I don’t like open-ear headphones. I prefer in-ear headphones when working out because they block out the outside world and send a “do not disturb” message to those around me. Shokz’s new OpenFit 2 earbuds attracted my attention at CES 2025 and I have reached for them more than I expected in the four weeks that I’ve tested them.
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The OpenFit 2 exceeded all my expectations with its fresh design, meaningful upgrades to the hardware, and high levels utility in virtually every environment. The OpenFit 2 is a great option for those who don’t want earbuds or headphones covering their ears. But other bone conduction headsets aren’t stylish enough.
After trying a few open-ear headsets, I was not impressed with the sound. It sounded like the bass response was weaker and that sound was lost in open air. I need a good audio experience to keep me focused and in the zone at the gym.
OpenFit 2 earbuds were no match for a noisy gym environment. The overhead music and clattering of weights overwhelmed the earbuds. The OpenFit 2 shone when I took them into the park. The open-ear design allowed me to be aware of my surroundings while still being able to hear my music.
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OpenFit 2 sounds great. They deliver adequate bass, vocals that are clear, and audible middles, which is often compromised in other headphones. Tyla’s “Truth or Dare”through OpenFit 2 inspired me to finish a jog outdoors, reproducing a rich sound profile with a spacious soundstage thanks the open-ear design.
Shokz attributes its proprietary DirectPitch Technology, which uses vents in the headphones to reduce sound leakage. If you wear your OpenFit 2 headphones in a quiet environment, you can listen to the music at a level of 50% audio before anyone else can hear it.
New earbuds provide 11 hours of continuous listening, four hours more than the first-generation OpenFit. The OpenFit 2 has an upgraded IP55 certificate, which means they can withstand sweat and rain when exercising outside.
The OpenFit 2 also features a multifunction button, in addition to the touch controls on the outer surface of the earbuds. This new button allows you to control your music, accept or decline calls while exercising.
The OpenFit 2 can easily accompany you on your commute, in the office, in the grocery store, and on your evening outdoor workout session. I wore the OpenFit 2 all around the busy CES convention centers, and they were comfortable enough to wear for hours.
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Wearing the OpenFit 2 in the hectic Las Vegas backdrop offered a long-lasting battery for my never-ending workdays, enough style to wear with my business casual outfits, and an open design that allowed me to talk to passersby without needing to remove my earbuds.
ZDNET’s buying advice
If you’ve wanted open-ear earbuds but avoided them due to their typically sporty design, the Shokz OpenFit 2 () offers great sound, all-day comfortable, a stylish and long battery life. The OpenFit 2’s true wireless earbuds with hooks are more sporty and stylish than Bose Open Ultra. However, the OpenFit 2 is $120 cheaper. The OpenFit 2 has features that make it versatile enough to work in any environment, making them perfect for those who want to carry one pair of open ear earbuds everywhere.
