Compare Shokz OpenFit 2 vs Shokz OpenSwim Pro

Reviewers broadly praise the OpenFit 2 sound as much improved and strong for open-ear earbuds, though still not equivalent to sealed in-ear models.

Underwater playback earns especially strong praise for its fullness and clarity. On land the audio is good for bone conduction but noticeably less rich than conventional earbuds, especially at loud volumes.

Two reviewers note a wider or more expansive open soundstage, which fits the open-ear design’s spacious presentation.

The open-ear, bone-conduction approach lacks the enveloping soundstage of more traditional headphones, particularly when external noise intrudes.

Sound leakage is improved and often limited at normal volumes, but several reviewers still warn it can be audible nearby at higher volume.

At restrained listening levels the headset may be unobtrusive, but loud music can be audible to nearby people, especially at a crowded pool wall.

ANC is absent or not competitive, and reviewers frame that as a limitation for commuting, isolation, and all-scenario use.

This open-ear headset cannot mask loud gym music or other intrusive sounds. It suits awareness-focused activity rather than noise-cancelling listening.

Bass is repeatedly described as better, richer, or surprisingly strong for open-ear earbuds, but several reviewers still note limited punch versus in-ear buds.

Bass is limited compared with sealed earbuds, especially on dry land, but can sound noticeably fuller underwater or with earplugs. Some swimmers find its punch surprisingly strong for bone conduction.

Passive isolation is weak by design, and reviewers warn that noisy environments can drown out podcasts or make the buds poor for focused blocking.

Open ears keep environmental sounds accessible, which is valuable outdoors but makes trains, busy roads and loud gyms difficult places to follow audio.

Microphone noise reduction receives strong praise for cutting background noise, including wind, noisy surroundings, and loud music nearby.

Noise-reducing microphones keep land-based calls intelligible in ordinary settings, although very loud surroundings remain a challenge.

USB-C is a small convenience win because it avoids a proprietary cable.

The proprietary headset connection draws repeated complaints from people wanting an everyday USB-C charging cable. Some appreciate its water-sealing rationale, and charging-end connectors can vary.

Maximum-volume clarity is mixed: some reviewers praise consistent sound at high volumes, while others report distortion or muddiness when pushed.

Bass-heavy music can distort when volume is pushed toward the top, particularly outdoors when listeners are trying to overcome surrounding noise.

Volume output is a major improvement: reviewers repeatedly say the buds get loud enough for outdoor use and often need less volume than before.

Volume is adequate in calmer environments but often cannot overpower wind, crowds or traffic. Raising it to maximum can add distortion or unwanted vibration.

Carry case impressions are mixed: some call it compact, flat, impressive, or secure, while others criticize size or lack of water resistance.

The supplied soft or silicone case is handy for storing the headset and its special cable, while drainage or ventilation helps wet gear dry. Its practical design suits pool bags.

Treble is mostly praised as clearer and crisper, though one lab-style review describes it as somewhat restrained rather than highly extended.

Higher-frequency detail and vocals remain clear enough for enjoyable music, including underwater, even if the overall presentation is not audiophile-grade.

Water and sweat resistance are generally considered good for workouts, rain, sweat, and cleaning, though case water resistance remains a caveat elsewhere.

IP68 protection is the core appeal, handling laps, flip turns, showers and wet workouts rather than merely splashes. The stated depth and duration limits still matter.

Preset EQ quality is mixed: Standard and Default work well for some, but one reviewer says other modes can distort at lower volumes.

Vocal presets can help speech, and swimming mode changes the underwater balance. Preferences differ sharply: some like the swim tuning, while others find it flat and prefer Standard.

One reviewer specifically praises improved definition in guitars and acoustics, supporting stronger instrument separation.

Despite its open-ear construction, the headset delivers pleasing separation of musical elements in both local playback and Bluetooth listening.

Stability is a major strength for most reviewers, with repeated praise for secure fit during running, workouts, and movement, despite one wobbly-ear caveat.

Bluetooth is described as dependable, and switching between connected devices works without much disruption in normal use.

Midrange clarity is generally positive, with reviewers calling mids clearer, crisper, or natural, aside from occasional vocal muddiness at high volume.

Vocals and midrange material come through clear and balanced, helping spoken-word listening and music retain definition despite restrained bass.

Equalizer customization is a plus for reviewers who want to fine-tune sound, with praise for custom EQ options and sound/control tuning.

There are basic preset choices rather than a full customizable EQ. Some listeners find the limited options underwhelming for fine-tuning music.

The app is mostly praised as helpful, clean, and customizable, though one reviewer notes it is not the most extensive.

The companion app makes EQ and mode selection easier and can help configure controls or multipoint connections. Its handling of onboard songs draws criticism, although one account notes newer playback-order controls.

Physical button controls are one of the clearest upgrades, widely praised as easier, more precise, and better for workouts than touch-only controls.

Most find the tactile controls workable while running or swimming, including with wet hands or gloves. Smaller volume and mode buttons can be fiddly, with occasional accidental switching.

Call quality is consistently praised, with reviewers reporting clear voices, solid calls, and strong outdoor call usability.

Voice calls come through well in offices and during walking or cycling in moderate noise. Busy roads and louder places can make speech harder to follow.

Bluetooth performance is viewed positively, with reviewers reporting stable connections, stronger performance in busy areas, and quick reconnection.

Adding Bluetooth makes this far more versatile than a swim-only player, with generally reliable connections for music and calls on land. Underwater playback still requires stored files.

Setup and software simplicity are praised through quick pairing, easy firmware updates, and clear app navigation.

Bluetooth pairing and basic operation are straightforward, even with a computer. File loading and less common configuration settings require more effort.

Codec support is a weak point in the evidence, with one reviewer criticizing the limitation to SBC and AAC.

The expanded assortment of playable audio file types is welcome for loading locally stored music. Bluetooth codec options are modest, although that does not bother everyone for this kind of listening.

Value is split: many recommend the OpenFit 2 for active users, while others call the price high or suggest waiting for a sale.

The premium feels justified for swimmers who also run or cycle and need both playback modes. Land-only listeners or swimming-only buyers often have cheaper ways to cover their needs.

Multipoint is consistently praised for seamless, reliable switching between devices, especially phones, laptops, watches, and work setups.

Two-device pairing adds useful flexibility for switching between personal devices and taking a call. Setup is handled through the app and generally works as intended.

Battery life is a major strength, with reviewers repeatedly calling it excellent, far improved, and sufficient for long workouts or all-day use.

Bluetooth endurance generally covers full workdays and most training sessions, but local-file playback is shorter and high volume reduces runtime. Long-distance athletes may need to plan around that gap.

Charging is mostly positive because of quick-charge performance and improved case contacts, but lack of wireless charging hurts some impressions.

Fast charging is a standout convenience, frequently praised for adding hours of playback in a short top-up. The unusual connector is less universally convenient than USB-C.

Build quality is praised through premium finish and sturdy hooks, supporting a strong physical-quality impression.

The flexible, silicone-coated frame survives ordinary active use and feels durable, though some find it less rigid than the previous OpenSwim.

Weight comfort is positive; reviewers describe the buds as lightweight or well-distributed despite being heavier than tiny in-ear earbuds.

The compact, low-weight frame is barely noticeable to most users across long sessions, although head shape can make it feel less airy for a few.

Comfort is one of the strongest consensus areas, with many reviewers saying the buds work for long runs, workouts, glasses, and all-day wear.

The light, soft frame often disappears during hours of running, swimming, or daily wear. A few users notice pressure from snug swim caps or the headband during certain positions.

Design and aesthetics are positive overall, with praise for premium finish, stylish refinement, and glasses-friendly changes.

The streamlined wraparound shape looks discreet on the head, and the brighter color option appeals to those wanting a distinctive piece of swim gear.

One reviewer reports no issues using the earbuds with a Google Pixel, supporting Android compatibility in practice.

The headphones can sink if they come loose, creating a particular loss risk in lakes or deeper open water. Securing them under swim gear is sensible.

The magnetic connection can feel secure and simpler than the original charging cradle, but the proprietary cable is a recurring headache: losing it means finding the correct replacement.

Find My evidence is mixed: reviewers like earbud finding, but some criticize the inability to locate the case.

The ear hooks stay put through running, strength drills and many swimming strokes, including flip turns. Fit is less predictable under a tight cap, with some bounce or pressure reported.

Swim goggles and caps generally work with the slim frame, while glasses and sunglasses are more divisive. Some wear them together comfortably and others find combinations crowded.

Swim earplugs are useful for stronger perceived sound and lower pool noise, and the supplied case helps store the wet headset. These extras make the swimming package more complete.

Integrated microphone impressions are positive overall, with one reviewer calling the microphone a surprise and another rating raw recordings as only standard.

One reviewer successfully used the earbuds across phone, smartwatch, and sports-watch devices, supporting broad platform compatibility.

The large onboard music library is a signature strength, making underwater and phone-free listening possible. Finding, ordering, and transferring songs can be less smooth than the sheer storage capacity suggests.

Swimmers and multisport users are particularly enthusiastic about the unusual combination of underwater playback, secure fit and land connectivity.

Large storage does not guarantee easy listening: track order, folder access, shuffle repeats and sparse in-app navigation frustrate many. A few accounts report improved app or folder controls, so experiences differ.

One reviewer praises the case as compact enough for pockets or running pouches, supporting portability.

Sensors are a weakness because reviewers repeatedly mention missing wear detection.

Keeping the ears unobstructed makes traffic, conversations and other surroundings easier to hear while moving. This remains one of the strongest reasons to choose the design.

Smudge resistance is mixed: one case color got dirty quickly, while another reviewer praised the matte, fingerprint-resistant finish.

Ordinary streaming is convenient through Bluetooth on land, but saved subscription playlists generally cannot be transferred for underwater offline playback. Owned compatible files are needed.

Touch controls are mixed: one reviewer found them finicky, another wanted more customization, and another reported they worked perfectly.

One reviewer reports no visible lip-sync delay, making video watching feel accurate.

One technical review finds the tuning tracks closely through the midrange while keeping treble restrained, suggesting fair but limited response accuracy.

Spatial audio is a limitation for the standard OpenFit 2, with one reviewer specifically noting the absence of 3D or spatial audio.

Wind can overwhelm the music on faster bike rides and exposed runs, although the streamlined design helps reduce physical wind buffeting for some.

Switching between streamed music on land and stored files underwater makes one headset work across sports. Some dislike fiddly button combinations and returning to Bluetooth after each restart.

Copying locally owned files is straightforward once connected to a computer, but the cable, possible adapter, and manual preparation feel dated beside streaming services.

Voice assistant integration is limited because one reviewer says Siri requires a button press rather than hands-free voice activation.

A sealed magnetic connection avoids exposing an ordinary port to water, a deliberate compromise that helps preserve swim-ready waterproofing.

Gentle frame pressure supports a secure fit, but a tight swimming cap can push the hooks against the ears or temples during longer sessions.

Turning up bass-heavy tracks can produce a noticeable cheekbone tickle or vibration, which some find distracting. Others report less vibration than on earlier Shokz models.

The standard band does not suit everyone, and several accounts wish for a shorter Mini option. One account describes size choices differently, so fit expectations should be checked carefully.

The two-year coverage, including reassurance about water ingress, is a welcome benefit for equipment used in the pool.