Exercising with music or taking softphone calls while working remotely requires the right headphones. AfterShokz OpenMove is the right set of headphones for remote work, exercise, or general use.
For years, I would use wired headphones, which lead to me cutting music out completely at the gym. Having wires get in the way when you are lifting is not fun and can be dangerous, so I decided to just go without.
Needing to take calls remotely in the workplace lead me to break down and purchase a pair of IPS 03 Bluetooth earbuds. This was one of the few in-ear models that were not inserted into the ear canal that I could find. The problem with these was that they would always fall out if I moved my head at all. Not wanting to purchase earbuds that I would have to jam into my ear canal, I bit the bullet and purchased a set of AfterShokz Titaniums. I loved the open ear design so that I could listen to music and podcasts while still having situational awareness.
The Titanium headset lasted for about a year before the left earpiece warped and cracked, making it impossible to use.
Enter AfterShokz OpenMove
Luckily for me, I had registered the product and was eligible to return it under the two-year warranty. AfterShokz was prompt in sending me a new headset, and I received the replacement device in less than a week. The only problem was that I received an OpenMove headset rather than a Titanium.
I was disappointed at first glance. The OpenMove looks flimsier than the Titanium, but looks can be deceiving. The OpenMove headset is made of harder plastic, which makes it harder to warp or damage. They are IP55 resistant, meaning that sweat and rain will not harm them. You probably will not want to wear them in the shower or while going for a swim, however.
AfterShokz OpenMove utilizes a USB-C charging port rather than a micro-USB port, making the charging cable more uniform with contemporary phones and mobile devices. The OpenMove model is also sleeker and lighter than the Titanium, making its usage feel even less restrictive.
In terms of the AfterShokz OpenMove headphone’s audio quality, input and output are both great. At high volumes, the OpenMove’s sound can be tinny compared to the Titanium, but it wins out at medium volumes. One way to maximize sound quality is to set the headset’s volume to medium, then increase the volume on the transmitting device. Audio quality will reduce if you use the headset to make calls, but this is common on Bluetooth devices. Bluetooth devices switch to a lower frequency audio channel when the microphone is in use.
AfterShokz OpenMove – The Final Verdict
Overall, I am satisfied with the AfterShokz OpenMove and recommend the device for those in need of a quality Bluetooth headset. They retail for $79.95 on Amazon, the same price as the older Titanium model, and you get more bang for your buck. If faced with the choice of purchasing the AfterShokz OpenMove or the AfterShokz Titanium, go with the OpenMove; you won’t regret it.