Shokz OpenFit 2 Review: Situational Awareness Redefined

There's no denying that headphones and workouts go hand in hand - whether it's pulsing techno, soft folk jams, or your favorite spooky podcast, listening to the right audio can push you over that last summit when you need it the most. Austin, Texas-based headphone maker Shokz offers a novel way to enjoy sound without blocking out your surroundings with the OpenFit 2 open-ear headphones . Unlike traditional earbuds or over-ear designs, the OpenFit 2's speaker drivers sit just outside your ear canal, leaving space for ambient sound and airflow - an ideal setup for running , biking, or training in busy environments. We had a chance to get up close and personal with the Shokz OpenFit 2 - here's how they work.

SHOKZ OpenFit 2 Open-Ear Headphones - amazon.com

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Specs

• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4
• Battery life: 48 hours with charging case
• Water resistance: IP55 sweatproof
• Multipoint connectivity: Two devices at once
• Charging method: USB-C charging case; 10 minute quick-charge

Design and fit

The Shokz OpenFit 2 are super light, with each earbud weighing just 9.4 grams. They feature a minimal, unobtrusive C-shaped design with a soft silicone band that secures comfortably around your ear. The speaker drivers are relatively small but directional, and despite leaving your ear canal unobstructed, they don't feel awkward to wear. For storage and transport, the OpenFit 2 includes a compact, pocket-sized charging case that recharges via an included USB-C cable. The earbuds snap securely into place thanks to the case's magnetic design, making them easy to remove or put back.

Unlike in-ear earbuds, which typically come with a variety of different-sized tips, the Shokz OpenFit 2 offer a non-adjustable, one-size-fits-all design. The soft, flexible silicone wraps comfortably around a wide range of ear shapes, though there's no way to tighten the fit. I have relatively small ears, and while the OpenFit 2 didn't feel as secure as I'd prefer, they did stay in place - even while jogging or tilting my head.

Sound

Shokz highlights the OpenFit 2's directional speaker design - called DirectPitch™ Technology - which aims to send audio into your ear at a specific angle and minimize sound leakage to the outside world. When paired with my MacBook Air , I could turn the system volume up to around 75% before a friend sitting five feet away in a quiet room began to hear the audio. Out in the field, the benefits of the open-ear design became noticeable immediately: I had a much clearer sense of my surroundings - specifically, the direction and distance of cars, birds, and other ambient sounds - than I do using the ambient mode on my Sony WH-1000XM4 's.

Bass response on the OpenFit 2 is also surprisingly good given the design. It's not overpowering, but it's substantial considering the speakers don't actually sit inside your ears. You can further tailor the sound of your OpenFit 2's using the Shokz smartphone app and its built-in EQ presets, but I found them to be quite balanced in their neutral, out-of-the-box state.

Battery

Battery life on the Shokz OpenFit 2 is rated at up to 11 hours of listening time per charge with an additional 37 hours provided by the charging case. I've only used them for about four hours straight so far, but they've gone straight back into the case whenever not in use. An LED indicator between the earbuds also gives you a quick visual cue when it's time to recharge. While this kind of battery life is relatively easy to find in Bluetooth headphones today, it's still impressive given how small and lightweight the entire package is.

Final thoughts

The Shokz OpenFit 2 are a unique product among workout headphones, and If you regularly exercise in places where situational awareness matters, they're easy for me to recommend. They're lightweight, offer generous battery life, and provide a solid way to enjoy great-sounding audio without sacrificing safety or peace of mind. Bonus features like multipoint device pairing and an optional voice assistant only serve to sweeten the deal, and they're as easy to set up out of the box as pressing a button. While they're rated IP55 waterproof and dustproof, you can't use them in the pool or shower - but that's unlikely to be a dealbreaker. At $180, they're a no-brainer pick for runners, cyclists, or anyone who trains in high-traffic areas.

Here's how we choose products to recommend to you. Prices are accurate at the time of publication and subject to change.

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