Shokz Shokz - OpenRun Pro 2 Wireless Bone Conduction Open-Ear Bluetooth Sports Headphones - Black Review

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are wireless bone conduction headphones for athletes who need to hear their surroundings. They're incredibly comfortable and secure, but sound quality and battery life are weak for the $180 price. Buy them for safety during outdoor workouts, not for immersive music listening.

If you're looking for wireless sports headphones that let you hear your surroundings, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is probably on your radar. These bone conduction headphones sit just in front of your ears, leaving your ear canals open. That makes them a top pick for runners, cyclists, and anyone who needs to stay aware while they listen. At around $180, they're a premium option in the open-ear category, promising better sound with their new DualPitch technology that combines bone and air conduction. We've tested them against our database to see if they live up to the hype.

Let's talk sound first. The OpenRun Pro 2 lands in the 36th percentile for sound quality in our tests. That means it's okay, but not amazing compared to all headphones. The DualPitch tech does add more bass than older bone conduction models, so music has more body. But if you're used to the rich, immersive sound from a good pair of in-ear buds, this will feel thin. The 3D audio effect is neat for podcasts or ambient tracks, but it's subtle. For calls, the AI noise reduction works well. The mic scores in the 53rd percentile, so your voice comes through clearly enough for a quick chat, even if you're outside.

At $180, the OpenRun Pro 2 is expensive for what you get. You're paying a premium for the unique open-ear design and the comfort that comes with it. If situational awareness is your absolute top priority—like for trail running or city cycling—this price might be justifiable. But if you just want good wireless headphones, you can get far better sound, battery life, and features from standard earbuds at this price, or even less.

This is where things get interesting. The Shokz competes in a totally different way than the Sony WF-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra. Those are noise-cancelling champions with incredible sound, but they seal your ears shut. The Shokz is the opposite. A more direct competitor might be something like the Oladance OWS Pro, which also uses an open-ear design but with traditional drivers. Compared to that, the Shokz is more secure for sports but has weaker bass. Against other bone conduction brands like AfterShokz, the Pro 2's DualPitch is a step up, but it's still bone conduction audio at its core.

Skip these if you listen to music in noisy places like planes or busy offices. The lack of noise isolation means you'll be cranking the volume to compete. Also, skip them if you're an audiophile or want powerful, deep bass. For those uses, get a good pair of noise-cancelling earbuds like the Sony WF-1000XM5. If long battery life is critical for you, look at models that offer 20+ hours per charge.

Should you buy the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2? Only if your number one need is safety through situational awareness. For runners, cyclists, or warehouse workers who need to hear their environment, these are a great, comfortable tool. The fit is fantastic. But if you care about sound quality, battery life, or listening in noisy places, look elsewhere. This is a specialized tool, not an all-rounder. We'd recommend them for their specific use case, but with the caveat that you're making a big compromise on audio performance.