Shokz Unveils Noise-Reducing Open-Ear Buds, Teases Smart Glasses

Shokz Unveils Noise-Reducing Open-Ear Buds, Teases Smart Glasses

The audio pioneer wins big at CES 2026 with its revolutionary OpenFit Pro and award-winning OpenDots ONE, while offering a glimpse into its future.

3 days ago

Shokz Unveils Revolutionary Open-Ear Audio and Smart Glass Vision at CES 2026

LAS VEGAS, NV – January 05, 2026 – As the doors open at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, open-ear audio specialist Shokz has already established itself as a dominant force, securing multiple prestigious CES Innovation Awards and signaling a bold future that extends beyond headphones. The company is showcasing a formidable lineup, including the award-winning OpenDots ONE and its groundbreaking new flagship, the OpenFit Pro, which introduces active noise reduction to the open-ear category for the first time.

For over a decade, Shokz has meticulously carved out its niche by focusing exclusively on open-ear technology, building a reputation for products that deliver quality sound without sacrificing comfort or situational awareness. This year's announcements not only reinforce its leadership in the hearables market but also reveal ambitious plans to integrate its audio expertise into the burgeoning smart glasses sector, positioning the brand at the intersection of present-day innovation and future-forward concepts.

The OpenFit Pro: A New Flagship with a Unique Trick

The centerpiece of Shokz's CES showcase is the official debut of its most advanced product to date: the Shokz OpenFit Pro. This new flagship, which also earned a 2026 CES Innovation Award, addresses a long-standing challenge for open-ear designs: managing ambient noise. The OpenFit Pro is the brand's first model to feature active noise reduction, a technology it has carefully engineered to align with its core philosophy. Instead of creating a complete seal like traditional noise-canceling earbuds, the OpenFit Pro's system uses a triple-microphone array and an adaptive algorithm to lower the volume of the surrounding environment, allowing for clearer audio in noisy settings like cafes, gyms, or open offices, without completely isolating the user. This TÜV-certified feature offers adjustable levels, giving users control over their listening experience while preserving the critical benefit of situational awareness.

Beyond its noise reduction capabilities, the OpenFit Pro is packed with premium audio technology. It incorporates synchronized dual-diaphragm drivers powered by Shokz's SuperBoost technology for enhanced clarity. An aluminum dome provides structural stability for crisp highs, while a silicone diaphragm delivers a stronger low-end response, further optimized by the proprietary OpenBass™ 2.0 algorithm. For a truly immersive experience, the earbuds support Dolby Atmos with head tracking, creating a dynamic spatial audio field. Sound leakage, a common concern with open designs, is minimized through the company's refined DirectPitch™ 3.0 technology.

Designed for all-day wear, each 12.3-gram earbud features a flexible nickel-titanium ear hook and an Ultra-Soft Silicone™ 2.0 finish, ensuring a secure and pressure-free fit. The OpenFit Pro boasts an impressive battery life of up to 12 hours on a single charge, extending to 50 hours with the charging case. With noise reduction enabled, it still provides a respectable 6 hours of use, or 24 with the case. A quick 10-minute charge yields 4 hours of playtime. With an IP55 rating for water and dust resistance, multipoint pairing for seamless device switching, and advanced call clarity via an AI-enhanced microphone system, the OpenFit Pro is positioned as a premium do-it-all device. Priced at $249.95, pre-orders are set to begin on January 6, marking a significant new entry in the high-end hearables market.

OpenDots ONE: Award-Winning Design for Everyday Listening

Sharing the spotlight is the Shokz OpenDots ONE, another 2026 CES Innovation Awards Honoree recognized for its exceptional ergonomics and craftsmanship. Where the OpenFit Pro targets performance users, the OpenDots ONE is designed for comfort and convenience in daily life. It features a minimalist clip-on form factor, using a flexible nickel-titanium JointArc™ and a soft silicone grip to attach securely to the ear. Weighing just 6.5 grams per earbud, the design prioritizes a lightweight, barely-there feel.

Despite its compact size, the OpenDots ONE delivers a rich audio experience with support for Dolby Audio and the brand’s Bassphere™ technology for powerful bass. It also utilizes DirectPitch™ to control sound leakage. Battery life is a strong point, offering up to 10 hours of continuous listening and a total of 40 hours with its Qi-compatible wireless charging case. An IP54 water-resistance rating protects against sweat and light rain, making it a versatile companion for commutes and light workouts.

The OpenDots ONE enters a rapidly growing segment of the market. Open-ear earbuds are a clear trend at CES 2026, with competitors like Bose and Anker Soundcore also showcasing new models. Priced at $199, the OpenDots ONE is positioned competitively, offering a compelling alternative to both traditional in-ear buds and higher-priced open-ear options like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, which retail for nearly $300. This product effectively broadens Shokz’s portfolio, providing a distinct option alongside its bone conduction headphones and ear-hook style earbuds.

A Strategy of Specialization Pays Off

Shokz's success at CES 2026 is no accident; it's the result of a long-term, disciplined strategy. For more than a decade, the company has focused exclusively on advancing open-ear audio. This singular focus has allowed it to build deep expertise in acoustics, sound engineering, and ergonomics, overcoming the unique challenges inherent to designs that don't block the ear canal. As stated in its official communications, Shokz's approach to innovation is "grounded in real-world use and long-term wearability," a philosophy evident in its new products.

This dedication has established Shokz as a pioneer and leader in a category that is now hitting the mainstream. While other audio brands are just beginning to explore open-ear designs, Shokz has a mature and diverse product line catering to athletes, professionals, and everyday consumers. The multiple CES Innovation Awards serve as powerful third-party validation of this specialized approach, cementing its reputation as the brand to beat in the open-ear space.

Beyond Headphones: A Glimpse into Smart Glasses

While celebrating its current achievements, Shokz is also using CES to signal its future direction. The company is previewing early-stage smart glasses concepts, offering a glimpse into how it envisions the evolution of wearable audio. This move is a logical extension of its brand identity, leveraging its core competency in open-ear sound delivery for a new form factor. By integrating high-quality, discreet audio into eyewear, Shokz could solve one of the key challenges for smart glasses: providing a seamless audio experience without cumbersome earbuds or tinny, distracting speakers.

This exploration aligns perfectly with major trends at CES 2026, where AI-powered wearables and the fusion of fashion and technology are major themes. The market for smart glasses, though still nascent, is slowly gaining traction with products like the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses. However, significant hurdles related to aesthetics, battery life, and privacy remain. Shokz's potential entry could be disruptive if it focuses on creating a product that excels in audio performance and comfort, carving out a niche centered on a superior listening experience. This forward-looking initiative demonstrates that Shokz is not content to simply lead its current market but is actively working to define the future of personal, wearable technology.

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