Up for review is the OpenRock X Open-Ear Sport Earbuds, a sub-$170 offering from the emerging audio brand, OpenRock. With features such as a secure fit, IPX5 water resistance, and extended battery life, these earbuds are positioned for those with active lifestyles or those who prefer situational awareness during use.
Disclosure: The X Open-Ear Sport Earbuds were provided by OpenRock for the purpose of this review. While the product was supplied by the brand, they exerted no influence over the content or conclusions presented herein. However, OpenRock has extended a 15% discount (Code: TechPorn) for readers who choose to purchase the earbuds directly through their official online store.
Table of Contents:
Technical Specifications
The OpenRock X Open-Ear Sport Earbuds offer an alternative to in-ear audio devices. Leveraging air conduction technology, they deliver sound while keeping your ears open to ambient noise. While technically classified as earbuds, the OpenRock X features a unique design that doesn’t require the same mounting procedure like traditional buds.
| Earphones | |
|---|---|
| Transducer | 14.2 mm, Dynamic |
| Frequency Response | 20-20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | N/A |
| Sensitivity | (±3) 119 dB @ 1 kHz |
| THD | N/A |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.3 |
| Microphone | |
| Transducer | N/A |
| Polar Pattern | N/A |
| Frequency Response | N/A |
| Sensitivity | (±1) -38 dBV/Pa |
| Dimensions | |
| Length | 91.5 mm |
| Width | 46.1 mm |
| Height | 32.5 mm |
| Weight | 24 g |
Packaging and Accessories
The OpenRock X Open-Ear Sport Earbuds is enclosed in a unique looking package with each accessories neatly organized.
Scope of delivery are as follows:
- OpenRock X Open-Ear Sport Earbuds
- Charging Case
- Charging Cable
- Carabiner
- Documentation(s)
Design, Build and Connectivity
The OpenRock X Open-Ear Sport Earbuds break away from the conventional TWS design, featuring an oblong-shaped driver housing paired with a dual-axis swiveling hook joint. The overall look is quite sophisticated, though the prominent OpenRock branding on each earbud could benefit from a more subtle approach for a sleeker aesthetic.
The OpenRock X doesn’t feature touch controls – surprising given its large surface area, which could have supported them. Instead, it relies on physical buttons, a practical choice considering the needs of its target users.
The OpenRock X comes with a durable aluminum charging case, designed for rugged use and equipped with a built-in carabiner for added portability. Charging performance (1 hour of use with 5 minute charge) is on par with my gaming true wireless earbuds, and together with the case, it delivers several days of playback.
Ergonomics
The OpenRock X may not be ultra-light at around 12 grams each, but it makes up for it with a dual-center joint design offering 45° horizontal and 50° vertical adjustability. This ensures a secure, comfortable fit for most ear sizes.
Getting the perfect fit with the OpenRock X is crucial – not just to keep it securely in place, but especially for optimal sound quality. Even a slight misalignment can throw off the channel balance. That said, having to remove it from the charging case and readjust it every time I use it is by far the most tedious part.
Software
The OpenRock X comes with its own proprietary app, named after the brand. It can be downloaded from the official website, as well as the Play Store and App Store. The app provides firmware updates and displays earphone statistics, including the battery levels of each earbud and the charging case.
Other notable features include button remapping, a volume limiter, several preset options and a basic equalizer.
Frequency Response
Due to its relatively flatter sound profile compared to the other available presets, we evaluated the OpenRock X using its Custom Mode in its default configuration. This tuning also happens to align most closely with my personal listening preferences. Overall, the measurements are generally satisfying, though there is a noticeable dip in energy between 1 and 3 kHz, as well as a peak in the 3 to 4 kHz range. The peak doesn’t sound alarming – in fact, I found it quite acceptable – suggesting that what appears in the measurements might be caused either by driver ringing or potential inaccuracies in my measurement setup.
Bass
Bass starts to roll-off around 100 Hz, but overall stays close to the target curve, with only a minor dip in energy as it approaches the lower midrange. Considering the OpenRock X is technically an earbud, the limited sub-bass presence is understandable.
Mids
The midrange performance is adequate, but a pronounced dip between 1 and 3 kHz significantly hampers detail retrieval. While the bass and lower mids up to 1 kHz are well-tuned, they can sometimes color the overall sound signature of the OpenRock X – making certain tracks sound muddy, nasal, or slightly hollow. On the upside, this tuning contributes to a more expansive and open soundstage.
Treble
As mentioned earlier, the treble doesn’t sound the way it looks on the graph. I don’t find it sharp or sibilant – in fact, it’s quite the opposite.
While I find the OpenRock X’s sonic performance generally acceptable, it’s worth noting that the dip in the 1 to 3 kHz range can be mitigated by adjusting the earbuds inward – much like fine-tuning a pair of studio monitor for its optimal on-axis response. I’ve tried this myself, but over time, the earbuds tend to settle into a position that aligns closely with the measured frequency graph. Of course, individual experiences may vary, as the default resting position on your ears might already be closer to the ideal alignment.
Distortion
The Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of the OpenRock X generally remains below 1% across the audible range, with the exception of bass frequencies where it exceeds 2%. Overall, these are good results in my opinion.
CSD
I’m uncertain whether it’s reasonable to expect this level of lingering energy from the OpenRock X in the 3 to 4 kHz range. One thing is clear, though – it’s definitely linked to the measured frequency response in that region.
Noise Isolation
When it comes to noise reduction, the OpenRock X offers virtually none — and that’s by design. As the name suggests, its open-ear design is intended to keep you aware of your surroundings, something the brand clearly emphasizes.
Microphone
While the microphone performance of the OpenRock X is passable, it falls short in key areas. There’s an excessive concentration of energy between 100 and 600 Hz, which can unintentionally amplify distant background noises which is an undesirable trait for voice calls. Although a firmware update is expected to address this issue, I’ve been unable to install the latest version, as the update process remains unresponsive on my end.
Input Lag
Bluetooth input lag averages around 216.9 ms. While the OpenRockX isn’t designed for gaming, this level of latency is perfectly acceptable for everyday use.
Final Thoughts
The OpenRock X Open-Ear Sport Earbuds carve out a unique space in the saturated wireless audio market by emphasizing situational awareness, comfort, and durability over the more common in-ear isolation and bass-heavy sound signatures. With a secure, adjustable fit and IPX5 water resistance, they’re clearly engineered for active lifestyles.
While the sound profile might not win over audiophiles—particularly due to a noticeable midrange dip and limited sub-bass—the overall listening experience is pleasant and well-suited for casual use, especially in outdoor or fitness environments. Despite what frequency graphs might suggest, the treble is smooth and non-fatiguing, free from harshness or sibilance.
There are a few trade-offs: the absence of touch controls and a somewhat finicky fit adjustment process. However, these are balanced by thoughtful touches like a rugged aluminum charging case and a surprisingly capable companion app. Microphone performance and firmware update reliability could use improvement, but they don’t detract significantly from the earbuds’ core strengths.
At under $170, the OpenRock X presents a compelling option for those seeking an open-ear alternative that doesn’t skimp on build quality or battery life. That said, a price point closer to $150 would better align with its strengths and limitations. If your priorities lean toward awareness and comfort over immersive isolation, the OpenRock X is definitely worth a look.
OpenRock X Open-Ear Sport Earbuds $169.99
Product Name: X Open-Ear Sport
Product Description: The Open-Ear Sport Earbuds is wireless Bluetooth 5.3 earphones designed for comfort and durability, featuring an open-ear design with adjustable silicone hooks for a secure fit.
Brand: OpenRock
Summary
The OpenRock X Open-Ear Sport Earbuds is an excellent choice for active individuals who want to stay connected to their environment while enjoying music or podcasts. With a secure fit, water resistance, and impressive battery life, it is well-suited for workouts and outdoor adventures. While it has its limitations, the OpenRock X delivers solid performance within its intended use case.
Pros
- Comfortable and secure fit
- Water-resistant (IPX5)
- Strong battery life with fast charging
- Durable case with carabiner
- Handy app with EQ and settings
Cons
- Vocals can sound unnatural
- Mic picks up background chatter
