technology, quicker charging, increased storage by 28GB, and Bluetooth support for streaming and calls—making it worth the added cost, priced at $179.95 / £169 / AU$299.
Conclusion
Overall, the Shokz OpenSwim Pro is a fantastic option for anyone who balances various workouts, whether in the pool, at the gym, or outdoors. Its true waterproof designation, coupled with its versatility and longevity, makes it highly recommendable—even for those who may not actively swim anymore.
For purchasing considerations and detailed specifications, refer to the table below:
| Component | Shokz OpenSwim Pro |
| Battery life: | Bluetooth mode: 9 Hours, MP3 mode: 6 Hours |
| Charge time: | 90 mins, 10 mins for up to 3 hours of battery life |
| Waterproof rating: | IP68 |
| Weight: | 27.3g |
| Connectivity: | Bluetooth 5.4 |
| Wireless range: | 10m |
(Image credit: Craig Hale)
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