OpenRock X Open-Ear Sport Earbud Review

It’s remarkable how much difference a little music or a good podcast can make during a workout or a workday. However, if you plan on listening for extended periods of time or when active, you’ll need earbuds that not only stay in place but also feel quite comfy. OneOdio’s OpenRock X Open-Ear Sport earbuds accomplish just that and more, with high-quality sound and a helpful companion app.

First and foremost: the design. These earbuds are, for lack of a better term, stunning. The modern, sleek design of the buds is one thing, but the carry case is quite stunning. Matt black finish with silver trim and a little loop for a keychain or chain. It’s also practical, with a hole for the internal charging port on the outside of the shell that opens with a nice click when you push in the bottom face. The earphones are magnetically fastened inside, making them easy to remove and store; overall, the design is outstanding. Shoutout to the package designers as well, because the box they come in is really fantastic.

The earbuds are water resistant to an IPX5 grade, so a light rain or sweat at the gym will not affect them. Controls are straightforward and streamlined, with a single button on each speaker controlling volume and playback, and the companion app allows you to specify a longer press of each button. The software is intuitive and simple to use, and it comes highly recommended if you intend to use the OpenRock X with your phone for an extended amount of time.

But how about the audio quality? The OpenRock X has 14.2mm drivers and BassDirect technology to offer clear, clean sound no matter what you’re doing. Unlike bone-conducting earphones, the OpenRock X channel sound through the air between the bud and your ear canal, resulting in a looser, more comfortable fit – but it doesn’t matter if you’re running, chewing, or singing along to your favorite song; they don’t move with your jaw, so the sound remains smooth throughout.

Speaking of a nice fit, they are also adjustable, though not as much as I would want. You may slightly shift the speaker up and down or left and right, but depending on the shape of your ear, you may need to experiment to find the best angle. It’s not a large axis in either way, and they could have benefited from a little more freedom. The ability to “tighten” the fit may lessen some of the outside world’s noise pollution, but even becoming more accustomed to ANC, I’ve never found this to be an issue.

However, you will notice the price. These are not inexpensive, with an RRP of approximately $160 at the time of writing. Compared to other possibilities, open ear or not, they aren’t really pushing the boundaries. The sound is excellent, and the look is pretty cool, but you can get good alternatives for half the price. The SoundPeats Run Free open earphones remain my favourites of recent months, and they’re much more cheap.

However, with the OpenRock X, you are purchasing quality. They offer 12 hours of battery life out of the case, with a full 48 hours when charged, which is ideal for a busy lifestyle. They also charge quickly, making it easy to keep the case filled up. Overall, the OneOdio OpenRock X is a good-looking, well-designed alternative for open-ear athletic earphones, but with a little research, you may find comparable options at a cheaper price.