With the Shokz OpenFit 2, the company has given its 2023 open-ear model a full refresh. At the same price as its predecessor, it delivers improved sound quality, longer battery life, and more refined controls. This is an all-round excellent open-ear option. If you’re looking for headphones for mobile use, the office, or sport, the Shokz OpenFit 2 is well worth considering.
- Excellent wearing comfort
- Improved sound quality
- Ideal for office communication
- Limited customisation of function buttons
When Shokz, originally known for bone-conduction headphones, introduced the first Shokz OpenFit in 2023, it was one of the first true wireless open-ear models with a clear focus on sound quality. Since then, the brand has launched the OpenFit Air and now brings the updated OpenFit 2 and OpenFit 2+.
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With designs like the Shokz OpenFit 2, the driver sits in front of the ear via a looped frame, directing audio into the ear canal without blocking it. This ensures a better exchange with the surrounding environment.
Design and build
Available in beige and black, the Shokz OpenFit 2 is made from matte plastic with a nickel–titanium alloy in the ear loop. At just 9.4g per side, they are extremely light. The elastic, ergonomically shaped loop and soft silicone coating provide a pressure-free fit over the ears. The driver housing “floats” just in front of the ear canal and is boosted by integrated electronics to deliver a surprisingly engaging sound.
Positioned just below the OpenFit 2+ in Shokz’s line-up, this model omits Dolby Audio and wireless charging (available on the 2+ for €10 more).
Shokz OpenFit 2+
The Shokz OpenFit 2+ are the brand’s new flagship model, featuring a revamped driver architecture and Dolby Atmos support.
What’s new
- DualBoost drivers: separate units for highs and lows, with a larger bass driver.
- Improved electronics for better sound and reduced sound leakage.
- Refined silicone finish and upgraded IP55 protection.
- Battery life extended to 11 hours (48 hours with case).
- Faster quick-charge performance and longer standby time.
- New mechanical multifunction buttons replacing/augmenting touch controls.
- Bluetooth 5.4 with SBC/AAC codec support and now Multipoint pairing.
In use
The Shokz OpenFit 2 offers remarkable comfort — you often forget you’re wearing them. The loop holds the drivers securely in front of the ear, even during sport. If they shift, sound quality drops noticeably.
The Shokz app (iOS/Android) allows basic button customisation, though assignments are mirrored between left and right sides and options are somewhat limited. EQ presets and a five-band manual EQ are available for tuning. Multipoint pairing, a device locator, and firmware updates are also supported.
Battery life matches the claims: around 11 hours on a charge, easily covering a full workday. One advertised auto-pause feature only worked when placing the earbuds into the case, not simply by removing them.
What are the benefits of open-ear headphones?
Unlike normal headphones, open-ear headphones leave the ear canal free for ambient noise.
Sound quality
While open-ear headphones aren’t designed for ultimate audio fidelity, the Shokz OpenFit 2 makes a strong case. Thanks to the dual drivers and DSP tuning, it produces a well-balanced, dynamic sound with a solid mid-bass punch — as long as you’re in a quiet environment. Deep sub-bass is absent, and outdoors, environmental noise reduces perceived bass and detail.
Mids and highs are clear and natural, avoiding harshness. At moderate volumes indoors, the listening experience is engaging without compromising awareness of your surroundings — ideal for office work or at-home use.
Call quality is excellent in quiet environments, with clear voice pickup and good background noise suppression. Wind noise outdoors can still affect performance.
Conclusion
The Shokz OpenFit 2 is a worthy successor with meaningful upgrades across the board — from sound and battery life to ergonomics. It sets a high bar for open-ear headphones: comfortable, practical, and balanced-sounding. Minor limitations in control customisation and automation could be fixed in future firmware updates. At €189, it offers strong value for its capabilities.
Technical specifications
- Ear couplingOpen-ear
- TypeOpen
- Transducer principleAir conduction driver
- Weight without cable9.4g each, case 53 g
What's in the box
- USB-C to USB-C charging cable
- Charging case