Shokz OpenSwim has no Bluetooth, while OpenSwim Pro adds Bluetooth for land use and MP3 playback for reliable music during swims.
Shokz built OpenSwim for swimmers who want music without blocking their ears. The name can cause confusion though, because only the newer OpenSwim Pro includes Bluetooth. If you are trying to work out which model streams from a phone, what still works in the pool, and how the Bluetooth features behave, you need clear answers in one place.
What To Know About Shokz OpenSwim And Bluetooth
The original Shokz OpenSwim is a waterproof bone conduction MP3 player with 4 GB of internal storage and no Bluetooth radio at all. That design choice is deliberate. Standard Bluetooth at 2.4 GHz loses range quickly in water, so a pure MP3 player gives stable playback while you swim without dropouts or pairing issues.
Shokz then released OpenSwim Pro, which keeps the swim friendly design but adds Bluetooth for use on land. In Bluetooth mode it works like open ear sports headphones that stream from your phone. In MP3 mode it behaves like the classic OpenSwim, playing files from built in storage with full IP68 waterproof protection.
You can still buy the original OpenSwim in some regions, and Shokz clearly labels it as “not Bluetooth compatible” on the official OpenSwim product page. OpenSwim Pro is the option to pick if Bluetooth streaming is part of your plan.
Shokz OpenSwim Bluetooth Features In Real Use
This section clears up how Bluetooth fits into the OpenSwim family and what you can expect in daily training. Bluetooth belongs to OpenSwim Pro, not the original OpenSwim, and it is meant for use above the surface.
Original Shokz OpenSwim: MP3 Only, No Bluetooth
The first OpenSwim model, also known as Xtrainerz in earlier branding, is focused on offline playback. You load tracks directly onto the headset over USB, then control playback and calls with physical buttons during your swim sessions.
- Internal storage only — OpenSwim provides 4 GB of space for MP3, WAV, WMA, AAC, and FLAC files so you do not need a phone near the pool.
- No Bluetooth hardware — there is no pairing menu or wireless connection option, because the headset is built solely as a waterproof music player.
- IP68 rating — the design handles full submersion up to swim depth, which is why Shokz positions it as a swimming MP3 device instead of a general Bluetooth headset.
- Eight hour battery life — runtime is quoted at up to eight hours of continuous play, enough for several workouts before a recharge.
These traits suit lane swimmers who just want a stable soundtrack with no phone nearby. If your priority is streaming from apps, you will feel limited because the original OpenSwim cannot connect over Bluetooth at all.
Shokz OpenSwim Pro: Dual Mode Design
OpenSwim Pro takes the same open ear, wraparound form and upgrades it with Bluetooth and a larger MP3 library. On land it connects to your phone through Bluetooth 5.4 for music, podcasts, and calls. In the water it switches to MP3 mode so playback carries on even when your phone stays in a locker.
- Bluetooth 5.4 support — OpenSwim Pro pairs with phones, tablets, smartwatches, and laptops for wireless streaming on land.
- MP3 mode for swimming — the headset stores up to 32 GB of music, with Shokz quoting room for as many as eight thousand tracks in supported formats.
- IP68 waterproof build — like the original OpenSwim, the Pro carries an IP68 rating and can be submerged up to two meters for up to two hours during pool or open water training.
- Physical mode switch — a button or the Shokz App changes between Bluetooth and MP3 modes, so you can step off the pool deck and go straight into a run without swapping gear.
- Multipoint pairing — OpenSwim Pro supports connections with more than one device, such as a phone and a laptop, so you can switch sources quickly during the day.
Shokz summarises this on the official OpenSwim Pro page as “Bluetooth on land, MP3 underwater,” which is a simple way to think about its Bluetooth features.
Why Bluetooth Does Not Work Underwater
Many swimmers buy OpenSwim or OpenSwim Pro expecting to stream from a phone on the pool deck. The physics of radio signals in water prevent that. Bluetooth uses 2.4 GHz frequencies, and water absorbs those waves quickly. Signal range drops sharply once either the headphones or the phone sit below the surface.
Tests shared by specialist swim audio brands show that Bluetooth range underwater is measured in inches, not metres. In practice that means you may get a connection while your head stays above the waterline, but as soon as you start real strokes the signal cuts out. Technical write ups on Bluetooth behaviour in water explain how radio energy is absorbed and scattered by the liquid around you.
That is why Shokz separates roles so clearly. OpenSwim has no Bluetooth at all, and OpenSwim Pro limits Bluetooth to land use. When you want stable music underwater, MP3 mode is the answer. When you are lifting, running, or commuting, Bluetooth mode brings back normal wireless streaming.
OpenSwim Versus OpenSwim Pro Bluetooth And MP3 Features
To make sense of the lineup it helps to see both models side by side. The table below compares the original OpenSwim with OpenSwim Pro, with extra attention on Bluetooth behaviour and storage.
| Feature | OpenSwim | OpenSwim Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Bluetooth Support | No Bluetooth hardware | Bluetooth 5.4 for land use |
| Storage Type | 4 GB internal MP3 player | 32 GB internal MP3 player |
| Waterproof Rating | IP68, swim ready | IP68, swim ready |
| Typical Use Case | Phone free pool or open water sessions | Bluetooth workouts on land plus MP3 swims |
| Battery Life | Up to eight hours in MP3 mode | Up to nine hours in Bluetooth and six hours in MP3 mode |
Both versions use bone conduction transducers that rest on your cheekbones and leave your ear canals open. That design lets you hear lifeguards, lane calls, and ambient noise while still enjoying audio. The main choice is whether you want a simple music player for the pool or a dual use headset that also works for runs, gym work, and daily listening on land.
How To Use OpenSwim Pro Bluetooth On Land
Once you understand that Bluetooth is meant for use above the surface, setup feels familiar. The headset behaves like other wireless earphones with a few swim oriented touches. These steps assume you are using OpenSwim Pro; they do not apply to the original OpenSwim model.
Pairing OpenSwim Pro With Your Phone
Bluetooth pairing is a one time task for each device. After the first connection, OpenSwim Pro will reconnect automatically when you power it on if Bluetooth mode is active.
- Charge the headset — connect the magnetic cable and wait until the indicator shows a full battery so pairing is not cut short.
- Enter Bluetooth mode — press the mode button until you hear the voice prompt for Bluetooth and see the LED pattern for pairing.
- Open phone settings — go to the Bluetooth menu on your phone, tablet, or watch and scan for new devices.
- Select OpenSwim Pro — tap the device name in the list and confirm pairing when your phone asks for permission.
- Play some audio — start a track or podcast to confirm that sound comes through the headset while you stand near the phone.
Once paired, you can leave your phone in a pocket or on a bench during land training. If you step into the pool, switch to MP3 mode instead of relying on Bluetooth so playback stays stable.
Managing Calls And Media Controls
OpenSwim Pro has physical buttons so you can control audio without looking at a screen. The exact layout can vary by region, so always confirm with the printed quick start guide that came in the box.
- Play and pause — press the main multi function button once to pause and once more to resume playback.
- Skip tracks — double tap to move forward or triple tap to move backward through a playlist when supported by the app.
- Adjust volume — use the volume buttons on the headset instead of the phone so you can react quickly during runs.
- Answer calls — press once to take an incoming call while in Bluetooth mode, then press again to hang up.
The Shokz App adds extra controls such as EQ presets, battery status, and mode switching for OpenSwim Pro. The app is optional, yet it makes it easier to adjust sound and confirm which mode the headset is using.
Practical Tips For Stable Bluetooth With OpenSwim Pro
Bluetooth is sensitive to obstacles, interference, and distance. OpenSwim Pro already uses an efficient radio, but a few habits extend range and reduce glitches when you listen on land between swim sessions.
- Keep the phone on the same side — place your phone or watch on the same side of your body as the buttons so your torso blocks less signal.
- Avoid dense walls — Bluetooth can struggle through reinforced concrete, so stay close to your device in gyms with thick walls.
- Limit crowded radio spaces — if a weight room has heavy Wi Fi traffic, stay near your phone to cut down on dropouts.
- Update firmware — use the Shokz App to install updates, which often include stability tweaks and performance improvements.
- Switch to MP3 near water — change to MP3 mode before your head or the headset starts going under so playback does not cut off mid length.
Small adjustments like phone placement and firmware updates keep Bluetooth mode smooth, which helps when you move between commute listening, warm ups, and pool work in a single day.
Choosing Between Shokz OpenSwim And OpenSwim Pro
By now the difference in Bluetooth features should feel clear. The final step is matching that behaviour to how you train. A few typical user profiles can help you decide which model fits best.
When The Original OpenSwim Makes Sense
If you care only about swimming with music and never plan to use the headset on land, the original OpenSwim remains a clean, focused option. Its lack of Bluetooth keeps setup simple and removes one more radio from your kit bag.
- Pure swim focus — you train mainly in the pool or open water and already use separate headphones for the gym or commute.
- No phone near water — you prefer to lock your phone away during sessions and want music that just starts and plays.
- Simple controls — a small set of physical buttons is enough for your needs, with no interest in an extra app.
When OpenSwim Pro Is The Better Fit
If you like the idea of one headset that works in both water and on land, OpenSwim Pro earns its place. Bluetooth mode gives the same convenience as other open ear sports headphones during runs and daily use, while MP3 mode keeps music going in the pool.
- Mixed training week — you split time between pool, gym, track, and outdoor rides and want one headset to handle all of it.
- Streaming preference — you rely on music or podcast apps and only use local files when radio signals are not an option.
- Call handling — you want to answer quick calls on the move without pulling out your phone or changing headphones.
- Large music library — 32 GB of storage appeals if you keep long playlists for swim sets and offline days.
Both models share the open ear bone conduction fit that Shokz is known for, so the decision mainly comes down to your Bluetooth expectations. If streaming and calls on land matter almost as much as underwater playback, OpenSwim Pro offers better value than buying separate swim and land headsets.
Making The Most Of Shokz OpenSwim Bluetooth Features
Shokz OpenSwim hardware can meet a broad range of training habits once you match each model to the right task. The original OpenSwim focuses on dependable MP3 playback for laps and open water distance work. OpenSwim Pro adds Bluetooth so the same hardware plays podcasts on your commute, supports structured workouts in the gym, and powers music rich swim sessions without a phone nearby.
Bluetooth itself stays on land because radio signals do not travel through water in a reliable way. That is not a limitation of Shokz, but a behaviour of the wireless standard. By keeping that split clear in your mind, you can enjoy streaming on deck and smooth MP3 playback underwater with realistic expectations of what each mode can deliver.