review

TOZO OpenReal Review Air Conduction Neckband Earbuds

Tuesday, September 05, 2023


In a world full of wireless earbuds, the TOZO OpenReal earbuds truly stand out because of their unique Air Conduction technology. They might look similar to bone conduction earbuds, but they work differently when it comes to delivering sound.

Air Conduction Technology, used in the TOZO OpenReal earbuds, sends sound through the air into your ear canal, which is the traditional way we hear. On the other hand, Bone Conduction Technology works by sending vibrations through the bones in your skull, bypassing your ear canal entirely. Even though they don't use bone conduction technology, the TOZO OpenReal earbuds have a similar open-ear neckband design. This design is a game-changer if you want to enjoy all-day comfort without feeling tired in your ears. The TOZO OpenReal earbuds wrap around the top of your ear, and the earpieces sit on the outside of your ear without really touching it.

In terms of sound quality, the OpenReal earbuds deliver an impressive performance, especially considering their price point. They provide a classic listening experience, where sound travels through your ear canal. This results in audio that is clearer and more immersive compared to bone conduction earbuds. This makes the OpenReal earbuds a better choice for general music listening and making phone calls. Speaking of calls, the microphone quality is surprisingly good, and the noise suppression feature effectively reduces background noise, ensuring your calls sound clear.

When we choose earbuds, we want a great audio experience, and the TOZO OpenReal earbuds certainly deliver in this aspect. Thanks to their air conduction technology and 16.2mm dynamic drivers, these earbuds produce clear and focused sound that brings your music to life. The bass is robust, and the overall sound quality is deep and immersive. Whether you're listening to classical symphonies or heavy rock, these earbuds handle a variety of music genres with finesse.

The OpenReal air conduction earbuds employ a Bluetooth 5.3 chip, ensuring a stable connection and support for the AAC codec. However, they don't offer multipoint connection capability. When it comes to battery life, which is a crucial factor for wireless earbuds, the TOZO OpenReal doesn't disappoint. With the AAC codec, you can enjoy up to 15 hours of playtime at 50% volume. If you opt for the standard SBC codec, you can squeeze an extra 2-3 hours of battery life. Charging the earbuds to 100% takes just 1 hour, and there's a convenient 10-minute quick charge feature that gives you 2 hours of playtime.

Charging the OpenReal earbuds is done through a magnetic 2-pin connection. The magnetic attachment is secure enough to hold the connection in place but not strong enough to allow you to swing the cable around freely, as it might disconnect. These earbuds don't support USB charging, which means you'll need to use the provided cable. If you happen to lose or misplace the magnetic charging cable, you'll have to purchase a replacement. It's worth noting that while charging, you can't listen to audio because the Bluetooth connection disconnects.

When it comes to managing your earbuds, the Tozo OpenReal earbuds feature a touch control panel on the right earpiece. It's highly sensitive and allows you to control various functions with simple tap gestures. You can use it to skip tracks (forward or backward), interact with your voice assistant, handle calls (answer, end, reject, or put on hold), and adjust the volume (increase or decrease).

Additionally, there are two rubbery physical buttons on the bottom of the earpiece, marked with plus and minus symbols. While they may look like volume controls, they serve a different purpose. These buttons are used for powering the earbuds on and off and for resetting them. Body construction consists of matte plastic and soft rubber along with metal grilles covering the drivers.

The open-ear design is a remarkable feature, especially for outdoor pursuits. It enables you to relish your music while staying attuned to your surroundings. This aspect not only improves safety but also makes these earbuds a top pick for individuals engaged in activities like running, cycling, or anyone who values remaining vigilant while enjoying their music. Privacy matters, and the directional sound technology employed by the TOZO OpenReal ensures that audio is directed towards your ears, minimizing sound leakage (see video). This not only enhances the listening experience but also ensures your privacy in public spaces.

The open-ear design encourages airflow and helps maintain ear hygiene, preventing issues like moisture buildup and discomfort often associated with headphones and earbuds. Whether you're engaging in long listening sessions, running, or doing weightlifting, the OpenReal earbuds provide a comfortable and secure fit, thanks to their neckband design and lightweight construction, weighing in at just 31 grams.

You also have the advantage of TOZO App support, which enables you to effortlessly update the earbuds' firmware to access the latest enhancements and improvements. Additionally, you can access sound presets and a 10-band EQ for sound customization. It's important to note that customization is not available for touch controls and button controls.


Selling points
  • Innovative open-ear design for all-day comfort
  • Impressive sound quality with powerful bass
  • Stable Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
  • Comfortable for extended wear
  • Dual-mic ENC for clear calls in noisy environments
  • Long battery life with quick charging
  • Magnetic charging
  • Good performing mic for calls
  • More bass and louder volume than bone conduction
  • Neckband design
  • Compatible with glasses but if you have a hearing impairment or wear hearing aids, bone conduction earphones are a better choice.
  • No flashing bluetooth light when listening to audio
  • AAC codec support
  • 16 customizable EQ sound presets
  • 10 band EQ
  • IPX7 water proof
  • Intuitive touch controls
  • Enhanced awareness of surroundings
  • Directional sound technology for privacy
  • Excellent ventilation for extended use
  • Customization options via the TOZO app
Potential deal breakers
  • Limited noise isolation (intentional due to open-ear design)
  • Not ideal for extremely noisy environments
  • No active noise cancellation feature
  • Proprietary charging
  • Blocks the ear canal, unlike bone conduction headphones
  • No USB charging
  • No passthrough audio used whilst charging
  • No button remapping
  • No multipoint
  • Not be suited for extremely noisy environments
  • No onboard EQ button
  • Not ideal for users who require constant awareness of their surroundings, such as cyclists or joggers on busy streets.
Accessories include a 50cm long magnetic 2-pin charging cable. You can buy the OpenReal from TozoStore and amazon.

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