Shokz OpenDots 2: Redefining Open-Ear Comfort and Durability

Shokz has recently expanded its open-ear lineup with the new OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air, building on the foundation laid by their predecessor, the Shokz OpenDots One. This latest release, the OpenDots 2, alongside the OpenDots Air, aims to refine the clip-style earbud experience, a form factor gaining significant traction, particularly in Asia. We’ve put these new models through their paces to see how they stack up against the original and each other.

Comfort & Design

The core appeal of clip-style earbuds lies in their comfort and the ability to remain aware of your surroundings. Unlike traditional in-ear buds or over-ear headphones that can create a “plugged-up” feeling or cause ears to sweat, the OpenDots 2 are designed for extended wear. We found them exceptionally comfortable, even during long hikes. Shokz has meticulously chosen materials, combining plastic with soft silicone in areas that contact the ear, preventing irritation often seen in cheaper alternatives. Weight and its distribution are also key, and the OpenDots 2 feel light and well-balanced.

However, this open-ear design comes with inherent trade-offs. The aesthetic is distinct, resembling an earring or clip-on device, which might not appeal to everyone. More significantly, the open design means sound quality won’t match the sealed environment of in-ear monitors, resulting in less bass and a less controlled audio experience. Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) is also generally absent in this category, and the OpenDots 2 are no exception.

Durability & IP Rating

A notable improvement in the OpenDots 2 is its enhanced durability. The case now boasts an IP54 rating, making it resistant to both dust and water splashes. This is a practical upgrade, acknowledging that the charging case often accompanies the earbuds in various environments. The earbuds themselves have been bumped up to an impressive IP57 rating, offering stronger water resistance than the first generation. This makes them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities without concern for sweat or rain.

Controls

Shokz has refined the control scheme on the OpenDots 2. The barrel piece at the back of the ear, which previously relied on a touch mechanism, now features a force-touch implementation. This provides tactile feedback, requiring a deliberate pinch rather than a light touch, significantly reducing accidental inputs. The sensitivity of this “pinch sensitivity” can be customized via the companion app. Additionally, the curvy part of the earbud still supports touch controls for double or triple taps. The thoughtful design ensures that single presses are reserved for the more secure barrel control, preventing unintended actions during active use. We appreciate this approach, finding force-touch controls on par with physical buttons for reliability, especially when on the move.

Battery Life & Charging

Battery performance on the OpenDots 2 is robust. Shokz claims up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge for the earbuds, extending to a total of 40 hours with the charging case. Our experience aligns with these figures, with the earbuds lasting through a full day of intermittent use without triggering a low battery warning. The case also supports wireless charging and fast charging, adding to the convenience.

Audio Performance

The audio experience with the OpenDots 2 is decent for its open-ear form factor. They offer ample volume and headroom, with comfortable listening levels typically around 20-30% on both iPhone and Android devices. This leaves plenty of room for louder environments. The OpenDots 2 also feature Dolby Audio, an improvement over the previous generation, though we found it tended to color the sound significantly, making it less ideal for music listening. The overall sound profile leans warmer and darker, with a focus on the lower end, but don’t expect deep sub-bass. Customization is available through a five-band EQ and various presets in the app. There’s also a unique listening preference test that helps tailor the sound to individual tastes, though we found manual EQ adjustments more effective.

Microphone Performance

Microphone performance is a crucial aspect for open-ear earbuds, especially for calls while maintaining situational awareness. To hear the raw microphone samples, check out the video embedded at the top of this post!

Tech Specs

• Wireless Charging: Yes
• Colors: Pearl White, Gray, Black
• Case IP Rating: IP54
• Earbuds IP Rating: IP57
• Battery Life (Earbuds): 10 hours (single charge)
• Battery Life (Total with Case): 40 hours
• Audio Features: Dolby Audio, 5-band EQ, Custom Presets

Final Verdict

The Shokz OpenDots 2 represent a thoughtful evolution in the open-ear earbud category. They excel in comfort, durability, and user-friendly controls, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize situational awareness and extended wear over immersive, bass-heavy audio. While the sound profile is tailored to the open design, the customization options help fine-tune the experience. If you’re seeking a comfortable, robust, and aware listening solution for daily use or active lifestyles, the OpenDots 2 are a compelling option.

• ✅ Exceptional comfort
• ✅ Improved IP ratings (case & earbuds)
• ✅ Tactile force-touch controls
• ✅ Solid battery life

• ❌ Limited sub-bass
• ❌ No Active Noise Cancellation
• ❌ Distinct aesthetic

Products Discussed

• Shokz OpenDots 2
• Shokz OpenDots Air
• SHOKZ OpenDots ONE-Open-Ear Headphones

===DISCLOSURES=== ✅ Shokz sent us the OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air products for free. ✅ We bought the Shokz OpenDots One with our own money. ✅ This is a sponsored content.✅ 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.