Running outside with earbuds is usually a total pain. Either they fall out every time I sweat, or I get scared because I cannot hear a car coming up behind me. I wanted something that kept my ears open while I listened to my music.
That is when I found the Shokz OpenMove S661. After using them for a few months, I wanted to share my honest thoughts for this Original SHOKZ OpenMove S661 Bone Conduction Earphone IP55 Water-Resistant Wireless Headset Bluetooth 5.1 Sport Earbuds Open-Ear review.
What are these Shokz headphones?
These are bone conduction headphones, meaning they do not sit inside your ear canal. Instead, they sit right in front of your ears and vibrate your cheekbones to send sound to your inner ear. It feels weird the first time, but you get used to it quickly.
I grabbed these on AliExpress because they were budget-friendly compared to the higher-end models. Finding a seller that offered free shipping was a nice bonus that saved me a few extra bucks. It is a solid entry point if you are curious about this technology.
Features that matter for runners
The best thing about these is the open-ear design. I can hear my music clearly, but I can also hear traffic, birds, and people talking to me. It makes me feel much safer when I am out on the local trails.
They are also rated IP55 for water resistance. I have worn them through some pretty sweaty workouts and a light drizzle, and they are still working perfectly. The Bluetooth 5.1 connection is quick to pair with my phone, and it stays connected without cutting out while I move around.
Honest pros and cons
Buying gear from overseas always comes with a few trade-offs. Here is what I actually think after using them daily.
- Pros:
- You can hear your surroundings clearly at all times.
- Very comfortable for long sessions since nothing goes inside your ear.
- They stay in place even when you are running or jumping.
- The battery life lasts about 6 hours on a full charge.
- Much more affordable than the pro versions.
- Cons:
- Shipping from AliExpress can take a few weeks to arrive.
- There is no local warranty if something breaks after a few months.
- They are not made for swimming or heavy rain.
- The bass is lacking compared to traditional earbuds.
- Customer support can be slow if you have technical issues.
Who should buy these?
If you are a runner, cyclist, or just someone who hates the feeling of earbuds stuffed in their ears, you will love these. They are perfect for people who want to stay aware of the world while still enjoying a podcast or playlist.
You should skip these if you are a total audiophile. If you need deep, booming bass to get through your workout, these might sound a little thin to your ears. They are also not a great choice if you work in a loud office and need to block out all the noise around you.
What others are saying
I talked to a few other people who bought these to see if my experience was just a fluke. One runner told me she loves them for marathons because they never hurt her ears like her old plastic buds. She did mention that the charging cable is proprietary, so you have to be careful not to lose it.
Another user mentioned he uses them while doing yard work. He liked that he could listen to music while still hearing if his kids called for him. Everyone seems to agree that the sound quality is good enough for podcasts and upbeat music, even if it is not high-fidelity.
Final verdict
The Shokz OpenMove S661 is a reliable piece of gear for anyone who cares about safety and comfort. It is not the most powerful headset on the market, but it does exactly what it promises without costing a fortune.
I think these are a great deal if you can deal with the longer shipping times and the lack of a local warranty. If you are willing to wait for the package to show up, you are getting a high-quality product that changes how you experience your daily exercise. They have earned a permanent spot in my gym bag.
