Shokz OpenFit Pro hands-on: Open-earbuds finally get noise reduction
- First Shokz open-ear earbuds with noise reduction (~14dB average reduction)
- New 11×20mm dual-diaphragm driver delivers noticeably stronger bass
- Available January 6, 2026, for $249.95—$50 more than OpenFit 2+
Shokz has spent years refining the open-ear earbud formula, but the OpenFit Pro represents the company’s most ambitious attempt yet to bridge the gap between ambient awareness and immersive listening. Announced today at CES 2026, the OpenFit Pro introduces Shokz’s first implementation of Open-Ear Noise Reduction. This feature may seem contradictory on paper, but it aims to address one of the biggest natural trade-offs in the category.
After spending a few days with the OpenFit Pro, I can confirm that the noise reduction works, although it comes with compromises that I’ll explain before you commit to the $250 price tag.
Noise reduction that actually works—with caveats
These are some of the most comfortable open-ear earbuds I’ve tried.
The headline feature is Open-Ear Noise Reduction, with Shokz claiming an average reduction of 14dB (up to 19dB). A triple-microphone array monitors environmental noise and dynamically adjusts audio playback to soften background noise without sealing your ear canal.
In my testing, it works. I noticed conversations a few feet away became noticeably quieter, and ambient office or gym noise got pushed into the background. When I pushed the volume to even 50%, external noise became barely noticeable.
The downside? I experienced a strong pressure sensation similar to early ANC implementations—that uncomfortable feeling of blocked sinuses or inner ear pressure. It’s not painful, but I found it persistent enough to become distracting during longer sessions. You can adjust noise reduction strength in the app, but even at lower settings, I still felt the pressure.
Improved fit and bass response
The silicon grip around the end of the earbud and hook help get a secure fit.
I reviewed the OpenFit 2+ and found it had stability issues during high-impact activities. Shokz addressed this with refined 0.8mm titanium ear hooks and redesigned contact points featuring rubberized sections. I shook my head aggressively and did some light jumping, and the OpenFit Pro stayed put without the annoying bounce I experienced with the 2+. The fit feels more secure without sacrificing comfort, although I noticed that the OpenFit Pro is slightly heavier due to its steel-cased battery.
The new 11×20mm synchronized dual-diaphragm driver claims 50% more bass than the OpenFit 2+. Based on my initial listening, the bass does feel stronger—I heard more weight in kick drums, and bass lines sounded fuller without turning muddy. I’ll run full measurements before my final review, but my early impression is positive.
The 10-band custom EQ (up from 5-band on the 2+) offers twice the tuning precision, with five preset modes including a new Privacy Mode that minimizes sound leakage.
Dolby Atmos and everything else
The Shokz app offers a range of additional features.
The OpenFit Pro upgrades to Dolby Atmos with head tracking. I noticed vocals and instruments sound more externalized, less “inside my head,” but I found the sense of three-dimensional space remains unconvincing. It’s better than the 2+’s Dolby Audio implementation (no obvious reverb artifacts), but it’s still not a must-have feature, at least for me.
Battery life is also rated for 12 hours per charge and 50 hours with the case (6 hours/24 hours with noise reduction enabled), which, if true, is an improvement. A 10-minute quick charge provides 4 hours of playback. Other upgrades include Bluetooth 6.1, Find My Earbuds, wireless charging, multipoint pairing, and an aluminum alloy case.
Should you buy them?
At $249.95, the OpenFit Pro costs $50 more than the OpenFit 2+. If you already own the 2+, I don’t think the incremental improvements warrant an upgrade. But if you’ve been waiting for open-ear earbuds that can dampen ambient noise without completely isolating you, I found the OpenFit Pro delivers, assuming you can tolerate the ANC pressure sensation.
The Shokz OpenFit Pro launches globally on January 6, 2026, in black and white. Pre-orders open via Shokz.com and online retailers.
