Shokz OpenSwim Pro Review: Should You Buy These Waterproof Headphones?

Swimming laps can get boring fast. You're staring at the bottom of the pool, counting strokes, and fighting the urge to quit early. Most swimmers have tried waterproof cases for their phones or basic waterproof earbuds, but these solutions either don't work well or fall out constantly.

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro promises to change that. These bone conduction headphones let you listen to music both on land and underwater without blocking your ears. But at $199, they're not cheap.

Are they worth the investment, or just another overhyped gadget?

Here's what you need to know before buying these waterproof headphones.

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What Is the Shokz OpenSwim Pro?

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro is a waterproof bone conduction headphone built specifically for swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. Unlike regular earbuds that go inside your ears, this device sits on your cheekbones and delivers sound through vibrations.

It works in two modes: Bluetooth connectivity for land-based activities and a built-in MP3 player for underwater use. The headphones can store up to 32GB of music internally, which means you don't need to bring your phone into the water.

The key feature is its IP68 waterproof rating, allowing complete submersion without damage. With 9 hours of battery life and the 8th generation bone conduction technology, it's designed to be the solution for swimmers who want music without compromising safety or comfort.

At $199, it sits in the premium category of swimming headphones but offers features that most competitors can't match.

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Who Should Buy the OpenSwim Pro?

The OpenSwim Pro works best for specific types of water enthusiasts:

Perfect for:

• Serious swimmers who train regularly and want music during long pool sessions
• Triathletes who need headphones that work on land and in water
• Water aerobics participants who want to hear music while still listening to instructors
• Open water swimmers who need to stay aware of their surroundings for safety
• People who spend hours in the pool for fitness or rehabilitation

Not ideal for:

• Casual swimmers who only visit the pool occasionally
• Anyone wanting complete noise isolation or bass-heavy music experience
• People on a tight budget looking for basic swimming headphones
• Users who prefer traditional in-ear headphones

If you fall into the first category and swim at least 2-3 times per week, the OpenSwim Pro's $199 price tag becomes easier to justify. The convenience of having one device that works everywhere makes it worth considering.

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Where Can You Buy It for the Best Price?

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro retails for $199 across most major retailers. Here's where you can find the best deals:

Official Shokz Website

• Full retail price but includes 2-year warranty and 45-day risk-free trial
• Free shipping and authentic product guarantee
• Best customer service if issues arise

Amazon

• Often has small discounts or bundle deals with accessories
• Fast Prime shipping available
• Check for coupon codes that can save $10-20

Best Buy and Target

• Price match policies can help you get competitive rates
• In-store pickup available if you want to see the product first
• Seasonal sales during Black Friday and summer months

What's Included: You get the headphones, magnetic charging cable, swimming earplugs, silicone carrying case, and user instructions. No need to buy extra accessories unless you want backup charging cables.

Money-Saving Tip: Sign up for Shokz email alerts to get notified about sales. They typically offer 15-20% discounts during major holidays.

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When Is the Right Time to Buy?

The best time to purchase the OpenSwim Pro depends on your swimming schedule and budget flexibility.

Ideal Buying Times:

• Black Friday and Cyber Monday often bring 15-20% discounts
• Summer months (June-August) when swimming gear goes on sale
• Back-to-school season in late August when fitness equipment gets discounted
• End of year clearance sales in December

Buy Now If:

• You're starting a new swimming routine and need motivation
• Your current swimming headphones just broke or aren't working well
• You have a triathlon or swimming event coming up in the next few months

Wait If:

• You're not swimming regularly yet and want to establish the habit first
• Budget is tight and you can wait for seasonal sales
• New model rumors are circulating (though Shokz doesn't release new versions frequently)

Stock Availability: The OpenSwim Pro is generally in stock year-round, but popular colors like red might sell out during peak swimming season. Grey is usually the most readily available option.

The 45-day return policy gives you plenty of time to test them, so timing isn't as critical if you buy direct from Shokz.

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Why Should You Buy the OpenSwim Pro?

The biggest reason to choose the OpenSwim Pro is its dual functionality.

You get both Bluetooth connectivity for land activities and MP3 storage for underwater use in one device. This means no more switching between different headphones for different parts of your workout.

The 8th generation bone conduction technology is a major upgrade from older models. It delivers cleaner sound with less vibration and significantly reduced sound leakage. Your music stays private while you can still hear pool announcements or approaching swimmers.

Battery life sets this apart from competitors. Nine hours of continuous playback means you won't run out of power during long training sessions. The quick charge feature gives you three hours of use from just 10 minutes of charging, perfect when you forgot to charge overnight.

The IP68 waterproof rating handles complete submersion without issues. Unlike water-resistant headphones that might fail after a few months, the OpenSwim Pro is built to withstand daily pool use, saltwater, and chlorine exposure.

The 32GB storage capacity holds roughly 8,000 songs, so you'll never run out of music variety during your workouts.

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How Does It Perform in Real Water Conditions?

The OpenSwim Pro delivers surprisingly clear audio underwater, though the experience differs from traditional headphones. The bone conduction technology works by sending vibrations through your cheekbones, which means the sound quality remains consistent whether you're on deck or swimming laps.

Sound clarity underwater is good for most music genres, but bass-heavy tracks don't translate as well due to the nature of bone conduction. Pop, rock, and electronic music with clear vocals work best. The volume is loud enough to hear over water movement and pool noise.

Comfort during extended use is where these headphones shine.

The lightweight design at 27.3 grams means you barely notice them after the first few minutes. The secure fit stays put during flip turns and diving without needing constant adjustments.

Durability appears solid based on the construction materials and IP68 rating. The silicone and nickel-titanium alloy build feels sturdy enough to handle daily pool use. The magnetic charging port seals properly to prevent water damage.

The transition between Bluetooth and MP3 modes is seamless. When you enter water, Bluetooth automatically disconnects and you switch to stored music. Going back to land reconnects your phone within seconds.Battery performance matches the advertised 9 hours, though this varies slightly between Bluetooth and MP3 usage.

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How to Get the Most Out of Your Purchase

The OpenSwim Pro comes with a comprehensive 2-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects and water damage under normal use conditions. This is longer than most electronics warranties and shows Shokz confidence in their product.

Shokz offers a 45-day risk-free trial period when you buy directly from their website.

If the headphones don't work for your swimming style or comfort preferences, you can return them for a full refund. This trial period is crucial since bone conduction technology feels different from regular headphones.

The included accessories are actually useful. The swimming earplugs help if you want to block water from your ears while still hearing music through bone conduction. The silicone carrying case protects the headphones and makes them easy to pack in swim bags.

For the best experience, charge them fully before your first pool session and download music to the internal storage using the Shokz app. This ensures you're not relying on Bluetooth underwater where it won't work.

Keep the charging port clean and dry when not in use. While the headphones are waterproof, proper care extends their lifespan significantly.Register your product on the Shokz website immediately after purchase to activate the full warranty coverage.

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Final Verdict

The Shokz OpenSwim Pro is worth buying if you swim regularly and want music to make your workouts more enjoyable. At $199, it's not cheap, but the dual Bluetooth and MP3 functionality, reliable waterproofing, and 9-hour battery life justify the cost for serious swimmers.

The bone conduction technology won't give you the same bass-heavy experience as traditional headphones, but it's perfect for staying aware of your surroundings while enjoying clear audio. The comfort and secure fit make long swimming sessions much more pleasant.

Skip this purchase if you're a casual swimmer or prefer complete sound isolation.

The price point makes sense only if you'll use these headphones multiple times per week.