Open headsets compared: Shokz, oleap, and Nearity

Summary

In this video, the creator compares three open-ear headsets: the OIP Pilot, Nearity, and Shokz OpenRun 2. Each headset is evaluated for outdoor call quality, comfort, and unique features. The OIP Pilot offers a solid boom mic and a USB dongle for computer use, while the Nearity stands out with its AI-powered call recording and transcription. The Shokz OpenRun 2, despite lacking a boom mic and dongle, delivers the clearest, fullest voice sound, making it the creator's favorite for general use. Overall, all three headsets perform well, but the Shokz wins in clarity, with the Nearity retained for its special recording feature.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video compares three open-ear headsets: OIP Pilot, Nearity, and Shokz OpenRun Pro 2.
• 😀 The OIP Pilot comes with a triangular box and a Bluetooth dongle for computer use.
• 😀 The Nearity headset has a built-in AI translation service and a transcription app for phone calls.
• 😀 The Nearity headset also features a boom mic for better sound quality, especially for phone calls.
• 😀 The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 lacks a boom mic but is known for its louder and clearer sound quality.
• 😀 The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 comes with a compact, egg-shaped case but does not include a dongle.
• 😀 The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is designed for outdoor activities like jogging and sports, rather than office use.
• 😀 The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is the loudest and clearest in terms of sound quality, even without a boom mic.
• 😀 The Nearity headset’s ability to secretly record phone calls with AI transcription is a standout feature.
• 😀 The speaker believes the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is the best for their use case, though they still value the Nearity for its unique features.

Q & A

What makes the Nearity headset stand out from the others?

The Nearity headset stands out because it has a built-in AI translation feature, which allows it to record and transcribe phone calls secretly on both ends. It also comes with a boom mic, making it unique compared to other headsets.

How does the OIP Pilot compare to the other headsets in terms of design and usability?

The OIP Pilot has a unique triangular box for storage, which the speaker does not personally like, and includes a Bluetooth dongle for use with computers. The headset is designed to be open ear, allowing you to hear environmental sounds while making it suitable for phone and Zoom calls.

What kind of environment does the speaker test the headsets in?

The speaker tests the headsets outside on a nice, summery day with some wind, birds, and background noise from nearby cars due to proximity to a major road.

How does the microphone performance of the Shokz OpenRun differ from the other headsets?

The Shokz OpenRun has a microphone that is underneath the headset instead of a boom mic. Despite this, the speaker finds it to be the loudest and clearest, providing a fuller voice sound with higher gain settings compared to the other headsets.

What is the main drawback of the Shokz OpenRun headset?

The main drawback of the Shokz OpenRun is that it does not come with a dongle for easy computer connection. However, it can still be used with computers and iPads, but it is mainly designed for outdoor activities like jogging and sports.

What special feature does the Nearity headset offer for recording phone calls?

The Nearity headset can secretly record phone calls on both ends through its built-in AI transcription service, which is a unique feature among the three headsets tested.

How does the OIP Pilot compare in sound quality to the other headsets?

The OIP Pilot sounds decent but requires adjusting the gain settings for better clarity. It is not as loud or clear as the Shokz OpenRun, but it is still a solid choice with a well-built boom mic.

Why does the speaker prefer the Shokz OpenRun overall?

The speaker prefers the Shokz OpenRun because it offers the best sound quality, with clearer voice reproduction and higher gain settings. The case design is also appreciated, although it lacks a dongle.

Which headset does the speaker personally use the most?

The speaker personally uses the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 the most, although they also keep the Nearity for its unique phone call recording feature.

What is the main advantage of the OpenRun over the other headsets?

The main advantage of the OpenRun is its superior sound quality, with a louder and clearer microphone that delivers fuller voice sound compared to the other headsets.