Tozo Open Buds in test – Open headphones with flexible hook

A new model has been added to the competitive headphone market: the recently launched Tozo Open Buds. The US company Tozo uses a TWS design with a hook that is placed behind the ear to hold the headphones in position. Among other things, the company advertises a two-axis adjustment option to adjust the holder and thus increase ergonomics.

There are also some typical promises. For example, the headphones are advertised with their sound and bass. Phone calls should also benefit from the automatic removal of background noise. In essence, however, the adjustable hook is probably the headphones’ biggest special feature on paper – and the open design sets the Open Buds apart from the numerous in-ears on the market. Whether the overall combination is convincing and whether we would recommend the headphones for a price of Price not available * [test date: €56] is clarified in the following test.

Technical details of the Tozo Open Buds

• Headphones in charging case
• Short charging cable and instructions included

Tozo sticks to the usual package when it comes to the scope of delivery. The Open Buds are delivered in a colorful printed box containing the instructions, a 0.2 m long charging cable and the charging case. The two headphones are housed in the charging case. Everything necessary for operation is therefore included – even if the cable naturally only offers limited flexibility due to its comparatively short length.

Design & workmanship

• Lots of plastic
• Simple design
• Impeccable workmanship

Tozo does not experiment with the basic design of the charging case: As is usually the case, it has a rounded shape and is made of matt black plastic. There is also a signal LED on the front and the USB-C port on the back.

Even when opened, you can expect the usual picture. The two earpieces sit in appropriately shaped indentations with high-gloss plastic. When they are inserted, magnets automatically pull them into position and onto the built-in charging contacts. When the charging case is open, you can also press the built-in button to reset the headphones.

Tozo also uses a standard design for the Open Buds themselves: The headphones have a central housing that contains the speaker, the battery, an outward-facing LED and the touch field. The company once again uses plastic for the surfaces – matt black on the inside and matt grey on the outside. However, a different material is used for the hooks: these are rubbery and therefore bendable so that they can fit snugly against the back of the ear.

Adjustment is further improved by the built-in adjustment mechanism: the hook can be tilted in seven stages and can also be continuously tilted outwards by around 90 degrees. This allows the in-ears to be placed flat in the charging case and worn comfortably at the same time.

Tozo does not allow itself any weaknesses in terms of build quality. The charging case and the headphones are free from uneven gaps, sharp edges or visual anomalies. In addition, the adjustment options on the hook and the folding mechanism on the case also make a stable impression – there is nothing to criticize here.

Practice, wearing comfort & battery life

• Very comfortable, stable wearing comfort
• Good control
• Modern app with a moderate range of functions
• Solid battery life

The Open Buds also perform well in practical use. The magnet in the charging case, for example, is strong enough that you only have to insert the headphones roughly and they then pull themselves into position. The folding mechanism is also crisp as usual.

We were also impressed by the adjustable hook, which ensures a high level of wearing comfort. To insert them, simply remove the Open Buds from the case, place the hook behind the ear and then turn the headphones into the desired position. This requires no significant practice time and is quick and easy to do.

The wearing comfort achieved is also impressive: the hook sits comfortably behind the ear and keeps the headphones in a very stable position, even when running, for example. The Open Buds do not strain the ear canal, as the sound is fed in at some distance. Anyone who is sensitive in this area will appreciate this. However, when using the perfectly functioning touch controls, it is important to remember that you should really only touch the outside of the headphones – otherwise the housing will press on your ear.

If you don’t like the given touch gestures, they can optionally be adapted in a cross-product app. All actions can be reassigned there. The software also offers a customizable EQ to adjust the sound of the headphones. Both work well and are made possible with a user interface that is easy to understand. The most important functions are covered by the app.

The Tozo Open Buds also perform solidly in terms of battery life. At a slightly higher volume, so that slight background noise does not disturb despite the open design, the headphones lasted eight hours. Together with the charging case, a runtime of 26 hours was achieved. This means that you are well equipped for daily use and should hardly have any problems.

Recording and playback quality

• Good playback quality
• Solid bass
• Moderate recording

Sound quality is of course particularly important when it comes to headphones, and the Tozo Open Buds are certainly convincing in terms of playback. The headphones offer a very detailed sound, and we particularly liked the voluminous bass: This increasingly kicks in between 35 and 40 Hertz and provides a decent sound foundation without being excessive. At the same time, however, there is a slight weakness in the treble: In the double-digit kilohertz range, the headphones feel like they drop a little – but this doesn’t have too much of an impact when listening to music. More annoying, on the other hand, is the minimal basic beeping: this is not noticeable outdoors, but in a quiet environment it does slightly spoil the enjoyment of quiet music.

Another positive aspect is the excellent perception of the surroundings due to the design: noises are hardly blocked out. This means you can hear what’s going on around you – better than with any transparency mode. On the other hand, disturbing noises, such as those on the suburban train, are of course not blocked out either – you are of course better off with closed headphones. It’s simply a matter of taste which design you prefer.

However, the recording quality is much less a matter of taste, as Tozo’s Open Buds only perform moderately here. Although there is no strong background noise, the recorded voice is clearly discolored. This makes them suitable for occasional phone calls, but anyone who uses the built-in microphone a lot will probably want a somewhat clearer recording.

Conclusion on the Tozo Open Buds

With the Open Buds, Tozo offers open headphones that can currently be purchased for a price of Price not available * [test date: €56]. The build quality and battery life, for example, are impressive. The outstanding wearing comfort is also worthy of praise: the Open Buds are comfortable and stable.

In terms of sound, the peculiarities of the open design must of course be taken into account. Apart from that, however, the headphones offer a good sound – at least during playback. However, we would not recommend the Open Buds for frequent phone calls due to the mediocre recording quality.

However, if you don’t need them too often and would like to buy comfortable headphones with an open design, you may well be happy with the Open Buds. Especially those who jog a lot, for example, and don’t want to hear their surroundings only through a transparency mode, will get a good package.