High quality in a compact size: Shokz OpenFit 2 and 2+

Within the realm of audio products, Shokz is no newcomer, of course, with popular products such as the various OpenRun, OpenSwim and OpenFit models. The latter group now has two new members, the OpenFit 2 and the OpenFit 2+. At Mantel, we obviously love cycling, and a chance to enjoy our favourite music while safely participating in traffic gets us really excited. Recently, Shokz gave us the unique opportunity to test the new sports earbuds before their official release. In this blog, we will tell you about the new features of the Shokz OpenFit 2 and 2+ models and share how our audio specialist, Dominic, experienced using them.

Shokz OpenFit 2 and 2+: New features and improvements

The OpenFit 2 and 2+ earhooks are not just the result of some minor updates; Shokz has really taken user feedback to heart and taken a big leap forward. Building on the success of the original OpenFit earbuds, they have incorporated a number of improvements that take your listening experience to the next level.

Sound quality

Expect a sound that is richer, clearer and more dynamic than ever before. Thanks to new DualBoost and DirectPitch 2.0 technologies, you will enjoy more powerful bass, sparkling highs and crystal clear mids. In the previous OpenFit generation, especially the bass was sometimes a weaker point but with DualBoost and the new 17.3 mm drivers Shokz are confident they have solved this issue. Moreover, the volume has been significantly improved, which is very nice when you are in a busier environment. In addition, sound leakage is minimal, so your private listening time is exactly that, private.

Comfort and fit

Although at 9.4 grams, the OpenFit 2 and 2+ are slightly heavier than their predecessor (7.3 grams), you hardly feel the extra 2 grams because of the proportional distribution of weight across the earhooks. And also because the latters have been further optimised with Ultra-Soft Silicone 2.0, allowing them to adapt perfectly to the shape of your ears. Thus, they ensure a super comfortable and, most importantly, secure fit, even throughout the most intense rides or workouts.

Connectivity

Connectivity has also been updated, with Bluetooth 5.4 in the new OpenFit variants versus Bluetooth 5.2 in the previous ones. While this does not have a direct impact on the sound quality, you do benefit from it because the updated Bluetooth 5.4 ensures a faster connection (also between different devices) and improves battery consumption.

Operation

In addition to the familiar touch controls, Shokz has added physical multifunction buttons. These make controlling your music and calls more intuitive and precise, which is especially useful if you are wearing gloves or have sweaty hands.

Battery life

No more worrying about the battery dying on a long run or ride; the OpenFit 2 and 2+ earhooks offer up to 11 hours of listening on a single charge. This is a whopping 4 hours more than before. And with the included charging case, you can extend that to as much as 48 hours! Need a quick top-up? With just 10 minutes of charging, you can enjoy an extra 2 hours of music.

IP55 dust and water protection

Whereas the previous OpenFit version had an IP54 rating, Shokz has developed the OpenFit 2 and 2+ earhooks with an IP55 rating. So, they are now both dustproof and protected against low-pressure water jets; in other words, they can withstand a hefty rain shower or a jet of water, where the previous version was only splashproof. The IP55 rating makes the OpenFit 2 and 2+ models perfect for all weather conditions and cycling intensities.

What are the differences between OpenFit 1, OpenFit 2 and OpenFit 2+?

The OpenFit 2 and 2+ earhooks are a clear evolution from the first generation. Whereas the original OpenFit models already excelled in terms of comfort and awareness of your surroundings, the new 2 and 2+ models take this experience to the next level with superior sound quality, longer battery life and even better operation. Compared to the OpenFit 2, the 2+ variant has additional Dolby Audio and can be charged wirelessly.

Shokz OpenFit 2

RRP 189,-

158,95

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Shokz OpenFit 2+

RRP 199,-

169,95

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Findings of our tester, Dominic

As a musician in several disciplines, I can say that audio quality is always one of the most important components of my day. Normally, I am used to listening to my music through headphones, in-ear earbuds or studio-quality speakers. Generally, I am quite sceptical when it comes to sports earbuds that sit on top of your ears rather than inside your ears. This is the well-known bone conduction technology, which Shokz sports head phones have been using for years. Bone conduction headphones usually have some degree of sound loss because not all the sound from the speaker reaches your ear canals. That said, when unpacking and then using Shokz OpenFit 2 and OpenFit 2+, I was pleasantly surprised.

Use

First of all, the charging case is a bit flatter than its predecessor and, therefore, easy to carry in any trouser pocket but also easy to slip it into a pocket of a cycling jersey or jacket. Having opened the case, I started pairing my phone with the Shokz OpenFit 2, which was easy with a button on the inside of the case. In terms of connectivity, I noticed a difference from its predecessor; as Bluetooth 5.4 is still relatively new for headphones, Shokz is way ahead of other audio giants. To illustrate, the latest Apple AirPods still use Bluetooth 5.3. You can also easily pair the OpenFit 2 earhooks with different devices via MultiPoint Pairing in the Shokz app. When I tested this, it worked perfectly; as soon as I switched devices, OpenFit 2 automatically followed. The only downside in terms of usage is that the earhooks don't have ear detection; the music does not automatically pause when you remove the earhooks from your ears, which some earbuds by other manufacturers do.

Fit

As for the fit, it took some getting used to for me considering, as I mentioned earlier, I normally use other audio devices. Of course, we don't all have the same ear shapes, which may significantly affect the fit of any earbuds. Here, I found that the earhooks fit both my ears well, although I did notice that with a lot of movement, the left one had a bit more play than the right one. But both stayed in place just fine. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference; there are also plenty of people for whom the in-ear concept of other brands doesn't work because in-ear models do not sit equally well in every ear. With the Shokz open-ear hooks, a good fit is pretty much certain.

Sound

Of course, the main focus of earbuds can be on different aspects, such as comfort, ease of use and customisability. For me, the most important thing is always what earbuds are basically meant to provide: sound. I started listening to house and techno music; with these types of music, earbuds often have trouble letting all the high and low tones come through distinctively. Yet I found that both Shokz OpenFit 2 and OpenFit 2+ have no trouble with that within these genres.

That said, I did find that the OpenFit 2+ excelled slightly more in this respect than the OpenFit 2, which is partly due to the Dolby Audio in the 2+ model. What does Dolby Audio do? Dolby Audio creates a richer sound using spatial audio surrounded by lifelike sound. Thus, it adds another dimension to electronic music and makes it feel like you're attending a live performance. Dolby Audio is also relevant in podcasts because the spatial audio can make you feel as if the podcast is taking place in the same room as you are. But if you have the Open Fit 2+ and Dolby Audio is not the listening experience you are looking for, you can turn this feature off (and on) via the handy Shokz app.

I then tested both new OpenFits models with pop and rock music. This is where the 17.3 mm drivers really get to perform. The combination of these drivers and the new DualBoost technology ensures that the bass reaches your ear canals powerfully despite the open-ear system. In fact, I found it to be so powerful that I had to turn the music down a bit with this genre to hear all the components of a song. By the way, the Shokz app has an EQ function with which you can set and save the various pitches as you like them.

Phone calls

Shokz OpenFit 2 also handles phone calls well. During such calls, I heard the person at the other end of the line very clearly while also being able to hear what people around me were saying due to the open-ear concept. My own microphone sound was also of good quality, so in this respect Shokz is not inferior to other audio brands. Even on my bike ride home, talking on the phone was no problem. This is, of course, why the OpenFit 2 with its open-ear design is such a great product - while in traffic, I was talking on the phone and still fully aware of what was going on around me.

Shokz OpenFit 2 and 2+: Available now for your next ride!

Whether you are an avid cyclist, enjoy running or simply love listening to music without completely cutting yourself off from the world, you will find that the Shokz OpenFit 2 and 2+ give you comfort, safety as well as great sound - a rare combination. The new Shokz OpenFit 2 and OpenFit 2+ earhooks are available now. Order them online or visit one of our Superstores to try them yourself!

Shokz OpenFit 2

RRP 189,-

158,95

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Shokz OpenFit 2+

RRP 199,-

169,95

View

View all Shokz products