The new OpenFit 2 and OpenFit 2+ from Shokz have just landed – and they mark a serious leap forward in open-ear listening. With a dual driver system, refined physical controls, and standout wearability, these are some of the most well-balanced true wireless earbuds on the current market.
Shokz has built its reputation around bone conduction and open-ear audio, and the OpenFit 2 series elevates that idea to a more refined, premium place. The OpenFit 2 delivers crisp, rich audio through Shokz’s DualBoost Technology, pairing an extra-large low-frequency driver with a dedicated high-frequency driver in each earbud. Sound is processed across separate frequency bands, producing more precise mids, highs and bass than you’d expect from a non-in-ear device. Add the upgraded OpenBass 2.0 system to the mix, and the result is surprisingly immersive, textured sound without isolating you from your surroundings – a big plus if safety is at the forefront of mind.
These earbuds also offer up to 11 hours of listening on a single charge, with a total of 48 hours from the charging case, as well as up to eight hours of talk time, 270 days of standby time, and a 10-minute quick charge feature that delivers two hours of playback in a pinch.
You also get Bluetooth 5.4 and an IP55 water resistance rating, which, coupled with the rest of the impressive spec list, positions these firmly in the premium category.
In this latest release, Shokz has responded to feedback and rethought the control experience, offering a hybrid system with both physical buttons and touch controls. It’s a small but meaningful upgrade – tactile buttons mean you can change track or take calls with precision, even during high movement or wet conditions, without the accidental swipes that plague many competitors.
When it comes to comfort, these are, simply put, some of the best buds you’ll find on the market right now. The new nickel-titanium alloy earhook is flexible enough to adapt to your unique ear shape, while the silicone finish is soft to the touch and doesn’t apply pressure in or around the ear. At just 9.4g per earbud, they’re light to the point that you’ll forget they are there just moments after wearing them.
That comfort is matched by outstanding real-world usability. Whether you’re on a morning commute or midway through a HIIT sprint, the fit doesn’t shift, and you certainly don’t need to pause to adjust them. And because of the open-ear design, you maintain clear situational awareness – you can hear the world, respond to it, and still enjoy crystal-clear audio thanks to the four AI-powered noise-cancelling mics that filter out background chatter during calls.
While these may not rival high-end over-ear models in pure power, what they do offer is consistently impressive clean, detailed vocals, deep bass presence, and well-defined highs. There are thoughtful touches throughout, including the physical button layout which is smart instead of fiddly. The wireless charging support adds convenience for those using Qi pads, and the Dolby Audio on the OpenFit 2+ means you get a more immersive, spatial experience when gaming or streaming content.
In short, the OpenFit 2 series delivers exactly what you’d want from a true all-rounder. Balanced audio, day-long comfort, practical design, and premium-tier features – all for a price that undercuts many flagship alternatives.
The OpenFit 2 (£169, in beige or black) and OpenFit 2+ (£179, in grey or black) are available now online at Shokz, and in-store and online at John Lewis.
