OpenRock S Review: You can’t find better Open-Air Headphones!
Today, we’re diving into the latest audio offering from OneOdio – the OpenRock S. As a proud owner of the OpenRock Pro, I was eager to explore what this new addition had to offer and how it stacked up against its predecessor. The OpenRock series, designed for active lifestyles, has gained popularity for its unique feature set, and the ‘S’ in OpenRock S hints at its sport-centric design.
The OpenRock S headphone appears tailor-made for those on the move, whether you’re running, cycling, or just staying aware of your surroundings. The standout feature of these earbuds is their ability to let in ambient sounds, a crucial aspect for safety during activities like running or biking.
- Excellent Bass Capabilities - OpenRock S open-ear headphones adopt a new generation of TubeBass bass enhancement...
- 60 Hours of Playtime - The earphone’s powerful battery can provide up to 19 hours of listening and talk time at...
- Bluetooth 5.3 plus IPX5 Waterproof - OpenRock S wireless earbud's latest Bluetooth 5.3 further achieves low energy...
- Open-Ear Design, Adjustable Earhook - OpenRock adopts the global exclusive titanium alloy ear hooks, the shape of...
- AI 4-Mics Call Noise-Canceling - Four high-quality microphones use beam-forming technology to form an array to...
Now, the crucial question – does it live up to the expectations? Is the OpenRock S worth its price tag? We’ll delve into the sound quality, exploring how these earbuds perform across various genres and usage scenarios. Stay tuned for the deep dive into the auditory experience with the OpenRock S.
OpenRock S: Video Review
| Specs | OpenRock S |
| Driver | 16.2 mm |
| Frequency response range | 20Hz – 20kHz |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Audio decoding | AAC, SBC |
| Microphone | Single side 2 x MEMS |
| Mode | Rock/Relax Mode |
| Battery life | 19 hours (earphones) |
| 60 hours (including charging case) | |
| Full charge duration | 1.5 hours |
| Fast charging | 1 hour playback after charging for 5 minutes |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX5 |
| Weight | 12 g (single earphone), 132 g (complete set) |
| Color | Black, White |
OpenRock S: Design
The OpenRock S impresses with its design, both the charging case and the headphones themselves.
Starting with the charging case, its large and elongated form resembles that of a sunglasses case. While it may be sizable, it’s notably slim, contributing to its sleek and elegant aesthetic. The choice of a flat design is likely a strategic move to accommodate the substantial battery required for the impressive 60-hour total usage. Despite its size, the case is practical and well-crafted, featuring a USB Type-C port at the back for charging and a convenient LED indicator on the front to display the charge level accurately. Internally, the case hosts a button for pairing and, if necessary, resetting settings, adding to its functionality.
The design philosophy extends to the earbuds themselves, which adopt a minimalist approach with an all-black color scheme. The top of the earbuds features a silicone element that rests comfortably on the ear, ensuring a snug fit without causing discomfort.
The earbuds follow an almost flat, comma-shaped profile, with a design that doesn’t easily allow for alterations. The speaker module is positioned in a way that it extends over the ear opening rather than pointing directly into the ear lobe. This design choice may contribute to the comfortable fit and the overall stability of the earbuds during use.
The case’s exterior showcases two large microphones, a metal speaker perforation, and charging contacts. Tentatively labeled “OpenRock,” the touch control areas on the outside of the case add a modern and tech-savvy touch to the overall design.
Specs and control
One of the features of the OpenRock S, distinguishing it from its predecessor, the OpenRock Pro, is its upgraded Bluetooth capability. While the Pro model boasted Bluetooth 5.2, the OpenRock S takes it a step further with Bluetooth 5.3.
Under the hood, the OpenRock S houses a sizable 16.2mm driver, utilizing what OneOdio refers to as “tube bass” technology. This feature promises boosted bass, implying a focus on delivering a rich and impactful low-frequency response. However, it’s important to note that this doesn’t translate into an overly exaggerated or boomy bass.
The OpenRock S introduces two distinct listening modes, providing users with a tailored audio experience. The “Rock” mode is designed to elevate the low-end frequencies, delivering a more pronounced and dynamic bass. On the other hand, the “Relaxed” mode aims to tone down the bass, providing a more laid-back and subdued audio profile.
Notably, the emphasis on adjusting the bass in the “Relaxed” mode does not seem to compromise the mids and trebles. This suggests a thoughtful approach to maintaining a balanced sound signature across different modes, ensuring a well-rounded listening experience.
The OpenRock S allows comfortable listening at around 50% volume without leaking sound to the surrounding environment. This characteristic creates a personal audio bubble, making them an excellent choice for crowded spaces where you want to enjoy your music without imposing on others.
However, while the sound management excels, the touch controls leave something to be desired. The absence of volume control on the earbuds might be seen as a missed opportunity. The addition of a volume rocker or an extra touch function could have enhanced the user experience by allowing for quick and convenient adjustments without reaching for the paired device. Nevertheless, the available touch controls cover essential functions such as play/pause, track skipping forward and backward, and the ability to switch between the Rock and Relaxation modes. The oversight in volume control, though notable, doesn’t overshadow the overall functionality.
Sound quality
Let’s dive into the heart of the OpenRock S – its sound quality. These earbuds deliver an audio experience that is characterized by exceptional clarity, cleanliness, and attention to detail. The advertised tube bass and boosted bass elements might set certain expectations, but it’s crucial to approach it with a realistic perspective.
The bass on the OpenRock S is notably punchy, providing a quick and impactful response. While it may not deliver the booming, subwoofer-like bass that some might anticipate, the quick punch it offers contributes to an accurate and dynamic sound profile. This characteristic makes the earbuds versatile across various genres, including chaotic genres, pop, and hip-hop.
The clarity in the midrange is a standout feature, with vocalists taking a prominent position in the mix. The presentation of vocals is nuanced, allowing them to stand out without overshadowing other elements. The treble complements this balance, providing clean and detailed highs without being overly bright or harsh.
One area where the OpenRock S truly shines is in its performance with podcasts, TV shows, and movies. The balanced sound profile, coupled with its detailed treble, makes it an excellent choice for these types of content. The ability to pick up dialogue clearly enhances the user experience, making them ideal for use in a work environment or for leisurely activities like watching TV shows and movies.
In terms of soundstage, the OpenRock S lives up to expectations. The design of the earbuds contributes to a spacious and open soundstage, allowing users to pinpoint the direction from which different sounds emanate. This is particularly advantageous for an immersive experience, whether you’re enjoying music, podcasts, or other forms of audio content.
Microphone
On the microphone front, the OpenRock S showcases improvements from its predecessor, the OpenRock Pro. Utilizing four beam-forming microphones and integrating AI for call noise reduction, these earbuds elevate the quality of hands-free communication. This becomes particularly advantageous in noisy environments, ensuring that your voice remains clear and discernible even in challenging acoustic conditions.
Battery life
The OpenRock S doesn’t just impress with its audio capabilities; it’s also a powerhouse when it comes to battery life.
Starting with the earbuds themselves, a single charge can provide an astonishing 19 hours of usage. This extended battery life ensures that the OpenRock S can accompany you throughout your day.
However, the real showstopper is the charging case, which adds a whopping 60 hours to the equation. This means that with the case, you have the potential for a total of 79 hours of use before needing to find a power source.
Adding to the practicality of the OpenRock S is its fast charge feature. A mere 5-minute charge can provide an impressive hour of use. The ability to quickly charge the battery is especially useful for active people who are getting ready for a run or going outside.
OpenRock S: Conclusion
The OpenRock S proves to be a compelling option in the competitive landscape of wireless earbuds. While the original price of $129 may face stiff competition, the current sale price of $99.99 positions it as a strong contender.
- Excellent Bass Capabilities - OpenRock S open-ear headphones adopt a new generation of TubeBass bass enhancement...
- 60 Hours of Playtime - The earphone’s powerful battery can provide up to 19 hours of listening and talk time at...
- Bluetooth 5.3 plus IPX5 Waterproof - OpenRock S wireless earbud's latest Bluetooth 5.3 further achieves low energy...
- Open-Ear Design, Adjustable Earhook - OpenRock adopts the global exclusive titanium alloy ear hooks, the shape of...
- AI 4-Mics Call Noise-Canceling - Four high-quality microphones use beam-forming technology to form an array to...
When compared to its predecessor, the OpenRock Pro, the OpenRock S holds several advantages. The inclusion of Bluetooth 5.3 contributes to reduced lag in various media applications. The slightly improved battery life, the addition of two distinct listening modes, and enhanced microphone quality for phone calls are all noteworthy improvements. While it lacks APTX playback, a feature present in the Pro model, its absence might be negligible in the context of an open-ear style design where a perfect seal is not achievable.
Surprisingly, the OpenRock S outshines the Pro in certain aspects, particularly in bass response. The presence of a “Relaxed” mode for toning down the bass is a thoughtful addition, offering users a customizable audio experience.
Given these advantages, the OpenRock S emerges as a worthy contender in the open-air style earbud market. Its value proposition, especially at the discounted price, positions it as an attractive option for users seeking a blend of performance, features, and affordability.
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