The world of swimming headphones has changed fast in recent years. Swimmers today want more than just waterproof music players. They want comfort, clear sound, long battery life, and easy controls. One product getting a lot of attention is the Shokz Openswim Pro. Is it really worth the price? Many swimmers are asking this, and you may be one of them.
This guide will help you decide if the Shokz Openswim Pro fits your needs. We’ll look at its features, compare it to other swim headphones, share real user experiences, and explain who will benefit most from it. You’ll also see practical advice and answers to common questions.
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What Is Shokz Openswim Pro?
The Shokz Openswim Pro is a waterproof bone-conduction headphone designed for swimmers. It lets you listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while swimming, running, or doing other sports. Unlike regular headphones, it does not go inside your ears. Instead, it sits on your cheekbones and uses bone conduction technology to send sound directly to your inner ear.
This design has several advantages:
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Check Price on Amazon As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.- Keeps your ears open, so you can hear the world around you
- Reduces risk of ear infections (no earbuds in water)
- Comfortable for long wear
The Openswim Pro is the newer version of the original Openswim, with added Bluetooth connectivity and improved sound quality. It’s made for swimmers but can also be used for cycling, running, and other activities.
Key Features And Specifications
To understand if the Shokz Openswim Pro is worth buying, let’s break down its main features:
Waterproof Rating
The Openswim Pro has an IP68 waterproof rating. This means it can be submerged in water up to 2 meters deep for 2 hours. You can use it in pools, open water, and even in heavy rain without worry.
Bone Conduction Sound
The headphones use bone conduction to transmit sound. This keeps your ears open and lets you stay aware of your surroundings. Sound quality is better than older bone-conduction models, especially underwater.
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Check Price on Amazon As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Bluetooth And Mp3 Modes
Unlike many swim headphones, the Openswim Pro offers two listening options:
- Bluetooth Mode: Connects to your phone or smartwatch for streaming music and calls (works outside water).
- MP3 Mode: Built-in storage for music files (works underwater).
Switching between modes is simple. Bluetooth does not work underwater, so MP3 mode is needed while swimming.
Battery Life
According to Shokz, the Openswim Pro delivers:
- Up to 8 hours in MP3 mode
- Up to 6 hours in Bluetooth mode
Charging takes about 2 hours with the magnetic cable.
Storage Capacity
It comes with 32GB of internal storage, enough for over 8,000 songs. This is much higher than most competing swim headphones.
Controls And Comfort
The headphones have easy-to-use buttons. You can play, pause, skip tracks, and adjust volume even with wet hands. The frame is lightweight and flexible, fitting snugly but comfortably.
Technical Specifications Table
Here’s a quick comparison of the Openswim Pro’s main specs:
| Feature | Openswim Pro | Typical Swim Headphones |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof Rating | IP68 | IPX8 |
| Battery Life | 8 hrs (MP3), 6 hrs (Bluetooth) | 5–7 hrs |
| Storage | 32GB | 8–16GB |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Rare |
| Bone Conduction | Yes | Yes/No |
How Does Shokz Openswim Pro Perform In Real Use?
To decide if the Openswim Pro is worth it, you need to know how it works day-to-day.
Sound Quality
Underwater, bone conduction headphones usually sound quieter and less clear than regular headphones. But the Openswim Pro does better than most. Music is clear, voices are easy to understand, and there’s less distortion. Some bass is lost under water, but mid and high notes come through well.
An insight beginners often miss: Fit matters for sound quality. If the headphones do not sit snugly against your cheekbones, you’ll lose volume and clarity. Try different positions for the best sound.
Comfort
The Openswim Pro is lightweight—just 29 grams. You can wear it for hours without pain or pressure. The flexible frame fits most head sizes. Swimmers with long hair or swim caps may need to adjust placement, but it stays secure even during flip turns and sprints.
Ease Of Use
Controls are simple. Large buttons make it easy to change tracks or volume, even when your hands are wet. Switching between Bluetooth and MP3 modes is fast. Loading music onto the device is straightforward—just connect to your computer and drag files.
Battery Life
In real use, the battery lasts close to the promised times. One charge is enough for several swim sessions. If you use Bluetooth for calls or streaming outside the pool, expect slightly shorter runtime.
Durability
The headphones feel strong and well-made. They resist pool chemicals, salt water, and drops. The magnetic charging cable is easy to use and less likely to break than traditional ports.
Comparing Shokz Openswim Pro To Other Swim Headphones
Is the Openswim Pro worth its price compared to other options? Let’s look at how it stacks up.
Openswim Pro Vs. Shokz Openswim (original)
The main differences:
- Openswim Pro has Bluetooth, the original does not.
- Pro version offers 32GB storage, original has 4GB.
- Sound quality and comfort are improved in the Pro.
If you only want MP3 playback and don’t care about Bluetooth, the original Openswim is cheaper.
Openswim Pro Vs. Sony Nw-ws623
Sony’s NW-WS623 is a popular waterproof headphone with MP3 and Bluetooth. But it uses in-ear buds, not bone conduction.
| Feature | Openswim Pro | Sony NW-WS623 |
|---|---|---|
| Bone Conduction | Yes | No (in-ear) |
| Storage | 32GB | 4GB |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Comfort | Open ear | Earbuds |
| Waterproof Rating | IP68 | IPX5/IPX8 |
The Sony is cheaper, but less comfortable for long swims. Earbuds can cause ear pain or infections for some people.
Openswim Pro Vs. Aftershokz Xtrainerz
Xtrainerz is another bone conduction swim headphone from Shokz (previously Aftershokz). It’s similar to the original Openswim, with:
- No Bluetooth
- 8GB storage
- IP68 waterproof
Openswim Pro offers more features and better sound. Xtrainerz is a budget option.
Price Comparison
The Openswim Pro costs around $179–$199. Other swim headphones range from $80 to $150. The extra price is for Bluetooth, bigger storage, and improved sound.
| Model | Price (USD) | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Shokz Openswim Pro | $179–$199 | Bone conduction, Bluetooth, 32GB |
| Sony NW-WS623 | $99–$120 | In-ear, Bluetooth, 4GB |
| Shokz Xtrainerz | $120–$140 | Bone conduction, 8GB |
| Shokz Openswim (Original) | $90–$120 | Bone conduction, 4GB |
Who Should Buy The Shokz Openswim Pro?
The Openswim Pro is not for everyone. Here’s who will benefit most:
Swimmers Who Want Bluetooth
Most swim headphones do not offer Bluetooth. If you want to use the same headphones for swimming, running, and phone calls, the Openswim Pro is ideal. Bluetooth works well for dry activities, and MP3 mode is perfect for water.
Swimmers With Ear Problems
Earbuds can cause pain, infections, or discomfort. Bone conduction headphones keep ears open. If you have sensitive ears or swim often, the Openswim Pro is safer.
Long-distance Swimmers
With 32GB storage and 8-hour battery, you can swim for hours without running out of music. This is useful for marathon swimmers or people who train daily.
People Who Value Comfort
The open-ear design is gentle, even after hours in the pool. It’s less likely to slip or cause headaches.
Fitness Enthusiasts
If you want headphones for both swimming and other sports, the Openswim Pro’s versatility is a big advantage.
Who Should Not Buy It?
- If you only swim occasionally and don’t care about Bluetooth, cheaper models may be better.
- If you prefer deep bass or very loud sound, bone conduction may not satisfy you.
- Budget buyers may find the price high.
Real User Feedback And Reviews
Reviews from actual swimmers show the strengths and weaknesses of the Openswim Pro.
Positive Feedback
- Many users praise the sound clarity underwater, saying it’s much better than older bone conduction models.
- Comfort is a highlight. Even after long swim sessions, users report no pain.
- The switch between Bluetooth and MP3 is smooth and fast.
- Storage is more than enough for most people.
Common Complaints
- Some users wish Bluetooth worked underwater, but this is a technical limit (water blocks Bluetooth signals).
- A few swimmers with small heads report the frame feels slightly loose.
- Battery life can drop if used for long phone calls or music streaming in Bluetooth mode.
Non-obvious Insight
Several users found that wearing a swim cap over the headphones improves sound quality. The cap presses the headphones against the cheekbones, boosting volume and clarity. This is not mentioned in the official guide.
Average Ratings
Across retail sites, the Openswim Pro scores 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most negative reviews are about price, not performance.
Practical Tips For Using Shokz Openswim Pro
To get the most from your Openswim Pro, keep these tips in mind:
- Load Your Favorite Music Before Swimming: Bluetooth does not work in water, so use MP3 mode for pool sessions.
- Try Different Headphone Positions: Experiment with placement on your cheekbones for best sound.
- Clean After Use: Rinse with fresh water to remove chlorine or salt.
- Keep Charging Cable Safe: Magnetic cables are easy to lose—store it carefully.
- Update Firmware: Shokz sometimes releases software updates for improved performance. Check the official website.
Is Shokz Openswim Pro Worth It? Final Verdict
The Openswim Pro stands out for its bone conduction comfort, Bluetooth versatility, huge storage, and strong waterproofing. It’s more expensive than most swim headphones, but the extra features and improved sound make it a top choice for serious swimmers and multi-sport athletes.
If you swim often, have ear problems, or want one device for pool and land, the Openswim Pro is worth the investment. Casual swimmers or budget buyers may want to look at cheaper models.
One thing beginners often miss: Bone conduction sound improves with practice. At first, it may seem strange, but after a few sessions, your brain adapts and you hear music more clearly.
For most swimmers, the combination of comfort, safety, and flexibility makes the Shokz Openswim Pro a smart buy. If you value quality and ease of use, it’s likely worth it for you.
For detailed specs and firmware updates, see the official Shokz website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Bone Conduction Technology?
Bone conduction sends sound through your cheekbones, not your ear canal. The headphones rest on your cheeks, and vibrations travel directly to your inner ear. This keeps your ears open and reduces risk of infection, especially in water.
Can I Use Bluetooth Mode While Swimming?
No. Bluetooth signals cannot pass through water. Use Bluetooth for dry activities like running or cycling. Switch to MP3 mode for swimming—load your music onto the device before you swim.
How Do I Load Music Onto The Openswim Pro?
Connect the headphones to your computer using the magnetic charging cable. Open the device folder and drag MP3 files into it. You can organize music into folders for easy access.
Is The Openswim Pro Safe For Open Water Swimming?
Yes. The IP68 rating means it’s safe for pools, lakes, and the ocean. After open water swims, rinse with fresh water to remove salt or debris.
What Should I Do If The Headphones Sound Quiet Underwater?
Check the placement on your cheekbones. Wearing a swim cap over the headphones can improve sound. Make sure the device is charged and the volume is up. If problems continue, contact Shokz support.
The Shokz Openswim Pro brings new possibilities to swimmers. If you want comfort, safety, and flexibility, it’s a strong choice. With careful use, it can make every swim more enjoyable.
