OpenRock X Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport Earbuds Review: Outstanding Audio and Cool Engineering Reset Expectations for Sport Earbuds

OpenRock X Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport Earbuds Review

Regular readers will know that I’m not a fan of sports earbuds. They typically do not fit my ears. Tozo surprised me with their excellent, low-cost Tozo Open Buds. At CES 2025, I was intrigued by the flashy booth for OpenRock, a sister company to OneOdio, whose headphones I have reviewed before. After receiving the OpenRock X Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport Earbuds, I can, indeed, say that they rock.

The sound is excellent, and the patented rocking mechanism allows the earbuds to align with my ear canal. At $169.99, they aren’t cheap, but they are also well-made compared to lower-cost sports earbuds, which may be available at a fraction of the cost, but the quality and audio performance differences are just as apparent.

OpenRock X Specifications

Drivers	14.2 mm Dynamic Drivers
Frequency response	20Hz ~ 20kHz
Speaker sensitivity	119dB±3dB@1kHz
Microphone sensitivity	-38±1dBV/Pa
Call Function	4 mics with AI algorithm
Noise Cancellation	AI 4-mic Noise Cancellation for clear phone calls
Built-in EQ	Rock Mode (for high-intensity sports) Relax Mode (for low-intensity workouts like yoga) Boom Mode (for noise environment)
Audible Decoding	AAC / SBC
Technology	Patented BassDirect™ Bass Technology LISO 2.0 Audio Algorithm
Playtime	12 hours (only earbuds) 48 hours (with charging case) Fast Charge: 5 minutes = 1 hour Full Charge: Earbuds: Within 1.5 hours, Charging case: Within 2.5 hours
Battery Capacity	65mAh X 2 (earbuds) 720mAh (charging case)
Charging Port	USB Type-C
Control	Physical buttons
Weight	Earbuds: 12 g (0.42 oz) Charging case: 90.5 g (3.19 oz) Total weight: 114.5 g (4.04 oz)
Dimensions (Length / Width / Height)	Charging case: 91.5 x 46.1 x 32.5 mm
Bluetooth Version	Version 5.3
Supported Bluetooth Profiles	A2DP / AVRCP / HFP / HSP
Water Resistance	IPX5

What we like

The OpenRock X earbuds feature an air-conduction open-ear design that sits comfortably outside the ear canal, eliminating pressure and discomfort often associated with traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones. This design keeps the ears free, reducing fatigue during extended wear and allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings—an essential feature for outdoor runners, cyclists, and commuters.

With a 50° x 45° biaxial rotation mechanism, the OpenRock X ensures a secure and customizable fit for different ear shapes and sizes. The flexible ear hooks with a patented adjustable pivot provide stability during high-intensity workouts, preventing slippage while maintaining a lightweight feel. They also work well for low-intensity activities. Their adaptability makes them suitable for various activities, from jogging to weight training, and reading….and media consumption.

Offering up to 12 hours of continuous playback on a single charge and extending up to 48 hours with the included charging case, the OpenRock X earbuds provide long-lasting performance for extended training sessions and all-day use. Fast-charging capabilities ensure that even a short charge can deliver hours of playback, making them a reliable choice for busy users.

The case will likely elicit some controversy for its size and well, its boxiness. This isn’t a case people will slip into a pocket, but that’s OK, because it comes with a circular ring clip to attach to backpacks and other bags. Its size, shape and security, however, are secondary to its overall inventiveness. The case springs open from a hidden latch with the earbuds magnetically poised on each side, ready for action.

The only thing the case needs is some steam to come out of the enclosure to make a real science fiction impression (in the product video below OpenRock chose light over steam). And unlike many cases that seem to need a case, this design is enough: protection, battery and a clip for securing it. If the finish gets a little dinged when used, it will just add to the charm.

Unlike many touch-sensitive earbuds that can be finicky or unresponsive to wet fingers or require awkward hunts for the touch controls, the OpenRock X uses physical buttons for volume, track selection, and call controls. This tactile feedback ensures more reliable operation, especially when users are sweating or wearing gloves, making adjusting settings on the go easier.

Designed to withstand sweat and light rain, the IPX5 rating ensures reliability under damp conditions. Whether users are caught in a drizzle during a morning jog or sweating through an intense workout, the earbuds maintain performance without risk of water damage.

The latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology provides a stable and efficient wireless connection with minimal latency. Multipoint pairing allows users to seamlessly switch between devices, such as smartphones and laptops, without manually disconnecting and reconnecting.

The companion OpenRock app lets users fine-tune audio settings to match their preferences. With customizable EQ profiles, users can enhance bass, treble, or vocal clarity, depending on their listening habits.

I have to give OpenRock five stars for their environmental fortitude. The box is an amazing piece of engineering with layers of corrugated cardboard precision cut to hold the OpenRock X case and accessories.

The listening experience

The OpenRock X listening experience prioritizes clarity and situational awareness over deep, immersive sound, but for many, it will be immersive enough. The air-conduction technology delivers audio that feels natural and spacious, creating an effect similar to listening to music through high-quality external speakers rather than traditional in-ear drivers. Vocals and midrange frequencies are crisp and well-articulated, making them ideal for podcasts, audiobooks, and casual music listening.

The open-ear design, however, naturally limits bass response, but the earbud’s advanced sound processing enhances lower frequencies, though they lack the physical resonance that closed-ear or in-ear designs provide. This makes bass-heavy tracks sound a bit lighter, which may not satisfy users looking for deep, punchy lows. Treble performance is bright and clear without being overly sharp, ensuring that instrumental details remain distinct.

I found the earbuds to be equal to the task of listening to Kara Swisher’s Burn Book as it was to enjoying a Sabrina Carpenter Espresso or the beats and ethereal highs of David Guetta’s Titanium (featuring Sia).

It can be necessary to adjust the earbuds to align better with the ear canal. With in-ear earbuds or over-the-ear headphones, there is no vagueness about fit. Sound starts with a fixed physical orientation and is purposefully aimed at the inner ear. With sports earbuds, the physical orientation is approximate, and the listening experience varies based on where the drivers land in relation to the ear.

Because of those fit factors, the OpenRock X can sound distant and disconnected if placed rapidly and without adjustments. A little nudging and using the 45°x50° adjustable biaxial hinge effectively reorients the driver target, delivering a much richer, more nuanced listening experience. And because the earbuds aren’t fixed once orientated, adjustments may have to be made, especially when listening when walking or performing other physical activities.

Since the earbuds do not seal off the ear canal, environmental noise is always present. This design benefits runners, cyclists, or commuters who need to stay aware of their surroundings but can be frustrating in loud environments where external sounds overpower the audio. At moderate volumes, music and voices come through clearly, but in noisy settings, users may need to turn the volume up to compensate. Sports earbuds are never the best choice for listening to music or content on a plane.

For those who enjoy background music while exercising, working, or commuting, the OpenRock X provides a well-balanced and engaging experience. But for those who seek immersive audio, especially in noisy conditions, traditional earbuds or over-ear headphones may be a better choice.

What could be improved

At $169.99, the OpenRock X earbuds sit in the premium range for open-ear sports headphones. They are less expensive than Bose and Beats but more expensive than many of the sports earbuds from Anker’s Soundcore (with lesser brands selling sports earbuds that start around $30). OpenRock Xs deliver strong features wrapped in engineering excellence and audio quality that justifies their price. While competing brands offer sports options at lower prices, few, such as Cleer and their excellent ARC series, offer anywhere near the quality or innovation.

For those who do find the case too large, OpenX sells a portable case without a battery. This case was not engineered with any of the same level of detail as the battery case. It’s awkward to place the earbuds into the case, and it offers now where near the style or audaciousness of battery case. As much as I love the OpenRock X engineering, this portable case is a side story miss.

While the OpenRock X provides a balanced and clear sound profile, the open-ear design limits its ability to deliver deep bass and rich audio detail compared to traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones that can engage more directly with the ear and the skull. Audiophiles who prioritize immersive soundscapes with punchy lows and precise highs may find the audio output lacking, especially in genres that depend on strong bass response, such as electronic or hip-hop music. But even with that reality in mind, the OpenRock Xs do their damnest to produce as much nuance and punch as can be had with an earbud levitating just beyond the ear canal.

Although the earbuds are designed for a secure and lightweight fit, as with any device that touches the body, some may experience mild discomfort after prolonged use, particularly due to the ear hook. While the flexible hooks provide stability during movement, they may exert pressure on certain ear shapes, causing fatigue over time. Those with sensitive ears or who plan to wear them for hours without breaks might experience some irritation.

The open-ear construction, while beneficial for situational awareness, also means that external noise is not blocked out. In noisy environments such as crowded gyms, city streets, or public transportation, background sounds can interfere with the listening experience, making it difficult to focus on music or calls. Buyers need to consider how and where they plan to use their sports earbuds.

OpenRock X Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport Earbuds: The bottom line

The OpenRock X earbuds excel in comfort, adjustability, and battery life, making them a solid choice for active users who prioritize environmental awareness. Near the high end of the price range, and with sports earbud limitations in noise isolation, they may not be the right choice for an every day, everything earbud. But for those looking for sports earbuds that will impress beyond category expectations, OpenRock Xs will prove an amiable and trusted companion.

OpenRock provided the X Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport Earbuds for review. Images courtesy of OpenRock unless otherwise noted.

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