I love sports and I adore music. Whenever I’m offered the opportunity to test sports audio equipment, I jump at the chance. Today, I’m reviewing the OpenRock X Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport Earbuds, try saying that after a few beers! In the future, I will be referring to them as the OpenRock X Earbuds. These funky and compact earbuds deliver an almighty punch without damaging your hearing. Moreover, the unique hinged design allows you to adjust them for ultimate comfort.
Whenever I look for sports audio equipment, I need it to be robust and comfortable to wear. Additionally, the sound quality needs to be amazing and a decent case and battery life are essential. Luckily, the OpenRock X Earbuds offer this and much, much more. If you need a pair of versatile earbuds with multipoint technology and incredible microphone pick-up, look no further. I was blown away by the mic and audio quality, and you will be too.
What’s in the box of the OpenRock X Earbuds?
- The tiny packaging is environmentally friendly and pleasant to look at. Moreover, it can be recycled if you wish.
- The OpenRock X Earbuds have a sci-fi edge. The hinged arm is unusual but amazingly useful. Furthermore, it doesn’t rely on touchpads and I appreciated the tactile buttons.
- The charging case adds to the futuristic vibes. It is sleek, small, and hard-wearing. The base is secured with a push lock and the earbuds sit on either side of the central partition.
- A circular clip is provided to secure the case to a belt loop or bag.
- Charge the case with the braided USB-C cable.
- Learn the basics with the quick start guide.
Technical aspects.
Gone are the days of reasonable tech and sports equipment going hand-in-hand. Now, users expect their gadgets to be top of the range. Moreover, if you are paying £169.99 (price correct on date of publication), you are right to have high expectations. Thankfully, the OpenRock X Earbuds deliver on every aspect. Consequently, I was not disappointed. First, the battery life is unbelievably good! 12 hours from one charge and a further 48 hours from the charging case will not leave you wanting. What’s more, the case charges the earbuds exceptionally quickly. As a result, I wasn’t out of the game for very long.
In testing, the battery lasted very close to the advertised hours when the volume was set to around 70%. However, when you start playing with the settings, the battery life is slightly reduced. This wasn’t disappointing and I was still impressed with the overall battery life.
I rarely use multipoint connectivity, but I understand its advantages. The OpenRock X Earbuds have Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint tech for those people who like to multitask. The seamless connectivity was great in practice and I was able to flit from my music while on my Zwift Core trainer and taking a phone call via my laptop. If you work from home, this could be a great tool while taking some downtime or sneaking in some exercise.
Phone calls.
I’ve alluded to the ability to take and make calls. Thankfully, unlike other devices, you can enjoy crystal clear communication without echoes, background noise, and tinny mic pickup. 4 premium microphones are powered by AI call noise cancellation for an exceptional audio experience. This clever tech wipes out unwanted ambient sounds to create the perfect calling environment.
This technology was impressive and my phone calls were mostly flawless. There were moments when loud lorries and buses ruined the peace. However, I was impressed by the excellent pick-up and the near-silent background.
Audio quality of the OpenRock X Earbuds.
If you are an audiophile, you are going to cherish this set of earbuds. The audio quality is fantastic and the clarity is second to none. I picked a range of songs and environments to test the audio quality and the product blew me away. Other open-ear devices suffer from a lack of tonal range, but these are different. I could pick out the high, mid, and low tones with ease. Moreover, there is a strong bass line that isn’t overpowering.
If you love to play with your settings on the move, there are 3 preset arrangements for you to pick from. Rock mode, Relax mode, and Boom mode change the audio profile without jeopardising your safety. It was great to flit between the different settings or create my own using the free-to-download app.
Alongside this, you are free to hear every ambient sound. As such, if you are running or cycling, this improves your safety without undermining your audio experience. Furthermore, your ear health benefits as you don’t have music blazing directly into your ear canal. This impressive tech delivers a safer sporting environment without ruining your beloved songs.
Build quality.
Finally, I’m going to take a look at build quality. The OpenRock X Earbuds will make you smile! The build quality is amazing and they are robust, comfortable, and great to look at. Additionally, the case is exceptional and I love the locking mechanism. The sleek black finish has a professional edge and the smooth movement of the central housing is great to witness. Consequently, you will not be disappointed at the phenomenal build quality.
Each of the earbuds has a swivel hinge for a 45° left and right x 50° up and down adjustability. This may seem minor, but it ensures the best fit of any earbud I’ve ever used. The secure feeling is essential whenever you are pounding the streets or riding your bike. Moreover, they are IPX5 waterproof rated for any athlete who likes to exercise in poor conditions. As such, the design is reassuring and many amateur athletes will appreciate it.
Are the OpenRock X Earbuds worth it?
I have tested some great open-ear tech products, and these are up there with the best of them. The build and audio quality are amazing and the unusual design will have tongues wagging. Alongside this, they are jam-packed with modern tech and the battery life is great. Therefore, it is easy for me to recommend that you buy them here! If you fancy saving some money, use code UKOPEN15 for a 15% discount.
(More information on OpenRock can be found here!)
(Full disclosure! A sample was provided for an unbiased and free review!)
