Review: Shokz OpenDots One

As we recently stated in our review of EarFun Clip, open-ear headphones are becoming increasingly prevalent. Clip-variant designs are now offered by several manufacturers, including JBL and Motorola. In this review, we examine Shokz OpenDots One, which falls into the same category. Shokz, as pioneers in the open-ear and bone-conducting headphone segment, perhaps set a high expectation for a truly distinctive offering. Indeed, we discovered several surprising features, notably one that initially appeared unconventional but, upon closer examination, revealed a plausible explanation.

First Impressions – Shokz OpenDots One

The charging case presents a sleek, discreet design, offering practical functionality. It supports wireless charging, a feature Shokz has recently integrated into their cases, or can be charged via the included cable. The headphones are well-packaged; following an app update, they connected seamlessly and were ready for immediate use.

The headphones offer two primary control methods: pressing the bridge that connects the battery and speaker components, or pinching the short sides of the battery housing. Customization options for these controls are unfortunately limited, which feels like a missed opportunity given the availability of multiple interaction points (effectively four distinct control surfaces). However, the lack of extensive customization is mitigated by the absence of active noise cancellation features that would typically require more granular control. Controls include double-tap and triple-tap gestures on the bridges, alongside a long pinch and double pinch for battery housing interactions.  

A notable and potentially appealing feature is the ‘Private’ sound profile, which attenuates higher frequencies to minimize sound leakage into quiet environments, such as a train carriage.

Expanded Use Cases

Shokz successfully expanded the use cases for the Shokz Open Fit 2 + compared to its predecessor. With a larger bass driver, Shokz managed to make the sound profile sufficiently robust for partial use in public environments like a subway. While their predecessor offered only marginal improvement for cycling, the OpenDots One represents a significant leap forward for Shokz in this regard. The OpenDots One’s performance during cycling surpasses that of any previous headphones we’ve tested. This can be attributed to the OpenDots One’s dual diaphragms, which are equivalent to a substantial 16mm diaphragm, and their integration with Bassphere™ Technology, resulting in genuinely compelling audio. Furthermore, their precise in-ear placement effectively directs sound towards the ear canal. Finally, the round form factor and the absence of an ear hook appear to mitigate wind noise generated by the earbuds themselves. Consequently, even at considerable speeds, users can clearly discern audio while maintaining crucial situational awareness. This represents a significant performance enhancement.

Regarding fit, individuals with larger ears may find the OpenDots One feel somewhat snug initially, and we recommend trying them on if possible. While the fit might adapt over time, we observed no significant softening during our review period. Weighing a mere 6.5 grams, the OpenDots One are exceptionally light and remained securely in place throughout our usage. With an IP54 rating, these headphones offer adequate sweat and splash resistance, though it’s less robust than fully waterproof alternatives like the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2. Nonetheless, this rating ensures sufficient durability for activities such as running or gym workouts.

Dynamic Ear Detection: Eliminating Left/Right Orientation

During use, we noted the absence of traditional left/right markings for earbud orientation. Intriguingly, a long pinch on the earbud placed in the right ear consistently increases volume, irrespective of which earbud is used. This behavior persists even when the earbuds are swapped between ears. Initially, this functionality was perplexing, prompting us to investigate further. Shokz has integrated a feature called Dynamic Ear Detection, enabling the earbuds to automatically determine their placement in either the left or right ear. This technology is both impressive and highly convenient, particularly for single-earbud use cases where volume adjustment is needed; simply switching the earbud to the other ear seamlessly transfers the volume control.

The precise mechanism behind Dynamic Ear Detection is not explicitly detailed, but we can offer an informed hypothesis. Several years ago, our review of the Anker Soundcore Liberty 4 revealed a feature that alerted users to prolonged periods of head bowing. This suggested the presence of an internal gyroscope, measuring the earbud’s orientation and movement in three-dimensional space. Similarly, the OpenDots One likely leverages sensor data to discern the earbud’s orientation relative to the battery pack, thereby determining its position in either the left or right ear. While this remains an educated guess, it presents a plausible explanation for Shokz’ implementation. Regardless of the exact method, the functionality is undeniably clever, impressive, and elegantly executed.

The Sound Profile – Shokz OpenDots One

It is evident that the OpenDots One delivers a superior sound profile compared to most of its predecessors, with the Shokz Open Fit 2 + being the closest competitor. The OpenDots One genuinely offers a commendable sound profile within the open-ear headphone category. While it naturally doesn’t match the pristine audio fidelity of audiophile-grade headphones like the Beyerdynamic Amiron 300, it provides a highly enjoyable musical experience. The OpenDots One exhibits strong performance across the frequency spectrum, with particularly convincing bass reproduction. Its acoustic dynamism is sufficient to competently render tracks like Yosi Horikawa – Bump, while AIR – Casanova is delivered with pleasantly sweeping, warm frequencies.

The Bottom Line – Shokz OpenDots One

We have tracked Shokz’s progress since the release of their inaugural open-ear headphones, the Shokz Open Fit, observing consistent advancements. With the OpenDots One, Shokz has achieved a level of performance that broadens the earbuds’ applicability across various environments, eliminating the need for excessively high volume levels. The symmetrical design and Dynamic Ear Detection, while perhaps initially perceived as a novelty, prove to be unexpectedly practical and convenient with sustained use.

The price point of 2,400 kronor stands out as the primary drawback, unfortunately becoming a decisive factor. Despite the technological advancements Shokz has incorporated into the OpenDots One, their inherent open-ear design limits their suitability in certain contexts. Environments such as buses, airplanes, trains, and subways typically necessitate active noise cancellation or significant passive isolation, rendering a second pair of headphones almost essential for these scenarios. In such cases, a 2,400 kronor investment for the OpenDots One feels substantial. This becomes particularly apparent when comparing them to the recently reviewed EarFun Clip, which, while lacking the OpenDots One’s advanced sound profile or technological sophistication, is approximately 2,000 kronor more affordable.

Nevertheless, the Shokz OpenDots One stand as an excellent pair of open-ear headphones; among all we’ve tested, they offer the highest convenience, superior sound quality, and robust battery life, providing 10 hours on a single charge and a total of 40 hours with the wirelessly chargeable case. Therefore, for buyers where budget is not the primary constraint, the Shokz OpenDots One emerges as a superb choice within the expanding open-ear headphone market. The ability to seamlessly integrate your personal soundtrack, such as Chopin – The Complete Nocturnes, into an office environment while maintaining ambient awareness is a genuinely pleasant experience.

Shokz sent review units for this test. Material senders have no editorial influence on our tests; we always write independently, focusing on our readers and consumers.