The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize call quality and are a frequent headset user during exercise, the Shokz OpenMove could be a better fit due to its higher microphone quality and sweatproof certification. The OpenMove also uses bone conduction technology which allows you to stay aware of your surroundings, beneficial for outdoor activities. On the other hand, the Apple AirPods offer a more conventional earbud experience with better overall sound quality, optimized integration with Apple products, and the convenience of a charging case with wireless charging capability. They are also more portable with a smaller form factor. However, their higher cost and lack of sweatproof certification may be drawbacks for active users on a budget. Give Feedback
this description is based on the product variant with some specs and product variant with some specs. At the time of writing, the variant with some specs cost some dollars and the variant with some specs cost some dollars.
Advantages of the Apple Airpods (2nd generation)
Good for air travel
Very good for podcasts and audiobooks
Advantages of the Shokz OpenMove
Good for phone calls
Good for exercise
Key differences
Music
5.8/10
4.8/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Shokz OpenMove are both poor for music, though the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is somewhat better.
Phone Calls
6.9/10
7.8/10
The Shokz OpenMove is good for phone calls, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) is only fair.
Cost
$89
$181
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has a price of $89 and the Shokz OpenMove costs $181.
Build Quality
7.6/10
8.5/10
The Shokz OpenMove has very good build quality, while the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has good build quality.
The Shokz OpenMove and Apple Airpods (2nd generation) are both poor for gaming.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
8.1/10
7.9/10
Although they have very similar scores, PerfectRec considers Apple Airpods (2nd generation) to be very good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Shokz OpenMove is good.
TV and Video
5.4/10
5.0/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Shokz OpenMove are both poor for TV and video.
Noise Reduction
2.5/10
2.5/10
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and Shokz OpenMove are both poor for noise reduction.
Battery
4.0 Hours
6.0 Hours
The Apple Airpods (2nd generation) has 4 hours of battery life. The Shokz OpenMove has 6 hours of battery life.
Give feedback
We’re constantly working to improve.
How the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) and the Shokz OpenMove compare to other earbuds and headphones
"The Shokz OpenMove are a bit more affordable than the company's other bone conduction headphones, making them a more appealing option for athletes on a budget. These headphones support premium features like multipoint connectivity and a durable build, but you lose other niceties like fast charging and a long battery life. Still, for less than $80, these are nice bone conduction headphones that will keep you safe when exercising."
Get a great deal on the Apple Airpods (2nd generation) or the Shokz OpenMove
About Apple
Apple Inc. is an American technology company, founded in 1976, known for its wide range of premium products, including smartphones, computers, and audio solutions. Apple offers the very popular personal audio line AirPods, highly regarded for their wireless, smart capabilities and their seamless integration with the iPhone, iPad and Mac devices. They provide a high-quality sound, comfort and lifestyle features perfect for all users invested in their ecosystem.
Give feedback
We're constantly perfecting our model
Earbuds or Headphones guides you might be interested in
This information was produced and vetted by the PerfectRec earbuds & headphones team. We are a product research and recommendation organization that meticulously reviews and evaluates the latest earbuds or headphones information and makes it digestible for you.
By the numbers
108
Earbuds and headphones evaluated
11,340
Earbuds and headphones stats compiled
15
Proprietary Earbuds and headphones ratings developed
94,700
Recommendations made
14,205
Consumer hours saved
About the Earbuds or Headphones team
Joe Golden, Ph.D
CEO and Earbuds and Headphones Editor
Joe is an entrepreneur and lifelong electronics enthusiast with a Ph.D in Economics from the University of Michigan.
Jason Lew
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Jason is a staff expert and software engineer that has been making laptop recommendations for 7 years and moderates one of the largest laptop subreddits.
Chandradeep Chowdhury
Staff Expert & Software Engineer
Chandradeep is a staff expert and software engineer and expert in televisions and monitors. He’s been making monitor recommendations for ten years.
Luis Torres
Earbuds and Headphones Expert
Luis is a Mexico-based headphones expert. He’s been making headphone recommendations for five years and has close to 100 pairs in his personal collection.