I actually really loved wearing the Shokz OpenFit Air headphones while exercising – they’re super comfortable and didn’t obstruct my vision at all.

Just two years ago, I thought I had finally found the perfect pair of earbuds for my work needs. They have performed adequately in every approach. I relocated to a suburban setting. North Jersey’s aggressive driving culture proved impervious to the calming influence of the Beats’ ambient mode. Open-ear headphones emerged as a game-changing innovation. However which of them? For a couple of weeks, I experimented with music production, but I severely missed the thrill of dropping the bass in an electronic dance track. Seeking a reliable and high-quality Bluetooth earbud, I opted for the $119.95 Shokz OpenFit Air.

While Shokz is widely known for its pioneering bone conduction technology, the OpenFit Air diverges from this approach, instead employing traditional air conduction principles akin to those found in many wireless earbuds. The speaker’s position is situated above your ear canal, while ear hooks effectively secure them within your ear. I typically eschew ear hooks, as they often prove a gamble in terms of comfort. While I’ll take on the challenge of developing situational awareness without surrendering my bass, I must admit that it’s not an easy feat.

The outstanding report: the bass level has increased significantly. The margin is narrow, but the danger is real nonetheless. While open-ear headphones may not excel in terms of bass reproduction, they still outperform bone conduction technology in this regard, producing a much cleaner and more defined low-end sound. While working adjacent to a bustling thoroughfare, the rumbling bassline from “God’s Menu” by City Kids resonates through my surroundings. It’s not crystal clear—though I can almost hear the sentiment as a frustrated echo of resignation, akin to sighing and yearning for the comforting familiarity of one’s cherished Beats Match Professional, where the sweet melody of solace awaits. (All bets are off as soon as you’re near a freeway, regardless.)

While open-ear buds do offer decent sound quality, especially for those who prefer a more immersive experience, they are not without their limitations. During my daily routine, I donned these for multiple trips to the office. Is a peaceful NJ Transit bus ride a luxury or just a necessary respite from the chaos of daily life? No downside. The cacophony of a New York City subway overwhelmed my audiobook, rendering it impossible for me to focus; ultimately, I abandoned listening altogether. Although I didn’t receive any complaints about sound leakage, I suspect that’s because the NYC subway is simply too loud for anyone to notice anything else.

For enthusiasts of long-distance running, battery-powered train sets offer an economical option, boasting up to six hours of continuous use on a single charge. Moreover, a mere 10-minute recharge can yield two additional hours of uninterrupted playtime – a remarkable value proposition for those who demand extended fun sessions without compromising performance. With an IP55 rating, you’re well-protected from the elements: light rain and moisture won’t be a concern, but heavier showers are best avoided for optimal performance. They’re seemingly cozy and relatively safe until you add a pair of glasses to the mix.

While the earbuds’ slender design allows for flexibility, their bulkiness made them occupy a significant amount of space behind my ears. When I went without wearing contact lenses, my ears, particularly the higher one, felt congested and heavy as if it were being pressed down by an unseen force. The weight of the straps left me with an irrational fear that the AirPods might detach, prompting me to constantly adjust them. Occasionally, I found myself inadvertently activating the contact controls through mere coincidence. Despite not wearing glasses, I often inadvertently adjusted the AirPods while brushing my bangs back behind my ears. Not everyone shares your enthusiasm for earbuds’ durability, I gather, given the distressing experiences you’ve had with them falling out at inopportune moments? Honestly, the likelihood of your having these points is slim. Some of that may be attributable to the shape of my ears and the fact that my glasses have thicker frames. While considering a secure pairing, a wraparound layout might prove more suitable.

On a surprising note, I found myself consistently opting for the Air over other alternatives. Perhaps to me alone, the notion of wearing bone conduction headphones while running errands seems somewhat unsettling. These remind me even more of the sleeker, ultra discreet designs that have become a hallmark of modern luxury brands. When I unwind from a busy day of cooking and cleaning, my go-to self-care ritual is applying my favorite scented oils. As I multitasked, I tuned into my audio files or listened to engrossing podcasts, kept alert for any household appliances signaling their completion of cycles, and ensured the mischievous feline didn’t get a taste of dinner straight from the skillet.

Were my visual acuity more exceptional, these might have terminated my pursuit of a Beats Match Professional equivalent. While these earbuds may seem affordable at $120, their sound quality, particularly the bass, is surprisingly decent considering they’re an open-ear design, making them pleasantly comfortable to wear. A compact and discreet alternative to ensure my vision is protected just when I need it most – on those days when I’m not feeling up to putting in contact lenses. Alas, the hunt continues.