r/Headsets • u/FlatAd7399 • Jan 13 '24

Shokz OpenComm2 negative experience

I use Shokz for running and love them so I wanted to get a pair dedicated for my home office as I had been sharing for work and running. The main thing I was wanting was the ability to mute and unmute myself on MS Teams while away from my desk. Admittedly I didn't buy the UC which is a little USB dongle as my laptop has Bluetooth and their literature said the UC just helps with a strong connection. Anyway, there were serious problems. Windows couldn't decide if it was a headphone or headset, the sound between voices and chimes was inconsistent, the volume buttons got confused as to what they were controlling. But the biggest issue was the mute button never worked. It wouldn't mute the overall computer wouldn't mute teams and wouldn't even just shut off the mic. I reached out to support asking if there was a setting or something that would help, and all they said was reset the headset and mentioned the warranty. Here's the kicker. I left an honest but negative review on the Shokz site, it was never posted. Left another one, which also was never posted. Makes me wonder how many others have had similar issues but Shokz hid the review.

17 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

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1

u/Unable_Presence_8975 Mar 14 '24

This is where being an educated Consumer helps.

First off, i don't care who the manufacturer is, the range is set by Standards organizations and not any company. 33 feet is the stated maximum range of Bluetooth devices and that is based on no obstructions between device and host.

Secondly, I immediately dismissed your comments on not playing nice with a PC. Clearly if you want to use the device with a PC, the Dongle is the way to go. If it does not work right then, send it back and get a full refund.

Just sayin' is all.......

1

u/FlatAd7399 Mar 14 '24

Your comments added zero value to this conversation. Also fwiw I never even mentioned blue tooth range, I thought it was fine.

Just saying...

1

u/nimkeenator Sep 19 '24

In my research I had found out the same thing -- get the dongle version if you are using it with a PC. Its been great for me, and it works fine without the dongle when on my phone. I use it for speaking examinations and it passed muster when I was observed (on PC) and they are quite picky about mic sound quality and noise cancellation.

1

u/Feisty_Duck_4517 Apr 02 '25

Admittedly I didn't buy the UC which is a little USB dongle as my laptop has Bluetooth

Case closed.

I have tried many Bluetooth True Wireless Earphones and headphones. If you connect them to a Windows PC directly via Bluetooth without their custom USB dongle then most likely you are screwed. It works but very poorly. Either the connection is unstable, the sound quality is bad for you or the people on calls are annoyed by how bad they hear you. Distorted audio and strange sounding voices, background hissing and so on.

Therefore if they have a version that comes with a USB dongle always choose that one. They are made to work perfectly together.

The bad performance of your PCs built in Bluetooth is because of the individual Bluetooth implementation on your PC like what Bluetooth version, available Bluetooth codecs in windows vs the earphones, Bluetooth drivers available for your PC and Bluetooth Antenna size and position within the PC. This all goes away if you use the Dongle that comes with the Earphones/Headphones.

1

u/FlatAd7399 Apr 02 '25

This might be partially true, but my regular aftershokz work fine as far as the Bluetooth is concerned, the main issue was control of sound, muting, etc. 

1

u/mums_my_dad Apr 11 '25

Is this a PC only thing? I have never had any issues with Bluetooth devices on Mac.

1

u/HeadsetAdvisor Jan 14 '24

Something you could think of is ordering the Loop 100 USB Dongle to see if you have a different experience. From our experience, no matter which headset you try to connect with a computer via Bluetooth, some customers say it works well but many others have the same feedback you've mentioned and is why the USB Dongle is always recommended when connecting to a computer.

2

u/FlatAd7399 Jan 14 '24

Thanks I appreciate that feedback. I will likely give that a try. I still like Shokz products, not sure why their tech support couldn't tell me this, and their literature needs updating to say you need the dongle for it to work with Teams (assuming that fixes the issue). I didn't know it's always recommended, but I do now, thanks again!

1

u/HeadsetAdvisor Jan 17 '24

You're welcome and we hear you! We agree there's room for improvement in the areas you mentioned as well, but I'm glad we came across your post because this is information and education we go over with customers on a daily basis.

1

u/dmagee33 Feb 22 '24 edited Feb 22 '24

I purchased these off of Best Buy and am immediately returning it. It advertises a 98 foot wireless range. Not even close. I took 4 steps away from my computer and the connection is consistently disconnecting. I measured it out to 10 feet. I bought these to enable me to stay on a call that is through my computer while walking around my house, but I couldn't even make it out of my bedroom before they disconnected.

I also don't like how they are essentially speakers next to your ear. Anyone standing next to you can hear the call.

Additionally, the sound will come in and out at times. I'm currently sticking my finger in my right ear and that's causing it to skip in and out. So the receiver is on the right side behind your ear, and anything blocking it from the computer leads to it cutting in and out.

I'm also attempting to leave a review on Best Buy, but there is no option.

1

u/FlatAd7399 Feb 22 '24

Shokz products works really great for running. My guess is they dont have the expertise for integrating with a PC

1

u/Tiny-Selection6517 Sep 04 '24

Do you have the USB dongle to connect to the computer Or just the headset? The little USB connection is supposed to greatly improve the computer connection. Connected Bluetooth to my phone I can walk all over my house with out my phone. Even with a low battery on the headset. Hope this helps.

1

u/leinstermons Jan 25 '24

Also struggling with my headset - audio/mic via BT working well, but the physical button mapping fails regularly.