HEOS vs Shokz
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
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.
- True multi-room audio
- Quick and easy setup
- Access online music services
- Search across multiple music sources
- Control playback remotely
- Access locally stored music
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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.
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.
- Customizable sound modes
- Equalizer settings
- Multipoint Bluetooth pairing
- Firmware upgrades
- Playback controls
- Headphone information access
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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
Verdict
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
Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
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.
HEOS ships an update every 3 weeks, Shokz weekly. Both last shipped on October 26, 2026.
| Parameter | HEOS | Shokz |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.4 (27K ratings) | 4.8 (26K ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 29.5% of reviews | 94.6% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 27K — better | 26K |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | Weekly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Ad-supported — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Best chart rank | — | #49 — better |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 16.0 | 15.5 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 328 MB | 279 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | D&M Holdings | Shenzhen Shokz Co., Ltd. |
Customer experience
HEOS
Shokz
User reviews
HEOS
From 27K App Store ratingsWhat 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 ratingsWhat 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
HEOS
No in-app purchases
Shokz
No in-app purchases









