One headset for running, cycling and swimming? That was exactly what I wanted. With Shokz OpenSwim Pro I can listen over Bluetooth on land, then switch to audio stored on the headset before getting in the water. There is a catch, though: the music for a swim needs preparing first.
This review is based on my July 2024 test. The Polish original was published on 25 July 2024. This English version was prepared on 30 October 2026 alongside an editorial update and technical clarifications. It is not a new long-term test.
Shokz OpenSwim Pro: why two modes matter
By the time of this test, I had used Shokz headphones for around eight years. I used OpenRun Pro with Bluetooth day to day and took the older OpenSwim to the pool. OpenSwim Pro brought both uses into one bone-conduction headset that leaves my ears open.
On land: Bluetooth. Underwater: playback from 32GB of built-in storage. Water disrupts the Bluetooth connection, so the phone is not my audio source while swimming.
The box, case and battery
My test kit included the headset, a ventilated case, earplugs and a charging/data cable. I liked the case for pool visits because it allowed the headphones to dry. For a suitcase, I would have preferred an additional rigid case.
Shokz specifies up to 9 hours over Bluetooth and up to 6 hours in MP3 mode. These are manufacturer figures, not results from my own timed rundown test. In everyday use I went several days between charges and sometimes forgot to plug them in. Quick charging was useful then; Shokz claims up to 3 hours of listening from a 10-minute charge.
The four-pin cable is specific to OpenSwim Pro and is not interchangeable with cables from the earlier models. My 2024 kit had a USB-A end, which was a small inconvenience as most of my chargers were already USB-C. That describes the kit I tested, rather than every later retail package.
IP68 comes with defined limits
For this model, Shokz specifies IP68 and immersion up to 2 metres for a maximum of 2 hours. Those are product-specific conditions, not a universal definition of IP68. My headset worked in hot weather, rain and swimming sessions. That does not amount to a durability test at arbitrary depths.
Comfort with sunglasses, a helmet and a swim cap
OpenSwim Pro fitted my head even better than the older models I had used. They stayed in place without uncomfortable pressure, and after a while I barely noticed them. Fit is personal, so I would check the headband with your own glasses and helmet.
At the pool there is also the cap and goggles to arrange. I tried the different positions shown below, looking for a fit that did not press or shift. In the sea session described in my original review, the headset also stayed on in waves. That is an account of one session, rather than a promise of the same fit for everyone.
Buttons and the Shokz app
I found the multifunction button easier to locate by touch than the one on my OpenRun Pro. The volume controls were easy to find too. Physical controls and straightforward switching between Bluetooth and MP3 worked well during training.
The app helped me change modes, adjust button settings and manage connections. Multipoint supports two connected Bluetooth devices at the same time. The app does not transfer music into the headset’s storage: that requires a computer and the cable. Settings and file transfer are separate tasks.
Sound: listening impressions, not lab measurements
I was happy with the sound. During the test I listened a lot to what was then Eminem’s new album and found the bass satisfying. I could not honestly pick a winner between OpenSwim Pro, OpenRun Pro and the original OpenFit I had previously tested. This was a personal listening impression, not a measured ranking.
The open design keeps environmental sound audible, which suited my training. It does not provide isolation in a noisy setting.
Running, cycling and working with OpenSwim Pro
Running
For running I valued the stable fit, simple controls and ability to handle sweat and rain. At a moderate volume I could hear my surroundings. Open ears do not guarantee safety or that I will hear every vehicle: wind, volume and attention still matter.
If you are exploring other open-ear designs for land-based training, my Shokz OpenFit 2+ review provides another set of practical experiences. It is a separate review, not a head-to-head result from this test.
Cycling
The headset fitted comfortably with my cycling helmet and sunglasses. During the original test I could make short calls at around 25 km/h, but wind and conditions change intelligibility considerably. That number is an observation from those rides, not a guaranteed operating threshold. Personally, I prefer to concentrate on the ride.
Office work and calls
At work I found switching between devices straightforward. I heard callers clearly and received similar feedback from the other end. I missed having a convenient dedicated microphone-mute button for meetings. If calls are your main priority, see my separate Shokz OpenComm 2 review.
Swimming: where local playback earns its place
Before getting in the water I switched to MP3 mode and left my phone in a locker or bag. This was the use that impressed me most. Music sounded very enjoyable underwater; listening to classical music was particularly memorable. I did not need to leave a phone beside the pool or try to maintain a Bluetooth connection.
Loading music — and the streaming catch
My biggest frustration happened before the swim: finding suitable files. I used Apple Music, and downloading a track inside the app did not give me a file I could simply copy to the headset. An offline Spotify playlist presents the same practical obstacle: it is not a folder of transferable MP3s.
- Prepare your own audio files in a supported format, such as MP3, that you are entitled to copy.
- Connect the headset to a computer with its supplied cable.
- Open the “SWIM PRO” drive, copy the files and safely eject it.
- Select MP3 mode and check playback before entering the water.
Shokz explains the process in its file-transfer guide. The app and Bluetooth connection do not replace the wired transfer.
The three drawbacks I found
- Preparing audio files. Built-in storage works well in water, but a streaming-only library makes the preparation less convenient.
- Transport protection. The ventilated case suited the pool; I wanted something more rigid for luggage.
- USB-A on my supplied cable. In my increasingly USB-C setup, it meant accommodating another connection.
Verdict: who are Shokz OpenSwim Pro for?
During my test, OpenSwim Pro became my first-choice headset because they replaced two separate models. They make the most sense if you swim regularly and want the same pair for training on land. Comfort, stability and switching between Bluetooth and local playback mattered more to me than a long specification list. I also really liked the red finish.
If you do not swim, their main advantage may go unused. If you expect streaming playlists underwater without preparing files, that is not how they work. My recommendation comes from what they did in my training, with that limitation made clear.
Frequently asked questions
Does Bluetooth work underwater?
For swimming with OpenSwim Pro, use the built-in audio player. Water disrupts the Bluetooth connection to a phone.
Can the app upload music?
No. Transfer files from a computer using the cable; the app manages headset settings.
How long does the battery last?
Shokz claims up to 9 hours over Bluetooth and up to 6 hours in MP3 mode. I did not perform a separate full-discharge test.
Can I wear them in a triathlon race?
This review describes training. Suitability for several sports does not establish permission to wear headphones in a particular race. Check your event’s rules.
Sources and update scope
The photographs, video and first-person impressions come from my 2024 test. I checked technical details against the Shokz product page and its file-transfer guide. This update adds editorial clarity, not new battery measurements or years of additional testing.
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