Running outside with traditional earbuds can be a real pain. You constantly worry about them falling out, or worse, you cannot hear the car coming up behind you on a busy road.
I finally decided to try the Shokz OpenMove S661 to see if bone conduction tech actually works. This honest review covers my experience buying these on AliExpress.
What are these Shokz headphones?
These are not your normal earbuds that plug into your ear canal. They sit just in front of your ear and use vibrations to send sound through your cheekbones.
The main appeal here is that your ears stay completely open to the world. You get high quality sound without losing your situational awareness while biking or running.
Why I picked these up
I found the Original SHOKZ OpenMove S661 Bone Conduction Earphone on AliExpress to be a solid budget-friendly option. Most bone conduction gear costs a fortune, but these were priced fairly.
Shipping was free, which is always a nice bonus when ordering from overseas. It took about two weeks to arrive at my door, which is pretty standard for these types of orders.
How they feel in the real world
The biggest benefit is comfort. Because nothing is inside your ear, you do not get that sweaty, blocked feeling during a long workout.
Bluetooth 5.1 means they connect to my phone instantly every time I turn them on. The battery life lasts for about six hours, which covers most of my gym sessions and grocery runs.
Real pros and cons
- Pros
- You can hear traffic and people talking to you clearly.
- They stay put on your head even when you are sweating.
- The buttons are easy to find and press while moving.
- These are much cheaper than the high-end Shokz models.
- Cons
- Sound quality lacks deep bass compared to regular earbuds.
- The shipping wait time can be frustrating if you need them fast.
- Customer support is limited compared to buying from a local shop.
- The charging port uses USB-C, but the rubber flap is a bit flimsy.
Who should buy these?
These are perfect for outdoor runners, cyclists, or anyone who wants background music while staying alert. If you work in an office and need to hear when a coworker calls your name, these are also excellent.
You should skip these if you are an audiophile who needs heavy bass. Those who want total noise cancellation for a plane or a noisy bus will also be disappointed.
What other buyers say
One user told me they use these for audiobooks while walking their dog. They love being able to hear the leash tangle or cars turning into the driveway.
Another buyer mentioned they had a small issue with the fit on a larger head. They said the band felt a bit tight at first but loosened up after a few days of consistent use.
My final verdict
The Shokz OpenMove S661 is a reliable piece of gear for athletes who prioritize safety and comfort. It is not the most powerful headset on the market, but it does exactly what it promises.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly way to test bone conduction technology, this is a great place to start. Just keep the realistic shipping times in mind and you will be happy with your purchase.
