Imagine a pair of headphones that let you enjoy your music while staying aware of your surroundings – a dream for runners and outdoor enthusiasts. But here's where it gets controversial: can you really have both exceptional sound quality and an 'open' listening experience? Shokz aims to prove you can with their OpenFit 2 series, addressing the shortcomings of their original design and adding features that might just change the game. But is it enough to convince die-hard fans of traditional earbuds?
At Ultrarunning.com, we pride ourselves on 100% organic reviews. We don’t accept payment for our opinions, and while brands often provide products for testing, our integrity remains unshakable. Now, let’s dive into the Shokz OpenFit 2, a sequel that promises to fix what was broken and elevate what was already great.
The original OpenFit, released in 2023, was a bold step into a new category for Shokz. It excelled in lightweight comfort and impressive audio quality, thanks to technologies that directed sound toward the ear canal while keeping the world around you audible. However, it wasn’t without flaws. Trail runners, in particular, struggled with an insecure fit that shifted during intense activity and the lack of on-device audio controls – a major inconvenience when you’re navigating challenging terrain. And this is the part most people miss: these issues weren’t just minor annoyances; they were deal-breakers for some.
Enter the OpenFit 2 series. Shokz didn’t just tweak the design; they overhauled it. The new models address the fit and control issues while adding significant technological upgrades. Bluetooth 5.4 ensures faster connectivity and stable signals, while advanced noise-cancelling and AI algorithms enhance call clarity. Sweat and weather resistance have improved from IP54 to IP55, and battery life has jumped by nearly 40%. The series includes two versions: the Standard OpenFit 2 and the OpenFit 2+, which adds Dolby audio and Qi wireless charging for a premium experience.
One tradeoff – a slight weight increase of about 1g per earphone – is a small price to pay for a more secure fit. The nickel-titanium alloy ear hooks are slightly moldable, conforming to your ear shape for personalized comfort. Stability is critical here, as sound quality depends on the speakers staying positioned above the ear canal. The OpenFit 2 nails this, staying put during fast-paced trail runs and even gym workouts, including inversions. An updated silicone layer ensures comfort, even after hours of use.
Convenience gets a major boost with the addition of physical buttons. Each earpiece has a button for playing/pausing music, skipping tracks, and managing calls. Volume control is intuitive: press and hold the right button to increase, the left to decrease. These buttons work with gloves, a game-changer for cold-weather activities. While touch controls are still available, the physical buttons are far more practical.
Sound quality is where Shokz truly shines. The OpenFit 2 features updated DualPitch, DualBoost, and OpenBass technologies, delivering rich, directed audio with minimal loss. The DualBoost, combining two speakers for an expansive bass range and high-frequency clarity, is particularly impressive. The OpenFit 2+ takes it further with Dolby audio, adding depth and a subtle surround sound effect. This is a game-changer for complex music and home theater setups. Dual pairing lets you connect to multiple devices, like your phone and laptop, seamlessly.
From an audio perspective, the OpenFit 2 sits between bone conduction headphones and traditional earbuds. It offers better sound depth than bone conduction but falls short of in-ear or over-the-ear models – though the gap is smaller than you’d expect. External noise penetration is reduced compared to bone conduction but remains sufficient for situational awareness. For long-duration activities, these headphones excel in nearly every aspect.
But here’s the question: Can the OpenFit 2 convince traditionalists to ditch their earbuds? Or will it remain a niche choice for outdoor enthusiasts? Let us know in the comments.
The Shokz OpenFit 2 and OpenFit 2+ are available at www.shokz.com.
Features:
- Audio Technologies: DualPitch 2.0, DualBoost 2.0, OpenBass 2.0 (Dolby audio for OpenFit 2+)
- Casing: Nickel-titanium alloy with silicone coating
- Controls: Physical multi-function buttons
- Battery Life: 11 hours (up to 48 hours with charging case, 2-hour quick charge in 10 minutes)
- Charging: USB-C, Qi wireless charging for OpenFit 2+
- Water Resistance: IP55
- Weight: 4g per earphone
- Price: $125 (Standard), $160 (OpenFit 2+)
About the Author:
Donald Buraglio is a physical therapist, endurance sports veteran, and father of three. With over 25 years of experience, he’s a California native who’s tackled everything from collegiate rowing to ultramarathons. When not training, he enjoys hiking and slacklining with his family in Monterey County, CA. Follow his adventures at https://ultrarunning.com/author/dburaglio/.
