The PerfectRec Earbuds or Headphones team Learn more
Updated January 10, 2024·
If you prioritize high-quality audio and can afford a higher price, the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 are known for their superior sound. However, if you seek an open-ear design for awareness in outdoor activities or prefer something more budget-friendly, the Shokz OpenMove would be a good choice but with a compromise on sound isolation and bass response. The Pi5 S2 offers noise cancellation for immersion, which the OpenMove lacks, making it suboptimal for noisy environments. Remember, OpenMove's bone conduction technology is gentler on the ears for extended wear, something to consider if comfort is a key factor for you. 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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2
Very good for air travel
Advantages of the Shokz OpenMove
Good for phone calls
Good for exercise
Good for podcasts and audiobooks
Key differences
Music
6.7/10
4.8/10
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is only fair for music, while the Shokz OpenMove is poor.
Phone Calls
5.0/10
7.8/10
The Shokz OpenMove is good for phone calls, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
Podcasts and Audiobooks
5.6/10
7.9/10
The Shokz OpenMove is good for podcasts and audiobooks, while the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is poor.
TV and Video
5.6/10
5.0/10
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 and Shokz OpenMove are both poor for TV and video, though the Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is somewhat better.
Noise Reduction
8.3/10
2.5/10
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 is very good for noise reduction, while the Shokz OpenMove is poor.
Cost
$149
$80
$0
$50
$100
$150
$200
The Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 has a price of $149 and the Shokz OpenMove costs $80.
"Bowers and Wilkins isn’t looking to make an obscure, premium wireless bud catered specifically towards audiophiles. Instead, it seems apparent that they’re going for the crown: a cool and popular look, an easy and comfortable fit, and an engaging stage with a great balance that is perfectly suited for mainstream listeners and audiophiles alike."
"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 Bowers and Wilkins Pi5 S2 or the Shokz OpenMove
About Bowers and Wilkins
Bowers and Wilkins is a British audio equipment manufacturer with a focus on innovation and product development. It was founded by a couple of real-life James Bonds, the co-founders John Bowers and Roy Wilkins, who met while working for MI6 during World War II. The company keeps being favored by enthusiasts due to their sound quality, craftsmanship and signature aesthetics.
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
127,100
Recommendations made
19,065
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.