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Are Shokz headphones worth it?

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

Last Updated on April 27, 2023
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Formerly known as Aftershokz, Shokz has been leading the way in bone-conduction earphone technology. Its headphones have grown in popularity in the running, swimming, and corporate communities and it is no surprise. Shokz Headphones have loads of unique features that make them a very attractive purchase. Wondering whether their premium price tag makes Shokz headphones worth it? Let’s explore.

How long do Shokz headphones last?

Shokz offers a range of headphones with varying battery lives.

OpenRunOpenRun ProOpenMoveOpenCommOpenComm UCAirOpenSwim
Price$129.95$179.95$79.95$159.95$199.95$119.95$149.95
Battery Life8hrs10hrs6hrs16hrs talk time16hrs talk time6hrs8hrs

As we can see, all of the company’s models have pretty healthy battery lives. It is clear that their devices either meet or exceed the industry standards, particularly against some of their competitors.

For example, Naenka’s Runner Diver bone conduction earphones offer 10 hours of battery life.

If that’s not good enough, all the models except the Shokz OpenMove, OpenSwim and Air have fast charge. And, for example, according to Shokz, charging the OpenRun using this method for 10 minutes results in 1.5 hours of usage.

PC Guide Expert View

Making the transition from traditional over-the-ear headphones to bone-conduction devices can be a big adjustment. If this is something you are considering, then Shokz headphones are a great place to start. They are known to consistently rank high in reviews and already have a few awards under their belt.

Currently, the company offers a wide range of products to meet a load of different needs. Undoubtedly, if you are looking for waterproof headphones to only swim with, the Shokz OpenSwim could be worth it.

Another great all-rounder product looks to be the Shokz OpenRun. The headphones not only offer fast charging, a noise-canceling mic, and IP67 waterproofing, they are also available in two sizes to maximize comfort.

It is important to note, however, that bone-conduction headphones are not for everyone. We recommend having a try of such products first before committing to a purchase.

Additionally, many of Shokz competitors, such as Sony, Bose, and Naenka all offer similar products at (sometimes) lower price points. 

We advise that you bear in mind what key features you want your new headphones to have, and then start your search from there. 

Funmi joined PC Guide in November 2022, and was a driving force for the site's ChatGPT coverage. She has a wide knowledge of AI apps, gaming and consumer technology.