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Last Updated on August 16, 2024 by Rifthy
Discussed Topics
Key Takeaways
- Open-ear design lets you stay aware of surroundings during activities
- Impressive bass output for open-style earphones
- Highly customizable sound via app EQ and presets
- Comfortable fit with optional ear braces for active use
- Affordable price around $40 offers excellent value
- IPX5 water resistance suitable for workouts and light rain
An Unconventional Take on Truly Wireless Earbuds
Over the past year, I’ve grown to appreciate TOZO’s innovative audio products. However, when it comes to open-style earphones designed for active use, I’ve historically been skeptical. The TOZO OpenEGO has challenged that notion, delivering an unexpectedly compelling audio experience tailored for fitness enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
What sets the OpenEGO apart is its open-ear design. Rather than forming a sealed audio cavity, these earphones allow environmental sounds to pass through freely. This unique approach keeps you connected to your surroundings during runs, hikes, or any activity where maintaining situational awareness is paramount.
But the OpenEGO isn’t just about safety; it’s also about enjoying your music without compromise. And in this regard, TOZO has put up a strong fight against my preconceived notions.
Unboxing and Build Quality: A Premium Feeling
The unboxing experience is straightforward, providing the essentials: the earphones, charging cable, ear braces for stability during workouts, and some literature.
The charging case sports a sleek matte finish adorned with subtle chrome accents. It’s a bit larger than ultra-compact cases, but that’s a fair trade-off for the open-ear design. A front display shows the case’s battery level, handy for checking charging status.
As for the earphones themselves, they exude a premium look and feel. The matte outer sections contrast nicely with the flexible rubber stems that loop over your ears. TOZO’s branding doubles as a touch control surface, and embedded LEDs indicate pairing status.
One considerate touch: the earphones can power on independently from the case, eliminating the need to carry the bulkier charging cradle during activities.
Getting the Fit Right: Crucial for Sound Quality
Before diving into sound, a word on fit: positioning these earphones correctly is key to achieving optimal audio performance. I found them comfortable for extended wear, but appreciated having the optional ear braces for extra stability during runs or workouts.
The open-ear design lets in ambient noise, which is intentional for maintaining environmental awareness. However, this also impacts sound quality, as audio escapes outward instead of being contained within a sealed earcup.
To compensate, TOZO has boosted specific frequency ranges to project sound more directly into your ear canals. This tuning ensures you don’t lose clarity amidst external noise, but also results in some sonic quirks I’ll explore shortly.
Audio Performance: Impressive Bass for Open Earphones
Pairing the OpenEGO is a seamless process thanks to Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. Touch controls provide intuitive media and call handling, with room for customization via TOZO’s app.
Speaking of app features, an incredible 10-band manual EQ and 16 sound presets offer deep personalization over the audio profile. This level of control is rare for earphones at this price point.
Out of the box, I noticed an energetic treble emphasis, with one specific peak that risks sounding harsh for those sensitive to high frequencies. A few notches down on the EQ tamed this nicely without muddying details.
The midrange initially struck me as recessed and slightly nasal on vocals. Some singers lost warmth and body through these earphones. Yet thanks to the app’s EQ, I could sculpt a more full-bodied vocal presentation tailored to my preferences.
But the real surprise was the bass capability. For an open-air design, the OpenEGO kicks out an impressive punch in the upper bass regions. You’ll enjoy far more low-end thump than typical bone conduction earphones.
While deep sub-bass notes don’t project with the same authority as sealed earbuds, I was able to discern plenty of mid-bass punch and impact in quieter environments. For outdoor use, the bass held up admirably against ambient noise.
Sound Staging and Imaging: Open Yet Intimate
In terms of sound staging, the OpenEGO creates a sphere-like perception where instrumentation is centered in your head along the lateral plane. Stereo separation is well-defined, with respectable driver control over directional cues.
The open design doesn’t quite deliver a true “open-back” sound stage that extends beyond your head. But the airy presentation avoids the cramped, in-your-head feeling common to closed earbuds.
Imaging is quite impressive for this open form factor. With some EQ massaging, I could hone in on individualized elements within dense mixes – percussion textures, guitar licks tucked in the side channels, nuanced vocal harmonies, and more. It’s not hi-fi resolving power, but impressive considering the work environment these earphones target.
TOZO’s App: Perfecting Your Audio Experience
Let’s circle back to that companion app, which truly unlocks the OpenEGO’s versatility. In addition to the manual EQ and presets, you’ll find:
- Battery level monitoring
- Firmware updates
- Touch control customizations
The app’s presets cover an array of music genres and use cases. A few personal favorites:
| Preset | Tuning Profile | Ideal Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Hip Hop | Balanced with slightly boosted bass | Mainstream hip-hop, R&B, pop |
| Jazz | Smooth mids, controlled highs | Acoustic jazz, blues rock |
| Bass Plus | Thunderous lows, scooped mids | Electronic genres, workouts |
| Vocal | Full midrange, tamed treble | Podcasts, audiobooks |
Experimenting with the presets and manual EQ tailors the OpenEGO to fit your music preferences or current listening environment.
Call Quality: Solid For Outdoor Chats
While not designed as a dedicated communications headset, the OpenEGO holds its own for voice calls. Dual microphones and environmental noise cancellation filter out ambient racket, keeping your voice clear for the caller.
In my outdoor tests around city traffic, call recipients could understand me without issues. The mics did pick up some wind and construction noise in the background, but that’s par for the course with open-back headphones.
For casual calls during walks or runs, mic performance is acceptable if not stellar. Just don’t expect to sound like you’re in a recording studio!
Battery Life and Codecs: All You Need
TOZO rates the OpenEGO’s battery life around 8 hours of playback per charge, which felt accurate in my experience. The charging case stores multiple recharges, providing enough juice for long outdoor excursions before needing an outlet.
In terms of Bluetooth codecs, the OpenEGO supports AAC and SBC, covering the essentials for high-quality wireless audio. While lacking Sony’s LDAC or Qualcomm’s aptX codecs, AAC streaming satisfies all but the pickiest hi-res audiophile needs.
An Affordable Price Tag for Fitness-Focused Freedom
So how much will the OpenEGO set you back? At a $39.99 sale price (retail $69.99), these unique open-air earphones pack tremendous value for the price.
Compared to bone conduction alternatives, you’re getting vastly superior audio fidelity with actual bass response. And versus conventional sealed earbuds, the OpenEGO allows you to enjoy music without compromising environmental awareness.
For runners, cyclists, outdoor athletes – anyone seeking premium wireless sound without sensory deprivation – the TOZO OpenEGO carves out a compelling niche in the sub-$50 market.
TOZO OpenEGO: The Verdict
Reviewing audio products often means scrutinizing sound quality above all else. But the TOZO OpenEGO forced me to shift perspectives, appreciating an earphone designed first for lifestyle demands and second for faithful music reproduction.
Are these hi-fi earphones? No. But that’s not the point. The OpenEGO accomplishes something unique – allowing you to enjoy music’s energy and emotion without disconnecting from the world around you.
For runners, cyclists, and outdoor adventurers, that’s a game-changing proposition. TOZO has engineered an affordable solution to fusing activity with audio entertainment, all without sacrificing safety or situational awareness.
The customizable sound, comfy fit with optional ear braces, and water-resistant build quality reinforce the OpenEGO’s fitness focus. Meanwhile, the punchy bass, nuanced imaging, and soundstage offer enough sonic engagement to satisfy music lovers.
Are there sacrifices? Some, like lacking ANC and the treble spike that benefits from EQ taming. But in the sub-$50 range, those are small concessions for such a purpose-built audio companion.
If you crave an unrestrained listening experience to soundtrack your active lifestyle, the TOZO OpenEGO warrants serious consideration. It has opened my eyes (and ears) to the potential of open-style earphones when properly designed for their unique use case.
Where to Buy
The TOZO OpenEGO Earphones are available on Amazon and directly from TOZO’s website. I’ve included links for your convenience:
My recommendation? Keep an eye out for sales on Amazon, where the OpenEGO frequently dips below its $69.99 MSRP down to the more compelling $39.99 price point.
Final Thoughts
As an audio reviewer, I’ve gained a newfound appreciation for open-style earphones and the TOZO OpenEGO in particular. Its clever design fills a niche for music lovers who want to enjoy their tunes without tuning out their surroundings.
The OpenEGO won’t satisfy audiophiles craving reference-grade sound. But for fitness buffs, outdoor adventurers, and anyone prioritizing active use cases over pure audio fidelity, these unique earphones are an absolute steal at the typical $39.99 sale price.
TOZO has created an affordable gateway into open-air listening with the OpenEGO. If that concept piques your interest, I’d highly recommend giving them an audition. Who knows, they may just open your ears to a whole new way of experiencing music on the move.
