TLDR Review: SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro
Pros
- •Offers some of the best sound quality among swimming headphones, with clear audio and improved bass compared to competitors like H2O and Mojowas.
- •Comfortable and secure fit that stays firmly in place during swimming, running, workouts, and even extended wear.
- •Bone conduction technology allows you to hear ambient sounds, enhancing safety and situational awareness during outdoor activities.
- •Fully waterproof with an IP68 rating, designed explicitly for swimming, including underwater MP3 playback without a phone.
- •Builn 32GB MP3 player lets you enjoy music offline underwater, with easy USB file transfer.
- •Comes with tactile buttons and a customizable companion app that allows control over modes, EQ settings, and button functions, reducing direct headphone adjustments.
- •Includes ear plugs, a waterproof case, and a proprietary magnetic charging cable to maintain water resistance.
- •Versatile for multiple uses: suitable for swimming, running, biking, and sweaty workouts.
- •Good call quality when used as a handree headset on land.
- •Includes a ear warranty, adding peace of mind.
Cons
- •Battery life often disappoints users, with about 3 hours of actual use versus the claimed 9 hours, requiring frequent charging.
- •Bluetooth streaming only works reliably above water; it cuts out immediately upon submersion, forcing users to switch to MP3 mode, which lacks streaming or playlist control convenience.
- •No easy way to create or modify playlists directly on the headphones or through the app; files must be manually copied in playback order, similar to older MP3 players.
- •The proprietary magnetic charging cable is great for waterproofing but can be costly and incompatible with standard chargers.
- •Sound quality, while good for bone conduction, tends to lack strong bass, making it less ideal in noisy environments or for bass lovers.
- •Switching between Bluetooth and MP3 modes is sometimes inconvenient for users who want seamless transition between land and water use.
- •Some users may find the nose plug unnecessary or uncomfortable depending on swimming conditions.
- •The case, while improved and less bulky, may still not suit everyone’s preference.
- •Lack of screen or folder recognition can make file management a bit clunky.
- •Product description may misleadingly imply full Bluetooth functionality underwater, which it does not provide.
Bottom Line
The SHOKZ OpenSwim Pro is a sleek, versatile, and waterproof bone conduction headphone with excellent audio clarity and a useful built-in MP3 player, designed primarily for swimmers who want music without sacrificing awareness of their surroundings. However, potential buyers should be ready to manage the quirky MP3-only underwater playback, limited playlist controls, and shorter-than-advertised battery life. If seamless Bluetooth underwater streaming or extensive playlist management are priorities, consider looking into other sport headphones with those features, but if you want a solid all-around waterproof option with a secure fit and good sound, the OpenSwim Pro stands out as one of the best in its niche.
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