OpenRock X Open-Ear Headphones Review

OpenRock X Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport Earbuds Review

Are OpenRock's premium open-ear buds worth the investment for ultra runners? I've been putting them to the test over two weeks of heavy mileage.

Finding the perfect pair of running headphones can be difficult for ultra runners. We need something that ideally lasts for 10+ hours, doesn't hurt our ears during a long day out and more crucially, keeps us safe on open roads.

I recently received a pair of the OpenRock X Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport Earbuds to test. I’ve been running with them solidly for the past two weeks, taking them on numerous long training runs and even using them for a local marathon race, and overall? I'm impressed.

Air Conduction vs. Bone Conduction: What’s the difference?

Before we dive into the specs, it is worth clarifying what these actually are. These are air conduction headphones, which are distinct from the bone conduction headphones such as the Shokz Openrun Pro 2.

While bone conduction vibrates against your jawbone to transmit sound, air conduction uses directed speakers that sit just outside your ear canal to "fire" sound directly into your ear. The result is usually a fuller, richer sound with better bass response than bone conduction, without the tickling sensation some people experience.

Crucially, like bone conduction, they leave your ear canal completely open. For safety when running, especially on country roads with traffic, you really should be using one of these two open-ear styles rather than in-ear buds. Blocking out the world completely is just too dangerous when you need to be aware of cars and other runners.

Sound Quality

This was the biggest surprise for me. These are the first air conduction headphones I’ve tried and I was genuinely shocked by the audio performance. The sound quality is excellent, far richer and clearer than I was expecting for a device that doesn't seal the ear.

If you’ve avoided open-ear headphones in the past because they sound "tinny," these might change your mind.

Fit and Comfort

I've had a few pairs of hook design in-ear buds in the past which I've used for the gym and sometimes they feel a bit loose or bounce around when you pick up the pace.

The OpenRock X has solved this with a clever hinge mechanism on the arms. You can adjust the angle of the bud to clamp gently but securely against your ear. Once I adjusted them, they stayed perfectly in place for the entire marathon. I had zero issues with fit, and because nothing goes inside the ear, there was no fatigue or soreness even after hours of wear.

Battery Life: Built for Ultras

This is where they really shine for the ultra community.

• Earbuds: 12 hours of playback on a single charge.
• Case: Adds an extra 36 hours.

I’ve been using them heavily for two weeks, popping them back in the case after every run, and I haven’t had to charge the case once. They also use USB-C for charging, which is always a bonus for cable management.

The Case and Build Quality

The carry case is made of metal (aluminium alloy) and feels incredibly premium. It has a unique "click and slide" mechanism to open the drawer where the headphones sit, which is very satisfying to use.

However, this brings me to one of my few quibbles: the case is a little on the bulky side. It’s not huge, but it is noticeably heavier and larger than some alternatives. If you like to pack light, you might find it a tight squeeze in the side pocket of a running vest.

Controls and Usability

The companion app is well-conceived, offering various presets and a custom EQ function to tweak the sound to your liking.

On the headphones themselves, I was pleased to see physical buttons. Touch controls are a nightmare when you have sweaty hands or are wearing gloves, so a real button is a big plus.

However, the volume control logic is my main gripe with this product. You have to press and hold the button to adjust volume. This makes it very hard to gauge how long to hold it down for, or how much you have actually increased/decreased the volume by while you are running.

I would have much preferred a double-click system (e.g. double-click left for down, right for up). That way, I could quickly double-click three times and confidently know I’ve adjusted the volume by three distinct steps.

Verdict: Are OpenRock X Open-Ear Headphones Good For Running?

Overall, the OpenRock X headphones appear to be very well-made and executed. The materials feel premium, the sound quality is good and the battery life is top-in-class for long-distance running. They're also IPX5 water resistant meaning they're protected against splashes and rain, which is a must when you're out on the trails, especially in the UK.

However, they are on the pricier side. If budget isn't an issue or if you can get them during a Black Friday sale, they're worth trying out for the audio and battery life alone. For some runners though, it may be hard to justify the premium price tag when there are cheaper (albeit lower quality) options available.

Pros: 

✅ Excellent battery life
✅ Secure fit
✅ Decent sound quality

Cons: 

❌ The case is a bit bulky
❌ Pricey

OpenRock X Dicount Code

If you want to give them a try, OpenRock have provided a discount code for GBUR users. To get 15% OFF use code: GBUR

OpenRock X Open-Ear Headphones

OpenRock X Headphone - £128.34 £135.89

Extra 15% OFF use code: GBUR