If you want better Preset EQ profile quality
Choose EarFun Clip 2. It scores 4.6 vs 2.0 for Preset EQ profile quality, with a 4.4 overall score.
Shokz OpenFit Air 2 Review
Bottom Line
Choose these for exceptionally light, secure outdoor listening, clear calls, and strong battery life without blocking surrounding sounds. Skip them if you need deep bass, effective noise isolation, or consistently effortless controls.
Best for
Runners, walkers, cyclists, and office listeners who want all-day comfort, environmental awareness, clear speech, and an easy transition between devices.
Not for
Listeners who want deep, immersive bass, quiet travel listening, wireless charging, or full isolation from a loud environment.
Verdict
The OpenFit Air 2 hits a useful middle ground between budget sport earbuds and pricier open-ear flagships. Its unusually light hooks stay comfortable through long walks, runs and work sessions, while open canals let traffic, conversations and alerts remain audible. Music sounds energetic and voices come through clearly, with better bass than many expect from an unsealed design; useful EQ adjustments can improve it further. Battery endurance is dependable, short charging stops go a long way, and outdoor calls generally sound clear. The compromises are fundamental and occasionally frustrating: loud environments swallow musical detail, bass lacks the impact of sealed earbuds, and sound can leak into quiet spaces. Pressure buttons are an upgrade over touch controls, yet several users find them tricky to locate. The absence of wireless charging and wear detection also matters if you value everyday conveniences. For exercise-first listening, the combination remains persuasive.
Feature Scorecards
Summary
47 reviewed features-
Very positive 4.5-5.024 (51%)
-
Positive 3.5-4.410 (21%)
-
Neutral 2.5-3.45 (11%)
-
Negative 1.5-2.48 (17%)
Pros highlights
-
At only 7.2 grams apiece, these earhooks feel exceptionally light and are easy to forget while worn. Low weight is a standout improvement over bulkier models.
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Sound is clear, energetic, and surprisingly full for an unsealed fit, with particularly good voices. Higher-end Shokz models and sealed earbuds still deliver more depth and refinement.
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Remarkably light earhooks can stay on for hours without rubbing, heat, or pressure. Several wearers barely noticed them during a full workday or long workout.
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Eight-hour earbud endurance and roughly 36 hours with the case hold up well in everyday use. Long walks, workouts, and workdays rarely demand an inconvenient recharge.
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Lightweight comfort, secure exercise fit, and everyday awareness make this a compelling workout companion. The feature cuts and open-ear sound tradeoffs keep it from replacing isolating earbuds for everyone.
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Pressure-sensitive controls cut accidental taps and are a notable improvement over the old touch system. Finding the small buttons can still be fiddly, particularly with gloves.
Cons highlights
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The open design lets traffic, wind, and household noise compete with music. It is welcome outdoors but frustrating on trains and other loud routes.
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Wireless charging is omitted from this lower-priced model. Fast USB-C charging softens the blow, but a charging pad will not work.
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Leakage is better contained than on some open-ear designs, especially at moderate volume. Nearby people may still hear playback in a quiet office or train.
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Most ears get a steady fit, but a few users reported shifting or uneven driver positioning. Sunglasses, hats, or individual ear shape can matter.
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Clarity can be strong without turning volume all the way up, but the bass and balance may deteriorate at higher levels. The ideal setting varies with ambient noise.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Open-Ear Headphones, this product is above average in Smudge resistance, Carry case quality, Microphone quality for calls, near average in Overall satisfaction, Button control usability, below average in Charging port protection, Included accessories, Preset EQ profile quality.
Comparison summary
45 compared features-
Above average 0.4+ pts higher19 (42%)
-
Same as average within 0.3 pts18 (40%)
-
Below average 0.4+ pts lower8 (18%)
Largest category differences
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charging port protection | 2.0 | 4.2 | -2.2 |
| Included accessories | 2.0 | 3.9 | -1.9 |
| Smudge resistance | 5.0 | 3.4 | +1.6 |
| Preset EQ profile quality | 2.0 | 3.6 | -1.6 |
| Carry case quality | 5.0 | 3.5 | +1.5 |
| Microphone quality for calls | 4.8 | 3.8 | +1.0 |
| Sensors | 2.0 | 3.0 | -1.0 |
| App | 4.8 | 3.8 | +0.9 |
Consider This Instead
If you want better Included accessories
Choose SoundPEATS UU2. It scores 5.0 vs 2.0 for Included accessories, with a 4.6 overall score.
If you want better Sensors
Choose SoundPEATS Clip1. It scores 4.6 vs 2.0 for Sensors, with a 4.4 overall score.
If you want better Active noise cancellation
Choose Shokz OpenFit Pro. It scores 4.1 vs 2.0 for Active noise cancellation, with a 4.0 overall score.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
- Worse: weight comfort The Air 2 feels lighter and more comfortable than the heavier flagship Pro.
- Better: sound quality OpenFit Pro is the stronger sonic performer but bulkier and more expensive.
- Better: sound quality OpenFit Pro sounds better, but the Air 2 comes at a much lower price.
- Alternative: wearing comfort OpenDots Air is a similarly comfortable clip-on alternative preferred for a less fussy fit.
- Worse: all-day comfort The Air 2 is preferred for extended comfort, while Open Dots 2 avoids headwear interference.
- Better: battery and audio extras OpenFit 2+ costs somewhat more but adds wireless charging and stronger audio hardware.
- Better: sound quality OpenFit 2+ delivers stronger audio, though at a higher price and weight.
FAQ
Are the OpenFit Air 2 comfortable for long workouts?
Yes. Their 7.2g earhooks feel light and usually remain secure through runs, walks, and gym sessions, though fit varies by ear shape.
Can you hear traffic and people while wearing them?
Yes. Their open-ear design keeps the ear canals clear, helping you hear nearby activity while listening. Keep volume reasonable and stay alert outdoors.
How good is the sound and bass?
Music is clear and lively with respectable mid-bass, especially after EQ tuning. Deep bass and fine detail in noisy surroundings lag behind sealed earbuds.
Do the earbuds have noise cancellation?
No. There is no active noise cancellation or meaningful passive isolation, so buses, trains, and loud gyms can overwhelm music.
How long does the battery last?
Testing generally supports around eight hours per charge and roughly 36 hours with the case. Ten minutes of charging can provide approximately three hours of listening.
Can the case charge wirelessly?
No. Charging uses USB-C, and some reviewers were disappointed that the box does not include a USB-C cable.
Are the buttons and calls reliable?
Most found the pressure controls more dependable than the original touch panels, but some struggled to find them. Outdoor call quality is generally clear, although strong wind can interfere.
Sample Expert Reviews We Analyzed
These are a few of the reviews included in our analysis.
Video Reviews
YouTube - Avis Express - Testeur High-Tech
- Review score
- 4.5
YouTube - bikeWorld.pl
- Review score
- 4.3
YouTube - The Technology Man
- Review score
- 3.4
YouTube - Chigz Tech Reviews
- Review score
- 4.6
Article Reviews
t3.com
Shokz OpenFit Air 2 are affordable and aimed squarely for use during exercise
- Review score
- 3.7
senses.se
The Shokz OpenFit Air 2 is in many ways an update to the OpenFit Air ONE. The sound is largely the same, but under the hood, there are a few...
- Review score
- 3.9
tomsguide.com
The Shokz OpenFit Air 2 impressed me during testing thanks to the fit and features they offer at a lower price than Shokz’ top open earhook...
- Review score
- 4.5
bike-mag.com
Combining all-day comfort, impressive battery life and secure open-ear design, the new Shokz OpenFit Air 2 headphones offer riders a...
- Review score
- 4.7
expertreviews.co.uk
Shokz’s entry-level earhook earbuds make some sacrifices to keep the price down, but they’re a great choice for active types seeking comfort...
- Review score
- 3.9
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