Shokz OpenFit 2 review: Big tweaks and even bigger wins for runners and cyclists

Shokz needs no introduction to active folks. The brand has been synonymous with bon-conduction headphones preferred by many runners and cyclists for exercise. I myself haven’t been the biggest fan of these, although I admit, they are ideal for those who want maximum spatial awareness.

Around a year and a half ago, the company decided to jump onto the open-ear headphone bandwagon with its Shokz OpenFit model. I found these one of the best running headphones that year, thanks to the decent audio quality, compact design and comfort they provided. They weren’t perfect, but they were good enough for everyday use as well as exercise.

It turns out, Shokz not only heard our feedback but was also willing to address some of the shortcomings when creating the successor of the buds, the OpenFit 2. The new headphones introduce a ton of updates, from the dual-driver setup and thinner and more ergonomic ear hook design to physical buttons and longer battery life.

I’ve been testing them for a couple of weeks, and thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Are they the ultimate workout buds? Maybe not, but they come very, very close. They are certainly worth checking out and an excellent first buds for those who haven’t tried open-ear headphones before. Want to know more? Read my full Shokz OpenFit 2 review below.

Shokz OpenFit 2 review

Price and availability

The Shokz OpenFit 2 was announced in January 2025 and is available to buy now at Shokz US for $179.95 (approx. £143.89/ AU$285.50) – UK and AU availability TBC.

I doubt the brand will sell the buds for those UK/AU prices I put in between brackets; it’s more likely that we’ll see pound-for-dollar conversion for the UK when the buds finally become available in the country. For comparison, the OpenFit 2 has the same recommended retail price as its predecessor (albeit you can get the OpenFit for much cheaper these days).

The buds come in two colours: Black and Beige. I tested the latter. The name is a bit unfortunate – in the UK, something being beige can imply blandness – but not uncommon these days. For reference, look at Beats x Kim Kardashian Studio Pro colours (they call the beigy colour Earth, though).

Specifications

• Type: Bluetooth open-ear true wireless
• Battery life: up to 11 hours, additional 37 hours in charging case (48 hours in total)
• ANC: No
• Weight (each bud): 9.4g/ 0.33oz
• Weather resistance: IP55
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4, Multi-point pairing

Design and build quality

Although the Openfit 2 maintains Shokz’s signature open-ear format, offering an airy and non-intrusive listening experience, the buds feature a more refined, lightweight design focused on comfort, durability, and usability.

The Ni-Ti alloy ear hooks are thinner and more ergonomic than previous models. They are covered in soft-to-the-touch silicone, which the brand calls Shokz Ultra-Soft Silicone 2.0. The smooth material helps the buds stay in place better as well as providing additional comfort. Even though I liked the new design – it certainly bothered me less wearing the headphones with glasses – I wish the hooks were a bit firmer.

I completely appreciate the struggle to design headphones for people when no two ears are identical. For example, the OpenFit 2 sit perfectly in my right ear but was a bit wobbly on my left. Not to the extent of falling out, but I could feel it shift when I tip my head in any direction. I’m sure I’ll get used to the sensation eventually, but I feel if the hooks were former, I wouldn’t have this issue.

Physical buttons were added, one on each side, allowing you to start/stop audio, skip and repeat songs and increase/decrease volume by single, double and triple pressing them (respectively). Shokz also included touch controls – or, more like, didn’t get rid of them – but they are inactive as default and can be turned on and customised in the Shokz app.

The buds weigh 9.4g (0.33oz)| each, which is a slight weight increase since the OpenFit (8.3g). They are far from heavy, though, especially since they sit outside the ears. The OpenFit 2 has an IP55 rating, an upgrade from the predecessor’s IP54 certification. Not quite the IP68 rating of the Jabra Elite 8 Active Gen 2, but more than good enough for exercising.

Audio performance

The Shokz OpenFit 2’s physical changes are quite significant, but the biggest updates happened in the audio department. The brand completely redesigned the drivers and the layout to provide a more well-balanced sound. The new setup also enables the headphones to play music louder all the while reducing sound leakage.

From all the audio upgrades, the dual-driver setup deserves the most attention. Called Shokz DualBoost Technology, it combines two independent drivers, separating and processing low and high-frequency sounds for a refined musical experience, the company explains.

The 17.3mm low-frequency driver is said to be 16.7% larger than the OpenFit’s and is made with a “high-performance polymer surround” to ensure low distortion and richer bass than before. The buds also feature “rear tuning holes” to reduce sound leakage, which not only helps annoy the people around you less but also ensures that most of the audio output of the OpenFit 2 reaches your ear canal.

As a result of this tinkering, the Shokz OpenFit 2 sound amazing. The buds deliver a balanced and enhanced audio experience, with surprisingly clear highs and mids. The bass, while still not as powerful as traditional in-ear headphones (they probably never will be), is noticeably improved. You can certainly hear the audio much better when out running without sacrificing spatial awareness.

You can change the sound profile in the Shokz app using the different EQ settings. I found the Standard setting the most well-balanced; the others push the drivers’ performance too much, resulting in distorted sound from lower volumes. In the Standard setting, you can raise the volume all the way to 80-85% without much distortion.

Battery life and charging

Battery life has increased significantly, from six to 11 hours on one charge. There is no active noise cancellation (or transparency mode), meaning that real-life numbers should be close to the ones stated by Shokz. Of course, if you listen to music at higher volumes, you might experience shorter battery life.

The charging case holds an additional 37 hours of charge, allowing you to fully replenish the battery on the buds three times over. After around two weeks of use, I’m yet to fully deplete the case’s battery despite using the OpenFit 2 quite a lot. Better still, the OpenFit 2 has a quick charge function: a 10-minute charge delivers two hours of listening time.

Verdict

I like the OpenFit 2 buds and appreciate Shokz's effort to upgrade them. The open-ear headphones are certainly better than their predecessors and one of the best running headphones on the market, in general. They sound great and feel great on the ears. If only the hooks were a little more supportive, I’d give the OpenFit 2 five stars. For now, though, I’ll just say you should give them a try if you need a new pair of workout headphones, especially for running.

Also consider

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: These bone-conduction headphones are ideal for active users, offering enhanced bass, excellent comfort, and a secure fit. They’re perfect for outdoor activities like running or cycling, where situational awareness is a priority.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: With a unique open-ear design that doesn’t rely on bone conduction, these earbuds deliver rich, dynamic sound while keeping your ears open to the environment. They’re a great choice for users who want high-quality audio without in-ear intrusion.

Apple AirPods Pro 2: These versatile earbuds feature active noise cancellation and a transparency mode, offering both immersive audio and situational awareness. They pair seamlessly with Apple devices and deliver excellent sound quality, making them suitable for workouts, commutes, and everyday use.