Shokz OpenSwim Pro

Name: Shokz OpenSwim Pro
Brand: Shokz
SKU: 5520

Manufacturer: Shokz

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro are bone conduction wireless earbuds designed around an open-ear neckband form factor, making them a purpose-built option for aquatic and active use. Rated IP68 with a waterproof depth of 2 metres, they are built to withstand full submersion, and their open-ear design leaves the ear canal unobstructed during use. Wingtips are included to help secure fit during movement, and stereo speakers deliver audio through bone conduction rather than traditional in-ear drivers.

One of the more distinctive aspects of the OpenSwim Pro is its 32GB of internal storage, which allows audio to be played directly from the device without relying on a Bluetooth connection — useful in environments where wireless streaming is impractical. When wireless use is preferred, Bluetooth 5.3 offers a maximum range of 10 metres. Battery life is rated at 9 hours, with a full charge taking 1.5 hours via USB Type-C, and fast charging is supported. The unit includes a battery level indicator and voice prompts, though it has no microphone, no active noise cancellation, and cannot be used as a headset.

Pros

IP68 waterproof rating with a 2-metre depth tolerance makes it suited for use during swimming and water-based activities
32GB of internal storage allows audio to be played directly from the device without needing a Bluetooth connection
9-hour battery life provides extended listening sessions between charges
Fast charging support helps reduce time spent waiting for the battery to replenish
Open-ear bone conduction design leaves the ear canal unobstructed during use
Battery level indicator gives users clear visibility of remaining charge at a glance

Cons

No microphones are included, meaning the unit cannot be used for calls or any form of voice input
No active or passive noise reduction means external sounds pass through freely, which may be disruptive in noisy environments
None of the advanced Bluetooth audio codecs are supported, limiting wireless audio transmission to the standard baseline codec
Wireless charging is not available, requiring a physical cable connection every time the device needs to be charged
No find device feature is included, which can be inconvenient if the unit is misplaced
Fast pairing and NFC pairing are absent, making the initial Bluetooth setup less convenient

Who is this for?

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro is well-suited to swimmers and water sports enthusiasts who need audio during aquatic activity, thanks to its IP68 waterproof rating with a 2-metre depth tolerance and its open-ear bone conduction design that keeps the ear canal clear. The 32GB of internal storage makes it particularly practical in pool environments where Bluetooth streaming is unreliable or impractical, allowing users to load audio directly onto the device. With a 9-hour battery life and fast charging support, it also suits those who engage in long training sessions and need a dependable, low-maintenance listening experience.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who regularly take calls or participate in voice chats will find this unit entirely unsuitable, as it includes no microphones whatsoever and cannot function as a headset. Those who prioritise audio quality through advanced wireless transmission will also be disappointed, as the device supports none of the high-quality Bluetooth codecs and relies on the standard baseline when streaming wirelessly. Additionally, anyone who values noise isolation or ambient sound control — such as commuters or office workers — will find the open-ear design and complete absence of both active and passive noise reduction a significant drawback in everyday listening scenarios.

Design:

Fit	Open-ear, Bone conduction
Ingress Protection (IP) rating	IP68
water resistance	Waterproof
has no wires or cables	✕
are neckband earbuds	✓
wingtips included	✓
has stereo speakers	✓
waterproof depth rating	2 m

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro use an open-ear, bone conduction fit and are built around a neckband form factor with a wired connection between the two sides. Wingtips are included to help keep the unit stable during physical activity, and stereo speakers deliver audio without blocking the ear canal. The earbuds carry an IP68 waterproof rating with a depth tolerance of 2 metres, making them suitable for use during swimming and other water-based activities.

Sound quality:

has active noise cancellation (ANC)	✕
has passive noise reduction	✕
lowest frequency	20 Hz
highest frequency	20000 Hz
has a neodymium magnet	✕

The OpenSwim Pro covers a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, spanning the full standard audible spectrum. It does not include active noise cancellation or passive noise reduction, meaning ambient sound passes through freely — a natural consequence of its open-ear bone conduction design. There is no neodymium magnet in the driver configuration.

Power:

Battery life	9 hours
charge time	1.5 hours
has wireless charging	✕
has a battery level indicator	✓
has a rechargeable battery	✓

The OpenSwim Pro is powered by a rechargeable battery rated for 9 hours of use per charge, with a full charge taking 1.5 hours. Wireless charging is not supported, so charging is handled via cable. A battery level indicator is included, giving users a straightforward way to keep track of remaining charge before or during use.

Connectivity:

has fast pairing	✕
Has USB Type-C	✓
Bluetooth version	5.3
has LDAC	✕
has LDHC	✕
has aptX Adaptive	✕
has aptX Low Latency	✕
has aptX HD	✕
has aptX	✕
has aptX Lossless	✕
has aptX Voice	✕
maximum Bluetooth range	10 m
supports Bluetooth pairing using NFC	✕
Can be used wirelessly	✓
has AAC	✕

The OpenSwim Pro connects wirelessly via Bluetooth 5.3 with a maximum range of 10 metres, and USB Type-C is used for wired charging. Fast pairing and NFC pairing are not supported, and the unit does not include any advanced audio codecs — AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, aptX Lossless, aptX Voice, LDAC, and LDHC are all absent. This means wireless audio transmission relies on the standard SBC codec when streaming from a paired device.

Features:

has ambient sound mode	✕
has in/on-ear detection	✕
has find device feature	✕
Supports fast charging	✓
has a mute function	✕
can be used as a headset	✕
control panel placed on a device	✓
Has voice prompts	✓
travel bag is included	✕
internal storage	32GB
Has a temperature sensor	✕

A standout feature of the OpenSwim Pro is its 32GB of internal storage, which allows audio files to be stored and played directly on the device without needing a paired source. Fast charging is supported for quicker top-ups, and a control panel is built into the device itself for on-unit playback management. Voice prompts are included to assist with status and navigation. The unit does not support ambient sound mode, in/on-ear detection, a mute function, or a find device feature, and it cannot be used as a headset. No travel bag is included in the package, and there is no body temperature sensor.

Microphone:

number of microphones	0
has a noise-canceling microphone	✕

The OpenSwim Pro includes no microphones, and noise-canceling microphone functionality is not available. As a result, the unit cannot be used for calls or voice input of any kind.

Final Verdict

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro is a highly specialised piece of audio hardware built around a clear and specific use case — aquatic and active environments where conventional earbuds simply cannot operate. Its 32GB of internal storage combined with an IP68 waterproof rating at 2 metres depth gives it a genuine functional edge for swimmers who want reliable, cable-free audio without depending on wireless streaming. That focus, however, comes with meaningful trade-offs: the absence of microphones, noise isolation, and advanced codec support means it serves a narrow audience. For users whose primary need is underwater or water-adjacent listening with long battery endurance, the Shokz OpenSwim Pro delivers a well-considered and capable solution — but those seeking a versatile everyday audio companion should look elsewhere.