TL;DR
Shokz's new OpenFit Pro open‑ear earbuds use a triple‑microphone system and adaptive processing to reduce ambient noise without sealing the ear canal. They improve listening in moderately loud settings but don't replace true ANC headphones and have fit and case-size tradeoffs.
What happened
At CES 2026 Shokz showed the OpenFit Pro, an open‑ear earbud that aims to reduce environmental noise while preserving situational awareness. Rather than sealing the ear canal, the design combines a triple microphone array — two mics to monitor outside sound and a third positioned near the ear canal — with a modified speaker design and an adaptive algorithm to damp unwanted noise. In hands‑on testing the reduction setting in the companion app made a noticeable difference on commutes and masked steady home noises like an air purifier or fridge hum, though it struggled with very loud, chaotic environments. The OpenFit Pro also expands frequency capability up to 40 kHz, lowers distortion under 100 Hz, and adds Dolby Atmos with head tracking. Downsides observed include a bulky ear hook that can feel awkward with glasses, a large charging case, and battery life that falls when noise reduction is active.
Why it matters
- Offers an alternative for users who want awareness of surroundings while reducing disruptive noise.
- Demonstrates a middle ground between fully open‑ear designs and sealed ANC headphones.
- May broaden open‑ear use cases, making audiobooks and music more usable during moderately noisy commutes.
- Highlights ongoing tradeoffs between comfort/fit and new audio features in wearable designs.
Key facts
- Retail price shown at CES: $249.95.
- Uses a triple microphone array plus an adaptive algorithm for noise reduction rather than sealed ANC.
- Two microphones monitor environmental sounds; a third sits near the ear canal to track what reaches the ear.
- Buds alone last about 12 hours; with noise reduction enabled this falls to roughly six hours.
- Charging case provides an additional ~50 hours of charge but is relatively large.
- Frequency response extended up to 40 kHz and distortion reduced below 100 Hz to improve bass.
- Includes Dolby Atmos support with head tracking.
- Fit issues reported: the behind‑the‑ear hook feels bulky and can be awkward with glasses.
What to watch next
- Whether long‑term user testing confirms consistent noise reduction performance in varied real‑world commutes — not confirmed in the source.
- If future revisions address fit and case size to improve comfort and portability — not confirmed in the source.
- How consumers weigh situational awareness versus sealed ANC in adoption decisions — not confirmed in the source.
Quick glossary
- Open‑ear buds: Earbuds designed to sit outside or around the ear canal so you can hear ambient sounds while listening to audio.
- Active noise cancellation (ANC): A technology that uses microphones and inverse sound waves to cancel ambient noise, most effective with a sealed ear canal.
- Noise reduction: Techniques that lower background sound levels without fully sealing the ear; can include microphone arrays and signal processing.
- Microphone array: Multiple microphones placed around a device to capture sound from different locations for processing or noise control.
- Dolby Atmos: An audio format that creates spatial sound effects, sometimes paired with head tracking for more precise positioning.
Reader FAQ
Do the OpenFit Pro have true ANC?
No. They use a microphone‑based noise reduction system rather than active noise cancellation that requires a sealed ear canal.
How long does the battery last?
The buds last about 12 hours on their own; that drops to around six hours with noise reduction enabled. The case adds roughly 50 hours of additional charge.
Are they good for loud commutes?
They perform well in moderately loud environments like cafes or busy transit at times, but they are not a full replacement for ANC in very noisy or chaotic settings.
What do they cost?
The price shown at CES was $249.95.
When will they ship?
Not confirmed in the source.
TECH GADGETS CES These open-ear buds actually have decent noise reduction The Shokz OpenFit Pro won’t replace regular ANC buds, but they do an admirable job on loud commutes. by…
Sources
- These open-ear buds actually have decent noise reduction
- Shop Shokz Openfit Pro – Best Open Earbuds Perfect for Gym
- Shokz OpenFit Pro Review: Testing Open-Ear Noise …
- SHOKZ OpenFit-Open-Ear True Wireless Bluetooth …
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