Shokz OpenFit 2+ Review: Open-Ear Comfort and Long Battery

Who Should Buy It

Key Specifications

Overview

The Shokz OpenFit 2+ is an open-ear wireless earbud model described in the product listing as a secure, lightweight option for workouts, commuting and office use. The listing highlights Dolby Audio tuning, a dual-driver acoustic system, a 9.4 gram per earbud design and an IP55 water resistance rating. This is not an active noise cancelling product. Instead, the open-ear design is meant to let ambient sound reach the ear for situational awareness.

On paper, the OpenFit 2+ combines a 17.3mm low-frequency driver with an independent tweeter for detail. The listing also mentions Shokz DualBoost, DirectPitch 2.0 and an AI algorithm called OpenBass 2.0. These are the headline technologies behind the sound and fit claims. The charging case supports wireless charging and extends total playtime to a published 48 hours.

Because the listing does not provide a Bluetooth version or codec list, those details remain unpublished. Buyers should treat this as a feature-rich open-ear earbud rather than a sealed in-ear model. The rest of this review assesses the published specifications and what they imply for daily use.

Sound Quality

The OpenFit 2+ uses a 17.3mm low-frequency driver paired with an independent tweeter. The listing says this design delivers bright highs and deep lows. Dolby Audio is listed as an optimised mode that can be activated in the Shokz App, adding clarity and dimension. The OpenBass 2.0 AI algorithm is mentioned as a way to shape the low-end response.

Open-ear earbuds have an inherent tradeoff. They do not seal the ear canal, so bass impact and isolation are typically reduced compared to in-ear models. The listing does not claim the OpenFit 2+ overcomes this fully. Instead, it focuses on detail-rich sound and balanced tuning. On paper, the dual-driver approach is unusual for open-ear designs and may help maintain clarity.

The DirectPitch 2.0 technology is described as concentrating sound more directly toward the ears while keeping the ear canal open. That suggests less sound leakage than some open-ear designs, but the listing does not quantify it. Buyers who want thumping sub-bass for critical listening will likely find this model less suited than sealed earbuds. The published specs point to a bright, balanced signature with an emphasis on vocals and midrange presence.

Comfort and Fit

The earbuds weigh 9.4 grams each, which the listing frames as lightweight for long sessions. Shokz Ultra-Soft Silicone 2.0 is used at the contact points to reduce pressure. Redesigned nickel-titanium ear hooks are described as providing a more secure fit during exercise. Unlike in-ear monitors, there are no silicone tips inserted into the ear canal.

The open-ear shape rests over the ear and sits near the ear opening. This can be more comfortable for people who feel pressure or heat buildup from sealed earbuds. The listing says the fit is intended for everyday tasks and gym use. The IP55 rating also means sweat and splashes should not damage the earbuds during workouts.

The charging case dimensions and total weight are not published. That leaves some uncertainty about pocketability and overall carry weight. But the earbuds themselves are on the lighter side for this category. The listing does not mention different ear hook sizes or fit adjustments beyond the flexible nickel-titanium material.

Noise Control and Features

This model does not have active noise cancelling. The open-ear design actively lets ambient sound in, which the listing positions as a safety benefit for runners, cyclists and office workers. DirectPitch 2.0 is said to focus sound toward the ear while maintaining awareness. There is no transparency mode because the earbuds are always acoustically transparent.

The Shokz App provides EQ settings and button customisation. Physical multifunction buttons are included on the earbuds for play, pause, volume and track control. Dolby Audio can be toggled in the app. The listing does not mention wear detection, low latency mode or custom sound profiles beyond EQ.

• Dolby Audio enhancement via Shokz App
• Physical multifunction buttons with app customization
• IP55 sweat and splash resistance
• DirectPitch 2.0 open-ear sound concentration
• No active noise cancelling or passive isolation

Battery, Bluetooth and Connectivity

Published specifications include up to 11 hours of continuous playback from the earbuds on a full charge. Combined with the charging case, total playtime reaches up to 48 hours. A 10 minute quick charge gives a claimed 2 hours of music. The case supports wireless charging, which is a convenience feature not always present at this price tier.

Bluetooth is wireless, but the listing does not state the Bluetooth version or supported codecs. That absence makes it hard to evaluate connection stability, range or audio quality over standard SBC versus higher quality codecs. MultiPoint Pairing is included, allowing connection to two devices simultaneously such as a phone and laptop.

There is no wired option described, so the product relies entirely on Bluetooth. The fast charge and long total battery life are the strongest connectivity-adjacent features. The charging case battery capacity is not published, but the 48 hour total indicates a meaningful reserve. Buyers who need low latency for gaming should note the lack of codec details.

Build, Design and Portability

The OpenFit 2+ uses a nickel-titanium ear hook and silicone contact surfaces. The listing describes the design as secure and light at 9.4 grams per earbud. IP55 water resistance covers sweat and splashes, which supports gym and outdoor use. The open-ear construction means there is no ear tip to wear down or replace.

The charging case supports wireless charging and holds the earbuds for recharging. Its physical dimensions and weight are not published, so portability can only be inferred as typical for this category. The lack of a wired cable or additional ear tips suggests a minimal accessory set. The product focuses on a single fit style.

The build appears to be tuned for durability in active settings, but the listing does not mention a drop rating or specific materials beyond the ear hook alloy and silicone. The IP55 rating is a real specification that adds confidence for sweaty workouts and light rain. Overall, the design is purpose-built for open-ear fitness use rather than luxury materials.

Call Quality and Daily Use

Four AI-enhanced microphones are listed for call clarity. The listing says they filter background noise, even in loud environments. This is a common feature claim for earbuds, and the open-ear design may add a benefit because you can hear your own voice naturally. Buyers report that open-ear models can sound more natural on calls than sealed buds, but the listing does not provide sample recordings.

MultiPoint Pairing allows seamless switching between a phone and laptop, which the listing highlights for work, music and daily tasks. The physical buttons provide tactile control without needing to look at a screen. The IP55 rating means the earbuds can handle sweat during calls taken on a run or at the gym.

The listing does not mention wind noise reduction specifically, though the AI microphones are described as filtering background noise. In very windy conditions, open-ear earbuds can pick up more wind than sealed designs. Daily use for calls, podcasts and background music is well supported by the long battery and comfortable fit. For loud office environments, the lack of ANC means callers may hear some ambient noise through the open design.

Who Should Buy It

The Shokz OpenFit 2+ is best for active people who want to stay aware of their surroundings. Runners, cyclists, gym goers and commuters can benefit from the open-ear design and IP55 rating. The secure ear hooks and lightweight build make them suitable for workouts where traditional earbuds fall out or block important sounds.

Office workers who need to hear colleagues or announcements will appreciate the always-on ambient awareness. The multipoint pairing is useful for moving between a laptop and phone. Anyone who finds in-ear silicone tips uncomfortable or hot over time may prefer this open-ear alternative.

Budget-conscious buyers looking for a known brand in the open-ear category should consider this model. The wireless charging case and 48 hour total battery add value. However, users who prioritise deep bass, noise isolation or active noise cancelling should look elsewhere.

Alternatives Worth Considering

If active noise cancelling is a priority, closed-back wireless models like the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort 45 offer sealed isolation and cancellation. They are over-ear headphones, not earbuds, and they do not provide the same open-air awareness. For in-ear earbuds with ANC, the Apple AirPods Pro is a common reference, but it sits inside the ear canal.

For those who want open-ear but from another brand, Bose makes an open-ear model that also keeps the ear canal free. The listing for this Shokz product does not provide enough detail to compare specific driver sizes or battery life with those alternatives. Traditional closed-back headphones like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x or Sennheiser HD 560S are wired and offer no water resistance, but they deliver stronger passive isolation and more conventional sound.

The Anker Soundcore Space One is a budget over-ear noise cancelling headphone that contrasts with the OpenFit 2+ in both form and function. Buyers who want long battery life and multipoint without noise cancelling may find the Shokz OpenFit 2+ a better fit. The choice depends on whether open-ear awareness or noise isolation matters more for your daily routine.

Verdict

The Shokz OpenFit 2+ delivers a compelling open-ear package for active and office use. The published specs show a thoughtful mix of comfort, battery life and durability. Dolby Audio and a dual-driver design are uncommon in this category, and the wireless charging case adds convenience. The open design means you trade bass depth and isolation for awareness and comfort.

The biggest gaps are the unpublished Bluetooth version and codec support, missing case dimensions and the absence of active noise cancelling. The listing does not claim to solve the inherent bass limitations of open-ear earbuds. Buyers who understand that tradeoff will likely be satisfied.

Overall, the OpenFit 2+ earns a solid score for its intended use case. It is not a do-everything earbud, but it is a strong choice for workouts, commutes and work calls. The combination of IP55, multipoint and 48 hour total battery makes it stand out in the open-ear niche.

Strengths and Limitations

Alternatives to Consider

Fosi Audio K7 DAC

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Read the Fosi Audio K7 DAC review →

Fosi Audio ZH3 DAC

Desktop listeners who want a single box to drive demanding headphones and active speakers with balanced connections.

Read the Fosi Audio ZH3 DAC review →

Shokz OpenDots 2

Listeners who want an open-ear clip-on design that keeps them aware of their surroundings during commutes, city walks, and light exercise.

Read the Shokz OpenDots 2 review →

Head-to-Head Comparisons

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Questions Buyers Ask