OpenRock S open ear earbuds: Hear the world, hear your music
OpenRock S, featuring TubeBass tech, focuses and amplifies bass directly to your ears. Picture: OpenRock.
Open-ear earphones continue to improve in audio quality while maintaining the advantages of a technology that prioritises environmental awareness and safety. By keeping the ear canal completely unobstructed. You can enjoy high-quality sound while remaining fully connected to your surroundings. Bridging the gap between immersive sound and environmental awareness, The OpenRock S open-ear earbuds challenge traditional audio design with their innovative approach.
The OpenRock S uses titanium alloy ear hooks and a lightweight plastic body, offering a flexible and comfortable fit. Weighing just 12 grams per earbud, they're remarkably light for buds in this category. The adjustable ear hooks ensure a secure fit that adapts to different ear shapes, making them particularly appealing to active users. While I’m not an elite athlete, I found them incredibly comfortable and secure regardless of whether I was walking, doing light exercise or cycling.
The IPX5 water resistance rating makes these suitable for workouts and light rain. However, they're not designed for swimming or submersion. The touch controls work well, but compared to more traditional control schemes, they may take some getting used to.
Unlike traditional in-ear buds, the OpenRock S employs air-conduction technology that keeps your ears completely open. The 16.2mm dynamic drivers and the patented TubeBass technology deliver a surprisingly rich audio experience. Two distinct modes – Rock Mode for high-intensity workouts and Relax Mode for gentler activities – provide tailored sound profiles. However, while the bass is excellent for open-ear buds, it doesn’t rival the power and strength of closed-back earbuds.
Four AI-powered noise-cancelling microphones deliver decent call quality, even in noisy environments. The dual-mark noise reduction technology allows you to remain connected to your surroundings while enjoying music or taking calls.
With an impressive 19 hours of playtime from the earbuds and a total of 60 hours when including the charging case, the OpenRock S offers stellar battery life. The quick-charging feature provides an hour's playback with just five minutes of charging – a boon for those always on the move.
Connectivity is smooth. Bluetooth 5.3 provides a stable 10-meter range and is compatible with iOS and Android devices. The earbuds support AAC and SBC codecs, ensuring broad audio format support.
The OpenRock S is a good option for fitness enthusiasts, outdoor workers, or anyone who values situational awareness while enjoying audio content. Although it might seem like a niche product at first glance, it's the ideal solution for the right user.
€99 – www.openrock.com
