SoundGuys called the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 'the cream of the crop' in bone conduction headphones, praising their comfortable fit and environmental awareness. The headphones offer improved battery life, a USB-C charging port, and DualPitch Technology for better sound quality. While reviewers noted the IP55 rating is less impressive than more affordable models, they remain an excellent choice for runners and active users who value safety and connectivity. These headphones are best suited for those seeking bone conduction technology with enhanced features over traditional earbuds.
Full review
Comfort and fit for extended wear
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 maintains the comfortable design that has made bone conduction headphones popular among active users. SoundGuys reviewer Lil Katz noted that the titanium headband is bendy and springy, making it easy to stuff the headphones into a gym bag or pocket. The design allows for extended wear without discomfort, with the device staying securely in place during workouts. Ride On Magazine's Nat Bromhead found that the headphones sat well even when worn upside down, emphasizing their forgiving fit. Elio Struyf, a long-time user of bone conduction headphones, reported that the OpenRun Pro 2's improved speaker positioning reduces the need for frequent adjustments, which was a problem with previous models. The headphones are available in two sizes—standard and mini—to accommodate different head shapes and preferences.
Despite the overall comfort, some users have reported issues with fit. A user on m.gsmarena.com noted that the band was too tight in earlier generations, causing irritation, although this issue appears to have been resolved in the Pro 2 model. The design does require a proper fit to ensure the transducers stay in place, and improper fit can lead to sound quality degradation. The lightweight construction at 30.3g makes the headphones suitable for long-duration activities like cycling or running, but users should ensure they select the correct size for their head dimensions to avoid discomfort or slippage during intense exercise.
Battery performance and charging capabilities
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 delivers a 12-hour battery life, which has been confirmed by both professional reviewers and user feedback. Ride On Magazine's Nat Bromhead verified that the claimed battery life holds up during extended use, including multi-hour cycling sessions. The headphones support quick charging, with a 5-minute charge providing approximately 2.5 hours of playback time. SoundGuys noted that this quick charge feature is particularly useful for users who forget to fully charge the device before heading out. The USB-C charging port represents an upgrade from previous models, which used a 2-pin connector, bringing the flagship model into the modern charging standard.
However, some users have reported inconsistent battery performance. One reviewer from m.gsmarena.com mentioned experiencing intermittent sound issues or complete loss of audio in one ear during long runs, which they attributed to battery-related problems. While the battery life is generally sufficient for most users, these reports suggest that some units may have inconsistencies in power delivery or firmware handling that could affect reliability during extended use.
Sound quality and audio technology
The OpenRun Pro 2 introduces DualPitch Technology, which combines bone conduction with air conduction to deliver a more balanced and fuller sound than previous models. SoundGuys reviewer Lil Katz praised the improvement in bass and treble reproduction compared to the OpenRun Pro. Elio Struyf, who has used bone conduction headphones for years, noted that the sound quality is significantly better than his previous model, with more bass and a more balanced audio profile. The headphones feature a 4-band EQ with preset options including Standard, Vocal, Bass Boost, Treble Boost, and Classic, along with two custom modes accessible through the app. This allows users to tailor the audio to their preferences, particularly for podcasts or music.
Despite these improvements, audio quality remains a point of contention. Downtown Magazine's Robin Ulbrich and Patrick Gruber pointed out that while the sound is clear and adequate for podcasts or music, it does not reach audiophile brilliance. The hybrid approach of bone and air conduction works well for music but struggles with wind interference, particularly when listening to podcasts on windy days. One user from m.gsmarena.com noted that the air conduction feature falls short during windy conditions, making it difficult to hear clearly. Additionally, some users have expressed disappointment with the lack of significant bass in certain environments, especially in noisy industrial settings.
Bluetooth connectivity and multipoint pairing
The OpenRun Pro 2 supports Bluetooth 5.3, which provides stable and fast connections. SoundGuys noted that the multipoint pairing feature is enabled by default, allowing users to connect to two devices simultaneously. This functionality is particularly useful for users who switch between their phone and laptop during workouts or while commuting. The app allows users to toggle multipoint on and off, giving them control over how the headphones handle multiple connections. The pairing process is straightforward, with a simple press-and-hold button to initiate the connection, as noted by Downtown Magazine.
However, some users have encountered issues with Bluetooth stability. One reviewer from m.gsmarena.com reported problems with intermittent sound or complete loss of audio in one ear, which they attributed to Bluetooth connection issues. Another user noted that connecting to a phone during a call was not as reliable as with the previous model, indicating that while the technology is improved, there may still be room for refinement in the connection stability, especially during high-activity periods.
Water resistance and environmental durability
The OpenRun Pro 2 is rated IP55, which means it is protected against dust and water splashes. Ride On Magazine's Nat Bromhead confirmed that the IP55 rating allows the headphones to withstand sweat and rain, making them suitable for outdoor activities. The device is designed to handle typical environmental conditions encountered during workouts, including exposure to moisture and dust. However, it is not fully waterproof, and users should avoid submerging them in water or using them in extreme weather conditions.
While the IP55 rating is sufficient for most use cases, one user from m.gsmarena.com noted that the headphones are not suitable for extreme conditions such as factory environments where loud noise can interfere with audio quality. The headphones may not perform well in environments with high ambient noise, where the bone conduction technology struggles to deliver clear audio. Additionally, the design's open-ear approach means that while it allows for situational awareness, it also exposes the device to environmental factors that could affect performance.
Microphone performance and call quality
The OpenRun Pro 2 features dual wind-resistant microphones designed to improve call quality. SoundGuys reviewer Lil Katz noted that the microphone quality is acceptable, though not exceptional. The microphones are capable of handling calls in various environments, including outdoor settings with moderate wind. Elio Struyf, who has used the headphones for cycling, reported that the microphone works well for basic calls but noted that the wind resistance feature is not as effective for podcast listening in windy conditions.
One user from m.gsmarena.com expressed disappointment with the microphone quality, particularly in comparison to the previous model. They noted that call quality was not as good as the OpenRun Pro, with issues in connectivity during phone rings or when attempting to communicate. The dual microphone setup is intended to reduce background noise and improve clarity, but some users have found that it does not perform as expected in real-world conditions. For users who frequently take calls while active, the microphone performance may be a limiting factor.
User experience and app functionality
The Shokz app provides access to firmware updates and EQ customization, which enhances the user experience. SoundGuys reviewer Lil Katz appreciated the ability to adjust EQ presets and update firmware through the app. The app supports five EQ presets and two custom modes, allowing users to tailor the audio output to their preferences. The interface is user-friendly, and firmware updates are straightforward, taking just a few minutes to complete. The app also allows users to toggle Bluetooth multipoint on and off, giving them control over how the headphones manage multiple connections.
However, some users have found the app experience to be less than ideal. One reviewer from m.gsmarena.com noted that the app was convoluted and difficult to navigate, leading them to return the product. The app's functionality, while helpful, may not be intuitive for all users. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the app's ability to maintain stable connections or properly manage device settings, which could affect overall usability.
Safety and situational awareness
The primary advantage of the OpenRun Pro 2 is its ability to maintain situational awareness while delivering audio. SoundGuys reviewer Lil Katz emphasized that the open-ear design allows users to stay aware of their surroundings, which is crucial for safety during activities like running or cycling. Ride On Magazine's Nat Bromhead noted that the headphones significantly improve safety on shared paths or in busy urban areas by allowing users to hear traffic, conversation, and other environmental cues. Elio Struyf, who uses the headphones for solo cycling rides, found that they allow him to hear approaching cars or fellow cyclists while enjoying his music or podcasts.
The open-ear design is particularly beneficial for outdoor activities where safety is a concern. However, the effectiveness of this feature can be compromised in certain conditions. One user from m.gsmarena.com noted that the headphones are not ideal for factory environments where ambient noise can interfere with audio quality. Additionally, while the headphones are designed to allow for situational awareness, some users have reported that the audio may not be clear enough in high-noise environments, which could potentially compromise safety.
Strengths
- +Comfortable and lightweight design suitable for extended wear during workouts
- +Improved battery life lasting 12 hours compared to previous model
- +USB-C charging port upgrades from older 2-pin connector
- +IP55 waterproof rating for durability during outdoor activities
Watch-outs
- −Carrying case described as cumbersome
- −The IP rating is less impressive than the more affordable OpenRun
How it compares
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 offers improved battery life and USB-C charging, features not available in the Shokz OpenDots 2 or Nothing Ear (Open). While the Shokz OpenFit Pro provides better sound quality and the HUAWEI FreeClip 2 offers automatic detection, the OpenRun Pro 2 delivers enhanced bone conduction technology with DualPitch for better sound quality during workouts.
Rating sources
“The OpenRun Pro 2 genuinely surprised me. The sound is clear, balanced, and offers a level of bass that's better than expected.”
“Shokz pro 2 is a definite big downgrade to the Shokz pro, if looking for a good earpiece, I believe the Shokz pro is way better than pro 2”
“The sound is a lot more balanced and the bass is a lot better. I can hear the music and podcasts.”
Our 3.8 score is the average of the 4 scored reviews above; 3 more reviewed it without printing a score and are not in the average. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
