January has a funny way of humbling us. One minute you’re writing an ambitious list of New Year’s resolutions with a matcha in hand, the next you’re negotiating with yourself about whether “three workouts a week” can quietly become one long walk and a podcast. Enter the unlikely hero of my 2026 reset: a pair of headphones that might actually make sticking to your goals feel… easy.
I’ve been road-testing the new Shokz OpenFit Pro — their most advanced open-ear earbuds yet — and while I didn’t expect headphones to have main character energy in my New Year reboot, here we are.
Let’s start with the big resolution most of us write down: move more. Whether that means training for a half marathon or simply not spending the entire day glued to your desk, the OpenFit Pro feels designed for real-life movement. Unlike traditional earbuds that seal you off from the world (and inevitably fall out mid-squat), these sit just outside the ear using Shokz’s open-ear design. Translation? You can hear your music and your surroundings — traffic, gym announcements, that overly enthusiastic spin instructor — without constantly popping an earbud in and out like a nervous tic.
What’s genuinely impressive is that Shokz has managed to introduce noise reduction into an open-ear design — something that previously felt like a contradiction. Using clever acoustic modelling, a triple-microphone system and an ear-adaptive algorithm (yes, it’s smarter than me before coffee), the OpenFit Pro subtly dials down background chaos while keeping you situationally aware. Perfect for the resolution that reads: go to the gym without feeling overwhelmed by the noise.
Then there’s the “focus more” goal. , The one that promises deep work sessions and fewer “just checking” social scrolls. I tested these during a cafe workday — peak grinder noise, espresso cups clinking like percussion instruments — and was surprised at how immersive the sound felt without tipping into full isolation. One button press lets you toggle modes, so shifting from office focus to walking meetings to a busy commute feels seamless. No fiddling, no faffing, no rage-quitting your playlist.
Sound-wise, these don’t play small. The ultra-large 11 x 20mm driver paired with Shokz SuperBoost delivers audio that’s punchy without being aggressive — crisp highs, warm mids and bass that exists without trying to dominate your soul. The OpenBass 2.0 tech gives your playlists actual depth (hello, motivation anthems), while DirectPitch 3.0 reduces sound leakage — a quiet win for anyone trying to avoid broadcasting their guilty-pleasure playlists to the entire bus.
If your resolution involves doing things for longer — longer walks, longer workdays, longer stretches of being a functional human — comfort becomes non-negotiable. The Shokz OpenFit Pro nails this with Ultra-Soft Silicone 2.0 and a titanium-enhanced frame that somehow feels secure without pressure. I wore them through workouts, errands and a full workday without the urge to rip them off in dramatic fashion. There’s also a stability kit included if your ears prefer a little extra reassurance.
For the “be more consistent” crowd, battery life matters more than you think. These deliver up to 12 hours on a single charge, stretching to 50 hours with the charging case. Even better: a quick 10-minute charge gives you four hours of listening time — ideal for those “I forgot to charge anything” mornings we all pretend won’t happen again this year.
They’re also IP55-rated, meaning sweat, light rain and general Summer chaos aren’t a problem. Translation: your January fitness kick won’t be derailed by humidity or a particularly enthusiastic workout.
And because no New Year reset is complete without a little aesthetic motivation, the OpenFit Pro looks sleek enough to feel like a lifestyle upgrade rather than a piece of gym tech. Available in black or white, they’re minimal, modern and quietly cool — the kind of accessory that makes you feel like someone who definitely has their life together (even if you’re still figuring it out).
The Shokz OpenFit Pro is available for pre-sale from 6 January 2026, officially landing on 22 January, with an RRP of $399. They’re an investment, sure — but if your resolutions include moving more, focusing better, and generally feeling less frazzled while doing it, these might just be the rare piece of tech that actually helps you follow through.
And if nothing else, at least you’ll look good breaking into February still wearing them.
