Shokz OpenDots One Review: The clever clip-on earbuds that keep you aware of the world
The Shokz OpenDots One clip securely to your ears without going inside them, keeping you aware of your surroundings while listening. Picture: Noel Campion.
Open-ear earbuds are gaining popularity among individuals who prefer not to isolate themselves from the world while listening to music or podcasts. They’re safer for runners, more comfortable for long wear, and a great alternative for anyone tired of in-ear pressure or isolation.
Shokz has long been known for its bone-conduction headphones, but the OpenDots One marks a bold new step. These are true wireless earbuds that clip lightly onto the outside of your ear rather than being inserted inside. Think of them as tiny speakers that sit just outside your ear canals, rather than traditional earbuds that sit inside them.
The nickel-titanium JointArc frame provides just enough flexibility to stay securely in place, while the soft silicone coating feels smooth against the skin. They look sleek and futuristic, sitting comfortably behind your ear without clashing with glasses or jewellery. There’s no getting away from how similar these look to the Bose Open Buds, but the OpenDots One look sleeker and feel lighter on the ears.
At around 6.5 grams per earbud, the OpenDots One are so light you’ll quickly forget you’re wearing them. The clip-on style means there’s no pressure inside the ear canal, which makes a massive difference during long listening sessions or workouts. Even after several hours of use, they never felt fatiguing or intrusive. The open-ear design also allows ambient sound to pass through, so you can still hear passing traffic, conversations, or that all-important coffee order being called out.
One of the most ingenious touches is dynamic ear detection, which automatically recognises which ear each bud is clipped onto. You can swap them around without thinking about left or right, and they’ll instantly adjust the stereo balance accordingly. It’s a small thing, but it makes everyday use noticeably easier.
The Shokz app is intuitive and offers customisable EQ modes, touch gesture settings, multipoint pairing, and a “Find My Earbuds” function. You can also activate Dolby Audio for an even more immersive sound experience. This adds a slight 3D spatial effect without making the sound feel like it's in a large echo chamber. Add in an IP54 rating for sweat and splash resistance, and the OpenDots One feels well-equipped for both gym and outdoor use.
You get around 10 hours of playback from a single charge, and the compact case extends that to a total of 40 hours. A quick 10-minute charge adds another couple of hours of use. The case even supports wireless charging, allowing you to top up easily without searching for cables.
Despite their tiny size, the OpenDots One deliver sound that’s fuller than expected. The Bassphere dual-speaker module packs the depth of a 16mm driver into a small sphere, producing a well-balanced sound with crisp highs and decent low-end warmth. DirectPitch technology helps reduce sound leakage, while Dolby Audio widens the soundstage, creating a more immersive experience. They won’t replace studio headphones, but for open-ear earbuds, they sound impressively rich and lively.
The Shokz OpenDots One combines clever design, excellent comfort, and surprisingly powerful sound in a featherlight clip-on package. Ideal for runners and multitaskers, they offer impressive battery life and smart app features at a sensible price.
€199 Harvey Norman, DID Electrical and other independent retailers
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