Over the last few years, DeWalt has expanded their personal tech offerings to include things such as portable chargers, wearable Bluetooth speakers, and several styles of Bluetooth earbuds. While DeWalt may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think about jobsite audio solutions, we believe there’s good reason to put them in the running. Today, I’m taking a look at the DeWalt Open Ear Pro Headphones to see what they have to offer and how they can benefit you on the jobsite.
Pros
- Excellent audio quality
- Comfortable fit
- Long runtime
- User friendly controls
Cons
- Wind can affect audio quality
DeWalt Open Ear Pro Headphones: What They Say
- Model: DeWalt DXMA1902096
- Charging Type: USB-C
- Runtime: 10 hrs (headphones), 44 hrs (charging case)
- Ingress Rating: IP55 (headphones), IP44 (charging case)
- Connection Type: Bluetooth 5.3
The DeWalt Open Ear Bluetooth Headphones are designed to deliver ultimate situational awareness and a premium listening experience. The flexible earhooks are wrapped in soft silicone and conforms easily to your ear, making them perfect for all-day use. On top of that, the flexible memory-wire ensures a secure fit so they won’t slip off during a workout or other vigorous activities.
These headphones utilize an 18x11mm dynamic speaker to project a full range of high-quality sound directly into your ear. They deliver up to 10 hours of use per charge, and up to 44 hours total when you account for the rugged charging case.
DeWalt kept the controls simple and work glove-friendly. The precise one-button controls provide tactile control over volume, track selection, and phone calls. This means no more fumbling with touch sensors or other complex controls.
DeWalt Open Ear Pro Headphones: What We Say
For me, music is a must-have when I’m working, and I’ll be the first one to admit that my music taste varies quite a bit. At first when I tried these headphones, my biggest concern was the audio quality due to the open ear design…I couldn’t have been more wrong!
The audio comes through crisp and clear, and I’m able to listen at a comfortable volume while simultaneously remaining fully aware of what’s happening around me. I was even able to carry on a conversation without feeling the need to pause my music. It was a truly strange experience!
Even though the audio quality was great, my main concern was that the audio would bother those around me, essentially suffering from second-hand exposure to my screamy music. Surprisingly, no one around me could hear anything unless I had the volume cranked to an uncomfortable level.
While these headphones are great, there is one noticeable downside to the design. The open ear design is great for staying aware of your surroundings; however, they’re very susceptible to wind interference, which causes diminished audio quality.
I found that I had to turn up the volume much higher than normal in windy conditions. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something to know if you’re shopping for a new set of headphones.
Controls
As I mentioned earlier, the controls are pretty straight forward. The single button design is easy to control, even while wearing work gloves. However, the controls are slightly different depending on if you’re wearing one, or both headphones.
If wearing both, either button will pause/play audio or accept/end phone calls. A long press on the right side will increase volume, while a long press of the left will decrease it. To skip a track, double tap the right side. To repeat a track, double tap the left side.
If you’re only wearing one headphone, it’s slightly different. The playback and phone call functions remain unchanged. However, the volume control and seeking functions are more limited. In this case, you can only increase the volume and skip tracks by using the same processes I detailed earlier.
Fit and Comfort
After wearing the DeWalt Open Ear Pro Headphones for a few days, I have to say that they’re some of the most comfortable earbuds I’ve ever used. They’re light enough that they don’t put much pressure on the top of your ear, and the soft silicone overmold won’t irritate your skin over the course of a long day.
On top of that, the top of the earhooks are thin enough that they won’t interfere with your safety glasses.
DeWalt Open Ear Pro Headphones Price
These headphones retail for $149.99 and come with a lifetime warranty. This is a little higher than average when you look at similar models on the market, but the strong warranty makes these a compelling option, especially for active jobsite use.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the DeWalt Open Ear Pro Headphones deliver a refreshing take on personal audio for the workshop, jobsite, or daily life. By combining quality sound with an open-ear design, you stay connected to your environment while still being able to jam out as you work. This addresses a key pain point that traditional headphones simply can’t conquer. On top of that, DeWalt gives you plenty of runtime so you can make it through the day without needing to recharge.
These headphones deliver a thoughtful mix of sound quality, comfort, and awareness — making them a standout choice for Pros who needs to keep both ears in the game.
