Comparison

Garmin Audio vs Shokz

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Garmin Audio

Control your marine entertainment system wirelessly from your device. Manage music sources, adjust volume zones, and navigate your library with ease. Optimize audio with advanced DSP settings for a premium listening experience on the water.

Highlights
  • Wireless remote control
  • Music source navigation
  • Independent volume zone control
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Album art display
  • Over-the-air software updates
  • Digital Signal Processing (DSP) setup
Read full description

The free Garmin Audio app puts entertainment control in the palm of your hand. Whether you’re on the move or at the helm, this app gives you quick access to wireless remote control of your compatible JL Audio® or Fusion® stereo via Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi® connectivity (Wi-Fi available on select stereo models only). Enjoy play / pause / skip audio control with source selection, individual zone volume control and the ability to adjust music / stereo settings (including choosing albums, artists and playlists). You will also be able to access over-the-air software updates allowing you to easily keep your compatible stereo up-to-date with the latest features. The app supports Digital Signal Processing (DSP) setup with the Easy Tune feature; where you can select customized speaker, subwoofer, amplifier and environmental profiles to enjoy premium audio that is optimized for your boat, resulting in a superior listening experience. DSP also protects your audio system by adjusting the power output to your system components. Keep a look out for future app updates which may introduce new features and improvements.

About

Shokz

Enhance your audio experience with customizable sound modes and equalizer settings. Effortlessly manage multiple Bluetooth connections and update your device's firmware for optimal performance. Control playback and access detailed information about your headphones.

Highlights
  • Customizable equalizer
  • Sound mode switching
  • Multipoint Bluetooth pairing
  • Firmware upgrades
  • Playback controls
  • Headphone battery status
Features
Currently charting
Read full description

You can find the following functions in the Shokz app: 1) Rich and powerful sound Enjoy built-in tuning for easy switching between sound modes, while the customizable equalizer allows you to tailor your music to your preferences. 2) Programmable buttons Assign touch buttons to the functions you use the most. 3) Effortless multipoint pairing The app allows you to simultaneously connect one pair of headphones to two Bluetooth devices. Additionally, you can easily switch and manage other Shokz headphones directly from the app. 4) Firmware upgrades Up-to-date firmware keeps your headphones in optimal condition, ensuring you get the best user experience. 5) Playback controls Adjust the volume, pause/play music, skip songs, and choose playback modes directly through the app. 6) Access information - Your headphones: Including headphone battery status, user manual, serial number, and additional details. - Shokz: Explore the brand story, service policy, and other relevant information. If you have any feedback, please visit the "About Us" section and select "Feedback" to share your comments with us. Note The Shokz app is compatible with OpenRun Pro, OpenFit, OpenFit Air, OpenSwim Pro, OpenRun Pro 2, OpenFit 2, OpenMeet, OpenDots ONE, OpenFit 2+, and OpenFit Pro. Please be aware that certain features may not be accessible on all products.

Screenshots

Garmin Audio4 screens
Shokz4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is rating: Shokz at 4.8 against Garmin Audio's 4.0. Shokz also leads on update cadence (weekly vs every 3 months) and review sentiment (95% vs 69%). On price, ads, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Shokz holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Shokz has 26K ratings behind it against 460, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 69% of Garmin Audio's written reviews are positive against 95% of Shokz's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Garmin Audio ships an update every 3 months, Shokz weekly. Both last shipped on November 1, 2026.

Scorecard6 real differences · 5 level
Garmin Audio versus Shokz: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterGarmin AudioShokz
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.0 (460 ratings)4.8 (26K ratings) — better
Positive reviews69.5% of reviews94.6% of reviews — better
Number of ratings46026K — better
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFreeFree
Best chart rank—#45 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS18.015.5 — better
Further details — not scored
Size55 MB278 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperGarminShenzhen Shokz Co., Ltd.

Customer experience

Garmin Audio

All ratings459 ratings
Positive73.0%
Neutral5.7%
Negative21.4%
Written reviews239 reviews
Positive69.5%
Neutral8.8%
Negative21.8%

Shokz

All ratings25,952 ratings
Positive96.3%
Neutral2.2%
Negative1.6%
Written reviews5,304 reviews
Positive94.6%
Neutral2.0%
Negative3.4%

User reviews

Garmin Audio

From 460 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Easy to use
  • 🚀 Convenient remote control
  • 💡 Great for multi-zone audio control
  • 🎨 Intuitive interface
  • 🔊 Excellent sound quality

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Connectivity issues
  • 🔍 Inconsistent app performance
  • 🔌 Difficulty updating firmware
  • 🤖 Lack of Apple Watch support
  • 🔇 Volume control problems

Shokz

From 26K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Comfortable and lightweight
  • 🚀 Excellent sound quality
  • 💡 Awareness of surroundings
  • 🔋 Long battery life
  • 👍 Seamless multi-device connectivity

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional Bluetooth connectivity issues
  • 🔋 Battery life could be better
  • 👎 Limited EQ customization options
  • 👎 Microphone quality could be improved
  • 👎 Volume range not optimal in some environments

Bugs and requests

Garmin Audio

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • App crashes when adjusting volume
  • Bluetooth disconnects frequently
  • Fails to detect stereo system
  • Inconsistent zone control functionality

Requested features

4 requests
  • Apple Watch app
  • More customization options
  • Improved Bluetooth/WiFi reliability
  • Streamlined firmware update process

Shokz

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Headphones randomly disconnecting
  • App unable to detect/connect to headphones
  • Inconsistent volume levels

Requested features

4 requests
  • More advanced EQ settings
  • Automatic volume adjustment based on environment
  • Customizable button controls
  • Integration with fitness/health tracking apps

In-app purchases

None

Garmin Audio

No in-app purchases

None

Shokz

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Garmin Audio free?
Garmin Audio is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Shokz free?
Shokz is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Garmin Audio or Shokz?
Shokz is rated higher. Garmin Audio averages 4.0 out of 5 from 460 ratings, while Shokz averages 4.8 from 26K ratings.
Do Garmin Audio or Shokz have ads?
Neither Garmin Audio nor Shokz shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Garmin Audio or Shokz?
Garmin Audio ships an update every 3 months, and Shokz weekly. Most recently, Garmin Audio was updated on November 1, 2026 and Shokz on November 1, 2026.

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