Can open-ear headphones approach the sound quality of good in-ear models without cutting you off from your surroundings? I tested the Shokz OpenFit 2+ for several weeks while running, cycling, strength training, working and listening every day. They are impressively complete, but the open design still comes with important compromises.
This review focuses on what matters away from the spec sheet: stability, comfort with a helmet and glasses, call quality in noise, battery life, controls and whether Dolby Audio makes a useful difference.
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Shokz OpenFit 2+ vs OpenFit 2: the key differences
The Plus keeps the core design of the standard OpenFit 2 but adds Dolby Audio and Qi wireless charging for the case. Both versions have physical buttons, a dual-driver system, up to 11 hours of earbud battery life and up to 48 hours with the case.
- Dolby Audio on the Plus model,
- Qi wireless charging on the Plus model,
- dual drivers with OpenBass 2.0,
- physical control buttons,
- IP55 protection for the earbuds,
- multipoint pairing with two devices at the same time.
Open-ear design: awareness without blocking the ear
These are not bone-conduction headphones. OpenFit 2+ uses air conduction: the speakers direct sound toward the ear canal while leaving it open. While running or cycling, I could still hear cars, bicycles and people around me.
Awareness can make it easier to react, but it does not guarantee safety. Volume still needs to suit the environment, and road users must remain fully attentive.
Comfort and stability during training
Each earbud weighs about 9.4 g. The flexible ear hook and soft silicone spread pressure well, while the open canal avoids the plugged-up feeling of in-ear tips. After a few minutes, I often forgot I was wearing them.
In my case, the earbuds worked well with a running cap, headband, sports glasses and a cycling helmet. They stayed secure during faster running, strength sessions and dynamic exercises. Fit is personal, however, so trying them on before buying is worthwhile.
Sound quality and Dolby Audio
Many open-ear headphones sound thin and lack bass. The dual-driver system here produces fuller low frequencies while keeping voices and treble clear. The result is very good for an open design, although it cannot match the isolation of sealed in-ear headphones in loud surroundings.
Dolby Audio widens the soundstage. I enjoyed it most with films, concert recordings and easier aerobic sessions. During harder workouts I often preferred the standard mode because it sounded more direct. It is a welcome extra, but not everyone will consider it worth the price difference.
Physical controls and the Shokz app
The physical button is one of the most useful upgrades. Sweat or a hat does not trigger accidental commands, and the click is easy to feel while running or wearing gloves. The Shokz app lets you adjust sound settings, enable Dolby Audio and manage connections.
Microphones and call quality
I tested calls while running, near road traffic, in a car and beside a loud coffee machine. Callers could usually hear me clearly. Two microphones in each earbud and noise-reduction processing handle typical background noise well, although strong wind can still reduce voice clarity.
How do they perform for running?
Running is the OpenFit 2+ sweet spot. I appreciated the lack of pressure inside the ear, secure fit, simple controls and awareness of my surroundings. Podcasts and audiobooks remained clear at moderate volume, and I had no discomfort on longer sessions.
- secure fit when changing pace,
- no blocked-ear sensation,
- comfort on long sessions,
- easy controls while moving,
- IP55 resistance to sweat, dust and light rain.
Cycling and strength training
On the bike
The earbuds did not interfere with my helmet or glasses and allowed me to stay aware of the road. At higher speeds, wind noise reduces music clarity — an unavoidable trade-off with an open design.
In the gym
The earbuds stayed in place during bench exercises and movements performed in different positions. Sweat did not make the controls difficult to use, and the open fit felt more comfortable in a warm gym.
Can you swim with Shokz OpenFit 2+?
No. IP55 means resistance to sweat, dust and light rain, not immersion. The charging case is not waterproof either. For swimming, choose headphones specifically designed for use in water.
Battery life and charging
- up to 11 hours on one earbud charge,
- up to 48 hours in total with the case,
- about 2 hours of listening after a 10-minute quick charge,
- USB-C or Qi wireless charging for the case.
These are the manufacturer’s ratings; real battery life varies with volume, sound mode and call use. In everyday use, the case made charging easy and reduced the need to keep a cable nearby.
Multipoint and office use
Multipoint keeps the earbuds connected to two devices at the same time, such as a laptop and phone. Switching sources is convenient, but the feature does not mean simultaneous active connections to any number of devices. In a noisy office, the open design lets conversations and coffee machines through. That is useful for awareness, but a drawback when you need isolation.
Shokz OpenFit 2+ pros and cons
Pros
- excellent comfort and stability,
- good awareness of the surroundings,
- surprisingly full sound for an open-ear model,
- good microphones for everyday calls,
- reliable physical buttons,
- long total battery life with the case,
- Dolby Audio and Qi charging on the Plus model.
Cons
- no noise isolation,
- wind can mask music while cycling,
- not suitable for swimming,
- the Plus model is expensive,
- Dolby Audio does not suit every intense workout.
Who are the Shokz OpenFit 2+ for?
They are a strong choice for runners, cyclists, podcast listeners and anyone who dislikes tips inside the ear canal. They also work well as one pair for sport, work and everyday calls. If maximum noise isolation or swimming is the priority, choose a different type of headphone.
Verdict: are Shokz OpenFit 2+ worth it?
The OpenFit 2+ is one of the most polished open-ear headphones I have used. Its blend of comfort, stability, call quality and fuller-than-expected sound impressed me most.
Paying extra for the Plus makes sense mainly if you will use Dolby Audio and Qi charging. If those features do not matter, the standard OpenFit 2 offers very similar fundamentals. Either way, you must accept the lack of isolation — both the greatest benefit and the defining compromise of this design.
FAQ
Are Shokz OpenFit 2+ good for running?
Yes. In my tests they stayed secure, avoided pressure inside the ear and kept me aware of my surroundings. Always set the volume for the conditions around you.
Are they bone-conduction headphones?
No. OpenFit 2+ uses air conduction and directs sound toward the open ear canal.
Do they have ANC?
No. Their purpose is to preserve awareness rather than actively block surrounding noise.
Can you swim with them?
No. IP55 protects against sweat, dust and light rain, but not immersion.
How long does the battery last?
Shokz rates the earbuds for up to 11 hours per charge and up to 48 hours with the case. A 10-minute quick charge is rated for about 2 hours of listening.
Is the Plus version worth the extra cost?
Yes if Dolby Audio and Qi charging matter to you. Otherwise, the standard OpenFit 2 may offer better value.
Specification source
- Official Shokz OpenFit 2+ product page – battery, weight, IP55, multipoint, Dolby Audio and Qi charging.