Shokz OpenFit Pro ZDNET's key takeaways The Shokz OpenFit Pro are the company's first open-ear earbuds with noise reduction technology.
The noise reduction feature works well at reducing ambient noise without compromising awareness.
More mics for noise processing make these earbuds heavier, and their asking price isn't cheap. $249.99 at Best Buy
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Open-ear earbuds enthusiasts typically revere their form factor because they either want to remain in tune with their surroundings or dislike the feeling of earbuds inside their ear canal. Whatever the reason may be, open-ear earbuds have popped up in every corner of the earbud industry, proving their popularity and utility.
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But what about people who don't want to hear everything but still want an open-ear experience? Shokz's OpenFit Pro earbuds explore exactly that. The company unveiled its latest open-ear earbuds with noise reduction technology at CES 2026, marking a first for the company and an apt environment in which to make the announcement.
I've tested the earbuds' unique feature during the first days of the show, and before you disregard it, here's why it could be one of the most useful audio technologies you'll see this week.
Don't call it noise cancellation
Open-ear earbuds were a response to the sometimes impracticality of tight in-ear seals and aggressive noise cancellation of traditional earbuds. However, a fully open form factor can be equally impractical, allowing all external noise to reach your ears and diminishing your listening experience.
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