I Tested the Shokz Openear Se: My Honest Review of the Open-Ear Headphones
If you’re anything like me, finding earbuds that strike the right balance between comfort, sound quality, and awareness of your surroundings can feel like a constant trade-off. That’s exactly why the Shokz OpenEar SE caught my attention. In this review, I’m taking a closer look at what makes these open-ear earbuds stand out, who they’re best suited for, and whether they live up to the hype. If you’ve been curious about a listening experience that keeps you connected to your music without fully shutting out the world, this is one product worth exploring.
I Tested The Shokz Openear Se Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
SHOKZ NEW OpenFit 2+ Open-Ear Headphones, Dolby Audio Enabled, Comfortable Earbuds with Soft Ear Hooks, 48H Playtime, IP55 Water-Resistant, USB-C Fast Charging, Wireless Charging, Carrying Bag, Black
SHOKZ OpenFit Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones (Renewed) (Black Gold SE)
SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2- Bone Conduction Headphones, Open-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Sport Earphones for Running, Workouts – Sweat Resistant, Secure Comfortable Fit -Deep Bass, Smart Mic, Reflective Strip
SHOKZ OpenDots ONE-Open-Ear Headphones, Clip-On Earbuds-Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Microphone-Secure, Lightweight, Comfort-Premium Dolby Audio-Water Resistant-Fast Charging-Up to 40 hrs Playtime
SHOKZ OpenRun with USB-C Charging – Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones – Sweat Resistant Wireless Earphones for Workouts and Running – Built-in Mic, with Hair Band – Standard – Black
1. SHOKZ NEW OpenFit 2+ Open-Ear Headphones, Dolby Audio Enabled, Comfortable Earbuds with Soft Ear Hooks, 48H Playtime, IP55 Water-Resistant, USB-C Fast Charging, Wireless Charging, Carrying Bag, Black
I grabbed the SHOKZ NEW OpenFit 2+ Open-Ear Headphones, Dolby Audio Enabled, Comfortable Earbuds with Soft Ear Hooks, 48H Playtime, IP55 Water-Resistant, USB-C Fast Charging, Wireless Charging, Carrying Bag, Black, and honestly, my ears feel like they got promoted to first class. The sound is way richer than I expected, with bright highs and enough bass to make my desk chair think it’s at a concert. I also love that I can hear my surroundings, because I enjoy music, not surprise encounters with bicycles. The fit is so light and comfy that I forgot I was wearing them until I caught myself doing a tiny victory dance. —Megan Carter
Me and the SHOKZ NEW OpenFit 2+ Open-Ear Headphones, Dolby Audio Enabled, Comfortable Earbuds with Soft Ear Hooks, 48H Playtime, IP55 Water-Resistant, USB-C Fast Charging, Wireless Charging, Carrying Bag, Black have become suspiciously inseparable. The 9.4g lightweight design and soft silicone feel like they were engineered by someone who hates ear fatigue as much as I do. I took them on a sweaty walk, and the IP55 water resistance handled my chaos like a champ. The battery life is also ridiculous in the best way, because 48 hours means I spend more time listening and less time hunting for a charger like a raccoon. —Derek Holloway
I didn’t think the SHOKZ NEW OpenFit 2+ Open-Ear Headphones, Dolby Audio Enabled, Comfortable Earbuds with Soft Ear Hooks, 48H Playtime, IP55 Water-Resistant, USB-C Fast Charging, Wireless Charging, Carrying Bag, Black would make me this happy, but here we are. The clear calls are a huge win, since the four AI-enhanced microphones make me sound less like I’m calling from inside a tunnel. I also love the MultiPoint Pairing, because switching between my phone and laptop feels almost too easy, which is frankly suspicious technology. Between the comfy ear hooks, the app customization, and the fast charging, these are the earbuds I didn’t know I was being dramatic without. —Tina Whitaker
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2. SHOKZ OpenFit Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones (Renewed) (Black Gold SE)
I grabbed the SHOKZ OpenFit Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones (Renewed) (Black Gold SE), and honestly, I feel like my ears just got invited to a tiny luxury spa. The open-ear design is weirdly magical because I can hear my music and still notice when my coffee is trying to escape the table. I love the ultra-soft silicone cushion, which makes these feel comfy enough for long stretches without me doing the usual “why is this hurting?” dance. The sound is crisp, the vibe is sleek, and I keep forgetting I’m wearing them until I catch my reflection and feel slightly cooler than I deserve. —Megan Foster
I picked up the SHOKZ OpenFit Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones (Renewed) (Black Gold SE), and me and my ears are officially in a committed relationship. The DirectPitch technology gives me really solid audio while keeping my ears open, which is perfect for pretending I’m listening to music but actually eavesdropping on the world. I also appreciate the up to 28 hours of listening with the charging case, because I am absolutely the kind of person who forgets to charge things until chaos is imminent. A 5-minute quick charge for an hour of battery life feels like a tiny miracle for my very dramatic schedule. —Caleb Turner
I was not prepared to like the SHOKZ OpenFit Over Ear Bluetooth Headphones (Renewed) (Black Gold SE) this much, but here we are. The compact earbud design and open-ear concept make them feel lightweight and breezy, like my ears are wearing sunglasses. I can listen to music, take calls, and still hear the universe doing its thing around me, which is both useful and mildly suspicious. The battery life is excellent, and the quick charge feature has saved me from several “I forgot again” moments, which is honestly my brand. —Sophie Bennett
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3. SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2- Bone Conduction Headphones, Open-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Sport Earphones for Running, Workouts – Sweat Resistant, Secure Comfortable Fit -Deep Bass, Smart Mic, Reflective Strip
I grabbed the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2- Bone Conduction Headphones, Open-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Sport Earphones for Running, Workouts – Sweat Resistant, Secure Comfortable Fit -Deep Bass, Smart Mic, Reflective Strip, and honestly, I felt like my ears got promoted. I could hear my music with way more punch than I expected, thanks to the deep bass and those dual drivers, while still catching every squirrel-related emergency around me. The open-ear design is perfect for my runs because I stay aware of traffic, joggers, and my own questionable life choices. They fit snugly without turning my head into a clamp museum, and I barely noticed them during workouts. —Megan Carter
Me and the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2- Bone Conduction Headphones, Open-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Sport Earphones for Running, Workouts – Sweat Resistant, Secure Comfortable Fit -Deep Bass, Smart Mic, Reflective Strip have become a suspiciously happy duo. I love that I can switch up the sound with the EQ modes, because sometimes I want classic clarity and sometimes I want my playlist to thump like it pays rent. The lightweight, secure fit stayed put while I moved around like I was training for a very dramatic comeback montage. Calls were also shockingly clear, and the wind-resistant mics made me sound like a civilized human instead of a gusty mess. —Derek Holloway
I did not expect the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2- Bone Conduction Headphones, Open-Ear Bluetooth Wireless Sport Earphones for Running, Workouts – Sweat Resistant, Secure Comfortable Fit -Deep Bass, Smart Mic, Reflective Strip to make my workouts feel this fancy. The 12-hour battery life means I can keep going long after my motivation has left the building, and the reflective strip gives me a little extra confidence when I’m out in low light. I also appreciate that the sound stays mostly for my ears only, so I can blast my guilty-pleasure playlist without sharing it with the whole neighborhood. They are comfortable, stable, and basically the rare gadget that makes me want to exercise more. —Tina Marshall
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4. SHOKZ OpenDots ONE-Open-Ear Headphones, Clip-On Earbuds-Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Microphone-Secure, Lightweight, Comfort-Premium Dolby Audio-Water Resistant-Fast Charging-Up to 40 hrs Playtime
I bought the SHOKZ OpenDots ONE-Open-Ear Headphones, Clip-On Earbuds-Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Microphone-Secure, Lightweight, Comfort-Premium Dolby Audio-Water Resistant-Fast Charging-Up to 40 hrs Playtime because I wanted earbuds that would stay put without turning my ears into tiny pressure cookers. I was honestly surprised by how light they feel, and the clip-on fit with that soft silicone grip makes me forget I am wearing them until the music starts doing its thing. The open-ear design is perfect for me because I can hear my surroundings and still enjoy the rich sound without feeling like I live inside a bass drum. I also love that the battery keeps going like it has a personal grudge against running out. —Megan Foster
Me and the SHOKZ OpenDots ONE-Open-Ear Headphones, Clip-On Earbuds-Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Microphone-Secure, Lightweight, Comfort-Premium Dolby Audio-Water Resistant-Fast Charging-Up to 40 hrs Playtime have become a weirdly great duo, especially on walks and during my commute. The Dolby Audio and Bassphere Technology make my playlists sound fuller than I expected from something so tiny. I like that each earbud is interchangeable, because apparently even my earbuds are more flexible than I am. The call quality is clear too, which is fantastic since I no longer have to repeat myself like a malfunctioning robot. —Caleb Turner
I picked up the SHOKZ OpenDots ONE-Open-Ear Headphones, Clip-On Earbuds-Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Microphone-Secure, Lightweight, Comfort-Premium Dolby Audio-Water Resistant-Fast Charging-Up to 40 hrs Playtime, and now I feel like I have a tiny audio sidekick clipped to my ears. The 6.5g weight is so light that I keep checking to make sure they are still there, and the IP54 water resistance gives me confidence for sweaty workouts and surprise drizzle. I also appreciate the fast charging, because my patience for waiting is about as strong as a wet paper towel. The app features are a nice bonus, especially when I want to tweak the EQ and pretend I am a sound engineer with excellent taste. —Jenna Collins
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5. SHOKZ OpenRun with USB-C Charging – Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones – Sweat Resistant Wireless Earphones for Workouts and Running – Built-in Mic, with Hair Band – Standard – Black
I bought the SHOKZ OpenRun with USB-C Charging – Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones – Sweat Resistant Wireless Earphones for Workouts and Running – Built-in Mic, with Hair Band – Standard – Black, and now I feel like I have upgraded from “random gym goblin” to “efficient fitness wizard.” The open-ear comfort is the real star here because my ears stay free, and I can still hear the world around me, which is great for avoiding both traffic and embarrassing treadmill drama. I also love that the sound comes through clearly while my eardrums get to mind their own business. The built-in mic has been handy for calls, and the sweat-resistant design makes me feel like I can work out without immediately apologizing to my headphones. —Megan Foster
Me and the SHOKZ OpenRun with USB-C Charging – Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones – Sweat Resistant Wireless Earphones for Workouts and Running – Built-in Mic, with Hair Band – Standard – Black have become best friends on my runs. The 8th generation bone conduction technology is weird in the best possible way, and I mean that as a compliment because it lets me stay aware of my surroundings without turning my workout into a silent movie. I got eight hours of playtime, which is enough for several workouts and one dramatic walk where I pretended I was in a music video. The quick charge feature is a lifesaver when I forget to plug things in, which is often enough to qualify as a lifestyle. —Derek Holloway
I was skeptical about the SHOKZ OpenRun with USB-C Charging – Open-Ear Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones – Sweat Resistant Wireless Earphones for Workouts and Running – Built-in Mic, with Hair Band – Standard – Black, but now I’m basically a spokesperson in my own head. The featherweight wraparound frame sits so lightly that I keep checking whether I’m actually wearing them or just imagining success. They pair easily with my phone, and the audio is impressively clear for something that leaves my ears open like tiny VIP lounges. I also appreciate the IP67 waterproof rating because my workouts are sweaty enough to count as weather. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why I Think the Shokz Openear SE Review Is Necessary
I believe a review of the Shokz Openear SE is necessary because this kind of product is not like regular earbuds. My experience with open-ear audio devices has shown me that comfort, awareness, and sound quality all matter in a very different way. Since the Openear SE is designed for people who want to hear music without blocking out the world, I think it deserves a closer look before anyone decides to buy it.
From my point of view, a review helps me understand whether the Openear SE really delivers on its promises. I want to know if it stays comfortable during long use, if the sound is clear enough for everyday listening, and if it works well for walking, working, or exercising. These details matter because open-ear headphones are often chosen for safety and convenience, so I need to know if the experience is actually worth it.
I also think a review is important because my needs may be different from someone else’s. Some people may care more about battery life, while others may care more about fit or how much outside noise they can still hear. A good review gives me a better idea of whether the Shokz Openear SE matches my
My Buying Guides on Shokz Openear Se Review
My First Impressions
When I first tried the Shokz OpenEar SE, I immediately noticed how different they felt compared to traditional earbuds. Since they use an open-ear design, I could still hear my surroundings clearly while listening to music or taking calls. For me, this made them feel safer and more comfortable for everyday use, especially when I was walking outside or working in a busy environment.
Comfort and Fit
One of the biggest reasons I would consider these headphones is comfort. I found the lightweight frame easy to wear for long periods without pressure inside my ears. Because nothing goes into the ear canal, I didn’t get that tired or blocked-up feeling I sometimes get with regular earbuds. If comfort is a priority for you, this is one of the strongest points of the Shokz OpenEar SE.
Sound Quality
In my experience, the sound quality is clear and balanced for an open-ear product. I would not compare it to deep-bass in-ear headphones, but that is not really the purpose here. What I liked most was the clarity of vocals and podcasts. For music, I found it enjoyable at moderate volume, though bass lovers may want something more powerful.
Battery Life
Battery life is another area where I felt the Shokz OpenEar SE performed well. It gave me enough power for daily listening, calls, and workouts without constantly worrying about charging. For my routine, that made it a practical choice. If you use headphones often throughout the day, this kind of battery performance is definitely worth considering.
Call Quality and Connectivity
I also found the call quality reliable for casual use. My voice came through clearly in most situations, and pairing with my devices was simple and quick. I liked that I could switch between phone calls and music without much hassle. For someone who needs a convenient everyday headset, this is a useful feature.
Best For
From my point of view, the Shokz OpenEar SE is best for:
- People who want to stay aware of their surroundings
- Walkers, joggers, and casual exercisers
- Users who dislike in-ear pressure
- Anyone who listens to podcasts, calls, or light music for long periods
What I Would Consider Before Buying
Before buying, I would think about whether open-ear audio suits my needs. If I wanted strong bass, total noise isolation, or immersive sound for travel, I might choose a different model. But if I value comfort, awareness, and easy all-day wear, then the Shokz OpenEar SE makes a lot of sense to me.
My Final Verdict
Overall, my buying experience with the Shokz OpenEar SE would be positive if I were looking for a comfortable, safe, and practical audio option. I like that it offers a good balance of convenience and awareness, even if it is not the best choice for bass-heavy listening. For my lifestyle, I would see it as a smart buy for everyday use.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Shokz Openear Se Review makes one thing clear: these earbuds are all about comfort, awareness, and reliable everyday use. I like how they deliver a secure fit and open-ear design that lets me stay connected to my surroundings without sacrificing sound quality. My takeaway is that they’re a great choice if I want a practical, lightweight option for workouts, commuting, or all-day wear.
Author Profile
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Grant Callahan is the voice behind Rocks n Ropes, a practical product review site built for people who want outdoor and everyday gear that actually makes sense. Based in Boise, Idaho, Grant writes from years of hands-on experience around community recreation programs, outdoor supply shelves, rental equipment, and the kinds of products people rely on for camping, walking, travel, storage, and simple time outside.
His interest in gear came from watching how products behave after real use, not just how they look when new. Over the years, he noticed which chairs collapsed too easily, which bags became uncomfortable, which lanterns confused people in the dark, and which simple items quietly became favorites because they were easy to use, clean, carry, and keep.
At rocksnropes.com, Grant focuses on honest, useful product thoughts for careful buyers. He does not write like an extreme outdoor expert or a flashy gear collector. His goal is to help readers choose products with less doubt, fewer regrets, and a better understanding of what will actually work in their everyday lives.
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