Shokz OpenFit Pro Review in the UAE: Open-Ear Comfort Meets Noise Reduction

Introduction

Shokz began its journey in 2011 under the AfterShokz name. Its objective was to make open-ear listening safer, more comfortable and practical. In this Shokz OpenFit Pro review UAE, we’ll take a closer look at how the latest model performs in this region.

The company initially became popular for its bone-conduction headphones. These products appealed to runners, cyclists and users wanting music without losing environmental awareness.

After launching internationally at CES 2012, Shokz continued improving sound quality, connectivity and comfort. The company eventually adopted the shorter Shokz identity and expanded beyond bone-conduction products.

The original OpenFit introduced true-wireless open-ear earbuds using air conduction instead of bone conduction. This design offered a more familiar sound while keeping the ear canal open.

Shokz continued developing the range with improved sound, controls and battery performance. The Shokz OpenFit Pro now takes that experience further. It is the company’s first open-ear model featuring dedicated Open-Ear Noise Reduction.

Unboxing, Design and Build Quality

I received the black Shokz OpenFit Pro for this review. The understated finish looks premium and suits professional and recreational use.

The Package

The Shokz OpenFit Pro came eco-friendly paper packaging with 4 colour printed paper sleeve. Once you tear open the sleeve, you can open the box, you will find the earbuds, charging case, USB-C cable, support accessories and documentation.

The Charging Case

The charging case is larger than a conventional earbud case. It weighs 99.3g with the earbuds it total weight is 123.9 grams. It is matte black case with “Shokz” logo on the top of the case. The shape and design looks like wide “Pebble” looks which stays flat with rounded edges. However, the additional space is necessary for the curved ear hooks. The earbuds attach magnetically inside and begin charging when correctly positioned.

The case has multi-colour LED light infront and has USB Type-C charging port.

The Open-type Earbuds

Unlike conventional in-ear earbuds, the OpenFit Pro does not enter or seal the ear canal. Each speaker rests outside the ear, while a flexible titanium hook wraps around it.

Shokz covers the hooks with its Ultra-Soft Silicone 2.0 material. The smooth silicone feels gentle, while the flexible design adapts comfortably to the ears.

Each earbud weighs approximately 12.3 grams. That may sound heavier than compact in-ear alternatives, but the weight is distributed around the ear.

The earbuds also feature raised physical multifunction buttons. I prefer physical controls because they offer clear feedback and reduce accidental commands during walking.

Comfort and Everyday Stability

Comfort is one of the biggest strengths of the OpenFit Pro. I wore the earbuds for approximately three and a half hours during a press conference. Despite the prolonged use, I did not experience fatigue, irritation or pressure.

The earbuds did not irritate my ear lobes or ear canals. I also tested them while wearing glasses and encountered no discomfort.

The flexible ear hooks and glasses remained comfortable together. The earbuds also stayed secure while I moved around the venue. There is additional accessory hook ring support which helps to tighten the grip around the ear.

After a few minutes, I stopped thinking about them and concentrated on the event. This is where their open-ear design offers a clear advantage.

I also used the OpenFit Pro during recreational walking. Normal head movements did not loosen the earbuds or require repeated adjustments.

The open design allowed me to remain aware of nearby people and activity. Users should still maintain a safe listening volume around roads and traffic.

The IP55 rating provides resistance against sweat, dust and light rain. However, the earbuds are not suitable for swimming or underwater use. I would suggest to clean the earbuds with wet cloth instead washing under water.

Ranbir Test – Sound Quality

My initial impression of the sound was better than average. However, the presentation improved after my ears adjusted to the volume and open design.

After approximately five minutes, the bass and treble began sounding excellent. The presentation became more detailed and engaging than my first impression suggested.

The bass had more presence than I expected from open-ear earbuds. It cannot create the sealed impact of silicone ear tips, but it remains controlled and enjoyable.

Vocals sounded clear and well-positioned. The treble delivered good detail without becoming unnecessarily sharp, while spoken content remained easy to understand.

Shokz uses SuperBoost and DirectPitch technologies to improve the listening experience. DirectPitch directs audio towards the ear while limiting unwanted sound outside the listening area.

The OpenFit Pro supports SBC and AAC codecs. However, it does not list LDAC or aptX support.

Some audio enthusiasts may expect a high-resolution wireless codec at this price. Nevertheless, the earbuds produced an enjoyable and detailed performance during my testing.

Open-Ear Awareness and Noise Reduction

The OpenFit Pro naturally delivers a transparent experience because the ear canals remain uncovered. I could hear music while remaining aware of people around me. I could also manage short conversations without immediately removing the earbuds.

However, this openness allows environmental sound to reach the listener. Shokz addresses this limitation through its Open-Ear Noise Reduction technology.

This feature should not be confused with the complete isolation offered by sealed in-ear earbuds. Some surrounding sound will remain audible because the ear canal stays open.

I first tested Noise Reduction indoors while a television was playing. The earbuds reduced the distraction and allowed me to concentrate on the audio.

I could still hear that the television was operating. However, it did not interfere significantly with my music or spoken content.

The more demanding test happened at a loud press conference. The venue contained presentations, conversations and general event noise.

I found the noise reduction surprisingly effective. It made the surrounding environment considerably less distracting without completely disconnecting me from the event.

Based on my experience, it reduced approximately 85 per cent of the perceived distraction. This is my practical estimate rather than a laboratory measurement.

Louder voices and announcements could still pass through, especially at lower listening volumes. However, the result was excellent for an open-ear design.

It is among the best open-ear noise-reduction performances I have experienced. More importantly, the earbuds remained comfortable throughout the three-and-a-half-hour event.

Shokz Application and Controls

The Shokz application allows users to manage the main listening features. Process is simple, connect with device with Bluetooth from your smartphone. Then connect with your Shokz application and update your firmware and then start using the earbuds.

You can switch between the natural open-ear experience and Open-Ear Noise Reduction. The application also lets you increase or decrease the noise-reduction level.

A lower setting can retain greater awareness during walking. A stronger setting works better inside a busy venue, office or public space.

The application also provides sound customisation, firmware updates and control settings. Multipoint connectivity can connect the earbuds with two compatible devices simultaneously.

This is useful for professionals working with a smartphone and laptop. It reduces the need to disconnect and pair the earbuds repeatedly.

Indoor and Outdoor Call Quality

Call quality was above average during my review. During indoor calls, the other person could hear my voice clearly. I did not receive complaints about muffled speech or low vocal volume.

Outdoor performance was also very good. My voice remained clear, while environmental noise did not dominate the conversation.

The OpenFit Pro uses three microphones supported by AI voice-recognition technology. Shokz claims up to 99.4 per cent background-noise reduction during calls under its test conditions.

My real-world experience confirmed that the microphones perform well during regular indoor and outdoor conversations. This makes the earbuds suitable for calls and online meetings.

Battery Performance and Connectivity

Shokz claims up to 12 hours of playback without Noise Reduction. The charging case extends the combined figure to 50 hours.

With Noise Reduction enabled, the claimed playback falls to six hours. The total reaches 24 hours with the charging case.

During one session, I used the earbuds for approximately four hours. The battery indicator showed more than an one-quarter remaining.

I have used them for roughly 14 hours across multiple sessions. During that period, the case recharged the earbuds whenever I stored them.

The case supports USB-C and wireless charging. Shokz also claims that a ten-minute quick charge provides up to four hours of playback.

Bluetooth 6.1 provided a stable connection during my regular use. I did not experience noticeable interruptions while walking or using the earbuds indoors.

Sound Leakage

Sound leakage can be a concern because open-ear speakers remain outside the ear canal.

During my testing, I did not notice any significant leakage problem. The earbuds directed the audio towards my ears without making it feel publicly audible.

A nearby person may still hear some sound at a high volume inside a quiet room. However, leakage did not concern me during normal use.

What Could Have Been Better?

The OpenFit Pro cannot provide the complete isolation offered by premium sealed earbuds. However, this remains a compromise of keeping the ear canal open.

The charging case is also larger than many conventional earbud cases. It fits easily inside a bag but may feel bulky inside a trouser pocket.

The absence of LDAC or aptX may disappoint users seeking high-resolution Bluetooth streaming. This limitation becomes more noticeable at the AED 949 price.

Battery performance also falls when Noise Reduction remains active. Users attending long events may need to return the earbuds to the case between sessions.

Price and Availability in the UAE

The Shokz OpenFit Pro is priced at AED 949 in the UAE. It is available in black and white through the official Shokz UAE website.

You can also purchase from Amazon.ae for AED949

Official purchases include a 24-month warranty and a 30-day return window. It also provides 2 years warranty.

The price places the OpenFit Pro in the premium open-ear category. However, few alternatives combine this comfort, sound quality and adjustable noise reduction.

Pros

• Excellent comfort during extended use
• Comfortable while wearing glasses
• No pressure inside the ear canal
• Detailed and enjoyable sound
• Impressive open-ear noise reduction
• Adjustable noise-reduction levels
• Very good indoor and outdoor calls
• Secure fit during recreational walks
• Physical multifunction controls
• Wireless and quick charging
• IP55 water and dust resistance

Cons

• Cannot provide complete sound isolation
• Charging case is comparatively large
• No LDAC or aptX support
• Battery reduces with Noise Reduction enabled
• Premium AED 949 price

CriticReviewer’s Verdict

The Shokz OpenFit Pro addresses one of the biggest limitations of open-ear earbuds. It reduces environmental distractions without blocking the ear canal.

During a loud press conference, I experienced approximately 80 per cent perceived noise reduction. It helped me remain comfortable and focused throughout the event.

Comfort was equally impressive. The earbuds did not irritate my ear lobes or ear canals, even while I wore glasses.

Sound quality also exceeded my initial expectations. After a short adjustment, the bass, treble and vocals delivered a balanced and enjoyable presentation.

Clear calls, physical controls, stable connectivity and wireless charging add practical value. The limited codec selection and AED 949 price remain the main concerns.

Despite these limitations, the OpenFit Pro offers one of the most complete open-ear experiences I have tested. It successfully balances comfort, sound, awareness and practical noise reduction.

With excellent long-term comfort and impressive Open-Ear Noise Reduction, the Shokz OpenFit Pro receives the CriticReviewer Editor’s Choice 2026 badge for Open-Ear Audio with rating of 4.7 out of 5.

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

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