Panasonic Open Ear Headphones Review & #OpenYourEars Challenge

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Panasonic. I was compensated for this review but all thoughts and opinions, as alway, are my own. 

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to check out the new Panasonic Open Ear Headphones as part of the #OpenYourEars challenge. The idea behind these headphones is exactly like the name says – they go over your ear so you can listen to your music but can still hear and be aware of your surroundings. As part of the #OpenYourEars challenge I received a pair of the Panasonic Open Ear Headphones along with a duffel bag full of goodies such as sunscreen, body glide, headband, running belt, and GU. Talk about covering the running essentials. Too bad I’m not running right now since I’m pregnant, but I am still out and about and walking everyday! Walking is exactly what I decided to try out these new headphones for.

When I tried out the Panasonic Open Ear headphones I was a bit taken aback by the sound. It felt like I was carrying around a boom box attached to my ears! My husband was right next to me and he said he could hear my music loud and clear. Oopsies! So unless your friend or running buddy wants to listen to the same tunes as you, I suggest you use them for your solo workout adventures.

The sound quality was really good and I liked the way the headphone band sat behind my head and not on top. I also liked the way the speakers sat because they aren’t actually in your ear so you don’t feel anything in your ear like you do when you’re wearing earphones.

I wasn’t sure how I would like wearing an open ear headphone, but after trying them out I can see why they are beneficial for safety reasons. I think I will definitely continue to wear them when I want to wear music on my walks and runs (when I get back into running shape). I think it’s important to be aware of your surroundings when you’re outside and when you are listening to earphones you tend to be sucked into your own little world. I think the best place to rock these headphones is outdoors on a beautiful day when you’re by yourself. They are a little too loud for wearing in the gym so your neighbors on the treadmill wouldn’t appreciate it, but they rock in the great wide open.

To follow the Panasonic #OpenYourEars challenge you can follow them on Twitter at @PanaAdventure.

What about you? Have you ever used open ear headphones? As a runner or outdoor enthusiast, is this something you’d be interested in? Why or why not? Post in the comments and let me know!