I’ve been using over-ear headphones for years, and they’ve always been my go-to for both work and personal use. So when Shokz asked me to try the OpenMeet UC, I wasn’t convinced they’d suit my preference. Could an open-ear, bone-conduction headset really provide the same level of clarity and comfort? The concept intrigued me, especially the promise of seamless dual-device connectivity and situational awareness while on calls. I spend a good chunk of my day in Teams meetings and phone calls, so a headset that allows me to stay connected without blocking out my surroundings sounded promising.
First Impressions
Straight out of the box, the OpenMeet UC makes a good first impression. The packaging is clean and professional, and inside, you’ll find:
- The Shokz OpenMeet UC headset
- A USB-C wireless adapter
- Three sizes of pressure relief cushions
- A USB-C to USB-C charging cable
- A sturdy zippered carrying case
At just 78 grams, the OpenMeet UC is surprisingly lightweight, and the TitaniumFlex frame gives it a premium feel without feeling flimsy. The soft rubberized padding on the overhead band adds to the comfort, making it one of the most wearable office headsets I’ve tried. It’s clear that Shokz put a lot of thought into the build quality.
Setup
Setting up the OpenMeet UC is ridiculously easy. If you’re using the USB-C dongle, it’s just plug-and-play, no drivers, no software installation. I had it connected to my laptop in seconds.For Bluetooth pairing, it’s just as straightforward. I connected it to both my PC and phone simultaneously, which is a huge plus for anyone who juggles work calls across multiple devices. Shokz also offers an app for firmware updates and customization, but it’s optional. You don’t need any technical expertise to get up and running.
In Use
This is where the OpenMeet UC really shines. It’s an open-ear headset, meaning you can still hear what’s going on around you while wearing it. I was worried this would make calls less clear, but Shokz nailed the balance, my colleagues could hear me perfectly, and I could still be aware of my surroundings without too many distractions.
- Call Quality: The dual-mic system with Qualcomm cVc noise reduction is excellent. Even in a noisy office, my voice came through crystal clear with minimal background noise.
- Comfort: Within an hour, I forgot I was even wearing them. The weight distribution is excellent, and I didn’t experience any discomfort even after long meetings.
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours of listening time and 14 hours of talk time means you’re covered for a full workday. The quick charge feature is handy, a quick 5-minute charge will give you an extra couple of hours to get you through the rest of the day.
- Multipoint Connectivity: Switching between my laptop and phone was seamless. Taking a mobile call while on a Teams meeting? No problem.
The only issue I noticed was a faint ringing sound after extended use, almost like an amplifier left on at low volume. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but something to note for those sensitive to audio artifacts.
Other Features
Shokz includes a few extra features that aren’t the main selling points but add to the overall experience:
- Busy LED Indicator: A small but useful touch for signalling when you’re on a call.
- Focus Mode & Mute Reminder Tone: Customisable in the app, helping you manage notifications and interruptions.
- EQ Modes: You can toggle between Standard and Vocal mode for call clarity.
Issues & Wish List
- The faint ringing noise – after extended use is noticeable but not a dealbreaker.
- Lack of Microsoft Teams certification – though it still works perfectly fine.
- No USB-A dongle in the box -you’ll need an adapter if your laptop doesn’t have USB-C.
Conclusion
Would I completely replace my over-ear headset? Maybe not yet, but the Shokz OpenMeet UC is a serious contender. The comfort, clarity, and seamless connectivity make it a perfect office headset. If you’re someone who needs to stay connected while still being aware of your surroundings, this is a fantastic investment.
At $419.00, it’s not the cheapest option, but for the quality, I’d say it’s worth every cent. Whether you’re in an office or working remotely, this headset makes transitioning between devices effortless. If you’re in the market for a lightweight, high-performance headset, the OpenMeet UC is well worth considering.
Thanks
Big thanks to our friends at Shokz for sending over the OpenMeet UC for testing! Amazing product, keep up the great work.
Specifications
Weight: 78g
Battery Life: Up to 15 hours listening / 14 hours talk time
Charging: 5-min Charging = 2 Hours of Talk Time
Microphone: Dual-mic system with Qualcomm cVc noise reduction
Connectivity: Bluetooth + USB-C wireless adapter
Multipoint Pairing: Yes (connects to 2 devices simultaneously)
Microphone Sensitivity: -38dB ± 1dB
Frequency Response: 20Hz~20KHz
EQ Modes: Standard & Vocal
Materials: Stainless Steel, Silicone, Plastic
Wireless Range: 98 feet/ 29.8 mtrs
Compatibility: Works with Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet
