Today we’re checking out the Shokz OpenFit 2+. These are the latest addition to Shokz open earbuds. I was introduced to Shokz a while back through their bone conduction headphones. I’ve tested a few of those in the past, and for me, bone conduction was just never really my thing.
I always felt like the sound being transmitted through your bones kind of tickled on the side of the face, especially with bass heavy music. Maybe my skin or my skull is just sensitive, but I’m definitely glad to see that Shokz now has a lineup of open earbuds as an alternative. You still get that comfortable open ear design for a more natural listening experience.
Table of Contents
Build Quality and Comfort
The Shokz OpenFit 2+ build on what the OpenFit 2 already did extremely well, including great sound, physical controls, and long battery life, along with a few key upgrades we’ll definitely get into.
Each earbud is wrapped in an ultra soft silicone, which makes them really comfortable against the skin and easy to clean in case they ever get sweaty or grimy. This matters because these types of earbuds are very popular with athletes and people who spend a lot of time outdoors.
Adding to the comfort is the fact that each earbud weighs just 9.4 grams. Whether it’s running, cycling, or just casual use, you can easily wear these for extended periods. The ear hooks are made of nickel titanium alloy, which means they’re both flexible and durable.
So if you get the earbuds and they don’t fit quite as well as you’d like, don’t be afraid to bend and mold the ear hooks. For me, they were a little loose straight out of the box, but all I had to do was shape them into a smaller, tighter fit, and ever since then they’ve been good to go.
Sound Quality and Dual Driver Technology
As far as sound goes, Shokz uses something they call Dual Boost Technology, which is an industry first dual driver setup in a pair of open earbuds. There’s an extra large low frequency unit for bass and an independent high frequency unit for mids and highs.
I’ve been testing earbuds long enough to remember when dual drivers in a regular pair of earbuds was a big deal, so seeing them now in open style earbuds is pretty cool, and the results are definitely noticeable.
The sound on the Shokz OpenFit 2+ is extremely flexible and takes very well to EQ changes. You get four EQ presets including standard, vocal, bass boost, and treble boost, along with a five band EQ that you can customize yourself. Vocals sound energetic and lively with excellent detail and control.
The treble boost really helps the detail pop without sounding harsh, while the bass boost adds weight and fullness without muddying the mix. Personally, I think the treble boost does these the most justice. It gives you such an articulate sound and just makes it easy to enjoy whatever you’re listening to.
I’ve also been really impressed with how well these hold up at higher volumes. They get plenty loud, and even at max volume the treble maintains that sparkle and shine with excellent control.
Dolby Audio Support
On top of that, the Shokz OpenFit 2+ adds Dolby Audio support, which expands the soundstage for a more stereo like feel. It’s not something I would personally use much for music. I actually enjoy these more without it, but for movies or gaming it adds a bit of depth and gives you a more immersive experience.
Now, something to keep in mind with this type of design is that if you’re in a quiet space, people will hear what you’re listening to depending on your volume. You probably don’t want to be in a library blasting your favorite playlist or podcast. But as long as you keep the volume at a reasonable point, you’ll be just fine.
Overall, for a pair of open earbuds, the sound here is definitely top tier. It’s amazing how far open earbuds have come in such a short time. You no longer have to sacrifice sound just to get comfort and awareness, which when open earbuds first became a thing, that wasn’t necessarily the case. You pretty much accepted whatever sound quality you could get just to enjoy that open ear experience.
Also Read : Shokz OpenFit Pro Review
Controls and Usability
Something else I really like on the Shokz OpenFit 2+ is the control setup. Each earbud has a physical button that sits right on top. It’s easy to find, responsive, and more reliable than touch controls. We’re heading into the colder months, so if you’re going to be outdoors wearing gloves, you can still control your music with accuracy.
In addition to the physical button, there’s also a touch panel on the side that you can use to activate your phone’s voice assistant. It’s a nice combination that gives you both convenience and reliability.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is excellent on the Shokz OpenFit 2+. You get up to 11 hours on a single charge and a total of 48 hours with the case. The case now supports wireless charging, which is another upgrade from the original OpenFit 2. And if you’re short on time, a 10 minute quick charge gives you about 2 hours of playback.
Connectivity and Microphone Performance
The Shokz OpenFit 2+ also supports multi point connection, so you can pair with two devices at once and easily switch between them. That means you can be watching a video on your laptop and instantly take a call on your phone without having to disconnect or repair.
As far as microphone performance goes, an AI algorithm helps eliminate environmental noise and focus on the voice. Pair that with IP55 dust and water resistance and you have a pair of earbuds that are great for both working out and everyday casual use.
Specifications Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Shokz OpenFit 2+ |
| Driver Setup | Dual Driver (Low Frequency + High Frequency) |
| Earbud Weight | 9.4g per earbud |
| EQ Presets | 4 Presets + 5 Band Custom EQ |
| Audio Support | Dolby Audio |
| Battery Life (Earbuds) | Up to 11 Hours |
| Battery Life (Total) | Up to 48 Hours with Case |
| Quick Charge | 10 Minutes = 2 Hours Playback |
| Wireless Charging | Yes (Charging Case) |
| Multi Point Connection | Yes (2 Devices Simultaneously) |
| Ear Hook Material | Nickel Titanium Alloy |
| Earbud Material | Ultra Soft Silicone |
| Water Resistance | IP55 |
| Microphone | AI Noise Cancelling Algorithm |
| Controls | Physical Button + Touch Panel |
Final Verdict
For me, the standout is definitely the sound quality. The dual driver setup gives the Shokz OpenFit 2+ a clear advantage compared to some of the other open ear options out there. Throw in excellent battery life, wireless charging, and Dolby Audio support, and these have everything a pair of open earbuds can offer.
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