Clip-on earbuds have become one of the most interesting alternatives to traditional in-ear designs, especially for workouts, and the Shokz OpenDots One are among the most refined examples of the category to date.
While their sound quality won’t rival premium in-ear models, their comfort, stability and battery life make them an easy recommendation for gym-goers and runners, or anyone who wants to work out while still having access to what’s happening in the world around you.
If you don’t want to use them to work out, they also work well in an office environment, allowing you to listen to music or podcasts while working and still appear present to those around you. The massive battery life also helps accommodate all-day use while looking subtle and stylish.
Design
The OpenDots One leans hard into what matters most for workout earbuds: comfort and security. The clip-on design avoids ear fatigue entirely, sitting just outside the ear canal without creating pressure or irritation. In practice, they’re impressively stable.
Through runs, lifting sessions and high-movement workouts, they stay locked in place with almost no need for adjustment. It can take a bit of adjusting to get them in the right spot. I had them down near my ear lobes, but had to move them higher up to get the perfect fit.
One of the smartest design decisions here is using two identical earbuds rather than a left and right pair. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in daily use. You can grab either bud without thinking, and if you prefer to just have one ear open, you can rotate them freely to extend battery life without worrying about sides.
They also pair well with glasses and earrings thanks to the lightweight JointArm connector, which helps avoid the discomfort that some competing clip-on designs can cause. I was able to wear my earring with the opendot without ruining the aesthetic or compromising the sound quality.
Sound & Performance
Audio quality is where expectations need to be managed. The OpenDots One sound perfectly serviceable, but they’re not the best-sounding earbuds in this price range. Compared to traditional in-ear options from my Sony XM4 earbuds, for example, they lack detail, depth and overall punch. The lack of bass that makes it sound flat and muffled doesn’t help sell this as an audio quality option.
That said, vocals are clear and intelligible, making them well-suited to audiobooks and podcasts. For workouts, the sound is more than adequate, but audiophiles will want to look elsewhere. It is a slippery slope, and it works well enough if you want to watch a YouTube video or Netflix show on the treadmill.
The upside of this open approach is situational awareness. You can still hear what’s happening around you, which is invaluable in busy gyms or when running outdoors. Even when walking through the city on a work commute, it is good to have some spatial awareness, particularly in Melbourne CBD.
Battery life is a major strength. With up to 10 hours on the earbuds and an additional 30 hours from the charging case, you can go weeks without plugging them in if you’re using them all day at work and then during a few workouts a week.
Wireless charging is also a welcome inclusion, alongside USB-C and fast charging. A quick top-up can easily cover multiple workouts, making the OpenDots One an ideal leave-in-your-everyday-bag solution.
Unfortunately, the featured touch controls remain inconsistent. While taps and gestures are customisable via software, they’re unreliable enough that it’s often easier to reach for your phone. It took several tries to get a response, and when it did, it was usually not the right one, making this unreliable for skipping songs or pausing.
The microphone quality also falls on the side of average. Calls are definitely usable, but recorded voice notes and call clarity don’t stand out, making these earbuds a poor choice if calls are a priority. I found myself disconnecting them and using the phone normally when taking calls during my playthrough.
Verdict & Value
The Shokz OpenDots One don’t aim to be all-rounders, and that’s ultimately their strength.
They prioritise comfort, stability and battery life over audio fidelity, and for active users, that’s a smart trade-off. While the sound quality isn’t best-in-class, and the touch controls are extremely finicky and unreliable, everything else about the experience is thoughtfully designed and well executed.
If you’re looking for clip-on earbuds primarily for gym sessions, running or awareness-friendly listening, the OpenDots One are a strong, well-priced option that deliver where it counts.
FOUR STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Perfect fit and style, Great for workouts at the gym, walking in the city and working in an office
Lowlights: Audio quality is hit or miss, depending on the environment; Touch controls are not always responsive
Manufacturer: Shokz
Price: A$299
Available: Now available at leading hardware retailers or via the official Shokz website.
Review based on unit provided by Shokz.
Featured header image provided by Shokz.
