Shokz OpenRun Pro sports headphones review - a safe solution to music on the bike?

Bone conduction headphones that are better than those they replace, but they still fall short in certain areas

Shokz OpenRun Pro
(Image: © Josh Ross)

Cyclingnews Verdict

There are some little details that aren’t absolutely perfect but there’s no competition that combines features in quite the same way. The Shokz OpenRun Pro is the best choice for riding while listening to music even though there’s room for improvement.

Pros

  • +

    Enough volume to hear over wind and drivetrain noise

  • +

    A simple app that allows switching between standard or vocal EQ modes

  • +

    Multi-point pairing

  • +

    multi-function button allows for switching songs without touching your phone

Cons

  • -

    Proprietary charging port is a hassle

  • -

    Battery life is good but not great for the form factor

  • -

    Mic doesn't use bone conduction

You can trust Cyclingnews Our experts spend countless hours testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

Riding outside with headphones is a contentious issue. There are many who, rightly, point to the need for some level of distraction over long rides. It might be podcasts to pass the time or it might be music to help with a bit of motivation when you need it most. Then there are those who, also rightly, point to the need to stay aware of one's surroundings while outside. However, as technology progresses there are companies who are finding solutions for both sides. Wherever you stand on that debate, with the prevalence of indoor riding there's a whole new need for headphones while riding a bike. 

Each use case brings with it unique challenges and they are significant. If it's outside the biggest issue is keeping awareness of your environment but there are also issues involving battery life, the potential to lose expensive earbuds, and comfort fitting in among helmets and sunglasses. Inside, there are issues of sweat and it's a virtual stress test of mic quality for those who use it. There is one option there that adopts a unique technological solution to the issues. 

Swipe to scroll horizontally
Testing scorecard and notes
AttributesNotesRating
Ease of pairingGetting to pairing mode is obvious without cracking a manual but there’s no support for the latest smart pairing technology8/10
Sound QualityDecent but there’s a hollowness, oddly not the point of these headphones6/10
ComfortManages to find room in the limited space occupied by helmet retention and sunglasses and remain comfortable for a six hour ride. Lighter and smaller would still be appreciated.9/10
Battery life10 hours is a middle ground. Some true wireless headphones are getting remarkably close. Charging is a hassle.7/10
Overall ratingRow 4 - Cell 1 75%
Josh Ross

Josh hails from the Pacific Northwest of the United States but would prefer riding through the desert than the rain. He will happily talk for hours about the minutiae of cycling tech but also has an understanding that most people just want things to work. He is a road cyclist at heart and doesn't care much if those roads are paved, dirt, or digital. Although he rarely races, if you ask him to ride from sunrise to sunset the answer will be yes. Height: 5'9" Weight: 140 lb. Rides: Salsa Warbird, Cannondale CAAD9, Enve Melee, Look 795 Blade RS, Priority Continuum Onyx