In the arena of sports earbuds, OpenRock S aims to make a significant mark with their Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport Earbuds. From its innovative OpenRock TubeBass™ technology to a seemingly endless battery life, the device offers an arsenal of features designed to enhance the listening experience for sport enthusiasts. But how do these earbuds actually fare in a market teeming with robust competition? Let's find out.
Design and Comfort
Right out of the box, the OpenRock S earbuds make a positive impression. They come with adjustable silicone ear hooks, which make it easy to customise the fit to suit your ear shape. The promise that the ear hook will "remain the way after you find your fit" stands true, providing a secure grip throughout my testing period. However, if you have particularly small ears, you might find them to be a bit of a loose fit during vigorous exercise.
The earbuds also pass the glasses test with flying colours, not causing any discomfort even after long usage. They’re lightweight, at just 12 grams per earbud, making them ideal for extended listening sessions.
Sound Quality
This is where OpenRock S truly shines. The dual 16.2mm dynamic drivers—the size of which is three times bigger than many competitors—produce superior sound. With a frequency response range between 20 Hz to 20 kHz, you're exposed to a broad range of sound profiles.
The proprietary TubeBass™ technology significantly enhances the low-end, making bass notes more prominent without overshadowing the higher frequencies. The sound is transparent, mellow, and largely distortion-free, with a rated distortion rate of less than 1%.
Connectivity and Battery Life
Pairing the OpenRock S earbuds with a device is incredibly straightforward. Just a few quick steps—open the charging case, wait for the LED indicator to flash, select OpenRock S on your device—and you're good to go. With Bluetooth 5.3, the connection remains strong and consistent up to a distance of 10 metres.
Battery life is equally impressive, boasting 19 hours for the earphones and an astounding 60 hours when including the charging case. A mere 5-minute charge can give you up to an hour of playback, which is a boon for those always on the move.
Additional Features
The earbuds offer some resistance to water with an IPX5 rating, making them suitable for workouts where sweat and minor splashes are inevitable. The earphones do not support an accompanying app, but they allow EQ customization through your phone's music settings.
One minor gripe is the lack of a dedicated app. Adjusting the EQ settings is possible through your music app, but having a dedicated app could provide more nuanced control over the sound profiles.
Final Thoughts
The OpenRock S Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport Earbuds stand out in an increasingly saturated market with their strong battery life, exceptional sound quality, and comfortable fit. They make an excellent choice for anyone—from the casual jogger to the dedicated athlete—who wants great sound without compromising on comfort or losing awareness of their surroundings.
Rating: 9/10
A few drawbacks like the absence of a dedicated app and potential fit issues for those with smaller ears prevent them from achieving a perfect score. Nonetheless, these earbuds come exceptionally close to offering the ideal listening experience for active individuals.
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This article was originally published on 16 Jan 2024. Product specifications, prices and availability may have changed. We sometimes receive review products and may earn commission through affiliate links. We are not obliged to publish a positive review. How we review and disclose partnerships.
