Shokz OpenSwim Pro Review: The Ultimate Multi-Purpose Bone Conduction Headphones

Doing laps in my inground pool is a great full-body workout, but let’s face it, swimming laps can get monotonous. Enter the Shokz OpenSwim Pro, a game-changer designed to revolutionize your swimming experience and beyond. Let’s explore how these headphones stand out from their predecessor, the Shokz OpenSwim, and why these Bluetooth-enabled headphones are so impressive.

When I first got my hands on the Shokz OpenSwim, I was thrilled by the convenience of listening to music while underwater. I had been looking for headphones to wear while swimming, but they were difficult to find. When your head is immersed in the water, the Bluetooth connection for streaming music is disrupted.

My choice was to keep my head above the water the entire time, or I could try to find waterproof headphones and internal music storage. That way, there would be no need for Bluetooth.

The Shokz OpenSwim met both those needs. They are waterproof and have the onboard storage I needed to swim without worrying about submerging my head. The problem was that the headphones limited me to music I owned (i.e., my entire Apple Music collection was unavailable since it is “rented”).

While they were great for swimming, I couldn’t use them as regular headphones to stream music when I wasn’t swimming.

The new Shokz OpenSwim Pro brilliantly addresses this limitation by adding Bluetooth connectivity and increasing the onboard storage capacity.

Adding Bluetooth transforms these headphones into a versatile piece of tech that is great for swimming but can be used in virtually any setting. Whether swimming, running, walking, or just lounging, the OpenSwim Pro covers you.

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro increases the onboard storage capacity from 4GB on the original OpenSwim to 32GB, which is enough to store 8,000 songs. In addition, the new model increases the transfer rate to 225 songs a minute.

Also new with the Shokz OpenSwim Pro is the ability to get three hours of listening time after just ten minutes of charge. They also add two audio formats to handle more of your music than ever.

Overall, the Shokz OpenSwim Pro is an improvement over the OpenSwim but is an enhancement in multiple ways. The addition of Bluetooth, however, is the most substantial change.

With the push of a button on the headphones, the OpenSim Pro switches from swim mode, ideal for swimming and listening to the music stored locally, to Bluetooth so you can stream music or other audio from a phone, tablet, or computer. That lets them double as headphones for bike riding, hiking, or any other activity you might enjoy.

Another standout feature of the OpenSwim Pro is its improved sound quality. The audio is noticeably crisper and more vibrant compared to the original OpenSwim. It’s almost as if Shokz took the feedback from the previous model and dialed up the auditory experience to eleven.

The bone conduction technology is more refined, offering a clearer, richer sound that enhances any activity you’re engaged in. It is worth noting that the Shokz OpenRun Pro sounds better, but that is because it uses a combination of bone and air conduction to deliver sound. The latter is not possible with waterproof headphones like the OpenSwim Pro.

With Dynamic Range Control (DRC), EQ levels that adapt in real-time, and the ability to personalize the audio even more using the free Shokz App and its four preset EQ modes.

I also appreciate the decision to use the same magnetic charging cable system as you find in the OpenRun Pro; it is a far more elegant and convenient charging system than the dongle used to charge the original OpenSwim.

Finally, physical buttons are used to control the audio and switch between onboard MP3 and Bluetooth. By choosing physical buttons, the company makes it easier to control the headphones on the go.

Think of the Shokz OpenSwim Pro as the Swiss Army knife of bone conduction headphones. Here’s how you can incorporate them into various aspects of your life:

• Swimming: These headphones are fully waterproof and have an IP68 rating. The large capacity storage allows you to load your favorite tracks directly onto the device, making lap swimming a more enjoyable and immersive experience.
• Running and Walking: The OpenSwim Pro’s Bluetooth functionality lets you pair it easily with your smartphone or smartwatch. Sync your favorite playlist or podcast and go for a run or walk without missing a beat.
• Everyday Use: These headphones aren’t just for fitness buffs. Use them while doing chores around the house, commuting, or even work. Their discreet design and excellent sound quality make them a perfect companion for daily activities.

At just a few dollars more than the original OpenSwim, the OpenSwim Pro offers tremendous value. You’re getting two devices: a high-quality waterproof headphone for swimming and a versatile Bluetooth headphone for everyday use.

This dual functionality makes the OpenSwim Pro a wise investment for anyone looking to enhance their workout routine and lifestyle with high-quality audio.

I’ve grown to love Shokz products. The open-ear design means I can listen to music or podcasts while remaining alert to the world. While early products sounded good enough, the company has further developed its technology to the point where it delivers excellent audio quality.

I also love the OpenSwim, which lets me do laps while enjoying my music. The OpenSwim Pro combines both products with little to no compromise.

In other words, the Shokz OpenSwim Pro elevates everything great about the original OpenSwim with added Bluetooth functionality and superior sound quality. Whether swimming laps, hitting the pavement, or kicking back, these headphones offer unparalleled versatility and performance.

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro is a must-have for anyone serious about integrating high-quality audio into their fitness regime and everyday life.

So, if you’re tired of swimming laps monotonously and want a headphone that can keep up with all facets of your active lifestyle and continue to be your partner throughout the day, look no further than the Shokz OpenSwim Pro. It’s a minor upgrade that makes a big difference.

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro sells for $179.95; it is available directly from the manufacturer and other retailers, including Amazon.

Source: Manufacturer supplied review sample of the Shokz OpenSwim Pro

What I Like: 32GB of onboard capacity for swimming; Waterproof; Includes Bluetooth for streaming audio when not in the water; The comfort of Shokz headphones; Physical buttons; Magnetic charging cable

What Needs Improvement: Sound quality is a bit lower compared to the OpenRun Pro; One hour less battery life than its predecessor