Shokz OpenFit 2 Review: The Perfect Open-Ear Headphones for Dedicated Runners

Experience the ideal blend of road awareness and rich sound with Shokz OpenFit 2, designed specifically for passionate runners.

Why Shokz OpenFit 2 Are a Runner’s Best Friend

If you’re a runner, you probably know the struggle of finding headphones that let you enjoy your favorite tunes while staying alert to the world around you. That’s exactly where the Shokz OpenFit 2 shines. These open-ear headphones strike a fantastic balance, allowing you to keep an ear on traffic and your surroundings without sacrificing audio quality. Honestly, they’ve become my go-to running companions and will likely stay that way for a long time.

But hold on, there’s more to these headphones than just being “good enough.” Shokz has upgraded several key features compared to the original OpenFit. We’re talking about significantly boosted battery life, richer sound, and – here’s the kicker – physical buttons that make on-the-go control a breeze. These are a game-changer for anyone tired of fiddling with touch controls mid-run.

However, all this goodness comes with a slight catch: the price. The OpenFit 2 costs noticeably more than its predecessor, making it a tougher sell as a second pair of workout headphones alongside your usual earbuds like AirPods Pro 2 or Sony WH-1000XM5.

Adding to the mix, there’s also the recently released Shokz OpenFit 2 Plus (or OpenFit 2+). These come with wireless charging and Dolby Atmos support—two impressive features that justify their slightly higher price tag. So, if you find OpenFit 2 at a discount, snag it! Otherwise, the full price might make you think twice.

Shokz OpenFit 2: Key Specifications

Price and Release Info

• Price: Approximately $200 USD
• Availability: Released June 5, 2025 (announced January 2025)

Shokz dropped the OpenFit 2 alongside the pricier OpenFit 2 Plus, signaling a clear upgrade in their lineup. The price hike compared to the original OpenFit might be a hurdle for budget-conscious buyers. Still, if you’re a serious runner, the updates are likely worth it.

What Makes Shokz OpenFit 2 Special?

• Stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying music
• Significantly increased battery life
• Multipoint pairing support

Here’s the magic: with open-ear headphones like the OpenFit 2, you don’t block out your environment. That means you can jam out without missing a beep, honk, or bike bell. It’s the ultimate safety feature for runners who want to stay aware.

In practice, this is a big deal. Many runners I know refuse to wear closed earbuds outside because of the risk of missing noisy hazards. The OpenFit 2 solves this by letting you hear both your music and the world around you. I’ve personally stuck to Shokz headphones for years for this exact reason.

One caveat: if you want to truly block out the world—say, during your daily commute or in a noisy café—these aren’t for you. The lack of active noise cancellation means OpenFit 2 won’t drown out chatter or traffic noise. Still, they’re surprisingly handy for office work if you want to listen to podcasts without isolating yourself completely.

For noisy environments, the Shokz app lets you tweak the equalizer. The “Vocal Boost” mode packs a punch in amplifying voices, while bass and treble boosts work best in quieter spots. Plus, the OpenFit 2 now supports multi-point pairing, so jumping between your phone and tablet is seamless.

Shokz also beefed up the microphones with AI-powered noise suppression. Voice calls come through clear even with background noise—for example, during my tests near loud Sonos speakers, voice notes remained crystal clear. Great for quick call answers mid-run!

Battery Life That Goes the Distance

The OpenFit 2 boasts a massive leap in battery life: 11 hours of continuous playback per charge, and up to 48 hours with the charging case in tow. That’s almost double the 28 hours total from the original OpenFit.

From hands-on tests, running them at 50% volume drained about 10% battery in 30 minutes. Realistically, with normal listening levels, you can expect to hit the 11-hour mark easily – perfect for multiple runs without plugging in.

Performance score: 4 / 5

Sound Quality That Packs a Punch

• Dual-driver system in each earbud
• Rich bass and clear vocals
• Among the best open-ear earbuds tested

Shokz upgraded the OpenFit 2 with a dual-driver setup, delivering clearer lows and vocals. Compared to my trusty Shokz OpenRun Pro, the difference was immediately noticeable, especially with bass-heavy tracks and vocal-heavy music.

For example, the classic Linkin Park and Jay-Z mashup “Points of Authority / 99 Problems / One Step Closer” sounded crisp, with guitars sharp and back vocals full-bodied. The bass drops hit well, which is no small feat for open-ear designs.

Listening to “Boom Boom Pow” by Black Eyed Peas, the percussion was punchy and energetic throughout the track, another testament to the improved audio engine.

That said, some bass-heavy songs like “Opposite Day” by Megan Thee Stallion felt slightly less powerful than on traditional earbuds. But that’s a rare exception rather than the rule.

Podcasts sound great too, with clear voice reproduction. And for noisy runs, switching to vocal boost on the app does wonders.

While the OpenFit 2 competes well, if you’re budget-conscious, you might still consider other earbuds like AirPods Pro 2, especially during sales. But for running, OpenFit 2 remains hard to beat.

At the same time, the OpenFit 2 Plus offers Dolby Atmos and wireless charging for a slightly higher price, prompting the question: why not just go for the Plus version?

Sound quality score: 4 / 5

Design: Comfort Meets Function

• New soft silicone finish for all-day comfort
• Secure fit that stays put while running
• Physical buttons placed near touch controls

The design is a highlight. Shokz wrapped the OpenFit 2 in soft silicone, which feels great on the skin and makes you forget you’re wearing them. The fit is snug and secure, so no worries about losing them mid-run — a common problem with in-ear types.

Most runners will appreciate the newly added physical buttons, a huge improvement over the purely touch-based controls on previous models. I found it much easier to adjust volume and skip tracks without fumbling or accidental touches.

You can customize button behavior: long presses change volume, double-taps skip songs, and touch controls can summon your voice assistant. Choice and flexibility!

Available in classic black and beige, these headphones look sleek without screaming for attention—a subtle but stylish touch.

Design score: 5 / 5

Value: A Tough Choice

• Cheaper alternatives exist on the market
• OpenFit 2 Plus adds extra features for a small price bump

Here’s where things get tricky. I love what Shokz has done with OpenFit 2—the comfy design, upgraded sound, and physical buttons are all wins. But the $200 price tag feels a bit steep for open-ear headphones.

These aren’t the best option if you want earbuds that isolate you from the world. Plus, the OpenFit 2 Plus offers wireless charging and Dolby Atmos for just a little more — making you wonder if the regular OpenFit 2 is worth it at full price.

It’s almost like Shokz is nudging buyers toward the Plus model with this pricing strategy, which unfortunately undermines the OpenFit 2’s market position.

Value score: 3 / 5

Quick Recap Table

Other Options to Consider

• Shokz OpenFit: Older and cheaper, with decent sound and spatial awareness essential for runners.
• Shokz OpenRun: A budget-friendly in-ear option with super-fast charging perfect for quick turnaround between runs.

How I Tested the Shokz OpenFit 2

• Wore them daily for two weeks
• Used both indoors and outdoors
• Paired with iPhone and Android devices

My testing included runs on hilly park trails and noisy train commutes through downtown London. This gave me a realistic sense of how they perform in various environments—from quiet to loud.

“The main charm of OpenFit 2 is its spatial awareness, letting runners stay safe while enjoying their favorite playlists.”
— Review Insight

Conclusion

Shokz OpenFit 2 is a solid choice for dedicated runners who want to combine safety with sound quality. The improved battery life, physical buttons, and comfortable design make it stand out in the open-ear headphone market. However, the price and competition from the OpenFit 2 Plus may make you think twice before buying. So, are you ready to upgrade your running soundtrack while staying alert?

FAQs

• How long does the battery last on the Shokz OpenFit 2?
  Up to 11 hours on a single charge and 48 hours with the charging case.
• Do these headphones block outside noise?
  No, they are open-ear, designed to let you hear your surroundings for safety.
• Are the controls easy to use while running?
  Yes, physical buttons make volume and track control simple and reliable.
• Can I use these headphones for calls?
  Absolutely, the AI-enhanced microphones provide clear call quality even in noisy places.
• What makes OpenFit 2 different from OpenFit 2 Plus?
  The Plus offers wireless charging and Dolby Atmos support, plus it's priced slightly higher.

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