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Shokz OpenFit 2: An Overview
At their core, the Shokz OpenFit 2 are a great pair of open earbuds that provide a crucial mix of traffic awareness and solid sound quality that runners of all skill levels are sure to appreciate. These earbuds might just become your go-to for running – for quite some time.
Improvements Over the Original
Indeed, there are notable enhancements over the original Shokz OpenFit earbuds. Key upgrades include an impressive battery life, a more robust soundscape, and the introduction of physical buttons for easier playback control. These changes make the OpenFit 2 a more user-friendly option, particularly for active individuals.
Pricing Concerns
However, a significant drawback emerges with the current price of $179.95 / £169 (approximately AU$350). This increase makes them less accessible as a secondary purchase to existing in-ear models like the AirPods Pro 2 or Sony WH-1000XM5, particularly for budget-conscious consumers.
Competing Models
The recent launch of the Shokz OpenFit 2 Plus (or OpenFit 2+) complicates matters further. With a minimal price increase of just £10, the 2+ version offers wireless charging and Dolby Atmos compatibility—features that might justify spending a little extra.
Value at a Discount
If you can snag the OpenFit 2 at a discount, the investment might not be as contentious, but at full price, recommending them can be tricky for the average consumer.
Design and Comfort
(Image credit: Future)
Key Features
- Water resistance: IP55
- Active noise cancellation: No
- Battery life: Up to 11 hours, total 48 hours with case
- Weight: 9.4g ± 0.2g per earbud
- Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3
- Earbud type: Open-ear
Performance and Usability
The Shokz OpenFit 2 are priced at £169 / $179.95, hitting store shelves on June 5th, 2025 in the UK, despite having been available since January 2025 in the US. While the price seems steep, the upgrades may appeal to dedicated runners.
Sound Quality
Shokz emphasizes a dual-driver system in the OpenFit 2 to improve sound clarity. Bass and vocals are richer, making it an engaging experience even while being conscious of your surroundings. However, direct comparisons to in-ear models reveal that traditional earbuds might still hold an edge in overall sound quality.
Control Scheme
The addition of physical buttons offers a welcomed change from the touch controls found in previous models. Customizable actions simplify volume control and track navigation, enhancing convenience for users.
Final Thoughts
While Shokz has made substantial strides with the OpenFit 2 in areas of sound quality and comfort, the increased price leaves consumers weighing their options. The better-suited alternative, the OpenFit 2 Plus, raises questions about the value proposition of the standard version. If you prioritize open-ear functionality while running, the OpenFit 2 is a solid choice, but the extra cost may make you rethink this decision.
(Image credit: Future)
For more detailed information on the Shokz OpenFit 2, visit Here.
Image Credit: www.techradar.com
