Shokz openfit 2 lightweight open ear earbuds review

Struggling to find earbuds that truly let you stay connected to your surroundings while still enjoying your favorite tunes or podcasts? The Shokz OpenFit 2 lightweight open-ear earbuds might just be the answer you’ve been searching for. This isn’t just another incremental update. the OpenFit 2 builds on its predecessor, the original OpenFit, with some meaningful enhancements across the board, making them a standout in the open-ear headphone category. If you’re like me, constantly juggling between needing to hear your environment for safety or convenience and wanting quality audio, these earbuds are designed exactly for that sweet spot.

What makes them so compelling? Well, Shokz has really listened to feedback. You’re getting improved sound quality with their new DualBoost™ Technology, longer battery life that can keep up with your busiest days, and a more refined, comfortable fit thanks to updated materials and a slightly tweaked earhook design. Plus, they’ve even added physical buttons for controls, which is a huge win for anyone who’s ever fumbled with touch controls mid-workout. While no open-ear earbud will completely isolate you or deliver the thumping bass of traditional in-ear headphones – that’s just the nature of the beast, right? – the OpenFit 2 comes remarkably close to maximizing the audio experience within that design philosophy. They’re a fantastic choice for runners, cyclists, commuters, or anyone who values situational awareness without compromising on their audio experience. Ultimately, these aren’t just good for what they are. they’re genuinely impressive, offering a well-rounded package that delivers on its promises. You can find the Shokz OpenFit 2 in black or beige, typically around the $180 mark, a price that feels justified for the upgrades you’re getting.

Design and Comfort: The Open-Ear Revolution

Let’s be real, comfort is king when it comes to earbuds, especially if you plan on wearing them for hours. The Shokz OpenFit 2 truly shines here, and it’s one of the first things you’ll notice. Shokz has really nailed the open-ear design, moving away from bone conduction which they’re also famous for, like their Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones towards an air-conduction system that sits just outside your ear canal. This means your ears stay completely open, letting you hear everything around you naturally.

How They Fit

The fit of the OpenFit 2 is, in a word, superb. Shokz uses what they call a “dolphin arc ear hook design” that’s specifically crafted to mold naturally around your ear. They’ve refined this from the original OpenFit, making the ear hooks even more flexible with a nickel-titanium alloy and wrapping them in their Ultra-Soft Silicone™ 2.0. This isn’t just fancy marketing. it genuinely feels softer and more adaptable, ensuring a snug fit without any uncomfortable pressure points. I’ve worn these for long runs, intense workouts, and even just knocking out chores around the house, and they stay put. There’s no constant readjusting, which is a huge relief when you’re trying to focus on your activity. Even if you wear glasses or a hat, these earbuds are designed to coexist peacefully, making them incredibly versatile.

Lightweight Feel

At just 9.4 grams per earbud, the OpenFit 2 are incredibly lightweight. Honestly, sometimes you might even forget you’re wearing them! This lightness is crucial for extended wear, preventing that ear fatigue you sometimes get with heavier earbuds or headphones. While they’re a gram heavier than the original OpenFit, the comfort improvements more than compensate for that tiny difference. It’s a testament to Shokz’s engineering that they can pack so much tech into such a featherlight package while still making them feel robust and secure.

Materials

The choice of materials also plays a big role in their comfort and durability. The Ultra-Soft Silicone™ 2.0 isn’t just soft. Shokz mentions it’s comparable to materials used in baby pacifiers, which really puts the “ultra-soft” claim into perspective for daily use. This ensures a comfortable, natural fit that feels good against your skin, even during sweaty workouts. The flexible nickel-titanium ear hooks provide the necessary structure to keep the earbuds secure without being rigid, allowing them to gently adapt to your unique ear shape. This thoughtful combination of materials ensures both long-lasting comfort and a secure fit, no matter what you’re doing. Twelve South Curve Nano Review: Your Ultimate Companion for On-the-Go Phone Use

Sound Quality: What to Expect

Now, let’s talk about sound. With open-ear earbuds like the Shokz OpenFit 2, the big question is always: how do they actually sound when your ears aren’t completely sealed off? Shokz has really pushed the boundaries here, and while they won’t give you the same isolated, deep-bass experience as high-end in-ear monitors, they deliver an impressive audio experience for their category. This is thanks to their innovative DualBoost™ Technology and OpenBass™ 2.0 algorithm.

Podcast Listening Experience

The OpenFit 2 utilizes two individual speakers in each earbud – one for low frequencies bass and another for mids and highs. This dual-driver approach allows for much better frequency separation, resulting in a richer, more dynamic sound than you might expect from open-ear headphones. Mids and highs come through crisper and clearer, and there’s a noticeable improvement in bass response compared to the original OpenFit. Shokz even claims that 50% volume on the OpenFit 2 is equivalent to 65% on the original, meaning they get significantly louder. This extra volume is a real game-changer for outdoor use, where ambient noise can often drown out your podcast.

While the bass isn’t going to rattle your skull, it’s surprisingly present and well-defined for an open-ear design. For everyday listening, podcasts, and most podcast genres, the OpenFit 2 delivers a clear and enjoyable sound. You can further tweak the audio to your liking using the Shokz app, which offers four built-in EQ presets like Bass Boost and Vocal Enhancement and even allows for two custom EQ modes. Just be mindful that pushing the volume too high might introduce a bit of distortion, and the bass can get a little muddy at those extremes. Also, at very high volumes, some sound leakage is possible, so maybe keep it a notch down in quiet environments like an office or library.

Call Quality

For many of us, earbuds aren’t just for podcast. they’re essential for calls. The OpenFit 2 truly shines in this department. They feature AI-powered beamforming microphones that do an excellent job of cutting out background noise during calls. In my experience, callers reported hearing me clearly, even in somewhat noisy environments, with minimal background distractions. This makes them a reliable choice for hands-free conversations, whether you’re taking a work call on the go or catching up with family. Porsche Roadster Aluminum Trolley Review: Your Ultimate Travel Companion?

Awareness vs. Immersion

This is where the open-ear design really makes its mark. Unlike traditional in-ear headphones that seal off your ear canal, the OpenFit 2 prioritizes situational awareness. This means you can listen to your audio while still being fully aware of what’s happening around you. For outdoor activities like running or cycling, this is a huge safety benefit – you can hear traffic, other pedestrians, or even someone calling your name. It’s also great for office environments or at home, allowing you to hear colleagues, your partner, or the doorbell without constantly removing an earbud. It’s a trade-off: you gain awareness and comfort, but you won’t get the same deep immersion or active noise cancellation that sealed earbuds provide. But for many, especially those with active lifestyles, this balance is exactly what they need.

Battery Life and Charging

Nobody wants to constantly worry about their earbuds dying, and the Shokz OpenFit 2 truly delivers on battery performance. This is one area where Shokz made a significant upgrade from the previous model, ensuring you can go longer between charges.

Earbuds Endurance

On a single charge, the OpenFit 2 earbuds boast an impressive 11 hours of listening time. This is a substantial jump from the 7 hours offered by the original OpenFit, which is fantastic for those long training sessions, extended commutes, or even just continuous use throughout the workday. For many, 11 hours is more than enough to get through even a marathon or at least the longest part of one!.

Charging Case Convenience

The included charging case isn’t just for storage. it extends your total listening time significantly. With the case, you can get up to 48 hours of total playback. This means you can drop the earbuds back into their case a few times to top them up before needing to plug in the case itself. The case charges via a modern USB-C port, so you don’t need any proprietary cables, which is always a plus. Cleer Audio Arc 3 Open-Ear Earbuds Review: Your Ultimate Guide

And if you ever find yourself in a pinch, the quick charge feature is a lifesaver: a speedy 10-minute charge in the case will give you about 2 hours of listening time. Some sources even suggest 5 minutes for 2 hours, or 5 minutes for 1.5 hours, but either way, it’s quick enough to get you through that unexpected run or meeting. The earbuds themselves can go from empty to a full charge in about 60 minutes when in the case. This kind of battery performance ensures the OpenFit 2 are ready for almost anything your day throws at them.

Features and Connectivity

The Shokz OpenFit 2 aren’t just about great sound and comfort. they also come packed with smart features that enhance the overall user experience. From how they connect to how you control your audio, Shokz has thought through the details to make them incredibly functional for daily life.

Bluetooth Performance

These earbuds utilize Bluetooth 5.4, which is the latest standard, offering a robust and stable connection. What does this mean for you? Less dropout, clearer audio transmission, and better power efficiency. Whether you’re connected to your phone for podcast on a run or your laptop for a video call, the connection remains strong and reliable.

A fantastic feature that really boosts productivity and convenience is multipoint pairing. This allows you to connect the OpenFit 2 to two devices simultaneously – say, your smartphone and your laptop. You can be listening to podcast on your phone, and if a call comes in on your laptop, the audio will seamlessly switch over without you needing to manually disconnect and reconnect. It’s a truly effortless experience for modern multi-device users. Setting it up is pretty straightforward through the Shokz app. Apple AirPods Pro 2nd Gen with USB-C Charging: Is This the Upgrade You’ve Been Waiting For?

App Customization

The dedicated Shokz app is a handy tool for personalizing your listening experience. Inside the app, you’ll find four built-in EQ presets to fine-tune the sound to your preference, whether you want more bass, clearer vocals, or a balanced profile. Even better, you can create up to two custom EQ modes using a five-band equalizer, giving you precise control over the audio frequencies. The app also helps you keep track of your battery status and ensures your earbuds stay up-to-date with the latest firmware.

Water Resistance

For those with an active lifestyle, water resistance is non-negotiable. The OpenFit 2 earbuds come with an IP55 water resistance rating. What this means in plain terms is that they’re resistant to dust ingress and can handle sweat and light rain. So, whether you’re sweating it out during an intense workout or caught in an unexpected drizzle while out for a run, your earbuds will keep performing. Just a crucial note: the IP55 rating applies only to the earbuds, not the charging case, so make sure to keep the case dry. And while they’re great for workouts and the elements, they are not designed for swimming or showering.

Physical Controls

A welcome improvement over the original OpenFit for many users is the addition of a physical multi-function button on each earbud, alongside the existing touch panel. While touch controls have their place, a physical button offers much more precision, especially when your hands might be sweaty, gloved, or you’re simply moving around a lot. You can use these buttons for all the essential functions: playing/pausing podcast, skipping tracks, answering/rejecting calls, and adjusting volume. The touchpads are generally reserved for activating your voice assistant, though this feature is off by default and needs to be enabled in the app. This hybrid control system offers the best of both worlds, giving you reliable, tactile feedback when you need it most.

Who Are They For? Use Cases

The Shokz OpenFit 2 really shine in specific scenarios, making them a perfect fit for a particular kind of user. Their open-ear design isn’t for everyone, but for those who value awareness, they’re a must.

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Running and Workouts

This is probably where the OpenFit 2 truly excels. For runners and cyclists, situational awareness is absolutely crucial for safety. Being able to hear approaching cars, other runners, or even just the sounds of nature around you while enjoying your audio is a significant advantage. The secure, lightweight earhook design ensures they stay firmly in place, even during intense activity, without causing discomfort or feeling like they’re about to fall out. The IP55 rating means sweat and rain are no match for them, so you don’t have to worry about the elements. Plus, the 11-hour battery life means they’ll easily last through your longest training sessions, or even a full marathon. Forget those bulky bone conduction headphones with a band around your head – these are much more natural feeling for many.

Office and Daily Commute

Beyond just workouts, the OpenFit 2 are surprisingly versatile for everyday use. If you work in an office and still want to be aware of your surroundings – maybe for team conversations, hearing your phone ring, or just not feeling completely isolated – these are fantastic. Similarly, for commuters, being able to hear announcements on public transport or the sounds of the city for safety while listening to a podcast is a huge benefit. At moderate volumes, the sound leakage is minimal, so you won’t disturb those around you. And the comfortable, lightweight fit means you can wear them for hours without discomfort, even if you wear glasses.

Outdoor Activities

Whether you’re hiking, walking, or just spending time outdoors, the Shokz OpenFit 2 maintain that crucial link to your environment. They’re excellent for enjoying nature’s soundtrack alongside your own, letting you stay alert to wildlife, other people, or potential hazards. Their robust build and sweat resistance make them a reliable companion for almost any non-aquatic outdoor adventure. The long battery life ensures your podcast won’t cut out mid-trek, and the clear call quality means you can take important calls even when you’re out and about.

Shokz OpenFit 2 vs. The Competition

When you’re looking at open-ear earbuds, Shokz is definitely a brand that comes to mind, and the OpenFit 2 sits at the top of their air-conduction lineup. It’s helpful to see how it stacks up against its siblings and other options out there.

Key Upgrades Over OpenFit 1

The OpenFit 2 is a significant step up from the original Shokz OpenFit, making it a worthwhile upgrade for many. Here’s a quick rundown of the main improvements:

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• Battery Life: You get a notable bump from 7 hours to 11 hours of playback on a single charge, and total playtime with the case goes from 28 hours to 48 hours. That’s a massive difference for long-lasting use.
• Sound Quality: Thanks to DualBoost™ Technology and OpenBass™ 2.0, the OpenFit 2 offers a richer, louder, and more dynamic sound with better bass and clearer mids/highs. This is one of the most frequently praised upgrades.
• Controls: The addition of a physical multi-function button alongside the touch controls is a big deal, providing more reliable and precise interaction, especially when active.
• Comfort: Subtle refinements to the earhook curve and the use of Ultra-Soft Silicone™ 2.0 make the OpenFit 2 even more comfortable and secure for extended wear.

If you own the original OpenFit and are happy, you don’t have to upgrade, but if you value these improvements, especially sound and battery, the OpenFit 2 is a solid investment.

How They Stack Up Against Other Open-Ear Options

• Shokz OpenFit Air: The Shokz OpenFit Air is a more budget-friendly option. While it shares a similar design, the OpenFit 2 offers superior sound quality, longer battery life 11 hours vs. 6 hours, and physical controls. If you’re on a tighter budget and can compromise on some features and audio fidelity, the Air might be an option, but the OpenFit 2 is definitely the more premium experience.
• Shokz Bone Conduction Headphones e.g., OpenRun Pro 2: Shokz is widely known for its bone conduction headphones like the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2. The OpenFit 2 uses air conduction, where tiny speakers direct sound towards your ear canal without blocking it. Bone conduction, on the other hand, vibrates your cheekbones to transmit sound. The OpenFit 2 generally offers better sound quality, especially in the bass department, and can get louder without the vibrating sensation sometimes associated with bone conduction. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference for how sound is delivered and fit preference earhooks vs. a full headband.
• Bose Ultra Open Earbuds: Some reviewers compare the OpenFit 2 to the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, noting that while the Bose might have a slightly richer sound, the OpenFit 2 often feels more secure and comes at a significantly lower price point. This makes the OpenFit 2 a strong contender for value in the premium open-ear market.

In essence, the Shokz OpenFit 2 holds its own extremely well within the open-ear category, offering a compelling blend of comfort, sound quality, battery life, and practical features that make it a top choice for a wide range of users, especially those with active lifestyles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Shokz OpenFit 2 and bone conduction headphones?

The main difference lies in how they deliver sound. Shokz OpenFit 2 uses air conduction technology, meaning small speakers sit outside your ear canal and direct sound inwards without blocking your ears. This allows you to hear both your audio and your surroundings naturally. Bone conduction headphones, like the Shokz OpenRun Pro, transmit sound through vibrations in your cheekbones, leaving your ear canal completely open. While both prioritize situational awareness, air conduction in the OpenFit 2 generally offers a richer and louder sound experience, especially for bass, compared to typical bone conduction.

Can I use Shokz OpenFit 2 for swimming or showering?

No, the Shokz OpenFit 2 earbuds have an IP55 water resistance rating, which means they are resistant to sweat and light rain, making them great for workouts and outdoor activities. However, this rating does not mean they are fully waterproof or suitable for submersion. You should not use them for swimming or showering, and the charging case is not water-resistant at all. For water sports, Shokz offers other models specifically designed for swimming, like the Shokz OpenSwim Pro.

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How do the physical buttons work on the OpenFit 2?

The Shokz OpenFit 2 features a physical multi-function button on each earbud, which is a significant improvement for precise control. These buttons allow you to easily play/pause your podcast, skip tracks, answer/end calls, and adjust the volume. This tactile feedback is especially useful during workouts or when wearing gloves, as it’s more reliable than touch-only controls. There are also integrated touchpads, typically used for activating your voice assistant, though this function is often disabled by default and can be enabled via the Shokz app.

Does the Shokz OpenFit 2 support multipoint pairing?

Yes, the Shokz OpenFit 2 fully supports multipoint pairing through Bluetooth 5.4. This feature allows you to connect your earbuds to two devices simultaneously, such as your smartphone and your laptop. You can seamlessly switch between audio sources without manually disconnecting from one device and connecting to another. For instance, you can be listening to podcast on your phone and automatically switch to take a call on your laptop. You can manage this feature and your connected devices via the Shokz app.

How is the sound quality of the OpenFit 2 compared to in-ear earbuds?

The Shokz OpenFit 2 offers excellent sound quality for open-ear earbuds, with significantly improved bass, clearer mids, and highs compared to its predecessor. This is thanks to its DualBoost™ Technology and OpenBass™ 2.0. However, because of their open-ear design, they will not provide the same deep, thumping bass or immersive, isolated sound experience that you get from traditional in-ear earbuds that create a seal in your ear canal. The trade-off is superior situational awareness and comfort. While they are impressively loud for an open-ear design, some sound leakage can occur at higher volumes.

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