Comparison

HEOS vs Shokz

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

Head to head
About

HEOS

Control a wide range of connected audio devices from Denon, Marantz, and Definitive Technology. Stream music from online services or local storage, and enjoy true multi-room audio with easy setup and intuitive control.

Highlights
  • True multi-room audio
  • Quick and easy setup
  • Access online music services
  • Search across multiple music sources
  • Control playback remotely
  • Access locally stored music
Features
Read full description

HEOS is the controller app for the world’s biggest and best range of connected audio gear. It is a smart music streaming technology found in all devices Powered by HEOS from Denon, Marantz, and Definitive Technology. HEOS is for music lovers who want a beautiful and intuitive way to enjoy the latest advances in connected audio. You can find HEOS built into great sounding AV receivers, Hi-Fi equipment, sound bars, speakers, mini systems and specialty multi-room models. Features: True multi-room audio: play different songs in different rooms or the same song in multiple rooms. Quick and easy setup: add all your speakers with step-by-step instructions. Instant access to your favorite music: play from your favorite online music services, like Spotify, Amazon Music, TIDAL, and more. Search your music in one place: use one search function to browse across multiple music sources. See what’s playing any time: play, pause, and skip music from anywhere in the app. Access locally stored music: play music saved to your phone, USB, analog inputs, computers, and NAS drives. Share with your friends and family: support for multiple users and multiple music service accounts.

About

Shokz

Enhance your audio experience with customizable sound modes and a powerful equalizer. Effortlessly manage multiple Bluetooth devices, update firmware, and control playback. Access detailed information about your headphones and the brand.

Highlights
  • Customizable sound modes
  • Equalizer settings
  • Multipoint Bluetooth pairing
  • Firmware upgrades
  • Playback controls
  • Headphone information access
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

HEOS4 screens
Shokz4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Shokz at 95% against HEOS's 29%. Shokz also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.4) and update cadence (weekly vs every 3 weeks). HEOS's advantage is monetization model (ad-supported vs free with in-app purchases). On price, ratings volume, ads and in-app purchases 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 4.4. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 27K and 26K respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 29% of HEOS's written reviews are positive against 95% of Shokz's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

HEOS ships an update every 3 weeks, Shokz weekly. Both last shipped on October 26, 2026.

Scorecard5 real differences · 6 level
HEOS versus Shokz: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterHEOSShokz
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.4 (27K ratings)4.8 (26K ratings) — better
Positive reviews29.5% of reviews94.6% of reviews — better
Number of ratings27K — better26K
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksWeekly — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationAd-supported — betterFree with in-app purchases
Best chart rank—#49 — better
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPod
Requires iOS16.015.5 — better
Further details — not scored
Size328 MB279 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperD&M HoldingsShenzhen Shokz Co., Ltd.

Customer experience

HEOS

All ratings27,124 ratings
Positive84.7%
Neutral4.2%
Negative11.1%
Written reviews1,574 reviews
Positive29.5%
Neutral15.1%
Negative55.4%

Shokz

All ratings25,887 ratings
Positive96.3%
Neutral2.2%
Negative1.6%
Written reviews5,301 reviews
Positive94.6%
Neutral2.0%
Negative3.4%

User reviews

HEOS

From 27K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Excellent sound quality
  • 🔒 Robust wireless connectivity
  • 👍 Convenient app control
  • 💡 Integrates with various music services

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Buggy and unstable app
  • 👎 Poor user interface and navigation
  • 🔌 Connectivity issues and frequent disconnects
  • 💤 Slow app performance and loading times

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

HEOS

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • App crashes and freezes frequently
  • Speakers randomly disappear from the network
  • Volume controls are inconsistent and unreliable
  • Sync issues between grouped speakers

Requested features

4 requests
  • Add support for Apple Music
  • Improve playlist management and queue functionality
  • Provide better customization options for rooms and speakers
  • Implement a more intuitive and user-friendly app design

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

HEOS

No in-app purchases

None

Shokz

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is HEOS free?
HEOS 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, HEOS or Shokz?
Shokz is rated higher. HEOS averages 4.4 out of 5 from 27K ratings, while Shokz averages 4.8 from 26K ratings.
Do HEOS or Shokz have ads?
Neither HEOS nor Shokz shows ads.
Which is updated more often, HEOS or Shokz?
HEOS ships an update every 3 weeks, and Shokz weekly. Most recently, HEOS was updated on October 26, 2026 and Shokz on October 26, 2026.

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