Open-ear buds show noticeable noise reduction for commutes.

Shokz’s OpenFit Pro open-ear buds use microphone-driven noise reduction rather than sealed ANC, and the reviewer reported they noticeably reduce ambient noise in moderately loud settings such as cafes and some commutes.

Shokz unveiled the OpenFit Pro open-ear buds at CES 2026 and promoted them with a noise-cancellation claim. The product uses noise reduction rather than true active noise cancellation because it does not seal the ear canal. The design pairs a triple-microphone array with a tweaked speaker and an adaptive algorithm to lessen environmental noise. The article's reviewer reported that this approach noticeably improved listening in moderately loud settings compared with previous open-ear models. Key details: - Price reported at $249.95. - System described as noise reduction (not sealed ANC): two microphones monitor external sounds and a third microphone near the ear tracks what reaches the ear canal. - Battery life noted as about 12 hours on the buds alone, dropping to about 6 hours with noise reduction active; the case adds roughly 50 hours of charge. - Audio improvements include support up to 40 kHz and reduced distortion below 100 Hz; Dolby Atmos with head tracking is included but felt optional by the reviewer. - Fit and design concerns remain: behind-the-ear hooks can feel bulky, especially with glasses, and the case is large. Summary: The article reports that the OpenFit Pro narrows the gap between open-ear convenience and focused listening by reducing ambient noise in moderately loud environments. Undetermined at this time.