Review

SOUND FIT

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review: these bone-conduction headphones are the workout essential you’ve been missing

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Tom Tyers, Ecommerce Tech Writer

Published: 12:51, 12 Nov 2024
Updated: 11:55, 5 Dec 2024

SHOKZ’S latest bone conduction headphones, the OpenRun Pro 2, focus on awareness and comfort.

After two weeks of testing them out, I've explored everything from sound quality to battery life to see if they're worth it for fitness lovers.

Shokz lead the field of bone-conducting headphonesCredit: Tom Tyers

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, £169

, formerly known as AfterShokz, has led the way in bone-conduction headphones since its launch in 2011.

Known for its unique approach to audio, Shokz headphones deliver sound through your cheekbones, leaving your ears open, so you’re always aware of what’s happening around you.

With their lightweight design and advanced sound smarts, these headphones aim to cater to athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

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In this Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review, I’ll dive into its performance, design, and overall value.

Shokz has a reputation for durability and comfort, and the OpenRun Pro 2 is no exception.

But are they worth the price? Read on to see if these bone-conduction headphones deliver on their promises.

Overall rating: 4/5

Pros:

Open-ear design for situational awareness
Decent battery life
Quick charge (5 minutes for 1.5 hours of use)
Great for workouts and casual use

Cons:

Not ideal in noisy environments
Bass isn’t as strong as traditional headphones

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review: how I tested

I’ve been testing the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 for a couple of weeks now, mostly on outdoor runs and walks.

I’m no Sir Mo — I'm more of a couch-to-5K type.

But I did hit my 10K steps every day while putting these through their paces.

In the past, I’ve tried both in-ear and over-ear noise-cancelling headphones.

But the real standout here is the open-ear design, which intrigued me as a first-time user of this type of tech.

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review: quick summary

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 offer a unique listening experience tailored to active lifestyles.

With bone conduction technology, these headphones keep your ears open so you stay aware of your surroundings, making them ideal for runners, cyclists, and outdoorsy folk.

The lightweight, comfortable design is built to withstand intense workouts, and the IP67 waterproof rating ensures they’ll hold up against sweat and rain.

Battery life is a standout, lasting up to 10 hours, with a quick-charge feature that gives you an extra 1.5 hours from just a 5-minute charge.

The audio quality is clear and the bass is decent enough, though it won’t satisfy die-hard audiophiles.

Instead, these headphones are best suited for those who value comfort and situational awareness over immersive, isolated sound.

Priced at £169, they’re an investment, but well worth it for the right listener.

Priced at £169, they’re an investment, but well worth it for the right listener.

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review: full review

First impressions

This was my first time trying open-ear headphones, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but excited to see how they'd measure up.

They come in a handy zip-up pouch, complete with a magnetic charging cable and, of course, the Shokz themselves.

Getting them set up and paired with my phone was painless.

All I had to do was press and hold the volume-up button until the light flashed red and blue, then select them on my iPhone.

Weighing in at under 30g, they're impressively lightweight. The flexible titanium band gives a snug, comfortable fit without feeling too tight.

The build quality is solid, too. With an IP67 rating, they're water-resistant and clearly built for performance.

Performance

Using the Shokz was a surprisingly enjoyable experience for a newbie like me.

I usually go for noise-cancelling headphones, but the comfort and sense of awareness these provided were a refreshing change of pace.

With bone conduction technology, your ears stay open, making these ideal for runners and cyclists who need to stay alert to their surroundings.

The downside? In noisier environments, like when I was near heavy traffic, I did find myself cranking up the volume a bit to hear my music.

The sound quality is decent and clear, though it doesn’t quite match up to traditional in-ear headphones (more on that below).

One area I can’t fault is battery life, with up to 10 hours. That’s plenty for me, especially since I’m not exactly training for a marathon and these aren’t everyday headphones for me.

If you’re in a rush, the quick-charge feature is ideal; just five minutes gives you an hour or so of playtime.

Comfort-wise, they felt secure and snug for my level of activity, but I can imagine they might feel a little loose during more intense workouts.

Audio quality

Let’s be clear: you’re never going to get thumping bass with bone-conduction headphones.

But for the type of open-ear listening these offer, the audio is remarkably crisp, and the vocals come through with excellent clarity.

If you’re someone who needs situational awareness, the OpenRun Pro 2 lets you enjoy audio without sacrificing safety, which is a big plus.

They’re also a great choice for casual users, such as commuters or office workers who want background audio without totally zoning out.

If you crave deep, studio-quality sound, these won’t be your first pick, but for all-rounders who prioritise safety and comfort, they’re fantastic.

How much are the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones?

At £169, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are on the pricier side for bone-conduction headphones.

You’re paying for the convenience, comfort, and situational awareness that they offer.

For athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, the investment is likely worth it.

That said, there are cheaper bone conduction models on the market, like the by Anker at £99, or the at just under £56.

Where to buy the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

You’ll find the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 at loads of retailers, so there are plenty of chances to grab a great deal during sale periods.

You can pick them up on Amazon, where Prime members get free delivery, or at major stores like Currys, John Lewis, and Very.

Here's where you'll find them:

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 review: the verdict

The is a fantastic choice for fitness enthusiasts or anyone looking to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying music or podcasts.

These aren’t for bass lovers or those looking for traditional noise isolation, but they shine in terms of comfort, battery life, and safety for outdoor use.