Shokz (formerly AfterShokz) is a global consumer audio brand best known for pioneering open-ear headphones that use bone conduction and air conduction technologies. The company focuses on headphones that allow users to listen to music, podcasts, and calls while remaining aware of their surroundings, making its products especially popular among runners, cyclists, hikers, swimmers, commuters, and professionals. The brand officially changed its name from AfterShokz to Shokz in December 2021 as part of a global rebranding effort. [1]

2004 – Company Established

The company behind Shokz was founded in 2004 with a focus on innovative audio technologies.

2011 – AfterShokz Launches

The consumer headphone brand debuted as AfterShokz, introducing one of the world’s first commercially successful bone conduction headphones. Instead of placing speakers inside the ear canal, AfterShokz transmitted sound vibrations through the cheekbones while keeping the ears open. [1]

2012–2019 – Growth

During this period, Shokz released several products that established the brand:

• Bluez

• Titanium

• Air

• Aeropex

• Xtrainerz

These headphones became particularly popular among endurance athletes and outdoor sports enthusiasts.

2020

The company relocated its North American headquarters from Syracuse, New York, to Austin, Texas. It also introduced:

• OpenMove

• Aeropex Mini

• OpenComm

2021 – Rebranding

In December 2021, the company officially renamed itself from AfterShokz to Shokz. Reasons included:

• Simpler global identity

• Reflecting expansion beyond bone conduction

• Supporting future open-ear technologies [1]

Unlike traditional headphone manufacturers that focus on noise isolation, Shokz promotes “open-ear listening.” Its philosophy centers on:

• Hearing music while remaining aware of traffic

• Improved outdoor safety

• Better communication

• Comfortable long-term wear

• Healthier awareness during exercise

The company’s mission emphasizes improving listening experiences through open-ear technology while encouraging people to stay connected to their environment.

Bone Conduction

Bone conduction sends sound vibrations through the bones around the ears directly to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrum. Advantages include:

• Ears remain open

• Better situational awareness

• Comfortable for long workouts

• Compatible with helmets and glasses

Trade-offs:

• Less bass than premium in-ear headphones

• Some vibration can be felt at higher volumes [1]

Air Conduction

Beginning with products like OpenFit, Shokz expanded into air conduction. Instead of vibrating bone, tiny speakers direct sound toward the ear without sealing the ear canal. Benefits include:

• More natural sound

• Stronger bass

• Open-ear comfort

• Reduced ear fatigue [1]

DirectPitch™

DirectPitch™ is Shokz’s proprietary air-conduction technology designed to project sound toward the listener while reducing sound leakage. It aims to improve privacy and audio clarity compared with conventional open-ear speaker designs.

DualPitch™

Introduced with the OpenRun Pro 2, DualPitch™ combines:

• Bone conduction for mids and highs

• Air conduction speaker for bass

This hybrid approach seeks to deliver fuller sound while maintaining open-ear awareness.

Sports Headphones

Designed for:

• Running

• Cycling

• Hiking

• Gym workouts

• Trail running

Features often include:

• Sweat resistance

• Secure wraparound fit

• Lightweight construction

• Long battery life

Swimming Headphones

Examples include:

• OpenSwim

• OpenSwim Pro

These include built-in MP3 storage because Bluetooth signals do not travel effectively underwater.

Open-Ear Earbuds

Examples:

• OpenFit

• OpenFit Air

• OpenFit Pro

• OpenDots series

These products use air-conduction technology instead of bone conduction while keeping the ears open. [1]

Communication Headsets

Products like OpenComm and OpenMeet UC target business users with microphones optimized for calls and virtual meetings.

• OpenRun

• OpenRun Pro

• OpenMove

• OpenFit

• OpenFit Air

• OpenFit Pro

• OpenSwim

• OpenSwim Pro

• OpenComm

• OpenMeet UC

• OpenDots [1]

Shokz products are designed primarily for:

• Runners

• Cyclists

• Swimmers

• Hikers

• Triathletes

• Office workers

• Remote professionals

• Commuters

• People who prefer environmental awareness while listening

Shokz headphones are known for:

• Open-ear comfort

• Excellent stability during exercise

• Good awareness of surroundings

• Helmet compatibility

• Glasses compatibility

• Lightweight design

• Water-resistant models

• Long battery life [1]

Compared with premium in-ear headphones:

• Weaker bass on pure bone-conduction models

• Limited passive noise isolation

• Less suitable for very noisy environments such as airplanes or subways

• Some sound leakage at high volumes

• Higher prices than many conventional sports headphones [1]

According to the company:

• Products are sold in more than 60 countries and regions

• Over 7 million customers worldwide

• Portfolio includes 4,000+ patent assets related to open-ear audio technologies

Shokz has continually expanded beyond traditional bone-conduction headphones, introducing hybrid audio systems, open-ear earbuds, and professional communication headsets. Company leaders have also discussed future work involving AI-enabled wearables, smart glasses, and hearing-related technologies, though many of these projects remain in development. [2]

Shokz is widely regarded as one of the leading brands in the open-ear headphone market. Its products are frequently recommended for outdoor sports because they balance audio playback with environmental awareness, a feature valued by runners and cyclists. [3]

• Bone conduction technology

• Open-ear headphones

• Sports headphones

• Air conduction audio

• Wearable audio technology

1. Sound Starts With Shokz

2. ‘For glasses specifically, we have already gone through several iterations’ -Shokz’ CEO confirms the sports headphones company is working on AI smart glasses, hearing solutions and a ‘record everything’ AI-powered assistant for future headphones

3. “Inspiration is easy, innovation is really hard.” How Shokz built its open-ear empire -from struggles to success