Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
Shokz
Open-ear headphones have always asked buyers to make a trade-off: hear your surroundings clearly, or hear your music clearly, but rarely both at once. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Wireless Bluetooth Headphones in Black are built specifically to close that gap. They're aimed at runners, cyclists, and outdoor athletes who refuse to choose between staying safe on the road and actually enjoying their playlist. After digging into how this pair performs in real training conditions, it's clear this is one of the more convincing arguments yet for ditching in-ear buds on your next run.
Design, Fit, and Everyday Wearability
The OpenRun Pro 2 uses a single-piece, behind-the-neck frame rather than two separate earbuds. That unibody construction is the whole point: instead of tips that plug into your ear canal, two transducers sit just in front of your ears, held in place by ergonomic hooks that loop over the top. Nothing blocks your ear canal at all.
This matters more than it sounds. Because the frame flexes rather than clamps, it distributes pressure across a wider area instead of concentrating it at the ear canal the way traditional headphones or in-ear buds do. Reviewers who tested the pair for extended runs and rides consistently noted that the fit stays secure without needing constant readjustment, even during high-impact movement like sprinting or trail running.
Shokz also sells this model in two frame sizes, Standard and Mini, distinguished by headband length rather than sound quality. If the distance from behind one ear to behind the other, measured around the back of your head, comes in under roughly 23.5cm, the Mini will sit noticeably tighter and more securely; anyone larger than that should stick with the Standard version reviewed here. It's a detail easy to overlook when browsing but genuinely more important than it seems, since a headband that's the wrong length undermines the security the whole design promises.
At the weight class this design sits in, the headphones disappear on your head in a way that heavier over-ear or neckband alternatives don't. That low weight, combined with the frame's flex, is what makes multi-hour wear during long runs or rides feel like a non-issue rather than something you're counting down.
One caveat worth flagging honestly: because the ear hooks wrap around the top of the ear, fit with glasses can be inconsistent. Plenty of wearers report no issue at all, even running or cycling in sunglasses without noticing the headphones are there. Others find the combination of hook and glasses arm crowds the same real estate and takes some adjusting. If you wear glasses constantly during workouts, it's worth trying the fit in person before committing.
How the Sound Actually Works: DualPitch Explained
The headline feature here is Shokz's DualPitch technology, and it's worth explaining in plain terms because "bone conduction" alone tends to undersell what's happening.
Traditional bone conduction headphones send vibrations through the cheekbone directly to the inner ear, bypassing the eardrum entirely. That's how you can hear music while your ears stay completely open to ambient sound. The catch with older bone conduction designs has always been bass: vibrating your skull hard enough to produce deep, punchy low end tends to feel uncomfortable, even nauseating for sensitive users, so manufacturers historically dialed bass back.
DualPitch tackles that by splitting the job. The bone conduction drivers still handle the mid and high frequencies, sound through your cheekbones, while dedicated air conduction speakers, positioned to fire sound toward your ear canal without sealing it, take over bass duty. The result, according to hands-on reviewers, is a genuinely fuller low end without the buzzing or vibration discomfort that older bone conduction models were known for.
That said, it's important to set realistic expectations. This is still an open-ear design competing against sealed in-ear buds, and in loud environments, think busy streets, gyms with music playing, or windy trail sections, the audio can get drowned out more easily than it would with noise-isolating earbuds. If pin-drop audio fidelity in noisy settings is your top priority, this isn't the category to shop in. If situational awareness while getting genuinely enjoyable sound is the goal, independent testing suggests this is about as good as bone conduction currently gets.
Key Features That Matter Day to Day
Bass control on the fly
A physical control lets you adjust bass intensity in real time without digging into an app mid-run, useful for a warm-up jog versus a track sprint where you want different energy in your ears.
Onboard button controls
Playback, volume, and calls are all manageable from the headphones themselves, meaning you're not fishing your phone out of an armband mid-stride. Reviewers noted the button layout takes a short adjustment period to learn by feel, a minor learning curve rather than a real drawback.
Companion app support
Pairing with the Shokz app unlocks EQ presets, firmware updates, and battery status checks, though the headphones function perfectly well without ever opening the app if you'd rather keep things simple.
Built-in microphone for calls
A microphone system built for hands-free calling lets you answer, decline, and talk without touching your phone, with call quality reviewers describe as a genuine strength of this model, including decent performance in windy outdoor conditions.
Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint
This is a meaningfully newer Bluetooth standard than what shipped in the original OpenRun Pro, and it supports connecting to more than one device at a time, useful if you want to leave your phone in one room and still get notified when a call comes in from your laptop. Wireless range extends to roughly 10 metres, giving you room to set your phone down at the edge of a gym or leave it in a gym locker room cubby without losing connection immediately.
USB-C charging
After years of proprietary charging cables across the Shokz lineup, this model finally standardizes on USB-C. That means the same cable you use for your phone, tablet, or laptop likely works here too, one less proprietary cable cluttering your gym bag. Worth noting: a charging adaptor isn't included in the box, and the headphones don't support PD (harmonised) fast charging, so use a standard USB-C power source rather than expecting phone-style rapid charging speeds.
IP55 sweat and water resistance
This rating covers sweat, splashes, and light rain reliably, the exact conditions a runner or cyclist actually encounters. It is explicitly not a swimming-rated product; if water sports are part of your routine, Shokz's own swim-specific model exists for that purpose and this one doesn't attempt to compete there.
Battery Life and Charging in Real Use
Battery capacity has been increased over the previous generation, and independent lab testing backs up the manufacturer's real-world claims closely: testers clocked in right around the promised runtime, comfortably enough for a long training block, a full workday of intermittent listening, or several standard runs before needing a top-up.
The standout convenience feature is quick charging. A brief five-minute charge, the length of tying your shoes and filling a water bottle, is enough to add a couple of hours of playback when you've forgotten to charge overnight. Testers who measured this found it slightly outperformed the manufacturer's own claim in practice. For anyone who's ever grabbed dead headphones on the way out the door, that alone solves a genuine daily frustration.
Who Should Actually Buy These
This pair makes the most sense for:
- Runners and cyclists who train on roads, trails near traffic, or shared paths and need to hear cars, cyclists, or other people approaching
- Anyone who has tried in-ear sport buds and found them uncomfortable, prone to falling out, or simply unpleasant to wear for an hour-plus session
- Multi-sport athletes who want one pair of headphones across running, gym sessions, and daily commuting, provided swimming isn't part of that mix
- People who wear hats, caps, or hoods regularly during workouts, since the open design plays nicer with headwear than sealed earbuds
This pair is not the right fit for:
- Swimmers or triathletes needing waterproof, submersible audio, a dedicated swim-focused model exists in the same family for that use case
- Listeners who prioritize maximum bass impact and noise isolation above all else, since sealed in-ear designs will always out-punch an open-ear format acoustically
- Anyone shopping strictly on price, as this sits at the premium end of the bone conduction category
- Glasses-wearers who've had trouble with ear-hook style designs in the past, without trying the fit first
How It Stacks Up Against the Alternatives
| Model | Design | Best For | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 (this model) | Bone + air conduction hybrid, headband style | Runners and cyclists wanting the best sound Shokz currently offers with full awareness | Premium price; not swim-rated |
| Shokz OpenRun | Bone conduction only, headband style | Budget-conscious buyers who don't need the upgraded bass | Thinner, less punchy sound |
| Shokz OpenSwim Pro | Bone conduction, swim-rated | Swimmers and triathletes needing underwater playback | Costs about the same, but built for a different use case entirely |
| Shokz OpenFit Pro | True wireless open-ear earbuds with silicone tips | Buyers who want an earbud form factor with a charging case rather than a headband | Newer Bluetooth standard and open-ear noise reduction, but less secure for extreme, high-impact movement |
| Traditional sport earbuds (sealed, in-ear) | Sealed fit with active noise cancelling | Maximum bass and isolation for gym or indoor training | Blocks ambient sound entirely, a real safety concern on roads |
The clearest competitor within Shokz's own lineup is the standard OpenRun, which costs less but skips the air conduction drivers, meaning noticeably thinner bass. The OpenFit Pro is the more interesting cross-shop: it swaps the headband for true wireless earbuds with a charging case, trading some of the OpenRun Pro 2's extreme-motion security for a more discreet, pocketable form factor and marginally newer wireless tech. If your workouts genuinely include swimming, none of this matters as much as choosing the swim-rated model instead, since IP55 splash resistance and full submersion are entirely different engineering problems.
The Honest Trade-offs
The strongest case for this pair is the combination of comfort, safety, and sound quality that finally feels balanced rather than compromised. Multiple independent testers who've spent real time on roads and trails with them single out the improved bass as the standout upgrade over previous Shokz models, solving the "thin sound" complaint that dogged earlier bone conduction headphones without reintroducing the buzzy vibration that used to come with trying to boost bass on your skull.
The weaknesses are real but narrow. Audio can get swallowed by louder environments, a structural limitation of any open-ear design rather than a flaw unique to this model. The wireless codec support is limited to the most basic Bluetooth audio standard, which won't bother most listeners but will matter to anyone chasing audiophile-grade wireless fidelity. And the price sits noticeably above Shokz's own entry-level model and above many sealed sport earbuds, which is a fair ask given the technology packed in, but not a small one.
Build durability is the other honest consideration. The flexible headband is the component most likely to take stress over years of use, and while the frame is engineered to flex rather than snap, physical damage to that band, rather than battery degradation or driver failure, is the most realistic long-term failure point to be aware of.
The Verdict
For runners and cyclists who train anywhere near traffic, shared paths, or other people, and who want genuinely enjoyable sound without sacrificing awareness of their surroundings, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is the strongest option currently available in the bone conduction category. The improved bass finally makes the format sound like a real alternative rather than a safety compromise, the battery and quick-charge combination solves real daily friction, and the fit holds up through serious training loads.
Buy this pair if outdoor safety and all-day comfort matter more to you than squeezing out the last percentage of bass or noise isolation. Skip it only if swimming is part of your routine, if you're deeply price-sensitive and the standard OpenRun would satisfy your needs, or if maximum audio isolation for gym sessions is genuinely your top priority. For everyone else training outdoors, this is as close to a confident, no-asterisks recommendation as the category gets right now.
What People Say
56 commentsComfortable wireless headphones
I found these comfortable to wear. Initially when I put them on with my hair down I could feel I was wearing them and was unsure of the stability. However, I then tucked my hair underneath and found it was fine. I much prefer these over the in ear wireless headphones you can buy. They always feel uncomfortable and I adjust them when I’m out running. They always come out dirty too - you wouldn’t want to share them. Plus now I won’t be searching for random one or have issues with only one working and not the other (I don’t know why but have had this happen multiple times).
I wore these all day running errands and around the house. I forgot I was wearing them. I wouldn’t have worn in ear ones for that length of time as I find they hurt my ears. The sound quality is clear but you can also hear other things around you if needed, which is really good if you’re outside.
They were so simple to connect to your phone, I had no issues. They came with simple but yet effective instructions. I haven’t played with all the features as haven’t yet taken a call using them but I find them great for music playback.
Impressed with the packaging, case and charger all packages neatly.
Would recommend.
Excellent sound, form could be more comfortable.
I’ve had these 2-3 weeks. I previously used AirPods Pros and Maxes but had to switch due to ear problems.
The sound from these is excellent. The battery life isn’t bad considering there is no chargeable case with them. The only issue I have is the fit- they’re quite large at the back and it takes a lot of adjusting over the ears to get comfortable, especially if you wear glasses. They also don’t that secure when I’m wearing them. I’m a woman and I don’t have a particularly small head so I thought the standard fit would be fine. If you are considering running or doing sport with these, I’d recommend looking at the Mini size on Shokz’s website, as these will likely move around a lot.
These have a “multipoint” connectivity, meaning I can use them with my phone and tablet. Unfortunately, the most connections you can have is 2 which isn’t exactly multi - even having 1 more would mean I could use them with my laptop too, which would be great for work.
Even with the fit issues, I would absolutely recommend these for the sound quality, which is far better than other open ear or on ear models I’ve tried previously.
They do as they should.
I bought the upgraded pair thinking I would notice a difference but cant say I do. They are still a fantastic piece of kit, comfortable, great sound quality. However I'm not sure if they are any different to the previous pair of shokz I bought 4 years ago. The only difference I see is that they have a usb c charging point and the ends are magnetic so they stick together but not sure what that achieves really. They also don't seem to connect with 1 button like the previous ones did. You switch them on and it makes the noise "battery high etc" but then you need to click again to connect to your device. The older version didn't do that. HOWEVER I haven't read the instructions so it could be user error but I personally don't see the benefit of paying an extra £50 for the pro2s. The model below that do the same job I think but they are the best pair of running headphones I have ever had and will continue to buy Shokz. They do just seem to stop working though once well used. Happened to mine and my partners. Mine last 3 years, my partners lasted over a year but I got thousands of hours worth of use out of them.
Great Concept, Highly Convenient
I was underwhelmed at first tbh. Even at the discounted price I got them for - "This... for £135?! Maybe I'd be more accepting at £80 - £100". And it's not just me, because my friend saw them on me, tried them, and was immediately impressed. But once I told her the price, she tuned out lol.
However, they quickly grew on me! Especially with the concept and design. Went for a jog with them in the park and if I had any other headphones/ earphones I would probably be worrying more about them falling off/ out. With these, no problem.
Have received no complaints or problems with call quality either.
I also enjoy using them at home, allowing me to hear music and podcasts at a low volume while also being able to hear my surroundings clearly, as they do not go in your ear, they sit right in front of your ear below your temples. So, great for use during chores like dishes. They are not the most comfortable thing ever, but I have gone to sleep and had a full sleep with these on a few times. I am sold and will be keeping them!
Game Changer
I recently got the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 in matte black and I couldn't be more impressed! The combination of matte and gloss black gives them a sleek look After just 6 hours of use I've already ditched my over-ear headphones. The sound quality is remarkable and I was blown away after my run and bike ride.
These headphones are incredibly lightweight I often forget I'm even wearing them! The open-ear design has turned me into a believer it's such a game changer for comfort I love the wind-resistant microphone which makes phone calls seamless and the quick charging feature is a huge plus with 12 hours of playtime on a full charge they easily keep up with my active lifestyle.
The Shokz app adds even more control enhancing the experience. Plus the eco-friendly packaging is a plus and sleek carry case ensure that my headphones and charging cable stay safe together Overall the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for comfort quality and functionality!
Shokz Open Run Pro 2 Wireless
WOOOOW.
So i have never actually had this type of headphone before, i usually use beatz headphones for running and going to the gym.
From first ope ing the packaging the zip bag you get with these headphones from them to be stored in is well made and is of high quality. For the size of the bag, inside there is alot of space.
The head phones are black and have a smooth texture and sit on both ears really comfortably. And when tested on a run they dont move or fall off which is perfect.
The sound quality is amazing but it also gives me a safe feeling because i can still hear what is going on around me, which is hige with dafety when running on dark nights!
I have not used my other headphones since having the Shokz Pro2 and come to think of it i havnt even had to charge them again since the forst full charge. Great battery life.
All in all i would definitely recommend these to anyone in the market for a pair of headphones that are wireless.
These are a solid buy
If you are after hi-fidelity, then these aren't for you (You wouldn't even be looking at bone conduction anyways).
These are my 2nd pair of Shokz after the 1st have started to fall apart (They've had daily usage over a few years so not really surprising). I actually use my Shokz more for work than exercise because they are super comfortable and I can wear them all day without any aches (I often finish for the day and forget that I've got them on). I'm on the mobile a lot for work and have found that the microphone is superior to my more expensive noise cancelling headsets.
They do lack highend audio quality, but quite frankly they do a really great job and being bone conduction, you can hear what is going on in the background.
They also fit snug and are not going to fall off if you are on the move.
I'd highly recommend..
Great for people with sensitive ears!
Super easy to set up, I like the case they come in too. These are the first headphones that I don’t have to put in or around my ears (my ears are quite sensitive) they fit so comfortably and you can shake your head around and they don’t budge! Very lightweight too which is a bonus and very useful when active because you don’t have wires in the way or have to worry about them falling out. Calls so far have been crisp with no issues and the buttons are pretty straight forward. Sound is good, I was hoping for more of a bass but considering its next to ear rather than in, it makes sense it doesn’t have alot of bass but enjoy them nonetheless. Its also refreshing not having wires all over the pIace, they just fit around your head and you can rest them around your neck if you want a break. I would definitely recommend
Absolutely awful audio
Bought this thinking it would be good for runs and general usage.
Fitting wise, the one size fits all is useless and the earpieces never sit where they are supposed to. I hangs off the back of my head with nowhere comfortable for it to sit for long periods of times
Battery wise, it lasts maybe 3-4 hours of continuous useable on about 75-80% max volume.
Bone conduction only setting is only available if you select the US as your region. This significantly drains the battery more.
The sound quality is just god awful. I’ve heard better quality from £3 earphones from home bargains. Constantly sounds like you’re listening underwater with no actual clarity at all.
All in all this is the worst nearly £200 I’ve ever spent in my whole life and I regret every second of buying it
Better sound quality, but sound bleeds too much.
Got these as an upgrade from my old Shokz Open Moves. As I was only interested in headphones that could charge by USB-C I was really happy when these got released. They are a slightly more comfortable design and smaller than I thought they would be. Indeed they do sound a bit better, less tinny and more bass. But at the cost of excessive sound bleeding. I use these in an office environment and on the train and I simply cant have them louder than my old ones, which is really annoying. So although not great for me if you are just using them out running and not some place where you will annoy the person next to you then I do recommend them.
Great headphones
Have used these for a month now. They are light - almost unnoticeable.
Connect easily to up to two devices at once.
Speak clarity is good on calls/conferences.
Battery life is good - about a day with on and off use. Charges very fast and indicator shows fully charged.
Can be a little uncomfortable against the headrest of my office chair - shifts them around a little bit.
Very noisy environments don't work well due to the open nature of the headphones. Also have to change the volume a lot. A few people have notices the spill audio from the speakers that supplement the bone conduction.
Sound
Competitive price and quicker to pick up (even better availability and delivery than Shokz)
My last pair died after my kids got hold of them and everything has moved on quite a bit in 3 years since I got my last pair. From memory this is my fourth pair and they just tend to wear out if you’re using regularly ie daily. Only issue with these is the button is slightly different for changing songs or function like answering calls only a small pet peeve but if you’ve got gloves on can be a bit tricky / annoying. Everything else is great and price point is worth it in my view.
Wow! Absolutely amazing
Absolutely brilliant, best thing I’ve bought in years. I was recommended to try these by a friend. Very comfortable and do not hurt my ears as they sit just in front. It’s great that you can stay connected to the world whilst listening to your chosen source. Be mindful of sizing. I bought standard and although a little big, I was on the borderline between standard and mini. I actually bought a second pair (mini)!to compare and line the fit of both so I’m keeping both. I wear them all day long without fatigue. Extremely satisfied with my purchase
Not loud enough and non-refundable
Having spent the best part of 200 quid on these for my running husband for Fathers Day I am left disappointed and out of pocket. These headphones are extremely quiet, and so are not of satisfactory quality and are not not fit for purpose. Despite both of these points being a part of the Consumer Rights Act, Argos declined my return. The paper cover seal was broken, so that my husband could actually access the headphones and decide they weren't for him, but apparently we can't return them because of this... I am baffled.
Shokz open run pro 2 wireless headphones
Shokz open run pro 2 wireless bone conductive headphones are in one word amazing! Being someone with hearing loss I have discovered these are perfect for me not only do they sit Infront of your ears so you can still hear things around you which is fab but the clarity of the music is just so much more than I expected honestly I couldn't be without these now they have changed the way I approach music and enriched my life to notice end! Highly recommend to everyone to try a pair out for themselves its a game changer.
Brilliant!
Wow! These are absolutely brilliant i've been using them for my recent runs and I was shocked how well they worked. It's so nice to be able to run and listen to your music and hear your surroundings too! I loved how they come in environmentally friendly packaging and the zip bag to store them in is great. These are so worth the money! They sit perfectly on your head and don't move. They don't hurt like other earphones. They are brilliant and so worth it!
Game changer!
I used to wear in ear headphones that were always falling off as I have small ears and also lost some pairs while running. This is the first bone conduction earpiece I ever owned and it’s a game changer! They fit very nicely, the sound is very good and another good point( especially being a woman running at nighttime) is that I can still be aware of what’s happening around me. Battery life is very good, I only charge them once a day and I use them a lot!
Expensive but worth it
I know these are for runners really, but I alwayd get pain down my ear canal and my teeth ache when I use headphones/earbuds pretty much straight away and if lasts for days, so I thought I'd give these a go with them not being in your ear canal and they work great! Just as well as ones in your ear but you can hear people talking and traffic noise, etc but with the music coming through perfectly. It's worth the expense because I'll use these for years.
Fantastic!
Amazing , yhese make road running feel so much safer and easier to hear traffic! They sit comfortably on your head and dont cause any ear pain which i get with regular headphones. Having piercings up both ears normally causes me discomfort while running but these sit really comfortably and avoid any. The sound quality is good and its great to be able to hear passing cars or traffic too. They feel good quality abd the packaging is really smart too
Not loud enough. Argos were difficult.
This latest model are simply still not loud enough. No use near roads or busy environments such as gyms. Fine on trails when you’re alone.
Argos were really difficult about taking them back - even though they were not fit for the purpose they were bought for. And Shokz took a week to really to a technical support query. And they have removed the “loud” feature from the latest version of their app. All in all, very disappointing.
