Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review

Shokz has drummed up quite the following around its bone conduction headphones. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 descend from bone conduction headphone royalty. These headphones make modest improvements from their predecessors. Yet, you wouldn’t know that by looking at the two headphones side-by-side. Let’s dig into this Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review to see if the changes are worth your coin.

What I like about the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

My favorite thing about the OpenRun Pro 2 is how they keep me aware of my surroundings while allowing me to hear my media. For the unfamiliar, this is a feature of all bone conduction headphones. They don’t block off or seal your ear canals like traditional earbuds do. Instead, they rest on your cheekbones and send vibrations through your skull. This environmental awareness is invaluable as I move through the city.

I also appreciate that Shokz upgraded the charging port from the 2-pin connector of old to a USB-C charging port. This finally brings the company’s flagship models into the modern age. With this, the OpenRun Pro 2 also have a longer battery life than before, lasting 12 hours instead of 10.

As is in the name, the OpenRun Pro 2 are excellent for running. Shokz’ new DualPitch Technology is an upgrade over the OpenRun Pro, allowing for louder bass and treble reproduction. I also noticed that the vibrations against my cheekbones are less intense with the OpenRun Pro 2 compared to their predecessors.

The OpenRun Pro 2 are nearly identical to the Shokz headphones that came before them. This is a good thing. Shokz bone conduction headphones have always rested comfortably on my cheekbones, and these are no different. The titanium headband is bendy and springy as ever, making it easy to stuff the headphones into my gym bag or pocket. I could use the included carrying case, but frankly, it’s a bit cumbersome. Plus, these IP55-rated headphones can withstand just about anything.

Like the OpenRun Pro before them, the OpenRun Pro 2 work with an Apple and Android-friendly app that gives you access to the basics. Here, you can update the headphones’ firmware, and select from five EQ presets (Standard, Vocal, Bass Boost, Treble Boost, and Classic). I enjoy playing around with Shokz’ five-band EQ in the app too. This customization sets Shokz further apart from other bone conduction headphone manufacturers. However, since I don’t use bone conduction headphones for their sound quality, it isn’t a game-changing feature for me. Shokz also makes it easy to toggle Bluetooth multipoint on and off from the app. For those in the dark, Bluetooth multipoint allows you to connect to two devices at once, regardless of OS. It’s a great productivity feature … if you’re into being productive.

The OpenRun Pro 2 come in two different sizes, standard and mini and Shokz details how to decide which size is right for you. The standard size fits my head well and leaves a bit of wiggle room. Shokz appears to use the same rubberized coating as its other headphones. This keeps the headphones in place as I run and bike around my neighborhood.

One of my biggest gripes about bone conduction headphones generally is how the audio quality is inconsistent when I open my mouth to drink, eat, or chew. Shokz noticeably reduced this issue with the OpenRun Pro. The performance here is about the same with the OpenRun Pro 2.

What I don’t like about the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

To my dismay, Shokz retained the same volume rockers as before, which means the buttons are nearly impossible to distinguish from one another, especially with gloves on. Bone conduction headphones at large aren’t the best for winter wear anyway, because hats of all kinds tend to affect the fit. On the flip side, Shokz finally got rid of that irritating beep that previous headphones emitted, opting instead for a softer tone.

Weightlifting with the OpenRun Pro 2 is just as dissatisfying as with any bone conduction headphones. This is because the headband shifts around when lying down to perform certain exercises (e.g., bench press). Fit aside, I want sealed earbuds when I go to the gym in order to block out the loud clang of weights hitting the floor. Likewise, cycling with bone conduction headphones can be frustrating as helmets tend to move them out of place. Due to posture, this issue is more pronounced with road bikes compared to bikes where I sit straight up.

Last but not least, microphone quality is sub-par, especially with how quickly microphone quality has improved in wireless earbuds. The OpenRun Pro 2 sound fine in quiet environments but fall flat when relaying my voice in a windy environment.

Take a listen for yourself and let us know your thoughts.

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 microphone demo (Ideal conditions, non-standardized):

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 microphone demo (Windy conditions, non-standardized):

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 specs

Should you buy the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2?

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 really are the best all around bone conduction headphones from Shokz and at large. The improved bass reproduction and reduced vibrations make for a more enjoyable listening experience. If you want the best of the best, do splurge on the OpenRun Pro 2.

That said, there are better alternatives within the Shokz lineup if you are a swimmer or someone who demands a lighter, more durable design. The Shokz OpenRun cost $129 at Amazon and have a more impressive IP67 rating. Then there are the Shokz OpenSwim, which cost $179 (the same as the OpenRun Pro 2) but have 32GB of onboard storage. Office workers may want to opt for the Shokz OpenComm2 UC ($199.95 at Amazon), which have an external microphone attached.

Perhaps, you’ve decided by the end of all of this you don’t want bone conduction headphones at all even though you find the idea of hearing your surroundings appealing. In that case, we recommend open earbuds like the Nothing Ear (Open) ($149 at Amazon) or unsealed earbuds like the Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation ($179.99 at Amazon).

Frequently asked questions about open earbuds