Shokz (formerly AfterShokz) launches bone conduction headphones with a bass boost

Shokz OpenRun Pro
(Image credit: Shokz)

Shokz (the company formerly known as AfterShokz) has launched a new set of Bluetooth bone conduction headphones designed with runners in mind. The OpenRun Pro, revealed at CES 2022, is a new flagship headset, and has improved sound quality thanks to new bass enhancers in the transducers.

At the same time, Shokz is rebranding some of its existing headsets so their names are more consistent. The water resistant Xtrainerz are now called OpenSwim, and the Aeropex are now OpenRun.The entry-level OpenMove and office-oriented OpenComm remain the same.

Shokz OpenRun Pro

(Image credit: Shokz)

The Shokz OpenRun Pro offer some thoughtful design tweaks, such as larger buttons that make it easier to control the volume and switch tracks while on the move.

As with the company's previous sports headsets, there's also a built-in noise-cancelling microphone and, you can accept a call mid-run or open your phone's voice assistant by pressing a button on the left earpiece. 

Like the OpenRun, the new headset attaches to a magnetic charging cable, and Shokz promises battery life of up to 10 hours. If you accidentally forget to connect them, charging them for five minutes while you prepare for your run will give you 1.5 hours of listening time.

Shokz OpenRun Pro

(Image credit: Shokz)

We're currently testing the OpenRun Pro, and so far we're very impressed by the sound quality, which surpasses what we've come to expect from bone conduction headphones. We'll continue to put them through their paces in a variety of sports over the coming days, and will bring you a full review very soon.

The headset is available to pre-order today in black for $179.95 (about £130 / AU$250), and Shokz will be announcing other colors plus the exact shipping date later in the year.


Opinion: bone conduction is the smart choice

As a runner, being aware of your surroundings is essential. It might be tempting to opt for noise-cancelling headphones, and immerse yourself in your favorite music or an audiobook while you pound the pavement, but doing so means you're at risk of missing dangers like traffic (including emergency vehicles that might run red lights), cyclists approaching from behind, dogs, and children. It could also make you a tempting target for a mugger, who could approach you unnoticed. 

Many noise-cancelling earbuds (particularly running headphones) have a 'transparency' mode that uses a microphone to pick up external noise, but in our experience it's no substitute for the spatial awareness you get directly from your ears.

Woman on race track wearing Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones

Shokz headphones are the only ones permitted for races by England Athletics (Image credit: Shokz)

Bone conduction headsets like the Shokz OpenRun Pro leave your ear canals open, so you can hear your surroundings while also hearing audio that's transmitted to your auditory nerves via vibrations in your cheekbones. If there's a noise like a siren, you'll immediately know whether it's approaching from in front or behind, and be able to take action to avoid it.

Many race organizers discourage the user of any headphones, but if you really want to run with music then bone conduction is the safest choice. In fact, Shokz headsets are the only ones approved by England Athletics for all road running races. 

Not everyone enjoys them, but if you're in the market for a new pair of running headphones then we advise you to at least try a bone conduction headset when making your choice. The tech has come a long way in recent years, and you may be surprised by just how good they can sound.

TOPICS
Cat Ellis
Homes Editor

Cat is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in kitchen appliances and smart home technology. She's been a tech journalist for 15 years, and is here to help you choose the right devices for your home and do more with them. When not working she's a keen home baker, and makes a pretty mean macaron.

Read more
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review: The ideal runner’s headphones
Shokz OpenFit 2
Shokz debuts OpenFit 2 headphones with beefed-up audio, upgraded controls, and 11 hours of battery life
The Shokz OpenRun Pro on a yellow background with text saying Lowest Price.
Runners, listen up – the Shokz OpenRun Pro are back to their Black Friday price
Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones on TechRadar background
The best bone conduction headphones 2025: Stay aware on the road, in the pool, and in the office
Audio Technica cartilage conduction earbuds on desk
Audio-Technica's new cartilage conduction headphones turn your ears into speakers
Shokz Openrun headphones on TechRadar background
The best running headphones 2025: Take your exercise to the next level
Latest in Fitness Headphones
Audio Technica cartilage conduction earbuds on desk
Audio-Technica's new cartilage conduction headphones turn your ears into speakers
Amazfit up open ear buds
Amazfit Up review: Budget-friendly open ear buds with a surprisingly good fit
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review: The ideal runner’s headphones
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2
Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2 review: One last workout
H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport HERO
H2O Audio Tri 2 Pro Multi-Sport review: A triathlete’s dream
Jabra Elite 8 Active Black Friday deal
This Black Friday deal on Jabra's Elite 8 earbuds are all I need to convince me to start running again
Latest in News
Fujfilm GFX 50R
First Fujifilm GFX100RF images leaked in build-up to expected reveal – here’s what they tell us about the unique premium compact camera
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 in blue
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 could have a Motorola Razr-style full-sized cover screen – and I think it’s about time
An AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT made by Sapphire on a table with its retail packaging
Last-minute AMD RX 9070 XT stock rumors are making me hopeful for a much better launch than Nvidia’s RTX 5000 GPUs – with just one snag
eSIM
Global eSIM shipment volume surpasses half a billion units as demand keeps on growing
Samsung Galaxy Buds in white
Samsung may be working on new cheap wireless earbuds – will the Galaxy Buds FE 2 beat Sony's next value earbuds to the punch?
PS5 Pro feature
PlayStation Direct now lets you rent, yes rent, a PS5 from £11.99 a month