Shokz OpenFit 2 Review: The Ultimate Open-Ear Upgrade?

Enhanced comfort, sound, and battery life are the Shokz OpenFit 2 worth it?

FAQS & Tutorials - Updated 13th February 2025

Shokz OpenFit 2 Review: The Ultimate Open-Ear Upgrade?

Written By

Elliott Peeters-Vanstone

Shokz OpenFit 2: A Deep Dive Into Real-World Performance

The Shokz OpenFit 2 open-ear headphones are here to build on what was already an impressive first-gen release. Designed for runners, gymgoers, and active users alike who want to stay aware of their surroundings without sacrificing sound quality, these earbuds come in at $179, the same price as their predecessors. But, with key upgrades like a more refined design, improved bass, and longer battery life, are they worth the hype?

After getting a first glimpse at CES earlier this year, and having reviewed several Shokz models in the past on our YouTube channel, such as the OpenFit Air and OpenSwim Pro, we were eager to see how this new model stacked up. Are they worth the upgrade? And how do they perform in real-world conditions? Continue reading for our in-depth review.

Not into reading? Just watch our Shokz OpenFit 2 Review instead! 👇

Key Upgrades: What’s New?

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of performance, as we saw at CES, the OpenFit 2's have some exciting changes we want to talk about:

Physical Buttons—Finally!

One of the biggest complaints about the first-gen OpenFit was accidental touches while working out. Shokz has listened and introduced physical multifunction buttons. While touch controls remain an option, the new physical buttons provide more precise control when adjusting volume, skipping tracks, or taking calls. No more frustrating accidental taps mid-run!

Refined Design & Comfort

While the OpenFit 2s follow the same blueprint as their predecessors, preserving the lightweight open-ear structure and distinctive earhook design, the overall aesthetics and ergonomics have been subtly improved for better usability and comfort:

More flexible nickel-titanium ear hooks mould naturally to your ears.
Ultra-soft silicone 2.0 material ensures a more comfortable fit for extended use
More pocket-friendly case with smoother corners

This translates to a fit that feels more natural and secure—perfect for workouts or all-day wear.

Upgraded Sound: DualBoost™ Technology

Shokz has also revamped the internal audio system of the OpenFit 2 with the introduction of DualBoost™ Technology, featuring two dedicated drivers per earbud rather than one:

A 17.3mm bass driver (16% larger than the first-gen) should help deliver deeper, richer low frequencies.
A separate dynamic driver takes care of mids and highs, ensuring a more balanced, detailed sound too.

The result? A louder and more immersive listening experience— according to Shokz 50% volume on OpenFit 2 equals 65% on the original version. This is a game-changer, especially for outdoor use in noisy environments.

Improved Battery Life

As with all headphones, good battery life is a must and the OpenFit 2s have also had a boost in this department making them an even better pick for those extended listening sessions.

11 hours of playtime per charge (up from 7 hours in the original OpenFit).
Up to 48 hours with the charging case.
Quick charge: 10 minutes for 2 hours of playback.

This means you can confidently get through a week of workouts without constantly recharging.

More: Shokz OpenSwim Pro & OpenFit Air Review: The ULTIMATE (Sport) Headphones?

Real-World Testing: How Do They Perform?

Why Choose Open-Ear?

Shokz is already well known for bone-conduction technology, but the OpenFit 2 uses what’s called air conduction instead. Unlike bone conduction models, these sit outside your ears and funnel sound inwards. This design keeps your ears open, making them ideal for outdoor activities where situational awareness is key.

You might be wondering how this differs from standard in-ear headphones or over-ears. Well, unlike traditional in-ear headphones, which seal off the ear canal for a more immersive experience, the OpenFit 2 prioritises comfort and awareness over complete sound performance and noise cancellation. This makes them a great option for runners, cyclists, and commuters who still want to enjoy their music but also stay connected to the environment around them.

Comfort & Fit: A Game-Changer?

During testing, I took these on several runs and workouts, and my first impression was simple: they’re super comfortable. The new earhook shape and silicone material feel significantly lighter and more natural than the previous model, making them easy to wear for extended periods.

Even during intense exercise, they stayed secure without requiring constant readjustments. Plus, the case is compact enough to slip into a pocket or running pouch without a second thought, adding to their overall convenience.

Compared to something like the OpenRun Pro 2s, which features a rear band for extra stability, the OpenFit 2 delivers a band-free alternative that feels more natural to wear in my opinion.

If you're a competitive athlete, you might prefer the added security that the OpenRun Pro 2s offer, but for someone like me—who trains regularly but isn't pushing for a marathon PB week in and week out—the OpenFit 2 offers more than enough stability without feeling too restrictive.

Extra Features, Connectivity & Call Quality

When it comes to additional features, the OpenFit 2 supports Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint pairing, meaning you can seamlessly switch between devices like a smartwatch and phone with ease. Call quality is solid, and the AI-powered beamforming microphones effectively cut out background noise during our tests.

The Shokz app is also pretty handy with several different customisation options to enhance the listening experience.

EQ Presets & Customisation – The app includes four built-in EQ presets, allowing you to choose from bass boost, vocal enhancement, or balanced sound modes. There’s also a 5-band EQ for manual sound adjustments if you prefer to tweak the audio to your taste.
Find My Earbuds – A lifesaver if you tend to misplace your earbuds, this feature lets you track them through the app.
Customisable Controls – Reassign button functions to match your preferences, such as changing track skipping behaviour or adjusting volume with a specific press pattern.

While these features add useful customisation options, their impact will depend on how much you engage with them. For those who like to fine-tune their sound and controls, the app is a great addition. However, if you're more of a plug-and-play user, you might not feel the need to dive into all the settings. The Find My Earbuds feature was a particular standout though and is a feature I wish more headphones came equipped with.

Sound Performance: A Noticeable Upgrade?

Pros & Cons

✅ Noticeably richer, clearer and louder
✅ Better low-end performance
✅ Balanced sound, ideal for mixed-use
✅ Best at moderate listening volumes

❌ Slight distortion at max volume
❌ Not as loud as in-ear headphones

Alright, before we dive into sound performance, let's talk about expectations. These are open-ear headphones, so they're never going to give you the same isolated, deep-bass experience as in-ear headphones would (that's just the nature of the beast). You're making a trade-off for awareness, which is a big plus for some, but something to consider before you buy.

That said If you’re coming from the original OpenFit or maybe the OpenFit Air, you’ll immediately notice a richer, more dynamic sound with the OpenFit 2s. From our testing, you can immediately tell Shokz has fine-tuned the audio with DualBoost™ Technology.

The mids and highs feel crisper and clearer, and the bass has improved as well. Admittedly it’s not as deep as the performance you’d get with in-ear headphones, but it is an improvement on the previous models.

For everyday listening, we found the OpenFit 2s to be a very solid choice. They deliver a clear and enjoyable sound, perfect for a variety of different use cases. However, like many open-ear headphones, they do have their limits when it comes to volume.

Pushing them too hard can lead to some distortion, and the bass definition can get a little muddy. So, while they're great for casual listening and podcasts, if you're someone who really likes to crank up the volume during your workouts, you might find yourself wanting a little bit more. But, again that's the trade-off you make for the open-ear experience.

Overall, the OpenFit 2s are a definite step up from previous versions. The balance is better, the clarity is up, and the overall listening experience is more immersive. No, these aren't going to blow away audiophiles who are used to high-end in-ear headphones. But for what they are, they're seriously impressive.

Are They Worth the Upgrade?

If You Already Own the Shokz OpenFit…

While the OpenFit 2 introduces some nice refinements, no single feature is revolutionary. Instead, it’s a series of small but meaningful upgrades, much like marginal gains in elite sports. If you’re happy with your OpenFit 1s, upgrading isn’t essential—unless you deeply value the improved fit, better bass, and extra battery life.

If You’re New to Open-Ear Headphones…

For first-time buyers, these are an excellent choice, especially for those with active lifestyles. They strike the perfect balance between situational awareness, comfort, and sound quality, making them ideal for runners, cyclists, and users always on the go.

Our Verdict: The Best Open-Ear Headphones Yet?

The Shokz OpenFit 2 takes an already great pair of headphones and makes them even better. After wearing them for multiple workouts, long walks, and even a few office sessions, I can confidently say the improved comfort, better sound, and longer battery life make a noticeable difference. They feel like a step forward, rather than just a minor refresh.

If you already own the original OpenFit earbuds, the decision to upgrade depends on how much you value small but meaningful improvements across the board. If you're perfectly happy with your current pair, I don't think you need to rush out and get the second-gen version ($179 isn't small change after all). But, if you can sell your old pair, or have the money to do so, that could sweeten the deal.

For those new to open-ear headphones though, these are a fantastic entry point. They’re a step up from something like the OpenFit Air’s and whether you're a casual runner, a gym-goer, or just someone who enjoys a more ambient listening experience, the OpenFit 2 will offer a great balance of awareness and sound quality that makes them worth keeping on your radar.

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Shokz OpenFit 2 Review: The Ultimate Open-Ear Upgrade?

Enhanced comfort, sound, and battery life are the Shokz OpenFit 2 worth it?