Shokz OpenDots One Clip-On Earbuds Offer Premium Sound and Comfort at a Lower Price

The Shokz OpenDots One earbuds enter the clip-on earbud market with a strong offering that challenges Bose’s Ultra Open Earbuds. While clip-on earbuds existed in Asian markets before, Bose’s Ultra Open Earbuds popularized the design globally. Shokz’s OpenDots One provide a similar open-ear, earrings-like design but at a $100 lower price point, retailing for $200.

Designed for comfort and secure fit, the OpenDots One feature Shokz’s JointArc flexible connector and soft silicone pads to minimize pressure during extended wear. Their open design means the earbuds sit over the ear canal rather than inside it, allowing ambient sound in for safety and comfort, ideal for runners and active users.

The earbuds carry an IP54 rating, making them sweat and dust resistant. Touch controls allow playback management and call handling, though they require some acclimation. Users can customize gestures for volume, voice assistant activation, or track navigation.

Sound quality is enhanced by Shokz’s Bassphere technology, combining dual 11.8 mm drivers to emulate larger driver performance, along with Dolby Audio and DirectPitch technology to reduce sound leakage. Dolby Audio can be enabled via the Shokz app, enriching the soundstage and fullness.

Positioning the earbuds on the ear affects sound quality, a common trait among open-ear designs that trade some bass and isolation for comfort and awareness. Compared to Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, the OpenDots One deliver slightly less bass and tonal accuracy but avoid distortion at higher volumes better than cheaper clip-on models.

Voice call quality is decent but can pick up background noise in busy environments. While Bose has improved its noise reduction via firmware updates, Shokz’s OpenDots One have room for improvement in this area.

Additional features include Dynamic Ear Detection, which auto-recognizes ear placement, multipoint Bluetooth pairing, customizable EQ presets, and a Find My Earbuds function through the Shokz app. The charging case supports wireless charging and extends total battery life to 40 hours, surpassing Bose’s 27 hours with quick charge capabilities.

In summary, the Shokz OpenDots One are among the best clip-on open earbuds available, offering a premium design, solid sound, and longer battery life at a more accessible price point than Bose. While not perfect, they represent a compelling option for casual listeners and active users who prioritize comfort and awareness over noise isolation.

Key specifications include:

• Weight: 6.5 grams per earbud
• IP54 splash-proof and dust-resistant
• 11.8 mm dual drivers with Bassphere technology
• Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint pairing
• Dolby Audio support and customizable EQ
• Touch controls with customizable gestures
• Up to 10 hours battery life per charge, 40 hours total with charging case
• Wireless charging supported
• Available in black or gray