Shokz OpenComm2 Review: Open-Ear Calls With Mute Control

Who Should Buy It

Key Specifications

Overview

The Shokz OpenComm2 is an open-ear bone conduction Bluetooth headset built for work calls and meetings. The listing describes it as a lightweight 35 gram headset with a flexible frame and soft silicone finish. Instead of covering or entering the ears, it sends sound through the cheekbones, leaving the ear canals open to ambient sound.

On paper, the headset carries an IP55 water resistance rating. It includes a noise-canceling microphone with DSP, a dedicated mute button, multipoint pairing, and USB-C charging. Battery claims include up to 16 hours of talk time, 8 hours of listening time, and a 5 minute quick charge for 2 hours of talk time. The product sits in the budget tier.

Sound Quality

Bone conduction audio prioritizes vocal clarity over bass impact. The listing cites 7th generation bone conduction technology and PremiumPitch 2.0 audio. Buyers report clear mids and highs for speech, podcasts, and audiobooks. The open-ear design adds a sense of spaciousness but does not produce the low-end weight of sealed headphones.

The published specification does not include a frequency response curve or a stated driver size. Without those details, exact tuning remains unknown on paper. However, the headset is clearly positioned for communication. Music playback is functional but not the primary goal. Mids and highs matter most for calls, and bone conduction generally handles those well.

For office and mobile workers, the lack of deep bass is an acceptable tradeoff. You can hear colleagues, announcements, or traffic while following a call. This is a deliberate design choice. The sound profile is best compared to other open-ear communication headsets, not sealed wireless earbuds or over-ear headphones.

Comfort and Fit

The Shokz OpenComm2 weighs 35 grams, which is light for a headset with a boom microphone. The listing describes a flexible frame and a soft silicone finish. These materials should help the headset rest comfortably on the cheekbones and around the ears for extended periods. There are no ear tips inserted into the canal, so in-ear pressure and heat buildup are absent.

Fit will vary by head shape and cheekbone structure. Some people may feel slight clamping force or vibration during loud passages. The listing does not mention glasses compatibility, but the flexible frame suggests adjustability. IP55 water resistance adds confidence for sweaty or dusty environments.

Noise Control and Features

The OpenComm2 does not have active noise cancelling for playback. The open-ear design intentionally lets outside noise in. Instead, the headset includes a noise-canceling microphone with DSP technology. This system is designed to reduce background noise on outgoing calls so your voice reaches the other party clearly.

Onboard physical controls let you adjust volume, mute and unmute calls, and play or pause audio. A dedicated mute button is especially useful in video conferences. The Shokz App adds multipoint toggling and likely more settings. The listing confirms two-device multipoint pairing and PC and Mac compatibility, but it does not specify whether a dongle is needed.

• Open-ear bone conduction keeps you aware of your surroundings
• DSP noise-canceling microphone focuses on your voice
• Dedicated mute button for meetings and calls
• Multipoint pairing with two devices at once
• IP55 water resistance for sweat and light rain
• Physical controls and Shokz App support

Battery, Bluetooth and Connectivity

Battery life is a strong point. The product delivers up to 16 hours of talk time and 8 hours of listening time per charge. The difference likely reflects the extra power used by the microphone and DSP during calls. A 5 minute quick charge provides 2 hours of talk time, useful for busy days. This endurance should cover a full shift of meetings without a midday recharge.

Bluetooth connectivity includes multipoint pairing with two devices. The listing does not publish specific Bluetooth codec support. USB-C charging is present, and the product is described as PC and Mac compatible. No wired audio option is mentioned. If you need a direct analog connection, this headset may not fit.

Build, Design and Portability

The OpenComm2 has a slim neckband design with a flexible frame. The listing states 35 grams and a soft silicone finish. The IP55 rating means resistance to dust and low-pressure water jets, so sweat and light rain are fine. It is not fully waterproof and should not be submerged. The open-ear form factor means there are no ear cushions to wear out.

Portability is reasonable for a neckband headset. The listing does not mention a carrying case, pouch, or folding mechanism. Without those specifics, you may need to store it carefully. The USB-C port simplifies charging. Build appears durable for daily office use, though slim flexible frames may need gentle handling when packed.

Call Quality and Daily Use

Call quality is the central promise. The noise-canceling microphone with DSP is designed to isolate your voice from background noise. This helps in open offices, coffee shops, or busy homes. The open-ear design lets you hear your own voice naturally, which can reduce shouting. The dedicated mute button makes it easy to silence yourself in meetings.

On a daily basis, the long talk time and light weight matter. You can wear the headset through hours of video conferences without the discomfort of earbuds. Because your ears remain open, you hear doorbells or coworkers. This is a double-edged sword. It improves safety but lets noisy environments bleed into your listening experience.

Who Should Buy It

The Shokz OpenComm2 is ideal for people who need an open-ear headset for voice communication. Remote workers, call center agents, and field technicians can benefit from long talk time and a clear microphone. If you dislike in-ear pressure or wear glasses, the bone conduction design may feel more comfortable than traditional options.

This headset is not for critical music listening or blocking airplane noise. It is a specialized communication device. Buyers who prioritize immersive sound or powerful bass should look at closed-back headphones or in-ear monitors. If your main need is clear two-way conversation with open ears, the OpenComm2 fits well.

Alternatives Worth Considering

If you want a more music-focused bone conduction option, Shokz also makes fitness-oriented models with open-ear designs. The OpenRun line is a common alternative for exercise, though it may lack the same boom microphone and mute button. For travel noise isolation, the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort 45 are heavier over-ear options.

For earbud users, the Apple AirPods Pro provide strong call quality and ANC in a compact package. They do not keep your ears open the same way. The Anker Soundcore Space One is a budget over-ear alternative with ANC if you want to block office noise. None of these match the OpenComm2's open-ear bone conduction focus.

Within Shokz, the OpenComm2 is among the more office-specific headsets because of its boom mic and mute control. It clearly targets work calls rather than general entertainment. If you already own a general-purpose headset, adding this for calls could be a sensible complement.

Verdict

The Shokz OpenComm2 earns a score of 77 out of 100. It succeeds as a lightweight, comfortable, long-lasting open-ear headset for work calls. The noise-canceling microphone with DSP and dedicated mute button are standout features. Battery life is strong, and quick charging adds convenience. IP55 and 35 grams support all-day use.

The tradeoffs are clear. Bone conduction sound does not deliver deep bass or immersive music. There is no active noise cancelling, and Bluetooth codec details are not published. The listing leaves out specifics about included accessories and wired connectivity. These gaps prevent a higher score. On paper, the OpenComm2 is an honest, focused tool.

If your primary need is clear calls with situational awareness, this headset is worth serious consideration. If you want music performance or noise isolation, look at sealed headphones or earbuds instead. The Shokz OpenComm2 is a specialized budget option.

Strengths and Limitations

Alternatives to Consider

JBL Live 680NC

Listeners who want long battery life and adaptive noise cancelling in a foldable on-ear design at a budget tier.

Read the JBL Live 680NC review →

Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro

Gamers and streamers who want a budget friendly wireless headset with flashy RGB kitty ears, long battery life, and a clear retractable microphone.

Read the Razer Kraken Kitty V3 Pro review →

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

Athletes and outdoor runners who want open-ear awareness and a secure fit during workouts.

Read the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review →

Head-to-Head Comparisons

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Questions Buyers Ask