Using Shokz OpenFit 2+ headphones means Ruth can enjoy both podcasts and audiobooks while still hearing her surroundings.
Using Shokz OpenFit 2+ headphones means I can enjoy both podcasts and audiobooks while still hearing my surroundings (Image: Staff)
Most days before work, I go out for an early morning walk, I find it’s a great way to start the day and organise my thoughts. I live in a village, so most mornings, while I start on pavements going past houses, I quickly find myself on country lanes and off the beaten track.
As a woman, I’m always conscious of hearing my surroundings, whether it’s cars on the road or passersby. In the past, this would have meant I left my headphones at home – while birdsong on a sunny morning is lovely, on overcast or wet days, a podcast is a nice companion.
Using Shokz OpenFit 2+ headphones means I can enjoy both podcasts and audiobooks while still hearing my surroundings. From birdsong to hearing approaching vehicles and people using these headphones, I can hear it all.
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The OpenFit 2+ earbuds deliver dynamic open-ear sound utilising Dolby Audio technology. Rather than conventional earbuds that can feel uncomfortable and block out surrounding sound, the OpenFit 2+ sit over the wearer’s ears. While they have a secure fit, I usually forget I’m wearing them thanks to how comfortable they are.
At £179 on Amazon, they are not a cheap investment. However, for users concerned about hearing their surroundings but who don’t like the aesthetic of classic bone conduction headphones, they are worth the price tag.
Shokz OpenFit 2+
The OpenFit 2+ earbuds deliver dynamic open-ear sound utilising Dolby Audio technology. Rather than conventional earbuds that can feel uncomfortable and block out surrounding sound, they sit over the wearer’s ears.
The earbuds come in a sleek black pebble case, which supports wireless charging. However, if, like me, you prefer to plug in to charge, they also come with a cable.
When fully charged, they offer up to 11 hours of continuous playback. This increases to up to 48 hours when combined with the charging case, and handily, a 10-minute quick charge offers two hours of playtime. Perfect for those of us in a rush in the morning.
A feature I particularly like is the ability to select a listening mode using the Shokz app, helping ensure audiobooks and podcasts are crystal clear. There’s also an option to make music sound punchier with bass boost.
The app also lets the user know if both earbuds and the case are charged, taking out the guesswork. Connecting to the Shokz is also easy. I have an older phone, and it connected effortlessly to the Bluetooth.
I’ve found the physical buttons on the headphones handy for pausing and skipping tracks, as it means I can keep my phone tucked away. The buttons can also be personalised in the app.
The connectivity seems good so far. I’ve worn them while my phone is in a bag, in a trouser pocket and in a coat pocket without any connection or audio issues while listening to music, audiobooks or my favourite podcasts.
With the Great British weather and living in a notoriously wet part of the UK, I was concerned that rain would be an issue. However, they are IP55 waterproof and resistant to sweat or splashes for outdoor activities. So while I enjoy them mainly outdoors, they could be worn at the gym while exercising. I am keen to try them out bouldering, as I like the idea of hearing people on the mats while I’m climbing.
I’ve also found the audio good when using them for calls and meetings, allowing for crisp, clear communication while being connected to both my phone and my laptop. It’s important to note that while I enjoy using them outdoors, I make sure the volume is not turned up too loud, and I’d never drive while wearing them.
Tech spec:
- Dolby Audio sound
- Lightweight 9.4g design with Shokz Ultra-Soft Silicone 2.0 hooks
- IP55 waterproof and sweat-resistant
- Up to 11 hours of continuous playback and a total of up to 48 hours when combined with the charging case
- Quick charging – 10 minutes = up to two hours playback
- MultiPoint Pairing – connect to two devices at once
- Physical multifunction buttons with app-enabled customisation
Alternative open ear headphones on the market:
At £179, these are a more considered purchase and while I love using them, those on a tighter budget may wish to explore other options. Those wanting to stick with Shokz may like SHOKZ OpenFit Air, these come in at £94 on Amazon. And are rated 4.3 out of five stars with more than 4,000 reviews.
Compared to the OpenFit 2+, the OpenFit Air has a lesser playback time at up to 28hours and doesn’t have the same Dolby Audio; however, they do offer the same open ear design, allowing the user to hear what’s going on around them.
At the same price point of £179 those wanting to splash out but wanting a different brand could consider the HUAWEI FreeClip 2. These are a different design to the Shokz, clipping onto the ear instead of sitting over it and come in at 5.1g each.
They also boast 38 hours of battery life and head motion controls, although playback is slightly lower at 9 hours without the case. However, they are IP57 dustproof and waterproof for working out and come in a range of colours if this is something you are looking for.
What do other Shokz OpenFit 2+shoppersthink of them?
Over on Amazon, 75% of users have given the headphones five stars. With one buyer stating: “These headphones are very good. They are very comfortable to wear even for long periods, and the sound quality is clear.
“I like the open-ear design because I can still hear my surroundings while listening to music or taking calls. The battery lasts long, and it connects easily to my phone. Definitely worth the price. Highly recommended.”
However, one three-star reviewer left more mixed feedback: “Sound quality is excellent on these, as is the build quality. However, for headphones designed for sports/activities, they are really noisy when faced with incoming wind, such as on a bicycle or while running.
“Which pretty much makes them redundant, as all you hear is the wind baffling and you can’t hear any music/voices. So for office and home perfect, activities not so much.”
While a further five-star review said: “Perfect for doing work or working out / running. Nice crisp sound and bass, even though they are not in your ear. So much better than I imagined.
“I also have a pair of Apple AirPods Max and the two complement each other – one for more sedate listening and the Shokz for when active or needing to be able to hear your surroundings.”
