Shokz OpenFit vs OpenFit Air – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Earbuds

Shokz OpenFit & OpenFit Air share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Shokz OpenFit rather than the OpenFit Air

Why Do I Recommend The Shokz OpenFit

  • The Shokz OpenFit features DualBoost™ dual drivers that deliver richer audio with deeper bass and clearer highs, which enhances music detail and immersion compared to the OpenFit Air’s single dynamic driver.
  • Shokz OpenFit offers up to 11 hours of battery life that allows for extended listening without frequent recharging, compared to the 6-hour battery life of the OpenFit Air.
  • It supports Bluetooth 5.4 that ensures faster pairing, more stable connections, and improved energy efficiency over the OpenFit Air’s Bluetooth 5.2.
  • The Shokz OpenFit includes physical multifunction buttons that provide more accurate and consistent control during workouts or in wet conditions, unlike the OpenFit Air’s touch controls.
  • Shokz OpenFit comes with IP55-rated water and dust resistance design that allows for better protection during intense workouts and in harsher outdoor environments than the OpenFit Air’s IP54 rating.
  • It includes a 5-band customizable EQ in the Shokz App to precisely tailor the sound profile, while the OpenFit Air only includes preset EQs.
  • The Shokz OpenFit features AI noise-canceling dual microphones that enhance voice clarity on calls in noisy environments, compared to the OpenFit Air’s basic cVc noise cancellation.
  • Shokz OpenFit includes a Find My Earbuds function in the app that helps locate misplaced earbuds quickly, which improves user convenience over the OpenFit Air’s basic app functionality.

Maybe the OpenFit Air price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Shokz OpenFit. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

Feature Shokz OpenFit OpenFit Air
Earbud Weight 9.4 g ± 0.2 g 8.7 g ± 0.2 g
Shell Materials PC + Ultra‑Soft Silicone 2.0 PC + silicone + Ni‑Ti alloy
Driver Tech DualBoost™: dual drivers DirectPitch™: single 18×11 mm dynamic driver
Battery (earbuds) 11 h single charge 6 h single charge
Battery (with case) 48 h total 28 h total
Charge Time (case) Earbuds: 1 h • Case: 2 h wired Same — earbuds 1 h, case ~2 h wired
Bluetooth Version 5.4 with multipoint pairing 5.2 with multipoint pairing
Water Resistance (buds) IP55 IP54
Controls Physical buttons + some touch Touch-only panels
Microphones Dual-mic + AI beamforming 4 smart mics
EQ & App Features Shokz App: 4 presets + 5‑band EQ + customizable buttons + Find My Earbuds Shokz App: 4 presets, custom button mapping, battery display
Fit Design Ultra‑Soft Silicone 2.0 earhooks; 9.4 g weight per bud Ni‑Ti memory‑alloy Air‑earhook; teardrop cross-section design
Price Check OpenFit Price Check OpenFit Air Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Open-Ear Design: Both the OpenFit and OpenFit Air feature Shokz’s open-ear concept, allowing users to enjoy music and calls while maintaining full awareness of their surroundings. This design is ideal for outdoor running, cycling, and urban commuting.
  • Earhook Support Fit: Each model uses secure over-ear hooks to keep the earbuds in place during movement. OpenFit uses ultra-soft silicone, while OpenFit Air uses a flexible Ni-Ti memory alloy. Regardless of material, both ensure comfort and stability during exercise.
  • Shokz App Control: Both earbuds are compatible with the Shokz App, available on iOS and Android. Users can view battery levels, adjust EQ presets, customize touch/physical controls, and use firmware updates.
  • EQ Presets and Customization: OpenFit and Air provide 4 EQ modes – Standard, Vocal, Treble Boost, and Bass Boost – helping users tune their listening experience to preference or environment. While OpenFit 2 also supports 5-band custom EQ, both share the same preset options.
  • Quick Charging: A 10-minute quick charge gives both models about 2 hours of playback – a convenient feature for on-the-go users needing fast power top-ups.
  • Multipoint Pairing: Both earbuds support multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to pair two devices simultaneously – useful for switching between phone calls and laptop meetings without re-pairing.
  • USB-C Charging: The case of both earbuds uses a USB-C port, ensuring fast charging, wide compatibility, and convenience.
  • Clear Call Technology: Each model is equipped with microphone systems designed to reduce noise. OpenFit uses dual mics with AI beamforming; OpenFit Air uses 4 mics with Qualcomm cVc 8.0. Both ensure voice clarity in calls.
  • Control Accessibility: Both feature intuitive control systems – OpenFit includes physical buttons; Air uses touch panels. Either way, users can manage playback, calls, and volume easily without needing a phone.
  • Water Resistance: While OpenFit is IP55 and OpenFit Air is IP54, both are suitable for sweat and light rain, making them reliable for workouts and daily wear.
  • Case Charging & Portability: Each product includes a magnetic charging case to safely store and charge the earbuds multiple times, providing extended usability on the go.
  • Find My Earbuds Feature: Through the Shokz App, users of both models can locate misplaced earbuds using the “Find My Earbuds” function, which plays a loud sound from each bud.
  • Wide Compatibility: Both are universally compatible with iOS, Android, tablets, and most Bluetooth-enabled devices, ensuring a seamless connection regardless of platform.
  • Designed for Ambient Awareness: The open-ear structure of both products is centered around keeping users connected to their environment while enjoying audio content — perfect for safety and multitasking.

Common Features

Feature Shokz OpenFit OpenFit Air
Open-Ear Design Yes Yes
Earhook Support Fit Yes Yes
App Control (Shokz App) Yes Yes
Customizable Controls Yes Yes
EQ Presets in App Yes Yes
Quick Charge Support Yes Yes
Multipoint Bluetooth Yes Yes
Charging via USB-C Yes Yes
Voice Call Support Yes Yes
Touch or Physical Controls Yes Yes
Water Resistance (Earbuds) Yes Yes
Case Charging Support Yes Yes
Find My Earbuds Feature Yes Yes
Compatibility (iOS/Android) Yes Yes
Ambient Awareness Focus Yes Yes
Price Check OpenFit Price Check OpenFit Air Price

FAQ

Do both OpenFit 2 and OpenFit Air support multipoint pairing?
Yes, both models support multipoint pairing, allowing users to connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them without needing to re-pair.

Are the OpenFit 2 and OpenFit Air safe for outdoor use?
Yes, both models are designed with an open-ear layout to ensure environmental awareness, making them ideal for outdoor activities like running, walking, and cycling.

Can I use Shokz OpenFit 2 and OpenFit Air for phone calls?
Yes, both earbuds are equipped with advanced microphones and noise-reduction technologies to ensure clear voice calls, with OpenFit 2 using AI beamforming and OpenFit Air using 4-mic Qualcomm cVc 8.0.

Is the Shokz App compatible with both models?
Yes, the Shokz App works with both the OpenFit 2 and OpenFit Air, allowing users to customize EQ settings, control mapping, and access additional features like firmware updates and Find My Earbuds.

What kind of controls do each of the earbuds use?
The OpenFit 2 uses physical multifunction buttons, which provide tactile feedback and greater control accuracy, while the OpenFit Air uses touch-sensitive controls for a sleeker interface.

How do the battery lives compare between the two models?
OpenFit 2 offers up to 11 hours on a single charge and 48 hours with the case, whereas OpenFit Air provides up to 6 hours per charge and 28 hours total with the case.

Are the earbuds water-resistant?
Yes, both earbuds have water resistance ratings. The OpenFit 2 is IP55-rated, offering slightly better dust and water protection than the OpenFit Air, which is IP54-rated.

Do both earbuds support quick charging?
Yes, both the OpenFit 2 and OpenFit Air support quick charging. A 10-minute charge can deliver up to 2 hours of playback time in both models.

Can I wear either of these earbuds with glasses?
Yes, both earbuds are designed to accommodate glasses, though some users may find OpenFit Air’s flexible Ni-Ti earhooks more comfortable for prolonged wear with eyewear.

Are custom EQ settings available in both models?
Both models include four preset EQ modes, but only the OpenFit 2 supports a 5-band custom EQ for more detailed sound personalization via the app.

What charging port do the cases use?
Both the OpenFit 2 and OpenFit Air cases use USB-C for fast and universal charging compatibility.

Are these earbuds good for intense workouts or sports?
Yes, both are designed for active lifestyles with secure over-ear hooks and water-resistant construction. However, OpenFit 2 may be better suited due to its higher water resistance and longer battery life.

Do the earbuds support voice assistant features?
Yes, both models can activate voice assistants (like Siri or Google Assistant) via configurable touch or button controls set through the Shokz App.

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