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Some runners like to use noise-cancelling headphones to block out outside sounds, but if you’d rather be aware of your surroundings, bone conduction headphones are the way to go. As the name suggests, these work by sending sound to your auditory nerve through vibrations. This leaves your ear canals open so you can still hear what’s going on around you.
Shokz, which used to be called AfterShokz but changed its name in December 2021, is the most well-known brand of bone conduction running headphones. Each version of its headsets has been noticeably better than the last in terms of comfort, sound quality, sound leakage (or lack of it), weight, and battery life, even though the price has gone up with each new version.
Aftershokz OpenMove specifications
| Frequency response | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Impedance | 8 ohm |
| Bluetooth version | 5.0 |
| Weight | 29g |
Aftershokz OpenMove review: Design
So, the OpenMove is an interesting idea: it’s a new headset for beginners that uses the company’s more advanced technology but has a simpler design and a smaller battery. When it comes to sound, it’s a good plan.
Even though they cost less, the OpenMove sound just as good as the more expensive Shokz OpenRun. The new design isn’t as comfortable as the old one, but it has cleaner lines and cheaper materials. You can get this earphone from its official website.
Aftershokz OpenMove review: Control and connectivity
The way the controls are split between the left and right arms is a little strange. The main button is on the left, and it’s easy to miss at first: the shiny strip that runs along each earpiece is slightly raised on this side, and you can press it once to pause or play music, twice to skip ahead, and three times to go back.
The makers call this a “multifunction button,” and they’re not kidding. Depending on the situation, it can also be used to answer or reject calls, redial the last number, bring up Siri or another voice assistant on a paired device, or even change the language.
Aftershokz OpenMove review: Sound quality
Another thing that makes these headphones good for work is that sound doesn’t leak out of them. You might think that everyone can hear the music you’re listening to because nothing is being piped directly into your ear, but that’s not true. There is much less sound leakage than with most traditional headphones and even less than with most open-back headphones.
Bone-conduction audio technology relies on vibrations in the bones of the head and jaw to send sound to the inner ear. This method skips the eardrum and sends the sound directly to the inner ear, so people nearby can’t hear it. You can still talk to your coworkers if you want to.
Aftershokz OpenMove review: Battery life
In tests, the OpenMove did much better than that, but that’s because I alternated between bass-heavy music and podcasts, which is a less demanding way to listen to audio while running than all music, all the time. The headphones worked for 11 hours and 31 minutes before they stopped working, which is good for the industry as a whole and very impressive for such light equipment.
Aftershokz OpenMove review: Price and release date
Let’s start with the price: the OpenMove is less expensive at $79 USD compared to the Shokz OpenRun, which costs $129 USD. With that extra $50 USD, you get a more durable IP67 rating, which means you can put it in water for up to 30 minutes. The OpenRun isn’t a swim headset, though, because it doesn’t have any storage on board.
Final Words
Every time we test a pair of sports headphones, especially at this low price point, we have to find a balance between a great sound for the money and a fit and features that are good for sports.
The Aftershokz does have some interesting features, but if you want to keep your ears open at the gym, you should still keep an eye on the OpenMove. They have a solid build, little sound leakage, a good battery life, good connectivity, and easy-to-use controls on the device. But the quality of the sound isn’t very inspiring.
Aftershokz OpenMove Ratings
Pros
- Greatly improved sound quality
- Effective earplug mode
- Affordable price tag
Cons
- Sound lacks clarity
- Bass could be deeper and punchier
faqs
Which model of AfterShokz is best?
Shokz, which used to be called AfterShokz, is the leader in bone conduction headphones, and its newest model, the OpenRun ($130), is the best. The sound quality of the new PremiumPitch 2.0+ technology is better than that of other products.
What is AfterShokz OpenMove?
Bone conduction sports headphones for daily use that are made for urban sports. OpenMove was made to be useful every day and to be as flexible as possible. At an entry-level price, you can get the best bone conduction technology, our signature open-ear design, and safe, comfortable listening.
Is AfterShokz a Chinese company?
Or hear the noise they make when they brush their teeth or eat something crunchy? All of this is possible because of bone conduction. Since 2004, the high-tech Chinese consumer electronics company Shenzhen Shokz Co., Ltd. has been working in this field.