Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review
Experience the future of audio with Shokz OpenRun Pro 2. Enjoy open-ear listening, exceptional sound quality, and long-lasting battery life.
Improved sound quality of Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 sets them apart from the original Shokz OpenRun Pro. With better bass than other bone conduction headphones, they are regarded as some of the best running headphones available. Because of their snug fit and lengthy battery life they are perfect for sports & prolonged exercise.
In my experience, these are best bone conduction headphones I’ve tested. However, there are still some issues. Open design means that the sound can be drowned out in noisy environments and overall sound quality doesn’t quite match that of the best in-ear headphones.
OpenRun Pro 2 are great for sports and running but there are other solutions that can be more affordable. For example, the identically priced Shokz OpenSwim Pro has MP3 storage in addition to Bluetooth playback. Shokz OpenRun, on the other hand, is a more reasonably priced alternative that, despite having less powerful sound than OpenRun Pro 2, is still a good pick for sports fans.
In my Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review, I’ll delve into why they might be worth the extra cost and how they compare to other bone conduction and open headphones.
Table of Contents
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Specification
| Feature | Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 |
|---|---|
| 📅 Release Date | August 28, 2024 |
| 💲 Price | $179.95 (U.S.), £169 (U.K.) |
| 🎨 Colors | Black, Orange |
| 📏 Sizes | Standard, Mini |
| 🎧 Design | Over-ear hooks, flexible headband |
| 🔋 Battery Life | Up to 12 hours |
| ⚡ Quick Charge | 5 minutes = 2.5 hours playback |
| 💧 Water Resistance | IP55 (Not waterproof) |
| 🎵 Sound Quality | Improved bass, DualPitch design |
| 🎙️ Microphones | Dual mics for clear calls |
| 🔗 Connectivity | Bluetooth, multipoint pairing |
| 🎛️ Controls | Easy-to-use buttons |
| 🔌 Charging Port | USB-C |
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 price and availability
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 were released on August 28, 2024 and are priced at $179.95 in the U.S. and £169 in the U.K. This pricing places them on par with Shokz OpenSwim Pro bone conduction headphones. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option within the Shokz lineup, Shokz OpenRun might be a better choice.
These headphones come in two color options: black and orange. Additionally, they are available in two sizes. OpenRun Pro 2 Mini offers the same impressive battery life and features but in a slightly lighter design. Mini version has a shorter headband which fits more snugly to the back of your head, making it a great option for those who prefer a closer fit.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 design and fit
OpenRun Pro 2 have a similar design to Shokz’s other bone conduction headphones. They feature over-ear hooks connected by a flexible yet strong headband made from a nickel-titanium alloy.
I’ve been using OpenRun Pro 2 headphones daily for the past two weeks, not just for running but also for indoor cycling, strength training and yoga. They stay securely and comfortably in place during all activities. I also found them easy to wear with glasses and a hat, with no discomfort.
These headphones use bone conduction pads on the ear hooks that rest on your cheekbones, transmitting sound through vibrations. They also have an air conduction speaker that plays audio directly into your ear. This DualPitch design is a key improvement in OpenRun Pro 2, with the air conduction speaker providing stronger bass compared to other Shokz headphones.
Another upgrade is the switch to a USB-C charging port, replacing the proprietary cable used in previous models. This makes charging more convenient. While OpenRun Pro 2 still have a high water resistance rating of IP55, they are not waterproof and aren’t suitable for swimming since they don’t include MP3 storage.
These headphones also offer multipoint pairing, allowing you to connect to two devices simultaneously. I found the transition between my laptop and phone smooth once I set it up using the partner app. For calls, OpenRun Pro 2 have dual microphones positioned to minimize wind noise, making them great for phone calls even while running or cycling.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 controls
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 feature simple and effective controls. There’s a multifunction button on the left ear hook and two buttons on the right. Buttons on the right control the volume and power the headphones on and off. The multifunction button on the left allows you to control playback, skip tracks, and activate your phone’s voice assistant by holding it down.
In my experience, buttons are well-placed and easy to use, even during intense workouts. The multifunction button gives a sound each time you press it, making it easy to know how many times you’ve pressed it. Additionally, there’s a chime when you reach the maximum volume, preventing you from trying to increase the volume any further.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: sound quality
Main drawback of bone conduction and other open headphones is that they don’t offer the same sound quality as in-ear buds since they don’t sit in the ear canal. This is still true for Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, but their sound quality has greatly improved, especially with stronger bass, thanks to the DualPitch design.
I enjoyed using these headphones both during workouts and in everyday situations. They don’t leak much sound indoors, even at maximum volume. You can also adjust EQ using Shokz app with options like bass boost or customizing your own settings.
Although OpenRun Pro 2 are louder than previous models, they can still be difficult to hear in noisy environments like busy roads. When you’re pushing through the final stretch of a hard run, the lower volume compared to in-ear buds can make your music feel less impactful.
However, the big advantage of the open design is that it allows you to stay more aware of your surroundings, making outdoor activities like running and cycling safer. For this reason, I prefer open headphones for workouts. OpenRun Pro 2 provide better sound than most bone conduction options while still offering that awareness, though some air conduction headphones like Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, offer even better sound quality.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Battery Life
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are advertised to last up to 12 hours on a single charge. However, if you often keep the volume at or near maximum level, this battery life can decrease slightly. For outdoor workouts- where higher volume is usually necessary, I found that the battery life was closer to 10-11 hours. Even with this slight reduction, the battery life is still impressive for bone conduction headphones and it’s longer than what you get from Shokz OpenRun or OpenSwim Pro models.
Furthermore, OpenRun Pro 2 has a very practical quick charge option. You can get about 2.5 hours of playing with just five minutes of charge making it ideal for those moments when you need a little pick-me up before running.
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Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Pros and Cons
| 👍Pros | 👎Cons |
|---|---|
| 🎧 Better Sound Quality | 🚫 Not Great in Noisy Areas |
| 👟 Secure and Comfortable Fit | 🌧️ Not Waterproof |
| 🔋 Long Battery Life | 🔉 Lower Volume Than In-Ear Buds |
| ⚡ Quick Charging Feature | 💸 Expensive |
| 👂 Awareness of Surroundings | 🎵 Sound Quality Less Than In-Ear |
| 🔌 Easy USB-C Charging | 👎 |
Conclusion
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are the best bone conduction headphones I’ve tested for workouts, unless you need something specifically for swimming. The improvement in sound quality makes them a great choice for general use, not just for exercise. Their secure fit, open design, and good sound quality make them my top pick for running headphones right now.
If you’re looking for the best open-design running headphones, OpenRun Pro 2 are a fantastic option. However, they are on the pricey side, so depending on your needs other Shokz models might offer better value.
For example: Shokz OpenSwim Pro, priced similarly offers both Bluetooth and MP3 playback and they are waterproof, making them suitable for swimming. MP3 mode is also handy for workouts where you prefer not to carry your phone. However, OpenRun Pro 2 has better sound quality and longer battery life.
Another option to consider is Shokz OpenRun which costs $129.95. They have the same great fit and open design and while sound quality and battery life are slightly less impressive than OpenRun Pro 2, they still perform very well during workouts. For many, OpenRun offers nearly the same experience at a more affordable price.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 deliver the best sound quality I’ve heard from bone conduction headphones, while still letting you hear your surroundings. Although they’re expensive, they are currently the top choice for bone conduction headphones.
