Design and Build

The world of open-ear audio has seen remarkable innovation, and two contenders are currently leading the charge in the clip-style earbud category: the Shokz OpenDots 2 and the Huawei FreeClip 2. These aren’t just functional audio devices; they’re making a statement, pushing the boundaries of design and performance in a form factor that’s quickly gaining traction. If you’re considering making the leap into clip-style earbuds, these two models are undoubtedly at the top of the list.

Design and Build

Both the Huawei FreeClip 2 and the Shokz OpenDots 2 present distinct aesthetic philosophies. The Huawei FreeClip 2 leans heavily into a fashion-forward, earring-esque design, complete with shiny elements and a range of color options. Huawei has even partnered with jewelry designers, clearly embracing the earbuds as a style accessory. The case itself features a unique denim-like texture, which feels premium and resists smudges, a notable advantage over smoother finishes. What truly sets the Huawei case apart is its incredibly compact size, making it arguably the most pocketable charging case in its class.

The Shokz OpenDots 2, on the other hand, opts for a more understated, matte, “under the radar” look. While our gray unit features a subtle two-tone design, its smooth finish is more prone to smudges compared to Huawei’s textured approach. The Shokz case is also compact and easy to carry, though noticeably larger than the Huawei FreeClip 2’s diminutive charging case. Both earbuds are remarkably lightweight, with only a negligible 1-gram difference per earbud, making them comfortable for extended wear. They also share impressive IP ratings: the earbuds themselves are IP57 rated against dust and water, and their respective charging cases boast an IP54 rating. This level of durability for both buds and cases is becoming a new standard for premium clip-style audio.

Controls

The control schemes on these two models offer different user experiences. The Huawei FreeClip 2 features three distinct touch areas on each earbud, allowing for double taps, triple taps, swipes, and press-and-hold gestures. These are customizable within the app. Notably, volume control is exclusively assigned to the swipe gesture on the “bean” portion of the earbud. While functional, we found its responsiveness could be inconsistent, especially with dry hands or in wet conditions. Huawei does include an “adaptive volume” feature, which, despite being labeled experimental, works effectively to adjust audio levels based on ambient noise.

The Shokz OpenDots 2 takes a different approach, utilizing a pressure-sensitive barrel at the back of the earbud for pinch gestures (single, double, or pinch and hold). The bridge part also acts as a touch surface, responding to double and triple taps. This design largely prevents accidental touches. The key advantage here is the extensive customization: any gesture can be assigned to any function, including volume control, offering greater flexibility than Huawei’s fixed volume swipe. The pinch sensitivity is also adjustable, though the default setting is well-calibrated.

Microphone Performance

When it comes to call quality, the Huawei FreeClip 2 truly shines. In our tests, the Huawei consistently delivered superior voice pickup, especially in challenging environments with significant background noise or strong winds. While the Shokz OpenDots 2 performs well in quiet conditions, it struggles to maintain clarity when the environment becomes louder or windier. Huawei’s microphone technology is clearly on another level, making it the definitive choice for those who prioritize call quality. Both offer basic call controls like answer/hang up, but neither provides a mute function directly from the buds. Huawei does offer an additional “head control” gesture for answering or rejecting calls, which is quite handy when active. To hear the raw microphone samples, check out the video embedded at the top of this post!

Extra Features

Both earbuds offer a suite of modern conveniences. App availability is a point of difference: the Huawei app is officially available on iOS in Europe and can be sideloaded on Android, but its availability in other regions, particularly North America, can be challenging. The Shokz app, conversely, is readily available on official app stores for both Android and iPhone globally. Both models support multipoint connectivity, allowing seamless switching between two paired devices. The Huawei FreeClip 2 also boasts low audio latency for gaming and an “extra media volume” boost for low-volume settings. It includes drop detection and wear detection, features also present on the Shokz OpenDots 2. Shokz’s “drop alert” is a beta feature that works well, notifying you if an earbud falls out. Shokz also offers “find my” support via the Google Find My network. A unique trick for the Huawei FreeClip 2 is its case speakers, which emit sounds for pairing mode and charging, with customizable tones.

Sound Quality

For their open-ear form factor, both earbuds deliver impressive audio. The Huawei FreeClip 2 offers a full, complete, and well-rounded sound profile. We particularly appreciated its clear and well-defined treble and highs. Coupled with a powerful 10-band EQ that hits all the right frequencies, the Huawei FreeClip 2 provides a superior and more customizable listening experience. The Shokz OpenDots 2, by default, leans towards a slightly bassier sound, which can be advantageous for outdoor listening where bass frequencies tend to dissipate. It also includes Dolby audio for a more spacious soundstage and features a 5-band EQ for customization. A notable feature on the Shokz is its “private mode,” which actively reduces sound leakage, offering a more discreet listening experience.

Battery Life

Battery performance is strong across both models. The Shokz OpenDots 2 advertises 10 hours of playback per charge, with a total of 40 hours including the charging case. The Huawei FreeClip 2 offers 9 hours per charge and 38 hours total with its case. These numbers are very competitive and largely on par. Both support wireless charging. Shokz advertises fast charging, providing two hours of playback from a five-minute charge, a detail we couldn’t confirm for the Huawei.

Final Verdict

Choosing between the Huawei FreeClip 2 and the Shokz OpenDots 2 comes down to your priorities, especially considering price and regional availability. The Huawei FreeClip 2 is generally priced around €180, while the Shokz OpenDots 2 is slightly more expensive at €200. However, Huawei’s availability in regions like North America can be a significant hurdle, whereas Shokz products are globally accessible. For us, the Huawei FreeClip 2 edges out the competition, primarily due to its superior call quality, especially in noisy and windy environments. This is a critical differentiator for those who rely on their earbuds for frequent calls throughout the day. The more refined sound profile, particularly the treble and highs, and the powerful 10-band EQ also give Huawei an advantage in audio customization. However, the Shokz OpenDots 2 remains an excellent product. Its physical controls, which avoid accidental touches common with all-touch surfaces, are a major draw, especially for active users who don’t want to fumble with swipes while running. If call performance in extreme conditions isn’t your absolute top priority, and you prefer tactile controls, the Shokz OpenDots 2 is a fantastic choice. Both represent the pinnacle of clip-style earbud technology, and you truly can’t go wrong with either.

Tech Specs

• Huawei FreeClip 2:
• Earbud IP Rating: IP57
• Case IP Rating: IP54
• Battery Life (Earbuds): 9 hours
• Total Battery Life (with case): 38 hours
• Wireless Charging: Yes
• EQ: 10-band
• Shokz OpenDots 2:
• Earbud IP Rating: IP57
• Case IP Rating: IP54
• Battery Life (Earbuds): 10 hours
• Total Battery Life (with case): 40 hours
• Wireless Charging: Yes
• Fast Charging: 5 min charge = 2 hours playback
• EQ: 5-band

Products Mentioned

• Huawei FreeClip 2
• Shokz OpenDots 2

===DISCLOSURES===
✅ No one got input at any stage in the creation of this content. All opinions and bad jokes are strictly our own.
✅ Affiliate shopping and merchandise links above earn us commission.
✅ Both products were sent to us for free review purposes. We have had sponsored relationships with Shokz in the past.