Exactly the info I was needing. My headset without the dongle has been having weird audio issues where it'll just be super quiet one day or super loud another, and sometimes fuzzy. Hopefully the upgrade will solve this issue 🤞
I think you'll find the connection experience when used with your computer will be better with the Dongle, which is why they created this version. Thanks for watching!
You need the dongle because Shokz haven't paid the license to make their headsets approved for Teams by Microsoft. So you get problems with beeping noises on mute and issues audio. It sucks but there you go. There is no advantage other than that.
Thanks for your thoughts, Christopher. Adding to this, Teams is just one potential software a customer could be using, and in either case you want the USB Dongle for better connection, audio and wireless range. Also, if Shokz does become approved by any 3rd party software like Microsoft, you would still need the USB Dongle for advanced features like remote call answering, and being able to see your mic muted within the app.
@@HeadsetAdvisor I have an opencomm but no loop adapter. All the functionality is there if I pair direct to bluetooth on my laptop. The only issue is that - on mute - windows drivers force a very loud "muted" noise. The loop adapter removes this problem. All the microsoft forums confirm this is purely a license issue which impacts any headset that don't pay ms the license fee. Shokz are an unlicensed chinese company and make this problem solvable by the customer paying for it. There is no improvement in range.
I was just mentioning this on another of the videos. The dongle solves a HUGE Problem. If you use MS Teams, the $30 (aftermarket adapter if you ask a cat agent for a coupon) is a LIFESAVER. Otherwise, a hardware update in a recent version of MS Teams plays the hardware "On hold" sound in the Opencomm head set. You'll hear a loud "BEEP BEEP" every 10-15 seconds if you mute your MS Teams call. If you connect through their dongle, it has a code layer that absorbs the "Mute" and treats it like a "Mute" rather than a cellphone hold. That's why you want the dongle. Previously, MS Teams didn't tether the mute button in the app to the hardware mute on the sound card. Until (oct 2022?) the mute in MS Teams was a software mute that only blocked microphone input to teams, but left all other apps free to communicate independently. With the update to MS Teams, they tied the mute button in the app to the PC's global sound settings and it became a system-wide mute that triggered the "Hold sound" in the Opencomm. It drove most of of nuts as we tried to sit in meetings. I verified it on amazon. Verified it with a chat agent on Opencomm. (I'd bought the version with out the bluetooth dongle). I asked the chat agent for a discount code so I could buy from their online store. The agent gave me a one-time coupon for the dongle. I think it lowered it to the "Paired price" as if I'd bought the set. It has worked like a charm!
I like the OpenComm. It solves the problem of wearing stuffed ears for a long time. Also like the blogger's review. The comments are very pertinent and more objective.
We're glad to you said that because sometimes customers order a Bluetooth headset, connect it to their computer and have a bad audio / connectivity experience. The included USB Adapter makes a world of difference when connecting to the computer.
Great video David, I just want to quickly mention that if you are panicking and you didn't buy the UC version and it doesn't work on your PC, you can also just buy a normal Bluetooth dongle and connect it via that, it has to be at least a Bluetooth 5.0 to work though. Im not sure how to make that work on two devices at the same time though, maybe you know that David?
Thanks for watching! If your computer doesn't have Bluetooth, considering a third party USB dongle is possible, but from what we've seen doesn't always work the best vs using the manufactures included USB adapter that's made specifically to work great with their headset. We wouldn't recommend using a third party USB adapter and haven't tested one out to know how you'd connect to two devices at the same time.
Another reason is the extended BT range. I link my Opencomm via a Jabra 380 USB dongle. Unlike a “generic” USB adapter, it's made for audio. The Jabra Direct SW allows multiple devices to link to the 380 link, so no need to buy a separate dongle when you already have one. What happens more and more these days is that I connect to Teams on my mobile. (a Samsung Fold3). I carry my phone with me, so I never have range issues anymore and I can get a cup of coffee in the midst of a meeting without interrupting others. If I need a better view on a shared document, I can always connect a second time to Teams on my laptop and leave the original sound connection active, while watching shared screen content ... on screen.
Hi Advisor. Did you record the opencomm uc audio with laptop or mobile phone? I find that noise cancellation for opencomm uc works better with laptop dongle (vs mobile)
Yes but it’s not recommended. It’s able to pair to Bluetooth smartphones, computers, and 3rd party usb adapters but always will work best with oem adapters. With the new opencomm2 you’ll be able to be certified for zoom, update the headset through software which does require the usb adapter
Guys you are beating around the bush. If I happened to lack BT in my PC I would buy a dongle at 20% of the price. The important part is how this headset works with Teams (etc). I connected OpenComm to my PC via bluetooth and it works really, really bad with Teams. You can't even adjust volume other way than in the very Teams settings panel. Second you can't switch between calls from Teams to mobile and back (what I do with Jabra 65 UC). So the key questions are: 1) would the Loop100 dongle allow me to adjust volume via headset buttons, or at least via Windows volume slider? 2) will Loop100 allow me to switch between the calls / devices on par with Jabra? The app you are mentioning here - has it been developed yet? Thanks for help - I broke my Jabras and I'm looking for a replacement
Thanks for your feedback. Opencomm UC with Loop 100 at this time is not optimized with Teams so you won't get the mute confirmation in Teams or ability to answer/end calls when away from the computer. You will be able to adjust volume and toggle between calls similar to Jabra. No app has been developed as of yet from Shokz.
How come the UC version is not listed on any Shokz websites? I also cannot find any reference info regarding this version anywhere online... how do we actually purchase these if not from Headset Advisor site? (btw from the site the dongle looks fake as hell... pls use the original picture of the dongle as in the vid)
I just wonder if I buy a model with opencomm UC type, will mean that this device will work only while USB dongle is connected? If USB dongle is connection to a laptop, will it still get paired with my phone? Thanks for your reply in advance.
Does the USB adapter have low latency? I'm curious if this would be a good option to plug into my PS5 and have a good mic to chat with and not have the classic headset hair dent or stuffy ears.
The connection is instant from our testing but hard to say how well it will work with PS5 as it's not made for that. Doesnt' mean it won't work though, and may be worth a try for you :)
Hi Randy, the headsets are the same. The only difference is the UC version includes the USB Dongle for a more reliable connection to your computer. Mic quality is identical.
@@HeadsetAdvisor As we all know, the stability of connectivity affects audio (in/out) in real world usage. I had a Voyager Focus a while back, and was able to compare results in using the dongle vs not using it (connected directly to computer's BT) -- and there is a significant difference on the mic. Output clarity is mission critical for me :) Now, in these OpenComms, I want to know if the difference in mic/audio output would not be that huge. The reason is because from where I'm at, the only available models are the one that comes with a USB-A Dongle (I dont have a USB-A port in my laptop) and the one without a dongle.
@@randybaguinon It sounds like your main concerns are reliability and mic quality when connecting to your computer. For the best performance you'll want to get the version with the USB Dongle. In your case you could consider a USB Hub or a USB-C to USB-A female converter if your computer has a USB-C port.
Great question Ataus. There's no difference in mic quality as they're the same headset. The major difference is the Opencomm UC includes the USB Dongle for the best connectivity experience when using it on your computer.
Will EITHER of these connect to 2 Bluetooth devices at once? I use 2 cell phones at take calls on both during the day and my current Samsung Gear Circle does that but does not always connect to a call when answering.
The UC model is not available in my country. Will the classic OpenComm model be compatible with any generic Bluetooth 5.0 adapter if I hook it up to my PC?
Yes, the Opencomm will work on your built in computer Bluetooth or a generic Bluetooth adapter but we can't guarantee the quality when connecting to a computer. It may or may not work great. It's hard to know without you trying for yourself.
I did my own test at home today and using the UC dongle, the range was no better then the voyager 5200 uc which sucks. with my non-uc opencomm I can walk around my entire house vs just outside my office with UC.
I bought the original OpenComm a few years ago as a replacement for my gaming headset but had to return it. Unfortunately due to the restrictions of Bluetooth I was unable to get high quality audio while also on a voice call with my friends. The instant I entered a call my game audio became a static sounding, compressed mess. Does this new headset and the loop adapter still have this problem?
Does anyone know if I can pair more than one OpenComm (Not UC) to a single Loop 100? I have several OpenComms in various workplaces and would like to just use one single Loop for all of them when I travel.
Hi David. Great review, staightforward and packs all of the necessary information on choosing either the non-UC or the UC version. I have a question, will the UC version connect to the device's bluetooth directly when, let's say, the dongle went missing or being accidentally left at home? Thanks David
Hi Fritz, technically you can still connect the headset to Bluetooth devices like a computer without the Dongle, but isn't recommended for the best connectivity and audio experience.
Shokz is still determing if they will offer it on their website or only through their authorized partners. That being said, we think they'll show it on their website at some point soon.
Hi Linus, that's news to us as we still don't have access to the Loop 100 as of yet, but yes the Loop 100 is made to work with your existing Opencomm headset. Where are you seeing you can get this?
Hi Benjamin, from our testing it will mute/unmute the mic within Teams and give you an initial beep tone to let you know you're muted. It doesn't give a beep tone after a certain amount of time when being on mute.
@@HeadsetAdvisor This is not the case for me. I have Teams calls all day and if I use the mute functionality on the headset I constantly hear those beeps. Is there any planned firmware/software or remote call controls in the works from Shokz? That is my biggest gripe with the headset is the inability to mute/end call/answer call within Teams without being at your computer. All I can really do is mute the headset but it doesn't show me as muted in the Teams client itself.
@@HeadsetAdvisor So I have been testing between the Bluetooth dongle vs standard Bluetooth connection and they differ slightly in Teams. If you have the dongle connected, and you use the Mute function in the Teams client it won't beep but this requires that you are at the PC which isn't ideal if you're on the call and are AFK. You can mute the microphone using the + and - on the headset itself but then it will beep regardless of whether or not you use the dongle. If you're looking for a good video opportunity, I feel it would be very helpful for people to know what functionality the UC dongle version gives you in programs like Teams and/or Zoom. I will say this is quite limited at the moment but hopefully, Shokz comes out with some software soon to get the remote call controls for the UC version.
Exactly the info I was needing. My headset without the dongle has been having weird audio issues where it'll just be super quiet one day or super loud another, and sometimes fuzzy. Hopefully the upgrade will solve this issue 🤞
I think you'll find the connection experience when used with your computer will be better with the Dongle, which is why they created this version. Thanks for watching!
You can also connect the normal opencomm headset to the UC Loop 100.
You're exactly right. headsetadvisor.com/products/loop-100-dongle-for-shokz-opencomm-headset
Good to know. Thanks
You need the dongle because Shokz haven't paid the license to make their headsets approved for Teams by Microsoft. So you get problems with beeping noises on mute and issues audio. It sucks but there you go. There is no advantage other than that.
Thanks for your thoughts, Christopher. Adding to this, Teams is just one potential software a customer could be using, and in either case you want the USB Dongle for better connection, audio and wireless range. Also, if Shokz does become approved by any 3rd party software like Microsoft, you would still need the USB Dongle for advanced features like remote call answering, and being able to see your mic muted within the app.
@@HeadsetAdvisor I have an opencomm but no loop adapter. All the functionality is there if I pair direct to bluetooth on my laptop. The only issue is that - on mute - windows drivers force a very loud "muted" noise. The loop adapter removes this problem. All the microsoft forums confirm this is purely a license issue which impacts any headset that don't pay ms the license fee. Shokz are an unlicensed chinese company and make this problem solvable by the customer paying for it. There is no improvement in range.
@@ChristopherHowarth thanks for sharing your thoughts
I was just mentioning this on another of the videos. The dongle solves a HUGE Problem. If you use MS Teams, the $30 (aftermarket adapter if you ask a cat agent for a coupon) is a LIFESAVER. Otherwise, a hardware update in a recent version of MS Teams plays the hardware "On hold" sound in the Opencomm head set. You'll hear a loud "BEEP BEEP" every 10-15 seconds if you mute your MS Teams call. If you connect through their dongle, it has a code layer that absorbs the "Mute" and treats it like a "Mute" rather than a cellphone hold. That's why you want the dongle.
Previously, MS Teams didn't tether the mute button in the app to the hardware mute on the sound card. Until (oct 2022?) the mute in MS Teams was a software mute that only blocked microphone input to teams, but left all other apps free to communicate independently. With the update to MS Teams, they tied the mute button in the app to the PC's global sound settings and it became a system-wide mute that triggered the "Hold sound" in the Opencomm. It drove most of of nuts as we tried to sit in meetings.
I verified it on amazon. Verified it with a chat agent on Opencomm. (I'd bought the version with out the bluetooth dongle). I asked the chat agent for a discount code so I could buy from their online store. The agent gave me a one-time coupon for the dongle. I think it lowered it to the "Paired price" as if I'd bought the set. It has worked like a charm!
Easy and to the point explanation
Thanks for your feedback :)
I like the OpenComm. It solves the problem of wearing stuffed ears for a long time. Also like the blogger's review. The comments are very pertinent and more objective.
Definitely. It's an awesome headset!
really helps! Thank you from Indonesia
You're welcome :)
I agree on having the bluetooth adapter connected. It has better quality than connecting to your device's bluetooth.
We're glad to you said that because sometimes customers order a Bluetooth headset, connect it to their computer and have a bad audio / connectivity experience. The included USB Adapter makes a world of difference when connecting to the computer.
Great video David, I just want to quickly mention that if you are panicking and you didn't buy the UC version and it doesn't work on your PC, you can also just buy a normal Bluetooth dongle and connect it via that, it has to be at least a Bluetooth 5.0 to work though. Im not sure how to make that work on two devices at the same time though, maybe you know that David?
Thanks for watching! If your computer doesn't have Bluetooth, considering a third party USB dongle is possible, but from what we've seen doesn't always work the best vs using the manufactures included USB adapter that's made specifically to work great with their headset. We wouldn't recommend using a third party USB adapter and haven't tested one out to know how you'd connect to two devices at the same time.
David, if I purchase Shokz dongle, can my OpenComm connected to multipoint just like OpenComm UC?
Another reason is the extended BT range. I link my Opencomm via a Jabra 380 USB dongle. Unlike a “generic” USB adapter, it's made for audio. The Jabra Direct SW allows multiple devices to link to the 380 link, so no need to buy a separate dongle when you already have one.
What happens more and more these days is that I connect to Teams on my mobile. (a Samsung Fold3). I carry my phone with me, so I never have range issues anymore and I can get a cup of coffee in the midst of a meeting without interrupting others. If I need a better view on a shared document, I can always connect a second time to Teams on my laptop and leave the original sound connection active, while watching shared screen content ... on screen.
Hey Tom, thanks for sharing! We haven't tested connecting any other brand of headset to a Jabra Dongle, so that's interesting to hear.
can you switch between calls/devices instantly? like receive mobile call while being on a MS Teams or Zoom conference?
Очень подробное сравнение ! Спасибо я разобрался 🎉
Hi Advisor. Did you record the opencomm uc audio with laptop or mobile phone? I find that noise cancellation for opencomm uc works better with laptop dongle (vs mobile)
Hi, does opencomm uc still have beep alert when mute mic in Microsoft teams meeting? It seems a big issue for opencomm user.
Yes, but we’re hoping this can be adjusted in the future.
Does opencomm uc can able to connect a third party bluetooth adapter USB A and able to use If ever the original USB A Dongle is lost?
Yes but it’s not recommended. It’s able to pair to Bluetooth smartphones, computers, and 3rd party usb adapters but always will work best with oem adapters. With the new opencomm2 you’ll be able to be certified for zoom, update the headset through software which does require the usb adapter
Guys you are beating around the bush. If I happened to lack BT in my PC I would buy a dongle at 20% of the price. The important part is how this headset works with Teams (etc). I connected OpenComm to my PC via bluetooth and it works really, really bad with Teams. You can't even adjust volume other way than in the very Teams settings panel. Second you can't switch between calls from Teams to mobile and back (what I do with Jabra 65 UC). So the key questions are: 1) would the Loop100 dongle allow me to adjust volume via headset buttons, or at least via Windows volume slider? 2) will Loop100 allow me to switch between the calls / devices on par with Jabra? The app you are mentioning here - has it been developed yet? Thanks for help - I broke my Jabras and I'm looking for a replacement
Thanks for your feedback. Opencomm UC with Loop 100 at this time is not optimized with Teams so you won't get the mute confirmation in Teams or ability to answer/end calls when away from the computer. You will be able to adjust volume and toggle between calls similar to Jabra. No app has been developed as of yet from Shokz.
How come the UC version is not listed on any Shokz websites? I also cannot find any reference info regarding this version anywhere online... how do we actually purchase these if not from Headset Advisor site? (btw from the site the dongle looks fake as hell... pls use the original picture of the dongle as in the vid)
We can’t speak for Shokz on why it’s not listed on their website as of yet unfortunately. Thanks for your feedback.
I just wonder if I buy a model with opencomm UC type, will mean that this device will work only while USB dongle is connected? If USB dongle is connection to a laptop, will it still get paired with my phone?
Thanks for your reply in advance.
I have the opencomm with out the usb adapter.
I want to use it with my computer, should I get the adapter?
It’s well worth it to use the adapter but you can always try connecting to your computer via Bluetooth and see if it worked reliably for you first.
Does the USB adapter have low latency? I'm curious if this would be a good option to plug into my PS5 and have a good mic to chat with and not have the classic headset hair dent or stuffy ears.
The connection is instant from our testing but hard to say how well it will work with PS5 as it's not made for that. Doesnt' mean it won't work though, and may be worth a try for you :)
hi Dave, do you have a mic comparison video for these two models?
Hi Randy, the headsets are the same. The only difference is the UC version includes the USB Dongle for a more reliable connection to your computer. Mic quality is identical.
@@HeadsetAdvisor As we all know, the stability of connectivity affects audio (in/out) in real world usage. I had a Voyager Focus a while back, and was able to compare results in using the dongle vs not using it (connected directly to computer's BT) -- and there is a significant difference on the mic. Output clarity is mission critical for me :)
Now, in these OpenComms, I want to know if the difference in mic/audio output would not be that huge. The reason is because from where I'm at, the only available models are the one that comes with a USB-A Dongle (I dont have a USB-A port in my laptop) and the one without a dongle.
@@randybaguinon It sounds like your main concerns are reliability and mic quality when connecting to your computer. For the best performance you'll want to get the version with the USB Dongle. In your case you could consider a USB Hub or a USB-C to USB-A female converter if your computer has a USB-C port.
Is this dongle compatible with other headsets like OpenRun?
Is there any difference in the mic quality between UC and non-UC? Would love a comparison video
Great question Ataus. There's no difference in mic quality as they're the same headset. The major difference is the Opencomm UC includes the USB Dongle for the best connectivity experience when using it on your computer.
Will EITHER of these connect to 2 Bluetooth devices at once? I use 2 cell phones at take calls on both during the day and my current Samsung Gear Circle does that but does not always connect to a call when answering.
The UC model is not available in my country. Will the classic OpenComm model be compatible with any generic Bluetooth 5.0 adapter if I hook it up to my PC?
Yes, the Opencomm will work on your built in computer Bluetooth or a generic Bluetooth adapter but we can't guarantee the quality when connecting to a computer. It may or may not work great. It's hard to know without you trying for yourself.
What is the connectivity range when using the USB adapter for the UC version?
I did my own test at home today and using the UC dongle, the range was no better then the voyager 5200 uc which sucks. with my non-uc opencomm I can walk around my entire house vs just outside my office with UC.
I bought the original OpenComm a few years ago as a replacement for my gaming headset but had to return it. Unfortunately due to the restrictions of Bluetooth I was unable to get high quality audio while also on a voice call with my friends. The instant I entered a call my game audio became a static sounding, compressed mess. Does this new headset and the loop adapter still have this problem?
This headset isn't made for gaming, but with the new USB Dongle it should be a better experience, and may be worth a try.
Hi, are you shipping to Australia yet? I can't seem to find OpenComm UC here locally yet, nor if the USB dongle is available for separate purchase
Hi Henry, we aren't as of yet. Shokz may have this version available local to you soon, stay tuned.
have two opencomm headsets. The multipoint seems to flake out after a while. How can I buy the Loop100 instead of an entire new headset??
Hi Daniel, the Loop100 isn't sold separately at this time but we're working with Shokz to see if it can be sold separate.
Does anyone know if I can pair more than one OpenComm (Not UC) to a single Loop 100? I have several OpenComms in various workplaces and would like to just use one single Loop for all of them when I travel.
Hi Jim, you can but you'd need to go through the pairing process of the Opencomm to the Loop 100 each time depending on the workstation you're at.
Thanks
Can I buy the adaptor to use with my OpenRun Pros
I don't believe so as this adapter is made for Opencomm, but we haven't tested to verify.
Hi David. Great review, staightforward and packs all of the necessary information on choosing either the non-UC or the UC version.
I have a question, will the UC version connect to the device's bluetooth directly when, let's say, the dongle went missing or being accidentally left at home? Thanks David
Hi Fritz, technically you can still connect the headset to Bluetooth devices like a computer without the Dongle, but isn't recommended for the best connectivity and audio experience.
I have a question. Can the Bluetooth dongle be connected to a multi-port hub to work with ever is connected to the hub.
Hi Alex, yes it can.
@@HeadsetAdvisor Cool thank you for the info.
@@alexflores7652 anytime let us know if any other questions come up in the future
Why is the UC version not even available on their main website?
Shokz is still determing if they will offer it on their website or only through their authorized partners. That being said, we think they'll show it on their website at some point soon.
@@HeadsetAdvisor thanks! Just ordered from your website. Hope it'll work well for me!
@@sieffy91 Thanks for your order!! Looking forward to hear your feedback.
loop 100 adapter is now available separately. will it work with the aftershokz opencomm (old version)?
Hi Linus, that's news to us as we still don't have access to the Loop 100 as of yet, but yes the Loop 100 is made to work with your existing Opencomm headset. Where are you seeing you can get this?
@@HeadsetAdvisor from shokz site. I recently check with their agent. they said it should work with both old and new opencomm
@@linuskyle Ah we see that, that's great news! Looks like we'll have the Loop 100 available soon as well which is good.
If only they sold the dongle separately. I have 2 Opencomm already and not looking to folk out another 299 for a new OpenComm uc.
Good news is the dongle is sold separately now 🙂 headsetadvisor.com/products/loop-100-dongle-for-shokz-opencomm-headset
opencomm uc not available even on their website
Currently we're one of the only resellers for this product as of right now. I'm sure there will be more in the future.
when will opencomm uc be available?
Hi Nie, it's available in the US and Canada. Not sure for other markets as of yet.
Do they sell the dongle Loop 100 separately?
Not as of yet, but we believe in the future this will be available for purchase separately.
@@HeadsetAdvisor They are now available to purchase separately
With the UC version, what does mute on Teams do in the headset? Does it beep every so many seconds telling you it is muted?
Hi Benjamin, from our testing it will mute/unmute the mic within Teams and give you an initial beep tone to let you know you're muted. It doesn't give a beep tone after a certain amount of time when being on mute.
@@HeadsetAdvisor This is not the case for me. I have Teams calls all day and if I use the mute functionality on the headset I constantly hear those beeps. Is there any planned firmware/software or remote call controls in the works from Shokz? That is my biggest gripe with the headset is the inability to mute/end call/answer call within Teams without being at your computer. All I can really do is mute the headset but it doesn't show me as muted in the Teams client itself.
@@sieffy91 Do you have the model with the Dongle or are you connecting to the computer via Bluetooth?
@@HeadsetAdvisor the dongle
@@HeadsetAdvisor So I have been testing between the Bluetooth dongle vs standard Bluetooth connection and they differ slightly in Teams. If you have the dongle connected, and you use the Mute function in the Teams client it won't beep but this requires that you are at the PC which isn't ideal if you're on the call and are AFK. You can mute the microphone using the + and - on the headset itself but then it will beep regardless of whether or not you use the dongle. If you're looking for a good video opportunity, I feel it would be very helpful for people to know what functionality the UC dongle version gives you in programs like Teams and/or Zoom. I will say this is quite limited at the moment but hopefully, Shokz comes out with some software soon to get the remote call controls for the UC version.
Is the mic removable?
Hey CJ, the mic isn’t removable.
are these illegal when driving?
No because nothing covers your ears so you’re still aware of your surroundings.
Has anybody here used this headset for gaming purposes ?
We personally haven't