Shokz is definitely on the move. First came the Open Fit Pro, and now the brand new OpenDots 2 has entered the conversation. In this article, we will break down everything that is new with the OpenDots 2, compare them directly to the Sony LinkBuds Clip since both are priced the same, and later help those trying to decide between the OpenDots 2 and the Open Fit Pro figure out which pair makes the most sense for them.
Table of Contents
Case Design and Water Resistance
Starting with the case, the OpenDots 2 comes in a very compact form. Stacking it up against the AirPods case gives you a good sense of the size, and it holds up similarly to the LinkBuds Clip case, which is also quite compact. However, one thing that separates the two right away is wireless charging. The OpenDots 2 supports it, whereas the LinkBuds Clip does not.
Water resistance is another key difference worth paying attention to. The OpenDots 2 earbuds carry an IP57 dust and water resistance rating, and even the charging case comes in at IP54. This makes them a genuinely strong option for athletes and people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
The LinkBuds Clip, on the other hand, are rated IPX4, which is perfectly fine for workouts, but the case has no official IP rating at all. That means you need to be a lot more careful about exposing it to moisture.
Earbud Design and Comfort
When it comes to the earbuds themselves, both the OpenDots 2 and the LinkBuds Clip follow a pretty standard clip-on design. Both feature a flexible joint that wraps around the ear, and both are very comfortable to wear.
However, one subtle but noticeable difference with the OpenDots 2 is that the two sections that come into contact with the ear are wrapped in silicone, giving them a slightly smoother and softer finish compared to the LinkBuds Clip. It is a small detail, but one you will notice when wearing them for extended periods.
Controls: Tap and Squeeze
Shokz has taken a genuinely unique approach to controls with the OpenDots 2. You can tap along the clip to control your music, which is the same setup found on the LinkBuds Clip. But the OpenDots 2 also lets you squeeze the top and bottom of the battery compartment to manage playback.
The more you use this feature, the more you find yourself gravitating toward the squeeze controls over the tap controls. They feel easier and more accurate. Much like squeezing the stem on AirPods, squeezing the OpenDots 2 produces a clicking sound so you always know when your input has registered.
You can also adjust the sensitivity of the squeeze controls for a more personalized experience. To be fair, the LinkBuds Clip also allows you to adjust the sensitivity of their tap controls, so both offer some level of customization there.
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Fit and Stability
The fit on the LinkBuds Clip has always been solid. They stay in place well during activity, and they even come with silicone sleeves you can try if they feel a little loose. The OpenDots 2 delivers a similarly secure experience, using a nickel titanium joint to keep the earbud firmly in place.
Whether you are exercising, commuting, or traveling, they handle general lifestyle use without any issues. And since both are open earbuds, you maintain full situational awareness at all times.
One particularly interesting feature of the OpenDots 2 when it comes to fit is that there is no dedicated left or right earbud. They are completely interchangeable. Once you put them on, the earbuds automatically identify which ear they are in and adjust the sound channels accordingly so you always get proper stereo audio regardless of placement. That is a thoughtful and genuinely practical touch.
Battery Life
Battery life numbers are fairly close between the two. The OpenDots 2 delivers up to 10 hours per charge, while the LinkBuds Clip offers around 9 hours. Total battery life including the case is also similar, with the OpenDots 2 coming in at around 40 hours total and the LinkBuds Clip at around 37 hours. Keep in mind these figures are based on music listening. Phone call usage will bring those numbers down for both options.
Microphone Quality
Testing both microphones in the same outdoor environment, the OpenDots 2 comes across as slightly cleaner sounding. That said, neither pair is going to let you down on calls. Both deliver perfectly usable call quality, and the difference between them is not dramatic enough to be a deciding factor for most people.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is where the OpenDots 2 really makes an impression, and honestly, it feels like Shokz is making a serious statement with this one in the open earbud space. The OpenDots 2 uses what Shokz calls BassFear 2.0, a spherical design engineered to maximize sound performance within a compact space.
Each earbud features two drivers, an 11.8mm and an 8mm, positioned together in a way that is designed to match the output of a single 16mm driver. They also use something called Mirror Pitch, which is an angled speaker section that reflects sound rather than projecting it straight out.
The result is some of the best sound quality you will find in a clip-on earbud. The volume ceiling is generous. The sound is full, dynamic, energetic, and lively. Vocals stand out clearly, instruments feel alive, and there is no distortion even at high volume levels.
The LinkBuds Clip sounds great too, with the well-balanced and smooth signature that Sony is known for. However, they are noticeably quieter. For situations where awareness is not the priority, like being indoors at home or in an office, having more volume headroom would be a welcome addition. Compared to the OpenDots 2, the volume gap is noticeable.
App Features
The Shokz app gives you access to four EQ presets as well as a five-band custom EQ you can shape yourself. There is also a Smart EQ feature that lets you A/B test different sound profiles and then builds a custom profile based on your preferences. Multi-point connectivity is included, allowing you to stay connected to more than one device at a time. The LinkBuds Clip supports multi-point as well.
The app also includes a Find My option where you can ping the earbuds and they emit a high-pitched sound to help locate them. A new feature called Drop Alert automatically triggers an alert sound if the earbuds fall out of your ears unexpectedly, making them much easier to find in those moments. Wearing detection is also present, pausing your music automatically whenever the earbuds are removed.
Shokz OpenDots 2 vs Open Fit Pro
For anyone deciding between the OpenDots 2 and the Open Fit Pro, here is what you need to know. The most obvious difference is design. The OpenDots 2 uses a clip-on style, while the Open Fit Pro features an ear hook. The OpenDots 2 are also smaller and lighter, and when wearing them throughout a full day, you feel them less. Both are comfortable options, but if you want something you can wear all day without even noticing it, the OpenDots 2 have the edge.
The other major difference is noise reduction. The Open Fit Pro is one of the very few open earbuds on the market that offers active noise reduction, giving you the option to block out your surroundings when needed. The OpenDots 2 do not have this feature. If noise reduction is something you care about, the Open Fit Pro is the right call.
Controls also differ between the two. The OpenDots 2 use tap and squeeze controls, while the Open Fit Pro relies on a single button. When it comes to sound, the Open Fit Pro delivers a noticeably fuller sound with more bass presence. You can actually feel the bass when it hits.
However, vocals are not as defined as they are with the OpenDots 2, which is why many users end up switching to a treble boost EQ on the Open Fit Pro to bring out more detail alongside that heavier bass. The OpenDots 2 have a clear advantage in clarity, definition, and volume.
On the app side, both earbuds offer Dolby Audio, but only the Open Fit Pro includes head tracking alongside it. The Open Fit Pro also gives you a 10-band custom EQ compared to the five-band EQ on the OpenDots 2. However, as of now, the Smart EQ feature is exclusive to the OpenDots 2.
Specification Table
| Feature | Shokz OpenDots 2 |
|---|---|
| Price | $200 |
| Design | Clip-on |
| Wireless Charging | Yes |
| Earbud IP Rating | IP57 |
| Case IP Rating | IP54 |
| Battery Per Charge | 10 Hours |
| Total Battery Life | 40 Hours |
| Noise Reduction | No |
| Dolby Audio | Yes |
| Head Tracking | No |
| Multi-Point | Yes |
| Custom EQ Bands | 5-Band |
| Smart EQ | Yes |
| Drop Alert | Yes |
| Left/Right Interchangeable | Yes |
| Controls | Tap and Squeeze |
| Sound Profile | Clear, Detailed, Loud |
Final Verdict
The Shokz OpenDots 2 are one of the most impressive clip-on earbuds available right now. From sound quality to build specs to the overall feature set, they deliver a premium experience at a $200 price point. If you are looking for the best clip-on earbuds the market has to offer regardless of price, the OpenDots 2 are the answer. With $200 to spend on this category, there is no other clip-on earbud worth recommending over these.
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