Shokz S661 Review: Open-Ear Bone Conduction Headphones for Sports
The Shokz S661 OpenMove headphones deliver situational awareness and comfort for active users, balancing safety with clear audio through bone conduction technology.
By Elvis Dicki
Updated October 20, 2026
The SHOKZ OpenMove, model S661, represents a specific category of personal audio: open-ear headphones that prioritize environmental awareness and physical comfort. Designed for active lifestyles, these bone conduction wireless earphones transmit sound through vibrations on the cheekbone, leaving the ear canal open. They are targeted at runners, cyclists, and anyone engaged in low-impact activities where hearing ambient noise is crucial for safety. For users seeking a secure, sweat-resistant audio solution that doesn’t isolate them from their surroundings, the Shokz S661 offers a compelling blend of situational awareness and reliable performance.
These headphones are a rebranded version of the AfterShokz OpenMove, featuring a titanium frame, IP55 water resistance, and a claimed six-hour battery life. They are positioned as an entry point into bone conduction technology, focusing on core functionality for sports and commuting. The bottom line: the Shokz S661 is a specialized tool for active users who value safety and comfort over maximum audio fidelity and noise isolation.
SHOKZ OpenMove Open-Ear Bone Conduction Bluetooth
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Shokz S661 at a Glance
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Name | OpenMove (S661) |
| Technology | Bone Conduction, Open-Ear |
| Weight | 29 grams |
| Battery Life | 6 hours (music & calls) |
| Charging Port | USB-C |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.1 |
| Water Resistance | IP55 (sweat and water resistant) |
| Frame Material | Titanium |
| Microphones | Dual noise-cancelling |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
Design and Build
The defining characteristic of the Shokz S661 is its open-ear design, which completely avoids inserting anything into or over the ear. The core structure is a wraparound titanium frame that provides a secure fit while maintaining flexibility. This design results in an ultralight weight of just 29 grams, which is a key factor in achieving all-day comfort without causing ear pressure or fatigue, a common complaint with in-ear or over-ear models during extended wear.
Build quality is geared towards active use. The IP55 rating signifies protection against dust ingress and water jets from any direction, making the headphones suitable for intense workouts, running in the rain, or general sweaty conditions. The manufacturer notes they are built for a range of low-impact activities, implying the fit is optimized for stability during jogging or cycling rather than high-impact sports. The package includes a set of five colorful, water-resistant stickers for personalization, a carrying pouch, and a USB-C charging cable.
Performance and Features
Audio Quality and Bone Conduction
The Shokz S661 utilizes bone conduction technology, where transducers resting on the cheekbones send vibrations directly to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrum. The manufacturer promotes “PremiumPitch” sound with balanced audio and rich bass. According to user feedback and the product’s positioning, the sound profile is clear and full for voice, podcasts, and music, but naturally lacks the deep, resonant bass of traditional in-ear headphones that seal the ear canal. The open-ear design means audio can leak at higher volumes in quiet environments, and ambient noise can interfere with listening in loud settings. The frequency response is listed as 20Hz to 20,000Hz.
Connectivity and Controls
Connectivity is handled by Bluetooth 5.1, providing a stable connection with a range of up to 10 meters. The headphones feature universal compatibility, pairing seamlessly with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as Windows PCs, Macs, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. Physical buttons on the housing allow for easy control of playback, volume, and call management. The dual noise-cancelling microphones are designed to ensure clear call quality by minimizing background noise during conversations.
Battery and Endurance
The built-in battery is rated for six continuous hours of music, calls, and podcast playback on a single charge. This is sufficient for most training sessions, long commutes, or a full workday of intermittent use. Charging is done via the included USB-C cable, with a full charge time reported as two hours. The manufacturer does not specify if fast charging or a charging case is available; the product details indicate it is a single unit without a case.
Setup, Support and Ownership
Setup is straightforward, involving a standard Bluetooth pairing process with any compatible device. The headphones are a standalone product with no listed software suite or companion app for EQ customization or firmware updates. Ownership benefits include a two-year warranty from the manufacturer, Shokz Limited Corporation. While the product includes stickers for customization and a protective carrying case, the data does not specify if official replacement parts or additional accessories like different sized ear hooks are sold separately.
What Owners Say
Owner reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a high percentage of five-star ratings. The dominant praise centers on comfort, situational awareness, and suitability for active use. Users with hearing loss report they are helpful for hearing calls while remaining aware, and many appreciate the lightweight, secure fit for long wear during work or exercise. Positive feedback also highlights the balance between quality and price, good call microphone performance, and the safety aspect for outdoor activities like running and biking.
Critical feedback from owners tends to reinforce the product’s inherent design trade-offs. Some note that the bass response is lighter than traditional headphones and that external noise can drown out audio. A few mention the fit can feel awkward initially, and there are isolated comments about durability over very long-term use. The overall sentiment confirms the Shokz S661 excels in its intended niche: providing audio without isolation.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Open-ear design promotes safety and full environmental awareness.
- Extremely lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear without ear fatigue.
- Secure, stable fit with titanium frame ideal for low-impact sports.
- IP55 rating provides solid sweat and water resistance for workouts.
- Clear call quality with dual noise-cancelling microphones.
- Universal Bluetooth compatibility with easy setup.
Cons
- Audio quality lacks deep bass compared to in-ear models.
- Sound can leak at higher volumes in quiet settings.
- Ambient noise can interfere with listening in loud environments.
- Not designed or optimized for high-impact sports activities.
- Battery life is adequate but not class-leading.
- No active noise cancellation or companion app for sound customization.
Who Should Buy It (and Who Should Skip It)
The Shokz S661 is an ideal purchase for runners, cyclists, hikers, and gym-goers who need to stay aware of traffic, other people, or their surroundings for safety. It’s also excellent for individuals who experience discomfort from in-ear headphones, have small ear canals, or simply prefer not to have their ears blocked during long listening sessions. Commuters who walk or cycle to work will find the situational awareness invaluable. For more insights on gear for active lifestyles, see our Tech Gear coverage.
These headphones should be skipped by audiophiles seeking immersive, bass-heavy sound or complete noise isolation. They are not the best choice for frequent flyers or office workers in noisy open-plan environments where blocking out ambient sound is the priority. Users looking for headphones for high-impact team sports or activities with a lot of jarring motion might find the fit less secure than intended for low-impact use.
Final Verdict
The Shokz S661 OpenMove successfully fulfills its primary mission: to deliver audio while keeping the user connected to their environment. Its strengths in comfort, safety-oriented design, and solid build quality for active use make it a standout in the open-ear category. The bone conduction technology provides clear sound for voice and music, though it makes understandable compromises on bass response and audio privacy. The six-hour battery and IP55 rating are perfectly adequate for their target sports and fitness use cases.
When judged as a specialized tool rather than a general-purpose headphone, the Shokz S661 is highly effective. It offers a unique solution for anyone who has struggled with ear fatigue from traditional headphones or who prioritizes situational awareness during activities. For those whose needs align with its design philosophy, it represents a well-executed and reliable choice. You can explore other expert-reviewed audio and tech products in our Reviews section.
FAQs
Can others hear my music when I’m using the Shokz S661?
The open-ear design and bone conduction technology provide a generally private listening experience. However, at higher volume levels in very quiet environments, some sound leakage can occur as the transducers vibrate. This is a normal characteristic of the technology and is less private than sealed in-ear headphones at similar volumes.
Are the Shokz S661 headphones waterproof?
No, they are not fully waterproof. They carry an IP55 rating, which means they are water-resistant. They can withstand sweat, rain, and water jets from any direction, making them suitable for workouts and running in the rain. They should not be submerged in water or used for swimming.
How is the call quality on these headphones?
Call quality is reported to be clear by both manufacturers and users. The Shokz S661 is equipped with two noise-cancelling microphones designed to pick up the user’s voice while minimizing ambient background noise, ensuring the person on the other end of the call can hear you well.
Are the Shokz S661 compatible with my computer?
Yes, they feature universal Bluetooth compatibility. The Shokz S661 can pair with any device that has Bluetooth capabilities, including Windows PCs, Mac computers, iPhones, Android phones, and tablets. For other types of tech compatibility, our AI & Software section covers related topics.
About the author
Elvis Dicki writes reviews and buying guides for CyberSecLabs.