Shokz Openrun Pro 2

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: A Safer Sound, Now Better Tuned

We previously tested the original Shokz OpenRun Pro and were impressed by its ergonomic fit and effortless Bluetooth pairing. However, the sound quality fell short compared to traditional headphones—wired or wireless. The clear advantage remained: bone conduction allowed you to stay aware of your surroundings, which is ideal for outdoor sports.

Now, with the OpenRun Pro 2, Shokz brings a noticeable upgrade. The audio experience has significantly improved, thanks to the addition of an air conduction speaker that works alongside the traditional bone conduction system. Was bone conduction alone reaching its limits? Perhaps. In any case, this dual-driver setup results in a sound that is more rounded and better defined. High frequencies are less harsh, and while the bass lacks depth and impact, it is present. Bass lovers—say, reggae fans—might still find it underwhelming.

Fortunately, the Shokz app includes a built-in equalizer to tweak frequencies and enhance clarity. Despite these improvements, the overall sound dynamics still feel relatively flat for music purists.

Then there’s the volume ceiling, which remains intentionally limited. That’s a plus in our book—it protects your hearing and allows you to stay alert to your surroundings. In noisier environments—windy trails, cycling, or urban noise—these headphones do reach their limits, but again, this prioritizes safety over immersion.

The headband-style fit is unchanged from the previous model: secure, stable, and impossible to shake loose during activity. Comfort is excellent, with a soft matte plastic finish that feels pleasant against the skin. The weight is so light you’ll quickly forget you’re even wearing them.

The interface is minimalistic, almost basic—but in a good way. Unlike overly complicated headphone UIs, this simplicity is exactly what active users need.

Shokz has also added two extra hours of battery life compared to the first version. In practice, this will depend on your listening volume and especially on ambient temperature, which impacts battery performance. Still, the claimed numbers hold up well overall. Big thumbs up for the USB-C charging (cable included, charger not). The carrying case is solid and well-designed, too.

So, does the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 deliver? Absolutely, if your priority is ease of use, wearing comfort, water resistance, and environmental awareness—essentially, if you’re using it for sports. But for audiophile-level music reproduction? It still falls short.

For runners, cyclists, or hikers who want a secure and safe listening experience, this is a reliable and well-rounded upgrade. For music lovers who run, however, better audio quality can be found elsewhere.

"For runners, cyclists, or hikers who want a secure and safe listening experience, this is a reliable and well-rounded upgrade. For music lovers who run, however, better audio quality can be found elsewhere."

Rating

• 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
• Ear fit
  9
• Sound
  6,5
• Durability
  9
• Waterproofness
  9