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AfterShokz OpenComm
CAD$ 223.16
Pros
- Open Ear design
- Battery that offers longevity
- Reduces background noises when talking
- Relays sound via bone conduction
Cons
- Does not deliver enough bass for music playback
- It's not easily affordable for everyone
Different style of headphones
The headphones that allow you to hear without blocking your ears, AfterShokZ OpenComm!
What do you look for in a headset? Is it comfortable? Can you wear it for extended periods? Does it come with a microphone that will pick up your voice over the noise? How long will they last? These are questions you ask yourself when shopping for a headset.
If you use a Bluetooth headset, you know how frustrating it can be. Either the sound is so so, or there’s no easy way to mute your call. Plus, they fall out of your ear all the time. My review of the AfterShokz open-ear bone conduction headphones solves these issues for cyclists, walkers, joggers and office workers.
AfterShokZ OpenComm Key Features
OpenComm (see image below) is a headset specially designed for the open-ear bone conduction style for which, AfterShokz is known. The unit provides an example of how OpenComm can make current communication devices obsolete with its bone conduction technology. Instead, it seeks to solve many of the issues that were left unsolved by them. It is for everyone – from athletes and fitness lovers looking for an in-headset stereo music solution to mobile professionals looking for an assistive device to help them stay connected to theirs.
- Bone Conduction
- Noise-Canceling Boom Microphone
- 16-hours of Talk Time
- Multifunction Button
- IP55 Water-Resistant
OpenComm – the first bone conduction Bluetooth headset/headphones of its kind – is engineered to work where other headsets fail. It features a patented 7th generation open-ear design, which means OpenComm customers can experience an immersive experience alongside superior sound quality. OpenComm transfers audio through the cheekbone instead of directly into the ear canal, so you can hear everything around you and be heard clearly by your friends—even while driving at highway speeds. And with our dual boom microphone DSP technology, your voice will come through crystal clear every time.
My Experience with the OpenComm
If you happen to be someone who spends a lot of time on video conferences or the phone, you will enjoy making use of the OpenComm by AfterShokz. I put the OpenComm to the test with my Teams meeting, Discord chats and general phone conversations. We had a breezy chat on both ends, and no one noticed any difference.
Listening to music is definitely something else with this kind of headphones. The feeling of being fully immersed but open all around you, being able to listen to the music all while maintaining a conversation, giving you the feeling of being at the local pub.
I like being able to hear what happens around me. It would provide added benefit in my office setting once the office fully opens again. The bone conduction technology delivers the music as if it was inside your head.
As it would with most headsets, you have control buttons on the right side. You can increase and decrease the volume with the provided button set at the back of the ear. You can control play/pause with the right-side button.
Of course, you also have additional functionality depending on the long-press, double press options. Holding the right button on the side for a few seconds will trigger the voice-assistant of your smartphone. A double-press will forward you to the next song, while a triple-press will bring you to the previous track. Often the simple things are what makes or breaks gadgets.
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Verdict on my review of the OpenComm by AfterShokz
AfterShokz OpenComm lets you take control of your environment without disturbing others. OpenComm improves situational awareness while delivering all the important sounds via its bone conduction technology. It allows you to interact with the outside world freely. Engage and connect with fellow teammates, vendors or family while reducing disruptive background noise.
I’m giving the headset a solid 8.7 out of 10. What can AfterShokz do to get this to a 10? Find a way to deliver a more immersive bass and lower the price to put this in reach of more people.
AfterShokZ OpenComm comes at a whooping CAD$ 223.16.
