AfterShokz OpenComm Headset Review
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SEE AGAIN
– Thanks to a virus (and shades of 2020) I've lost a lot of my hearing on one side. Headphones and headphones don't provide much help for this condition - so getting something like a stereo experience, I have to turn the scales to the side and turn up the volume. Bone conduction headphones seem like a great solution, at least for the inevitable deluge of conference calls that this year has become. So, with a lot of I hope I dive into the world of bone conduction with the AfterShokz OpenComm headset...
What is that?
Bone conduction audio delivers sound via vibrations applied to your cheekbones where it is picked up by your inner ear. The technology has been around since the 1950s and is often used to treat certain types of hearing loss. The AfterShokz OpenComm is a bone conduction headset specially designed for communications via softphones or real phones, conferencing software or other communication media. By delivering bone conduction audio, your ears are free to hear what is happening around from you - in other words, it promotes situational awareness without hindering communication.
What's in the box?
The AfterShokz OpenComm Headset
A proprietary charging cable
A hard case
All the usual papers
How it works?
The OpenComm comes with a proprietary charging cable. Under normal circumstances I'd take a point off, but this headset uses a special (and strong) magnetic connection that doesn't require you to open a rubber port cover and d trying to wedge a micro-USB connection into the port. Super simple, fast and efficient, so add a dot here. The image below gives you an idea of how the charger connects to the headset.
After a few hours of charging, I'm ready to connect the headset to my computer and phone. One thing to note - the OpenComm doesn't appear to have multipoint technology, so it can only be connected to one only one device at a time. Pairing is a breeze, though - detecting standard Bluetooth devices on my computer and NFC touch and connect on my phone. I was up and running on both within minutes.
The OpenComm's mic is on the left side, which is an unusual configuration for headsets with boom mics. The mic can swing back and out of the way if you're listening to music, but moving the mic doesn't cut it like other headsets do. Other than the mic and conduction pad, there's nothing else left.
The right side is where all the action happens. The charging port, volume up and down (separate buttons – yes!) and the multi-function button are all there. It's the multi-function button on the cushion. conduction, and the volume controls are on the underside - a better picture of that in a second.
Volume up and down buttons. Press and hold the volume to turn the headset on or off. Press both for two seconds to mute/unmute the microphone during a call.
A little something extra about the mic: there are additional mics (one of which can be seen in the photo below) which provides outside noise cancellation for the mic. It is able to isolate your voice from the background and deliver crisp, clear sound.
And when you're not using the headset, AfterShokz includes a nice hard case to store the headset and related items.
So now the real question: does it work? And the answer is an emphatic yes. For the first time in many years, I can clearly hear Zoom/Teams meetings, phone calls, podcasts and more .It feels like there's a bit more baseline to the bone conduction than in a traditional headset - probably because the sound waves aren't really part of the picture anymore with this technology.It's also the why your voice sounds different in your head compared to listening to a recording of yourself.
In every meeting and call I've been on, I get kudos for being able to be heard clearly. Hands down, this is the best mic on any headset I've ever had - much better even than the very expensive Universal Communications headset that I own from another company, a device that costs a little more than twice what this headset works. Let me paint a little picture of how good this mic is - on a call last week the UPS guy rang my doorbell and my google assistant next to my desk rang to tell me someone was at the door my two dogs lying about a meter apart walked in the usual frenzy when the doorbell rings (because it could be someone coming to play with them or it could be one of the neighborhood squirrels laughing at them), running for the front door barking all the way. No one at my meeting was even aware of what happened. I was, they weren't.
Situational awareness is important, and keeping your ears free while still being able to participate in a call or listen to music can be very important. This is especially true if you have a job as a delivery driver - you need to be able to hear what's going on around you and sidetone (the compensation technology most other headphones use to allow background sound) just isn't all that effective, even if your hearing is at 100%.
When it comes to comfort, the OpenComm is right at the top of the list. In over 3 weeks of using the headset, I tend to wear it 8-9 hours a day. There are more than a few days every week where I forget to take the headset off when I leave my desk because I forget I'm wearing it. But if a call comes in or a team member contacts me during office hours, I can respond quickly.And there isn't the heat and earache associated with traditional over-the-ear or over-the-ear headphones, so it's truly an all-day device.
Music sound quality, however, is good but stops short of being great. There's a noticeable lack of high notes, and that's directly attributable to bone conduction. That's more than enough for a business use if you need to be aware of what's going on around you, but you're not buying the OpenComm for the audiophile experience. And it really shines on podcasts or other human voice-based entertainment like stand-up comedy.
What I like
I can finally "hear" clearly on conference calls (and my team members don't have to put up with multiple "can you repeat that?" questions)
Exclusive charging but significantly better than similar headsets
And everyone can hear me clearly, whether I'm in a cafe or near two fearless squirrel fighters
What I would change
Rotate the mic out of the way and also mute the mic
Final Thoughts
In a year that has fundamentally changed how and where I work, I have searched for the right technology that will help me cope with the changes. I'm so sorry that AfterShokz OpenComm came out a short time ago. .The headset almost instantly became my favorite communication device, and selfishly, I wish I had this device when all the madness started. play. Even with my hearing loss, I find I never need to go that loud, but that's good to know. The comfort and clarity that the OpenComm brings to my day literally outweighs any perceived quirks. If 2020 has turned you into a Zoom warrior, the AfterShokz OpenComm must be on your head.
Price:
$159.95
Or buy:
At
After Shokz
store or on
Amazon
Source:
The examination headset was provided by
After Shokz
.Visit their website for more information.
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