Willie S.
In a world where earbuds often prioritize sound quality over comfort or vice versa, the SHOKZ OpenFit 2 stands out by refusing to compromise. These open-ear headphones, launched in early 2025, are designed to keep you connected to your surroundings while delivering impressive audio performance. Whether you’re a runner dodging city traffic or an office worker juggling calls and playlists, the OpenFit 2 promises a blend of situational awareness, comfort, and robust sound that’s hard to ignore. With their sleek design and innovative technology, they aim to redefine how we experience wireless audio in active and everyday scenarios.
SHOKZ, the company behind the OpenFit 2, has built a reputation for pushing boundaries in the audio industry. Originally known as AfterShokz, the brand rebranded in 2021 to reflect its forward-thinking approach to open-ear and bone-conduction technology. Since 2011, SHOKZ has been a pioneer in creating headphones that prioritize safety and comfort without sacrificing sound quality. Their products are especially popular among athletes and professionals who need to stay alert while enjoying music or taking calls. The OpenFit 2 is the latest evolution of their open-ear concept, building on the success of the original OpenFit with enhanced features like improved bass and longer battery life.
The OpenFit 2 is a true wireless Bluetooth earphone set that sits just outside the ear canal, using an open-ear design to let ambient sounds in. This makes them ideal for activities where hearing your environment is crucial, like outdoor workouts or multitasking in busy settings. Launched in January 2025, they incorporate advanced technologies such as DualBoost drivers and the OpenBass 2.0 algorithm, which aim to deliver richer sound than their predecessors. With a focus on lightweight comfort and durability, these earbuds are crafted to appeal to both casual listeners and active users who demand reliability and performance.
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Is SHOKZ OpenFit 2 for You?
The SHOKZ OpenFit 2 addresses a specific need: enjoying high-quality audio while staying aware of your surroundings. These earbuds are perfect for runners, cyclists, or anyone who spends time in dynamic environments where hearing traffic, conversations, or other sounds is essential. They’re also a great fit for office workers who need to take calls or listen to music without feeling isolated from their workspace. The open-ear design ensures you’re never cut off from the world, making these earbuds a practical choice for multitasking or safety-conscious users.
This product shines for active individuals, particularly those who exercise outdoors or in unpredictable settings. Runners, hikers, and cyclists will appreciate the secure fit and environmental awareness, while professionals who juggle calls and meetings will value the clear call quality and all-day comfort. However, the OpenFit 2 isn’t ideal for audiophiles seeking immersive, noise-isolating sound or bass-heavy music experiences, as the open-ear design naturally limits sound isolation. If you’re looking for earbuds to block out the world, traditional in-ear models might suit you better.
In terms of budget, the OpenFit 2 falls into the mid-to-high-end range. It’s not a budget option, but it offers strong value for its price point given the advanced technology and durability. The earbuds are beginner-friendly, with intuitive controls and a companion app that makes customization straightforward. Whether you’re new to open-ear audio or a seasoned user, the OpenFit 2 is easy to pick up and use right out of the box.
What We Like About SHOKZ OpenFit 2
The SHOKZ OpenFit 2 delivers an impressive balance of comfort, sound quality, and practicality. The open-ear design is a game-changer for anyone who’s ever felt trapped by in-ear buds during long listening sessions. Weighing just 9.4 grams per earbud, they’re so light you’ll barely notice them, yet the Ni-Ti alloy earhooks keep them securely in place during runs or intense workouts. The sound quality is a standout, with the DualBoost composite drivers and OpenBass 2.0 algorithm creating a surprisingly rich audio profile for an open-ear design. Mids and highs are crisp, and the bass, while not as booming as in-ear models, is deep and satisfying for casual listening or workouts. The 48-hour total battery life with the charging case is another highlight, ensuring you won’t be caught without power during a busy week.
Call quality is a strong suit, thanks to dual noise-canceling microphones that deliver clear conversations even in noisy environments. I’ve used these during windy walks and busy coffee shops, and the person on the other end never complained about background noise. The IP55 water resistance adds peace of mind for sweaty workouts or light rain, and the multifunction buttons are intuitive, letting you skip tracks or adjust volume without fumbling. The Shokz App enhances the experience by allowing EQ customization and button remapping, giving you control over how the earbuds perform. Overall, the OpenFit 2 feels like a thoughtfully designed product that prioritizes user experience without cutting corners.
What We Don’t Like About SHOKZ OpenFit 2
While the OpenFit 2 excels in many areas, it’s not without flaws. The charging case, while functional, feels less premium than the earbuds themselves. Compared to competitors like Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Pro 2 case, it lacks a certain sturdiness and polish, which can be a letdown given the price point. Sound leakage, though minimized by the DirectPitch 2.0 technology, is still noticeable in quiet environments, so you might want to keep the volume low in settings like libraries or shared offices. Additionally, while the bass is impressive for an open-ear design, it won’t satisfy users who crave the deep, immersive low-end of sealed earbuds.
Another minor gripe is the lack of separate replacement parts for the charging case or individual earbuds. If you lose or damage one component, you’re out of luck unless you contact SHOKZ’s customer service, which, while responsive, adds an extra step. Finally, the earbuds enter standby mode after three minutes of Bluetooth disconnection when not in the case, which can be inconvenient if you’re briefly out of range and want to resume listening quickly. These issues don’t overshadow the overall quality, but they’re worth noting for potential buyers.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear | Charging case feels less premium |
| Impressive sound quality with rich bass for open-ear design | Some sound leakage in quiet environments |
| Long battery life (48 hours with case) | Bass not as deep as in-ear models |
| Clear call quality with noise-canceling mics | No separate replacement parts for case or earbuds |
| IP55 water resistance for workouts and weather | Standby mode after brief Bluetooth disconnection |
| Intuitive multifunction buttons and app customization |
What’s Included?
- SHOKZ OpenFit 2 Open-Ear Headphones (pair)
- Charging case
- USB-C charging cable
- Carrying bag
- User manual
The package contents are straightforward but well-curated for most users. The inclusion of a USB-C cable aligns with modern charging standards, and the carrying bag is a nice touch for protecting the earbuds on the go. The charging case is compact enough to slip into a pocket, though, as mentioned, it doesn’t feel as high-end as the earbuds themselves. I’m satisfied with what’s included, as it covers the essentials for daily use.
However, a cleaning tool or extra earhook covers would have been a welcome addition, especially given the earbuds’ IP55 rating and their appeal to active users who might need to clean them regularly. There’s nothing glaringly missing, but small extras could elevate the unboxing experience.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.4g (per earbud), 57g (charging case) |
| Battery Life | Up to 11 hours (earbuds), 48 hours (with case) |
| Charging Time | 1 hour (earbuds), 2 hours (case) |
| Quick Charge | 10 minutes for 2 hours of playback |
| Water Resistance | IP55 (earbuds), case not water-resistant |
| Bluetooth Version | 5.4 |
| Wireless Range | 10 meters |
| Frequency Response | 50Hz-16kHz |
| Speaker Sensitivity | 95.5 dB ± 2.5dB |
| Microphone Sensitivity | -38 dB ± 1dB |
| Compatible Profiles | A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP |
Features
- Open-Ear Design: Allows ambient sound awareness for safety and multitasking.
- DualBoost Drivers: Combines a 17.3mm low-frequency unit and a high-frequency unit for balanced audio.
- OpenBass 2.0 Algorithm: Enhances bass depth for an open-ear design.
- DirectPitch 2.0 Technology: Minimizes sound leakage for private listening.
- Dual Noise-Canceling Microphones: Ensures clear calls in noisy environments.
- IP55 Water Resistance: Protects against sweat and light rain.
- Multifunction Buttons: Controls for volume, track skipping, calls, and device switching.
- Shokz App Compatibility: Customizes EQ modes, button functions, and firmware updates.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 11 hours per charge, 48 hours with the case.
- Fast Charging: 10-minute charge provides 2 hours of playback.
- Ni-Ti Alloy Earhooks: Lightweight and flexible for a secure, personalized fit.
The features of the OpenFit 2 are a strong selling point, particularly for those who value versatility and comfort. The DualBoost drivers and OpenBass 2.0 algorithm deliver a soundstage that’s surprisingly robust for open-ear earbuds, with clear vocals and enough bass to keep workouts engaging. The DirectPitch 2.0 technology does a commendable job of keeping audio private, though it’s not perfect in silent settings.
The dual microphones are a standout, making calls sound professional even in challenging conditions like windy outdoor runs. The IP55 rating ensures durability, and the app’s customization options let you tailor the experience to your preferences. My only critique is that the bass, while improved, can’t match the punch of in-ear models, which is expected given the design. Overall, the feature set is well-executed and caters to both active and professional users.
Final Breakdown
8.5/10
The SHOKZ OpenFit 2 earns a solid 8.5 out of 10 for its thoughtful design, reliable performance, and versatility. It excels in delivering high-quality audio while keeping you connected to your surroundings, making it an excellent choice for runners, cyclists, or anyone who needs to stay aware while listening. The lightweight build, long battery life, and clear call quality make it a dependable companion for both workouts and workdays. While the charging case could feel more premium and the bass won’t satisfy audiophiles, these are minor trade-offs for the open-ear experience. For those seeking comfort, safety, and solid sound without isolation, the OpenFit 2 is a standout option that I wholeheartedly recommend.
If you’re in the market for earbuds that blend practicality with performance, the SHOKZ OpenFit 2 is worth your consideration. It’s not just about listening to music—it’s about staying connected to your environment while enjoying a premium audio experience. Whether you’re hitting the trails or navigating a busy office, these earbuds deliver where it counts.
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SHOKZ New OpenFit 2 Open-Ear Headphones, True Wireless Bluetooth Earphones with Microphone, Earhook… |
$179.95 | View at Amazon |
