SHOKZ OpenRun Pro2 review best bone conduction sport headphones for workouts and fitness

Description

My Experience with the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2

Testing out the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 felt like stepping into a new era of open-ear, bone conduction technology. I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. Bone conduction? Sound traveling through my cheekbones? It all sounded a bit too sci-fi. But after using these headphones extensively during workouts, bike rides, and even while gaming, I can confidently say this product delivered on most of its promises—though not without a few quirks.

Design and Build Quality

The sleek, modern design of these headphones immediately caught my eye. They’re lightweight—just 1.07 ounces—which makes them perfect for hours of wear without feeling cumbersome. The Ni-Ti alloy memory wire combined with ergonomic ear hooks ensures a secure fit, even during high-intensity workouts. I tested them while running on uneven trails, and they didn’t shift or slip once. That water-resistant feature also came in handy when I got caught in a drizzle during a jog.

What stood out to me was the reflective strip added to the design. It’s a small touch, but for runners or cyclists out at night, it’s a thoughtful safety feature. However, I did notice that the plastic components felt a bit less premium than I would have liked for a headphone at this price point. They don’t feel fragile, but they also don’t scream “luxury build.”

Audio Performance

The bone conduction combined with air conduction technology creates a truly unique sound experience. The highs are crisp, and the deep bass is surprisingly rich for open-ear headphones. One of my favorite features was the dedicated EQ modes available through the Shokz App. I could toggle between the Classic Mode for a pure bone conduction experience or the Volume Boost Mode for noisier environments. Using the latter while cycling through the city was a game-changer; the background traffic noise didn’t drown out my music.

However, if you’re an audiophile looking for studio-quality sound, these might fall slightly short. The open-ear design naturally limits the level of bass depth compared to closed earbuds or over-ear headphones. Still, for what they are, they perform exceptionally well.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort was one of the highlights for me. Thanks to the weight-optimized unibody frame and flexible Ni-Ti memory wire, I could wear these for hours without any discomfort. Even my coworker, who tried them out during an office cycling challenge, commented on how snug yet unobtrusive they felt. That open-ear structure allowed for situational awareness, which was particularly reassuring during outdoor runs.

That said, the one-size-fits-all approach may not suit everyone. A friend with a slightly larger head found the fit a bit tight after extended use. Some adjustable flexibility in future models would be a welcome addition.

Battery Life and Connectivity

The 12-hour battery life was more than enough for my needs. I used these across multiple sessions, and they didn’t require frequent charging. When the battery did run low, the 1-hour charging time was a lifesaver. The Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity was reliable, with a solid 33-foot range. I even wandered into another room while leaving my phone behind, and the connection stayed strong.

On the downside, I noticed that pairing with certain devices wasn’t always seamless. While it worked flawlessly with my iPhone and Mac, my colleague had some initial trouble connecting to their Android device. After a bit of troubleshooting, it worked, but the pairing process could be smoother.

Crystal-Clear Communication

The dual wind-resistant microphones and AI noise reduction impressed me during calls. They filtered out 96.5% of background noise, including wind while biking at speeds up to 15 mph. A friend I called during a ride couldn’t even tell I was outdoors. This feature makes the headphones fantastic not just for workouts but also for work calls or gaming sessions.

Key Benefits

• Lightweight and Secure Fit: The 1.07-ounce frame and ergonomic design ensure all-day comfort.
• Audio Customization: Dedicated EQ modes allow for tailored sound depending on your environment.
• Safety Features: Open-ear design and reflective strip enhance awareness and visibility.
• Reliable Battery Life: The 12-hour battery and quick 1-hour charge fit perfectly into active lifestyles.

Areas for Improvement

• Material Quality: Plastic components could feel more premium for the price.
• Bass Depth: Open-ear design limits bass compared to traditional headphones.
• Device Pairing: Connecting to Android devices wasn’t seamless in my experience.

Product Rivals

Comparing the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 to competing bone conduction headphones, such as the AfterShokz Aeropex, reveals some interesting contrasts. The Aeropex, while slightly cheaper, lacks the dual driver technology that sets the SHOKZ apart in terms of audio clarity and bass depth. On the other hand, the Aeropex feels a bit more rugged in terms of build quality.

Another competitor, the H2O Audio Sonar, is designed specifically for swimming and offers full waterproof capabilities. While the SHOKZ is water-resistant, it wouldn’t survive a full plunge in the pool. However, the AI noise reduction and EQ features on the SHOKZ put it ahead for general use and versatility.

Value for Money

From a price-to-quality ratio, the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 fares well for its unique technology and tailored features. While it might seem like a premium price, the bone conduction innovation, long battery life, and open-ear situational awareness make it worth the investment for fitness enthusiasts, commuters, and even casual users. It may not appeal to hardcore audiophiles or those seeking a budget option, but for its target audience, it’s a solid contender.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely, though with the caveat that it’s tailored for specific needs. If you value comfort, safety, and a unique listening experience over booming bass and absolute sound isolation, this product could be your ideal match.

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