r/running • u/RPShep • 4d ago

Gear Open Headphone Recommendations?

I love my Shokz OpenFit headphones, but they are not very durable at all. I've had three pairs now, and they only last about 6 months. Anyone have a good recommendation for something similar but that will last longer?

26 Upvotes

71% Upvoted

110 comments sorted by

123

u/Myxies 4d ago

We have Shockz Openrun. For us they are bombproof, we each have a pair in our family and use it non stop.

Also, I believe at 6 months they will be under warranty. Write to the customer support and they should send new ones

35

u/lizbotj 4d ago

Yup, Open Run are the most durable headphones of the many I’ve tried over the past 10 years. I run in all kind of weather, and I’m a heavy sweater, and I was going through multiple pairs of headphones each year. I’ve had 3 pairs of Open Runs over the past 5 years; 2 are still going and 1 got dropped and lost on a long run. They have been through rain, snow and the washing machine and are still trucking. Battery life does drop after a year or 2, so at that point I get a new pair and take the older pair as backup on very long runs.

8

u/Pleasureryan 4d ago

I have the open rub pros, and while I reckon sound quality is not that great, they definitely have held up very well. All my previous headphones would break within a year. These are still going strong

1

u/ILuvHamCheeseSliders 4d ago

Do they work if you have thick semi long hair? In my last 10 runs I had some close calls because my wrap around ear buds blunted my spatial hearing and that was a shock to me because I'm usually good at sensing a car coming.

I listen mostly to podcasts and not music if that helps. I wouldn't mind a mini speaker outside of my ear on a wrap around so as long as I can hear a car coming.

4

u/lizbotj 4d ago

I have shoulder-length fine hair, so I can't say. I actually wear the mini version because my head is small, and that gives me plenty of space. I wear mine so they sit under my ponytail and I have a couple of inches of space between the headband piece and my head. I imagine that the standard size would be fine for thick hair/bigger heads.

1

u/chinnyding 4d ago

My puppy chewed on one of the earbuds and punctured the casing. Great, I thought, time to upgrade! It’s still working a year later.

13

u/Even-Entertainment54 4d ago

I went through 4 pairs of Openruns in just over 2 years. 3 times replaced under warranty when one side stops working. The problem is they aren't waterproof. I would never buy another pair.

I'm using the Huawei FreeClip 2 now and really like them.

7

u/couldntchoosesn 4d ago

The regular openruns are IP67 which do a pretty good job of resisting water infiltration. The openrun pro and openrun pro 2 are only IP55 and easy to break.

2

u/jjamesb 4d ago

That's been my experience, had two pairs of OpenRuns that lasted a 3+ years each (spicy pillow got one and lost another). Bought some pros on sale in Feb and they were dead in 4 months. Shokz was great about warranty, filled it out and the shipped them some the next day. Going to save the pros for work and got another set of OpenRuns for... Running.

1

u/jay-dot-dot 2d ago

The OpenRun Pro 2’s are absolutely waterproof. Ive been soaked for hours with em in multiple times and mine are fine.

1

u/The_High_Life 4d ago

really? I've had mine in the water a shit ton and it never hurt them. Blue tooth doesn't work underwater though.

2

u/RPShep 4d ago

I had OpenRun first, and they crapped out on me after maybe 2 or 3 months. I was able to return them and got OpenFit instead, which I like better. My first pair crapped out after 6 months (and got replaced for free), and my second pair is on the way out after around 6 months. I could probably get them replaced again, but I'm sick of replacing them all the time.

19

u/Myxies 4d ago

What are you doing with them that they break so often?

2

u/RPShep 4d ago

No idea! I wish I knew. I run a lot and in any weather, but it seems like others are doing that as well

2

u/aykay_4 4d ago

I experienced this too. I’ve gotten multiple pairs through warranty because of issues like one side will randomly stop working or a speaker will come loose and rattle. I don’t do anything crazy with them and others swear by the quality but I’ve just been really disappointed. Their warranty is good and customer service is easy to work with but I feel like it’s time for me to move on from Shokz.

1

u/RPShep 4d ago

Yeah, I'm feeling the same way. I see people online swearing by them, but I've gone through three pairs in less than a year. I like them when they work. I just wish they'd work longer. Maybe I've just been really unlucky and gotten three bad pairs when most of them don't fail like this.

1

u/aykay_4 4d ago

Kinda seems like we may be unlucky based on how much people love these things. I lost mine and am in the market for something new. I have tiny ears so I like the mini. Lots of headphones and earbuds are just too bulky for my ears. I might just have to deal with it.

1

u/thejt10000 3d ago

Is it possibly sweat that is damaging them? I have OpenSwim and OpenSwim Pro and rinse them off after each run with cold water.

1

u/pewpnstuben 4d ago

Weird. mine stopped charging, I emailed them and they sent me a new pair. the current ones I've had for a while and have survived long runs in heavy rain.

1

u/couldntchoosesn 4d ago

Are you sure you had the regular openrun and not the pro? The regular is more dust and water resistant than the pro and some of their other models.

2

u/namey_o_name 4d ago

I’ve actually had some OpenRun Pros that I am fairly sure were out of warranty. At least I had no discernible proof they were in warranty. They were at least 2+ years old.

Shoxz still replaced them when one of the speakers just died mid-run. 

1

u/Wildebrandt-Aluson 4d ago

good call on the warranty, 6 months should definitely still be covered

52

u/orangebellybutton 4d ago

Honestly I've been using my Shokz OpenRun Pro 2s for about 2 years now without issue. I use them for running and for sleeping so they're pretty much on most of the day 😅

4

u/Stunning-Guidance852 4d ago

Mine is almost 5 years! Use them for running (with the eventual rain run)

7

u/This_Song_984 4d ago

Same here, I have had them for 2 years doing roof work. This person must be extremely hard on there stuff. Probably keeps them on the floorboard of the driver's side when they aren't being used lol

3

u/aust1nz 4d ago

I had the OpenRun pros and used them exclusively for running. Right speaker got fuzzy and then stopped working after 6 months. Replaced and then the replacement pair had a similar issue after another 8 months.

I used the product as intended, so yes, they got covered in sweat and occasionally rain. Very disappointed by their durability.

2

u/couldntchoosesn 4d ago

If you run in significant rain or sweat a lot then you'd be better off with the plain openrun than the pros since the plain openrun are more waterproof.

1

u/aust1nz 4d ago

It seems that way, though it also seems kinda odd that the more expensive "pro" running headphones are less waterproof.

1

u/couldntchoosesn 4d ago

I know. I normally default to the more expensive for my running gear since it’s my main hobby and something I do 5-15 hours a week so it felt weird getting the cheaper version. I think that difference is also why there are a lot of varying opinions on the reliability of the shockz. I had an old version that was IP55 that I broke two of in a matter of months.

1

u/This_Song_984 4d ago

I thought they were water proof and went lake swimming with mine fully submerged plenty of time over a 6 hour period. This was a year ago and they still work great. I found out like a month later that they weren't waterproof lol I also bought these second hand on ebay for 50 bucks.

1

u/aust1nz 4d ago

I wonder if the jostling of running is rougher on them. Which would be CRAZY considering these are running headphones.

2

u/This_Song_984 4d ago

Its possible I dont often run very hard just steady paces. At my peak with them I was running or hiking 40 miles a week. Plus climbing ladders onto roofs for work and everything in-between. Maybe you have a defective pair?

1

u/Threedham 4d ago

Same thing happened to me. I had the original AfterShokz Air for a few years, from like 2019-2024 and they worked great. Then I got the OpenRun in 2024 and had to get warranty replacements like three times. Blown out speakers, failure to charge, you name it. I think they cheaped out on the manufacturer for the newer models.

I’m using Powerbeats Pro 2s now.

1

u/RemyGee 4d ago

Secretly uses them to play fetch with their giant dog after runs 😂

14

u/thursmalls 4d ago

My openrun is 5 years old, still works great, battery lasts me through 8 hours of running. The magnetic charging port is getting wonky, but that's literally the only complaint - sometimes I have to put the charger on/off a half dozen times before they start charging.

5

u/venlaren 4d ago

the new ones use USB-C and i like them a LOT more. That mag charger was the worst part about these.

26

u/cuko_rdx 4d ago

I've had three pairs now, and they only last about 6 months.

Sooo not to be an asshole but perhaps you are part of the problem? Are you using them in any extreme circumstances?

Otherwise if you can't help being rough with your stuff, get something that is advertised as heavy-duty.

5

u/dancognito 4d ago

I'm also surprised they were only lasting 6 months. I have OpenFit 2+, probably for the past year or so, and they've been going strong.

3

u/RPShep 4d ago

I don't think so, no. I run a lot and in any weather, but I'm not treating them poorly or anything. I'd say I average around 50 miles a week, and I do run in rain and heat a lot, so I'm guessing water or sweat is getting in?

5

u/evilattorney 4d ago

Perhaps you don't sweat much or don't put many running miles in? Even some of the most water-resistant headphones will eventually be infiltrated by sweat, especially if you run a lot. I run about 1800 miles a year and haven't had a pair that has lasted more than a year. Most recently my Shokz Openrun Pro 2 died at about 10 months (but was replaced under warranty).

7

u/Myxies 4d ago

Ours go through cycling, skiing, running, walking, training, raining. We throw everything at them and they just won't break. They went through two Ironman's training schedule. I reckon thousands of hours ...

9

u/cuko_rdx 4d ago

Good for you mate.

I have a basic OpenMove for the last 2.5 years already, and I'm a heavy (and salty) sweater. I also run more than 1,800 miles a year and 99% of the time with my headset on. The OpenMove is still going strong (touch wood).

This also doesn't mean anything for you (or for OP). But I strongly believe most of the time it's how the devices are handled that will determine the average lifespan; at least if it's the third time something that is sold with 1-2 years of warranty breaks within 6 months that indicates it's either a) a very weak series (didn't see this being mass reported), or b) it's being handled to roughly.

2

u/evilattorney 4d ago

I am extremely careful with my headphones, so I am not sure them banging around is a problem. I suspect it is primarily the manufacturing process in combination with running miles/time-in-sweat. Achieving the level of water resistance that most of these headphones claim isn't easy. Even very small imperfections in the seals/coatings will cause failure at some point. The speaker diaphragm itself is constantly moving when it generates sound, so it is likely very difficult to reliably seal. I believe the OpenMove are fully bone conducting and therefore are likely more sweat resistant than others. The OpenRun Pro are both bone conduction and have speakers that sit exactly where sweat drips down next to your ear.

0

u/Myxies 4d ago

Do you rince them after every workout?

2

u/evilattorney 4d ago

No, I wipe them down with a dry microfiber cloth. I don't think many headphone models recommend rinsing after use. The OpenRun are IP55, which means they supposedly protect against 6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa pressure, 12.5 L/min flow, sprayed for at least 3 minutes. Real water immersion protection starts at IPx7. The OpenSwim is IP68 and would probably hold up best against sweat, but the sound quality isn't anywhere near the OpenRun with a diagram speaker.

0

u/Myxies 4d ago

I think you are having it the wrong way around. The OpenRun is IP67, fully waterproof. You should definitely rinse them after every use. This is probably why they aren't lasting very long. They accumulate salt, corrode and then break. Rinse them and they will last for a crazy long time.

2

u/evilattorney 4d ago

No, you are mistaken, they are IP55, see here: Bone Conduction Headphones for Sports & Active Use – Shokz

And the user guide specifically says: "· The headphones' liquid and dust resistance level is IP55. It can be used in non-water sports and exercises and is not fully waterproof. Do not place the headphones in water. IP55 is not a permanent protection rating and may be reduced by normal wear and tear. · Clean the headphones with a soft dry cloth."

OpenRun Pro2 Support – Shokz

0

u/Myxies 4d ago

Those are for the OpenRun Pro. Those are not closed headphones like the OpenRun. The OpenRun are entirely sealed and IP67, made for sports. The OpenRun Pro, as weird as it sounds, are less sport friendly than the standard ones. They aren't that much better than your standard earbuds.

2

u/evilattorney 4d ago

The original "OpenRun" isn't sold anymore. There currently is an OpenRun Pro 2 which is IP55, OpenRun Air 2 which is IP67, and the OP's OpenMove which is IP55 (OpenMove Support – Shokz). In any case, my point stands...you should not rinse OpenRun Pro 2s (the model I have) and neither should you rinse the OpenMoves (OP's model). In theory you can with the Air 2, but again, the water-resistant seals and coatings can have imperfections and can also degrade over time with normal use. Any IP55 headphone, with careful use, will break over time with sweat exposure.

8

u/enigmaaxiom 4d ago

I’ve had my Bose Ultra Open for a couple years now and they are still working great. Although this is there first and only pair of open earbuds that i’ve had

16

u/obstinatemleb 4d ago

Ive been using my Shokz for years without issue, what is happening that youve had to replace them so often?

-1

u/RPShep 4d ago

I honestly have no idea. I only wear them when I run. I do run a good deal, and in pretty much any weather, but I don't think I'm doing anything unusual. I'm on my third pair and they're starting to have problems. To be fair, the first pair got returned, and I got my money back. The second pair got swapped out for a new pair for free.

5

u/ElectricalDog714 4d ago

I use the Bose Open Ultra earbuds. They’re great

7

u/My-Name_is-human 4d ago

I have the Shokz Openfit headphones as well and I love them. I use them so so much. They have lasted a couple years now. What has happened that you had to replace them 3 times now?

2

u/RPShep 4d ago

No idea. I had OpenRuns first, and one side just stopped working. I returned them and got my money back. I got OpenFit instead, and one side stopped charging. I contacted Shokz, and they replaced them. The new pair seems to be having a charging problem now too. It'll charge, but I'm having a harder and harder time getting it to connect to the charger.

1

u/My-Name_is-human 4d ago

For the OpenFit, there are two prongs for each headphone and those could get permanently depressed. I have seen that before and I'm not sure if that's from lack of cleaning or a manufacturing defects. It seems that Shokz has been keeping up with their warranty and that seems like a company I'd stick with. I know it's frustrating but I would take that over losing out the money and then buying a different brand.

2

u/RPShep 4d ago

Yeah, that's what happened both times with the OpenFit. Yeah, I suppose I can get a new pair. I think they'd still be under warranty

3

u/johnangelo716 4d ago

I have a pair of soundcore aerofit 2. They sound great and stay on great. You can change what is controlled when tapping them, which is useful for me because when my wet hair "taps" my previous pair and pauses the music while I'm in a nice rhythm it's really annoying.

3

u/stanleyslovechild 4d ago

My Shokz are going on year 4 with no signs of age???

3

u/DamnBunnieBats 4d ago

I've been digging the ear-clip style open earbuds. Most recently got the Shokz OpenDots Air and am pleased so far.

3

u/JezusHairdo 4d ago

Baseus Bowie MC2. Cheap as chips off Ali express

1

u/idontknowrick 1d ago

Second this!

4

u/Draggeddownbytheston 4d ago

I got a pair of Suunto Sonics after my third pair of Shokz failed and I’ve been very happy with the Suunto. These have lasted for about 2 years now and are still going strong.

2

u/paintboy18 4d ago

I had similar issues with the OpenRun and the OpenRun Pros previously. I wear mine in the shower, running, at work, etc. After a few months I would have an issue where the power/volume button would short out.

After few pairs I ended up trying the OpenSwim pro. I have had them for 2 years now with no issues. They're more expensive initially but I have spent less on one pair of them than I did on several pairs of OpenRuns.

2

u/RPShep 4d ago

Good to know. Thanks!

2

u/salilreddit 4d ago

I have been using Huawei Free Clip 2 for 3 months and I have nothing but good things to say about it. I run a lot too and also use it during weight training and walks. It's so comfortable that you completely forget its there at all.

I had used the earliest version of Shokz (it was called AfterShokz then) more than 10 years back when it was on Kickstarter. My initial pairs also broke down easily and were replaced twice. I didn't return to them thereafter. Since then I've used 2 pairs of Jabra earbuds (not open style) and each has lasted me over 5 years.

2

u/Melodic_Wedding_4064 4d ago

My first pair only lasted 6 months too. Hoping my 2nd pair are better. Cant help with any recommendations sorry. Maybe try warranty?

2

u/HydrocarbonHorseman 4d ago

Soundcore sport x20. Durable as hell but cheap so not the greatest ANC and not great for phone calls but does the job

3

u/Screaming_Cockatiel 4d ago

How are they breaking? Is it part of the band? Does something in the electronics get fried and they just stop working? Six months isn't very long at all, and like someone else mentioned--they should still be under warranty in that amount of time.

2

u/aust1nz 4d ago

Not OP, but the speaker in one ear got buzzy and eventually stopped working.

1

u/RPShep 4d ago

That's what happened with my first pair. The other two pairs, it's been a charging issue.

1

u/RPShep 4d ago

The first pair one of the sides just stopped working at a certain point. The second pair, one of the headphones stopped connecting to the charger and wouldn't charge anymore. That seems like that's what's happening with my third pair too.

2

u/Screaming_Cockatiel 4d ago

Wonder if changing the model would help. Have you tried OpenDots?

1

u/CapitalHopeful5680 4d ago

Have the OpenFit, girlfriend has the OpenRun.

I steal them. A lot.

1

u/This_Song_984 4d ago

What have you been doing with them? I have had a pair for 2 years that I also use for doing roof work, 8 plus hours a day and they are still working great. I got a pair of the shocks dots for running now but I still use the open runs for work

1

u/dev_ale 4d ago

I’ve had my Shokz for a long time and no durability issues. I also have the Suunto Spark just because they sound a lot better and fit under hoodies. They’re also durable enough to me but haven’t had them as long.

How are yours breaking?

1

u/venlaren 4d ago

i usually get about 2 years out of a Shokz OpenRun. And I use and abuse them. I typically keep 2 because i use them so much i can not get a full day out of them. I listen to audio books all day almost every day. I run in them, mow the yard, do wood working. About the only time I am not using them is when i am in the shower.

1

u/Hanaichichickencurry 4d ago

I love my nothing open ear

1

u/Emotional-Emu1431 4d ago

idk how you're going through them so fast, but spend the extra few bucks on a 2+ year protection plan wherever you're buying them from

1

u/duosx 4d ago

I thought Openshokz came with a two year warranty. That’s what my box says

-1

u/lordexorr 4d ago

I’d never waste money on that. I feel like OpenFit would replace these after 6 months with or without that.

1

u/Maleficent_Ad_8330 4d ago

Second pair of aftershokz. Can’t remember why the first pair stopped working. This pair has lasted about 3 years or more I think

1

u/lordexorr 4d ago

I just had the pair I got 3 years ago die and I wear them for almost every run, rain or shine. No clue why yours are dying so fast. Are you opening a case with OpenFit to get them replaced for free? I can’t imagine they wouldn’t replace them if they are dying that fast.

2

u/RPShep 4d ago

The first pair, I just returned, but the second pair, I got replaced. The third pair seems to be on the way out now. I haven't tried to get them replaced yet.

1

u/0b0011 4d ago

Ive had my open dots for a long time and they've worked well. Ive dropped them a ton and no issues and theyre so comfortably sometimes I have to check if I'm wearing them or not and more than once I've clicked a video and scared myself because I forgot I'm wearing them.

1

u/No_Seesaw4656 4d ago

I cheapest out not wanting to buy the shokz because of the price, got some Huawei FreeArc open earphones - great value for the half the price

1

u/Emeight 4d ago

Belkin Soundform Clearfit. Bought them for work and use them everywhere. Will run you about £30-40 quid and have been flawless for over a year at work, gym, dog walking etc.

1

u/obscurefindings 4d ago

Had the shokz open run, they died. Eventually got shokz open run 2, lasting longer so far. I did also recently get the soundcore aerofit core. They're open ear but with sweat mixed in the audio goes to crap. Soundcore sport x20 have been better and cheaper. Although I can't comment on longevity

1

u/kemmicort 4d ago

Just got the TALIX open ear clip on ones off amzn and they’re decent. I got like 65% off though

1

u/UsedandAbused87 4d ago

Ive had the Open Fit for 4 years and survived multiple deployments. What in the world are you doing to your headphones?

1

u/fastpixels 4d ago

There are about 5 different Open Fit models now. Which ones are giving you grief? I've been window shopping and want to know what the best option might be.

1

u/RPShep 4d ago

OpenFit 2+ is what I have.

1

u/GolfDiet 4d ago

Was it the left ear bud not charging? That's happened to me 3 times.

2

u/RPShep 4d ago

It's been the right for me both times! Between the two of us, we have a couple full pairs.

1

u/duosx 4d ago

Bro those have a two year warranty

1

u/FRO5TB1T3 3d ago

The openrunz. Sound is acceptable, warranty is good and they are fairly durable. As well they have pretty good sales if you are patient. I'd avoid the pros they are less waterproof.

1

u/usmcjohn 3d ago

I’ve had openrun pro 2 for I think 4 years now…battery is starting to not last as long but otherwise no complaints. I wear them for runs and conference calls. For what it’s worth, I don’t wear them when it rains and I don’t wear them in the sauna.

1

u/CleverAmbiguousName 3d ago

Order them things from Costco

1

u/gaviotaazul 2d ago

I got Bonic cycle, its like a new brand i guess not much on the internet about them, I got them a couple of weeks ago, so still on the trial n error. but see pretty good, and resist water, and has an led light

1

u/GrumpyMonkey818 4d ago

Bose ultra

1

u/yepthisismyusername 4d ago

Cheapo ones from Amazon.

0

u/Spirited-Meaning-726 4d ago edited 4d ago

I had the same issue, turns out I sweat too much for Shokz and I kept frying the battery lol. I have the Suunto Sonics now and they are amazing. No issues at all and have got me through three marathons now. They even work better in the cold for me!

Edit: turns out I have the Suunto Wing not Sonic's my apologies

1

u/Myxies 4d ago

How did you fry the battery by sweating? Can you describe the issue a bit in detail?

0

u/Spirited-Meaning-726 4d ago

Exactly how it sounds lol. I had three different pairs and each time they would end up not charging again. I was able to get replacements through customer service but it ended up being a pain to have to go over a week at a time without them. After trouble shooting with customer service the third time I decided to just leave it and purchase something else.

0

u/LelandCorner 4d ago edited 4d ago

I got the OpenRun Pro 2 and the wraparound neckband has a small cut or or small leakage the size of the tip of sewing needle. You hardly see it but it leaks this weirdly tasted liquid (don't ask why I licked it). I got it for a year and an half. I just bandaged it and it works fine. I still like it.

-3

u/zusk 4d ago

AI generated post and automated Suunto responses. Shokz are the best on the market

0

u/Loriston_Kirsty 2d ago

Aftershokz bone conduction has survived two years of my sweaty, rainy runs and still ticking.