Upon discovering bone conduction headphones (BCH), curiosity piqued my interest—what is the sensation like when using them? The idea of transmitting sound through vibrations in the skull felt reminiscent of futuristic literature. However, my initial experience with my first pair was rather underwhelming—my expectations, inspired by science fiction, were not quite met. Although the sound quality left something to be desired compared to conventional headphones that rest on or in the ears, the experience still felt uniquely interesting.

As the technology behind these headphones continues to evolve, manufacturers are still on a quest to optimize their design. The standout feature of BCH is undoubtedly its ability to keep your ears free, allowing you to maintain a keen sense of your environment while using them. After trying various brands and styles, I hadn’t yet tested any from Shokz, a leading player in the industry. Therefore, when the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 launched, I was eager to put them to the test.

After numerous tests during runs, workouts, cycling sessions, conversations, and podcast listening, I can confidently suggest these headphones to anyone seeking a way to detect their surroundings while enjoying audio. However, they won’t satisfy those in pursuit of high-fidelity sound (traditional headphones consistently outperform them), nor are they ideal for high-noise situations like a bustling gym. For underwater use, it’s better to opt for the OpenSwim Pro.

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Features, Strengths, and Weaknesses

Credit: Daniel Oropeza

Specifications

• Type: Bone conduction headphones
• Battery Life: Up to 12 hours; a 5-minute charge provides 2.5 hours of use
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3, supports SBC Bluetooth codec
• App: Shokz app with comprehensive EQ settings
• Drivers: Added 18 by 11-millimeter low-frequency speakers designed to enhance bass, with a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz
• Water Resistance: IP55 rating
• Weight: 1.02 ounces

Benefits

• Superior audio quality for bone conduction headphones
• Notable bass performance
• No annoying rattling vibrations
• Wind-resistant microphone for clear calls
• Extended battery duration
• MultiPoint feature enabling connections with two devices

Drawbacks

• Higher price point
• Less robust bass compared to conventional headphones
• Not waterproof
• Sound leakage present

Initial Impressions of the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

Credit: Daniel Oropeza

Comfort and Fit

The OpenRun Pro 2 exude a sense of high-quality craftsmanship. They boast a lightweight yet resilient design. The silicone surface is pleasant against the skin, weighing only 1.02 ounces, providing a barely noticeable experience. Shokz offers two sizes: a standard and a “Mini” option, complemented by a sizing guide. The standard size variant felt exceptionally comfortable and secure, eliminating any frustration typically associated with ill-fitting BCH headphones. They are simple to wear and so comfortable that one could easily forget they are on.

Credit: Daniel Oropeza

Battery Longevity

The manufacturer claims a listening duration of 12 hours, which aligns well with personal observations during usage. Transitioning to a USB-C charging port marks a significant improvement over prior models that utilized a proprietary charging cable. The new USB-C feature brings the headphones in line with modern technological standards, providing faster charging.

The physical controls for media management prove beneficial, particularly for individuals engaging in workouts or outdoor activities, as touch controls can become unreliable in damp conditions. The power and volume buttons are located behind the right ear, easy to locate and operate even while in motion. The left side houses a dedicated “play/pause” button, conveniently placed for single-finger access without the need for a pinch.

Credit: Daniel Oropeza

DualPitch Technology: A Blend of Bone Conduction and Earbud Features

As companies continue to explore the potential of BCH technology, Shokz introduces an intriguing combination of features with the OpenRun Pro 2. Their “DualPitch” technology fuses bone conduction with traditional earbud methods that transmit sound through the air. This model incorporates a supplementary 18 by 11-millimeter speaker specifically designed for lower frequencies, addressing one of the main criticisms of BCH—weak bass.

Credit: Daniel Oropeza

Enhanced Bass Performance

Improved bass contributes significantly to the overall sound quality, although it remains unmatched by conventional headphones. For users who have dismissed BCH due to inferior bass, the OpenRun Pro 2 represents a worthwhile reconsideration. It’s essential to emphasize that the bass is commendable for BCH, but still not as powerful as that found in traditional headphones (expecting the bass from a BCH to rival offerings like the Skullcandy Crusher ANC 2 may lead to disappointment).

Credit: Daniel Oropeza

Perhaps unintentionally, the introduction of DualPitch technology alleviates the irritation associated with high-volume playback, specifically the annoying rattling vibrations in the ears. The OpenRun Pro 2 demonstrate this advantage clearly, maintaining comfort even at elevated volumes, save for one specific instance which will be revisited later. Typically, bass is the main source of this discomfort, but since this model channels additional bass through the external drivers instead of directly through the skull, the sensation is pleasantly absent.

Sound Leakage and Volume Limitations

It is common knowledge that BCH and open-ear headphones are prone to sound leakage. With the dual technologies integrated into these headphones, this tendency persists. While working alongside my partner at home and listening at 45% volume, they could identify the exact song playing (admittedly, this is relatively loud in a quiet atmosphere).

In contrast, while utilizing these headphones at the gym, I found the overall volume insufficient amidst the loud background noise. Although they managed well for podcasts and audiobooks in that setting, my music listening experience felt diminished due to prior noise interference. Nonetheless, this is likely a core feature of BCH, prioritizing ambient awareness over sound isolation.

Credit: Daniel Oropeza

To my surprise, the microphone performed quite effectively outdoors. Enhanced by AI, it focuses on your voice while reducing surrounding noise, which is useful for conversations during running or biking. While I encountered occasional difficulties in clearly hearing the other party on the call, this can often relate to the volume restrictions discussed above. Even in a quiet environment like my office, sounds may still come off a touch muffled yet remain clear enough for interaction.

MultiPoint Connection Feature

The addition of MultiPoint connectivity allows seamless switching between two devices, such as a smartphone and a laptop, adding versatility to the headphones. This feature shines particularly well during remote work, enabling the user to stay attuned to surroundings and switching between devices effortlessly. However, while these headphones boast a water resistance rating of IP55, it would not be advisable to take them into the shower—if they were waterproof, they might never leave your ears!

The Shokz App

Credit: Daniel Oropeza

The Shokz app is user-friendly and straightforward. It features a completely customizable EQ that allows the storage of preferred sound profiles. Moreover, the app includes six preset options optimized for varying contexts, such as “Vocals” for audiobooks or podcasts, and “Volume Boost” to counter external noise.

One noteworthy preset — “Classic” — transforms the headphones into a purely BCH experience (rendering DualPitch technology inactive). This mode does bring back the sensation of vibration at higher volumes. However, offering this option in the EQ settings is a welcomed feature, catering to those who might prefer not to utilize the hybrid sound capabilities.

Final Thoughts

Credit: Daniel Oropeza

Currently, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 stands out as one of the premier options in the BCH market, providing notable audio and call quality. They offer a great choice for individuals wishing to remain alert to their surroundings while on the move. Additionally, their effective MultiPoint connection makes them suitable for remote work scenarios, ensuring engagement with both the environment and connected devices.

While their bass performance ranks as the best in the bone conduction realm, the headphones do come at a premium price of $179.99. They are not designed for extremely noisy environments or for aquatic activities, which potential buyers should keep in mind.