Immersing ourselves in a good playlist makes every swim session feel like a breeze, and that’s where the SHOKZ OpenSwim MP3 comes into play. We recently took these bone conduction headphones for a spin in the pool and they did not disappoint. Their open-ear design keeps us free from the discomfort of traditional earbuds, and honestly, swimming with music has never felt more natural.

As swimmers, we’re delighted by the built-in storage of the OpenSwim MP3 which allows us to upload a wide selection of songs that keep us motivated. The promise of an IP68 waterproof rating holds true as we’ve submerged them time and time again without a hitch. Plus, with 8 hours of battery life, they outlast even our longest swim sessions.

 

The comfort and stability under a swim cap are impressive – they don’t budge, even with vigorous flip turns. Using these headphones is a breeze, with straightforward controls that let us navigate our music without interruption. Though the sound quality gets a boost with earplugs, in our experience, it’s still a decent enough audio experience without them.

Bottom Line

For those of us who love to swim, the SHOKZ OpenSwim MP3 offers an unmatched underwater soundtrack experience. It’s the little details – the ease of use, comfort, and dependable waterproofing – that make these headphones a game-changer for swimmers.

We find ourselves looking forward to slipping them on every time we dive into the pool. Ready to enhance your laps with impeccable sound?

Click here to get your hands on the SHOKZ OpenSwim MP3 and experience the difference for yourself.

Overview of SHOKZ OpenSwim Swimming MP3

In our experience, the OpenSwim by SHOKZ makes an impressive companion for avid swimmers looking to add music to their aquatic routine. It utilizes bone conduction technology, which has been a game-changer, providing clear, open-ear listening without the discomfort of traditional buds. Combined with a secure fit, these lightweight headphones stay in place for any stroke or turn, making them ideal under swim caps or helmets.

A standout feature is the internal storage which is substantial, allowing us to bring a large playlist underwater—no streaming needed. The absence of Bluetooth connectivity isn’t an issue since it avoids the signal loss under water, which is a smart design choice for uninterrupted audio.

We’ve found the eight-hour battery life to be reliable, allowing for extended sessions in the pool without the need to recharge frequently. And with an IP68 waterproof rating, we haven’t worried about these getting damaged underwater, even when submerged for considerable periods.

However, don’t forget to use earplugs—they are essential, not only for water protection but also to enhance sound quality. It seems a bit counterintuitive, but the audio is crisper and more precise with earplugs in place. Overall, the OpenSwim hits the mark on durability, functionality, and audio quality for in-water listening.

Innovative Open-Ear Comfort

Experiencing the SHOKZ OpenSwim has been quite refreshing, especially with its bone conduction technology. Instead of the typical in-ear discomfort, we found the bud-free listening experience to be remarkably relaxing, a true testament to ear comfort. It’s a game-changer for our long swim sessions where usual headphones could irritate.

The absence of buds means there’s nothing burrowing into your ear canals, which we often find irksome and sometimes painful in other models. During our tests, this comfort allowed us to focus on our swimming technique rather than fussing with earbuds. It’s noteworthy that the OpenSwim comes with a nose clip, though we didn’t find it necessary for maintaining the device’s stable fit.

Though perfect for the water, the OpenSwim’s comfort transcends the pool. Weighing just over an ounce, the open-ear design never felt like a burden, serving us well beyond the confines of the swimming lanes. They sit securely on the head, causing no interference with swim caps or goggles. After a few laps, it’s easy to forget you’re wearing them at all, which speaks volumes to their unobtrusive design.

While comfort is highly subjective, our experience with the SHOKZ OpenSwim suggests that if you’re after a pair of headphones that stay out of your way and let you enjoy your music hassle-free, these might just hit the mark.

Internal Music Storage

When we took to the water with the SHOKZ OpenSwim, the internal storage feature proved to be quite handy. Without the need to sync with a Bluetooth device, the device allows you to load up your favorite tracks and dive right in. The lack of Bluetooth connectivity is deliberate; it’s quite challenging to maintain a stable connection underwater, so the built-in memory is a game-changer for uninterrupted audio enjoyment while swimming.

The device comes with ample storage, but remember, you won’t be able to stream music, so you need to plan your playlist ahead of time. Transferring songs is a straightforward process, although if you’re juggling between a large music library, selecting and managing your poolside playlist might require a bit of time.

Our time with the OpenSwim was hassle-free when it came to music management. However, the absence of streaming can be a downside if you’re looking for that real-time Spotify or Apple Music support. It’s clear the device is designed for swimmers who want the simplicity of drag-and-drop loading with the certainty that their tunes are ready to go as soon as they are.

Underwater Durability

Having taken the OpenSwim MP3 for a dip, we’ve really put its water resilience to the test. This powerhouse managed to perform without missing a beat during extended swims. Its bone conduction technology ensures that, even when submerged, the audio clarity isn’t compromised. We appreciated not worrying about connectivity since these headphones operate without Bluetooth, which is often unreliable underwater.

A word of caution: while it stands up to casual and even rigorous swims, maintaining the OpenSwim’s condition requires a little care post-swim. Ensuring it’s thoroughly rinsed and dried after each use will extend its life. During our time with the product, there were no issues with water damage or audio degradation, which speaks volumes about its build quality. However, intense water pressure might pose a risk, so we stuck to surface swimming and avoided deep diving.

Extended Playtime

We’ve found that the convenience of not having to recharge frequently can really enhance the user experience, and that’s where OpenSwim excels. With a promised 8 hours of battery life, we were pleased to discover that these headphones live up to the claim. Whether it’s for long swimming sessions or multiple trips to the pool, we didn’t have to worry about charging every day, which is quite a relief.

However, it’s important to note that battery life can vary depending on usage and settings. In our tests, at moderate volume levels, the OpenSwim provided close to the full advertised playtime, meaning less interruption for charging and more enjoyment of your favorite tunes.

One potential downside we noticed is that if you’re planning an extended day at the beach or pool, you might need to plan for a recharge, as these don’t offer a quick-charge feature that some may be accustomed to with other devices. Still, for regular swim sessions or workouts, the OpenSwim’s battery capacity is more than adequate.

Design and Fit

Upon taking a dip with the OpenSwim MP3, we found its open-ear design to be a real game-changer. Instead of traditional earbuds, these headphones use bone conduction technology, which means we experienced less ear fatigue and discomfort, even after extended use. Saying goodbye to earbuds, the MP3 stayed put thanks to its secure fit, which was especially appreciated when worn under a swim cap.

Weighing just over an ounce, the OpenSwim was barely noticeable, allowing us to focus on our strokes rather than adjusting our headphones. The all-black aesthetic is sleek, and without cords, the look is streamlined and functional. The lack of Bluetooth connectivity might be a downside for some, but we enjoyed the lack of interruptions and the freedom from a tethered phone.

A downside for us was the potential learning curve with the on-device controls, particularly when changing tracks mid-swim. However, the peace of mind provided by the MP3’s IP68 waterproof rating and the ability to submerge it for hours made these minor inconveniences worth it. Our music followed us lap after lap without fail, and that alone kept our spirits high and our swim sessions energized.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Having spent some quality time with the SHOKZ OpenSwim, we’ve found a lot to like about these headphones. Firstly, their open-ear design is a major plus—it lets us enjoy our music without the discomfort of buds in our ears, especially during prolonged swims. This design utilizes bone conduction technology, making it possible to hear the music clearly even under water.

The internal music storage is quite impressive as well, holding up to 1,200 songs. This feature eliminates the need for an external device, allowing us to swim wirelessly without any hassles or cords to manage. We were able to easily load our favorite tracks in multiple formats like MP3 and AAC, which is brilliant for a varied playlist.

Durability and resistance to water are crucial for any swimming MP3, and the SHOKZ OpenSwim hits the mark with its IP68 waterproof rating. We had peace of mind plunging into the pool or open water, knowing our device could withstand depths of up to two meters for two hours.

Battery life didn’t disappoint either—8 hours of music on a single charge meant we could swim without worrying about the device dying mid-session. Even during long swim sets, the headphones stood up to the task.

Lastly, the secure fit under a swim cap or helmet and the lightweight design ensured the headphones stayed put no matter the stroke or turn, offering all-day comfort without any slippage or moving around.

Cons

Yet, the OpenSwim isn’t without its drawbacks. While the sound quality is generally good, especially when used with earplugs, it might not meet the expectations of audiophiles, particularly concerning the bass, which can be less pronounced underwater.

Another point to consider is the absence of Bluetooth connectivity. For those who prefer streaming music or have their collections on platforms like Spotify or Apple Music, this lack of wireless streaming might be a letdown.

Learning curve is another con. Transferring music files manually might feel a bit outdated and can be a bit of a hassle for those not used to dragging and dropping files onto a device.

Additionally, while the device supports various audio formats, there may be occasional compatibility issues or additional steps necessary to convert music files into a compatible format, which might be inconvenient for some users.

In conclusion, although the SHOKZ OpenSwim keeps us company with tunes during our swim sessions and offers commendable features like comfortable fit and good storage capacity, it’s not without its flaws, such as the limited sound profile and non-streaming capability, which could deter some potential users.

Customer Reviews Insight

We’ve gathered insights from swimmers who’ve shared their experiences with the SHOKZ OpenSwim MP3. Consistently, users highlight the excellent sound quality these headphones offer, especially when coupled with earplugs. The bone conduction technology keeps music clear even underwater. Battery life gets thumbs up, efficiently powering through long swim sessions without a glitch.

Durability emerges as a strong suit, with many mentioning that the construction feels robust, suitable for the regular rigors of pool use. Transferring music files is also mentioned as being straightforward, contributing to overall ease of use.

A few users suggest that to experience the sound at its best, combining the device with the right earplugs is key — a small adjustment for optimized performance. While some may find the sound quality to be just adequate, the consensus leans towards a positive auditory experience during swims.

Among all the feedback, it’s clear that the SHOKZ OpenSwim MP3 has become a reliable companion for many swimmers, transforming their routine laps into an immersive and pleasurable experience.

Conclusion

After spending quality time with the SHOKZ OpenSwim MP3, it’s fair to say it’s made a splash in our swimming routine. The clarity of sound, even underwater, is impressive, and the fact that they pair seamlessly with earplugs means uninterrupted and quality sound. We’ve found the build to be durable and the design suits a variety of strokes without worrying about them coming loose. Their non-Bluetooth, straightforward drag-and-drop file system for music offers simple usability that we appreciate.

However, they are not without faults. While the sound quality is generally good, it sometimes lacks the depth that some audiophiles might seek. Additionally, the headphone’s sound quality can greatly vary depending on the earplugs used and how well they are fitted. Despite this, the overall durability, ease of use, and the experience of having music accompany our laps makes the SHOKZ OpenSwim a product we often reach for when heading to the pool. It’s a device that enhances the swimming experience for both casual and serious swimmers alike.