Love exercising in the great outdoors? Hate having to decide between listening to music despite the significant risk to your safety, or putting your safety first only to suffer your run or ride in silence?

Thanks to Shokz you no longer have to choose because the bone-conducting headphone brand’s latest product – the OpenFit Air – means you can now stay safe and entertained for the duration of your session or race. Here’s what you need to know about the new high-end, lightweight and quality product to decide whether now’s the time to upgrade your workout headphones.

What are Shokz OpenFit Air?

The OpenFit Air is the latest product release from bone-conducting headphone manufacturer Shokz, following on from the ground-breaking OpenRun Pro headphones we raved about for its peerless comfort, weight and quality.

As with all Shokz’s product range, its headphones have an open-ear design so they don’t block the ear canal. This means you can stay alert of your surroundings while listening to music, podcasts or audiobooks, which makes Shokz the go-to brand for runners, cyclists and other outdoor athletes and fitness enthusiasts who need to remain aware of traffic and other safety risks during workouts or races.

Indeed, under UK Athletics rules in-ear or over-the-ear headphones are banned in all events on roads open to traffic due to safety concerns, so if you want to listen to music when racing you’ll have to use bone-conducting headphones.

What are bone-conducting headphones?

Bone-conducting headphones are a type of audio device that transmits sound through the bones of the skull directly to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrum.

Unlike traditional headphones, which emit sound waves that travel through the air and into the ear canal, bone-conducting headphones use transducers to create vibrations that are picked up by the cochlea. This technology allows the user to hear ambient sounds, making it ideal for outdoor activities where situational awareness is crucial.

How much do Shokz OpenFit Air headphones cost?

They cost £119, which makes them cheaper than Shokz high-end OpenRun Pro (£159.95) and the mid-tier OpenRun (£129.95), but quite a bit more expensive than the entry-level OpenMove headphones (£79.95).

How long is the Shokz OpenFit Air battery life?

They provide up to six hours of continuous play on a single charge (and up to 28 hours of re-charge capacity in the charging case). If you’re short of time to train but need your tunes then the quick-charge function will give around two hours of battery life from just 10 minutes of charge.

How much do Shokz OpenFit Air headphones weigh?

Each ear bud weighs just 8.7g, making them the lightest option in the Shokz range, with an incredibly snug fit. For context, the OpenRun Pro weigh 28g, which is still light enough to forget you’re wearing them (don’t be surprised if you accidentally wear them into the shower after your workout – we’ve lost count of how often we’ve done that).

Are the Shokz OpenFit Air headphones waterproof for swimming?

While they are water resistant and will survive sudden outdoor (or indoor) showers, the OpenFit Air are not fully waterproof for swimming (and we wouldn’t risk them in a steam room or sauna either). If you’re a swimmer and need a pair of headphones that are made for the water look no further than the Shokz OpenSwim Pro (£169).

Do Shokz OpenFit Air headphones come in different colours?

Yes, they come in black, white or pink. Also in the box is a USB-C charging cable, charging case and user manual.