Once upon a time, in the land of “That’ll Never Happen,” jokes about underwater headphones were as common as jabs at fly screens on submarines. “Next, they’ll make headphones you can wear while swimming!” we’d chuckle, imagining some kind of elaborate waterproof earmuffs. Fast forward to today, and here we are, reviewing the Shokz OpenSwim Waterproof Bone Conducting Headphones. Clearly, the joke was on us.
Before we get into it, let me just say that I had my reservations. I mean, bone conducting technology sounds a bit like science fiction, doesn’t it? But from the moment I took the plunge, it was like swimming in a sea of music. The Shokz OpenSwim delivers crisp, clear sound that resonates through your cheekbones directly to your inner ear, bypassing the usual ear canal route. Who knew your cheekbones had a secondary career as mini amplifiers?
Whether you’re swimming laps to the pulsing beats of EDM, or floating serenely to classical compositions, these headphones deliver a listening experience that feels almost magical. Underwater Beethoven, anyone? The sound clarity remains consistently impressive, regardless of whether you’re freestyle, breaststroke, or dog-paddling your way across the pool.
In terms of controlling the tunes, Shokz has nailed it with the controls on these bad boys. They’re intuitive, responsive, and easy to use—even with the pruney fingers of a dedicated swimmer. The buttons are well-placed and tactile enough that you won’t need to pause your swimming stroke to change tracks or adjust the volume. It’s a bit like having a tiny, obedient butler strapped to your head. “Next track, Jeeves!” Click, and it’s done.
Before we get much further into the review, let’s address the proverbial elephant in the pool: the lack of Bluetooth. In today’s world, this omission might seem like a step backward. No, you can’t connect your OpenSwim headphones to your phone via Bluetooth. This might feel like a dealbreaker—until you remember the simple, inconvenient truth: Bluetooth doesn’t work underwater. Shokz isn’t trying to skimp on features; they’re just operating within the boundaries of physics.
Instead, the OpenSwim uses MP3 storage. Yes, you’ll need to transfer your songs onto the headphones the old-fashioned way, via USB. It’s a throwback to the days of MP3 players, and it feels strangely nostalgic. Remember those simpler times when syncing your device meant physically connecting it to your computer and not just waving it near another gadget? Embrace the nostalgia friends.
The design of the Shokz OpenSwim is as sleek as a dolphin on a diet. They’re lightweight, comfortable, and they stay put even during vigorous swim sessions. The open-ear design is a game-changer for safety, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying your tunes. You’ll still hear the lifeguard’s whistle (or your coach’s shouts of encouragement/dismay), ensuring you don’t become too immersed in your underwater concert.
Battery life is another area where the Shokz OpenSwim shines. You get up to 8 hours of continuous playtime on a single charge. That’s enough to outlast even the most hardcore swim sessions—or to keep you entertained through an entire season of Shark Week, one episode per swim. Charging is quick and easy with the supplied USB dongle, so you’ll never be left high and dry.
These headphones are built to withstand the aquatic life. With an IP68 rating, they’re dustproof, sweatproof, and fully waterproof. This means you can swim in freshwater, salt water, or even the occasional milkshake pool (don’t ask) without worry. They’re tough enough to handle whatever aquatic adventures you throw at them.
In conclusion, the Shokz OpenSwim Waterproof Bone Conducting Headphones are a remarkable piece of tech. They bring the dream of underwater music to life with stunning sound quality, intuitive controls, and a design that’s both practical and stylish. The lack of Bluetooth is a minor setback but one that makes sense, given the context. Plus, think of it as a gentle nudge to rediscover the joys of MP3 files and playlists.
So, if you’re looking to add a soundtrack to your swim sessions, give the Shokz OpenSwim a try. Dive in, and let the music move you—literally. Who knows? Maybe 15 years from now, we’ll be joking about waterproof holographic projectors for pools. And when that happens, we’ll have the Shokz OpenSwim to thank for paving the way.
Editors Note: We have had a few articles from guest writers lately, with this review being one of them. Please provide any constructive feedback to Phil via email or social media links.
Missing info in this article, the on board storage capacity.