Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Review: Revolutionary Bone Conduction Sound

Overview

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 represents a significant advancement in bone conduction audio technology. Whilst most bone conduction headphones sacrifice sound quality for their open-ear design, Shokz has addressed this limitation with their innovative DualPitch technology—combining traditional bone conduction with dedicated air conduction membrane drivers.

At £169, the OpenRun Pro 2 targets serious runners, cyclists, and outdoor fitness enthusiasts who need to hear their surroundings whilst enjoying quality audio. The improved sound, elimination of high-volume vibrations, and switch to USB-C charging make this a compelling upgrade from the original OpenRun Pro.

Exceptional Comfort and Lightweight Design

Featherlight Construction

Weighing merely 31 grammes, the OpenRun Pro 2 maintains Shokz's reputation for comfortable, secure-fitting sports headphones. The design remains unchanged from its predecessor: slim ear hooks connect to rectangular housings containing the electronics, all linked by a thin, flexible neckband.

The build quality feels premium throughout, with no creaking or flex in the titanium alloy frame. The IP55 rating provides solid protection against dust and water jets—sufficient for training in rain without worry.

Design That Disappears

The open-ear design positions small driver units just in front of your ear canals whilst pressing gently behind your cheekbones. This arrangement allows complete environmental awareness—crucial for road safety—without the isolation of traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones.

The fit may feel peculiar initially, particularly the gentle pressure on your temples. However, after a brief adjustment period, you'll barely notice you're wearing them. The secure fit prevents any movement during vigorous exercise, from sprinting to mountain biking.

For users with smaller heads, Shokz offers a Mini variant with a shortened neckband, ensuring proper fit across different head sizes.

Comfort Rating: 9.5/10

The OpenRun Pro 2 achieves what sports headphones should: staying completely out of your way whilst delivering your audio reliably.

Intuitive Controls and Companion App

Simple Button Control

Shokz has retained the straightforward three-button control scheme. Volume buttons sit on the right housing, whilst a multifunction button on the left driver handles playback. The "volume up" button doubles as the power and Bluetooth pairing control.

The physical buttons prove easy to locate by feel during exercise, eliminating the frustration of unreliable touch controls on sweaty hands. Within minutes, the control layout becomes second nature.

Shokz App Enhancement

The free Shokz app (iOS and Android) complements the hardware nicely. The clean interface displays battery level and provides equaliser adjustment through preset sound profiles or manual tuning.

Whilst the headphones work perfectly without the app, the ability to tailor sound characteristics proves valuable. You can emphasise vocals for podcasts or boost bass for music—all through straightforward controls.

Controls & App: 9.0/10

The combination of reliable physical buttons and useful software enhancements delivers excellent usability without unnecessary complexity.

Revolutionary Dual-Driver Sound System

Breaking Bone Conduction Limitations

Traditional bone conduction headphones typically deliver mediocre sound quality, particularly weak bass response. Sound waves transmitted through bone struggle to reproduce lower frequencies effectively, resulting in tinny, unsatisfying audio.

The OpenRun Pro 2 addresses this fundamental limitation through DualPitch technology: bone conduction transducers handle mid and high frequencies whilst dedicated air conduction membrane drivers tackle bass reproduction. This hybrid approach delivers significantly more balanced, fuller sound than pure bone conduction designs.

Warm, Balanced Audio Character

The sound signature presents as warm and well-rounded. Bass frequencies reach deeper than the predecessor, providing satisfying low-end that fills out the soundstage without overwhelming other elements. The bass won't satisfy dedicated bassheads, but it complements the overall presentation admirably.

Vocal reproduction stands out particularly impressively. Speech remains clear, detailed, and natural—excellent for podcasts, audiobooks, and voice calls. The midrange maintains precision throughout, ensuring instruments occupy their proper space in the mix.

High-Frequency Trade-offs

In direct comparison with the original OpenRun Pro, the new model sounds slightly less crisp in the highest frequencies. Some treble detail feels softened, occasionally creating a marginally muffled character. However, this trade-off eliminates the slightly harsh, "quacky" tendency of the predecessor.

The most significant improvement: the drivers no longer produce noticeable vibrations at higher volumes. The original OpenRun Pro could tickle or buzz against your temples when pushed loud—an irritating sensation completely absent from the Pro 2.

Sound Quality: 8.0/10

Whilst audiophiles seeking reference-quality sound should look elsewhere, the OpenRun Pro 2 delivers genuinely enjoyable audio for a bone conduction design. The balanced tonal character and vibration-free operation represent substantial improvements over previous generations.

Outstanding Battery Performance

Marathon Endurance

The OpenRun Pro 2 achieved 13 hours and 29 minutes in standardised testing—falling just 27 minutes short of its predecessor's remarkable runtime. This difference proves inconsequential in real-world use; the headphones will easily handle multiple training sessions before requiring a charge.

For endurance athletes tackling ultra-distance events, or users who simply forget to charge devices regularly, this extended battery life provides genuine peace of mind.

Rapid Recharging

When the battery does run low, the quick-charge capability impresses. Just 10 minutes connected to power delivers approximately 7 hours of playback—enough for several workouts from a brief charging session.

Modern USB-C Connectivity

Shokz has finally abandoned the proprietary magnetic charging connector in favour of standard USB-C. This welcome change eliminates the need to carry a special cable—you can charge using the same lead as your phone, tablet, or other devices.

The USB-C port sits beneath a protective rubber flap, maintaining the IP55 water resistance rating.

Battery Life: 9.5/10

The combination of outstanding endurance and convenient charging makes battery management virtually effortless.

Practical Accessories and Packaging

Quality Carrying Case

Shokz includes a sturdy hard-shell case in the box—a genuinely useful accessory rather than token packaging. The rigid case protects the headphones during transport whilst the compact size fits easily in gym bags or pockets.

The included USB-C charging cable proves adequate, though you'll likely use existing cables thanks to the universal connector.

Ideal Sports Companion

Safety Through Awareness

The open-ear design serves a crucial safety function for outdoor athletes. Whether running on roads, cycling in traffic, or hiking in wilderness areas, maintaining environmental awareness prevents accidents and allows response to warnings, vehicles, or other people.

Traditional headphones create dangerous isolation; the OpenRun Pro 2 eliminates this risk whilst still delivering satisfying audio.

All-Weather Reliability

The IP55 rating provides solid protection for training in various conditions. Rain, sweat, and dust won't damage the electronics, giving confidence for year-round outdoor use.

Perfect Training Partner: 9.0/10

For its intended audience—serious outdoor fitness enthusiasts—the OpenRun Pro 2 excels. It solves real problems whilst enhancing the training experience.

Value Assessment

Premium Price, Premium Product

At £169, the OpenRun Pro 2 sits at the upper end of bone conduction headphone pricing. The cost proves reasonable given the build quality, battery life, and sound quality improvements, though it remains a significant investment.

The product targets committed athletes who train regularly rather than casual occasional exercisers. For its intended audience, the price aligns with the quality delivered.

Value for Money: 8.0/10

You're paying for genuinely useful technology implemented well rather than gimmicks. The improved sound quality and elimination of vibrations justify the premium over cheaper bone conduction alternatives.

Comparisons

vs Shokz OpenRun Pro (Original)

The Pro 2 delivers warmer, more balanced sound with better bass response and no vibration at high volumes. However, it runs 27 minutes shorter per charge and sounds slightly less crisp in highest frequencies. The USB-C charging proves more convenient than the proprietary connector.

vs Traditional Sports Earbuds

Standard in-ear headphones offer better absolute sound quality and stronger bass. However, they block environmental awareness, can cause discomfort during long training sessions, and may fall out during vigorous movement. The OpenRun Pro 2 sacrifices some audio quality for safety and comfort.

Verdict

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 successfully refines an already excellent product. The DualPitch sound system delivers genuinely enjoyable audio quality whilst maintaining the safety benefits of bone conduction technology. The elimination of high-volume vibrations, switch to USB-C charging, and outstanding battery life address previous limitations.

The headphones won't satisfy listeners seeking reference-quality audio, but they excel at their primary purpose: providing enjoyable sound during outdoor training whilst maintaining crucial situational awareness.

For runners, cyclists, and outdoor fitness enthusiasts who value safety alongside audio quality, the OpenRun Pro 2 represents the best bone conduction headphones currently available.

Final Rating: 4.0/5.0

Recommended for: Serious outdoor athletes, runners in traffic, cyclists, anyone prioritising situational awareness during exercise.

Not recommended for: Audiophiles seeking maximum sound quality, gym-only users who don't need environmental awareness, budget-conscious buyers.