Compare Shokz OpenFit Pro vs H2O Audio Sonar 2 Pro

The 10-band EQ offers meaningful control and can noticeably improve the sound for different music and spoken content.

There is no useful onboard EQ for memory playback, a notable limitation because several reviewers found the default tuning bass-heavy. More app-based EQ control was specifically requested.

Pairing and everyday setup are generally fast and intuitive, with most controls easy to find in the app. A few users needed time to learn the button combinations.

Setup is the most persistent friction point. Playlist+ can require real-time recording, the optional watch clip can make fitting awkward, and one tester called music setup challenging, although direct file transfer was straightforward in another test.

The Shokz app is clean, feature-rich, and easy to navigate, putting noise reduction, EQ, controls, battery, multipoint, and finding tools in one place. A pre-release build showed minor stability issues.

The companion app covers battery status, stored tracks, updates, and Playlist+, but opinions are mixed. One reviewer called it simple, while several found the Playlist+ workflow old-fashioned, slow, or clunky.

The premium sound, comfort, battery, and noise reduction can justify the price for committed open-ear users. Many still see the cheaper OpenFit 2/2+ or sealed ANC earbuds as better value.

For dedicated swimmers, the price is generally viewed as reasonable or justified by the secure fit and underwater performance. Import costs and optional accessories can weaken the value in some markets.

One long-term owner praised Shokz’s support team for consistently taking good care of past issues.

One reviewer warned that buyers importing the headset may not have local warranty servicing, creating a support risk outside officially served markets.

A ten-minute top-up can provide about four hours, and wireless charging adds convenience. One customer warned that the case became very hot when left on a wireless pad.

Charging drew a specific complaint about the proprietary cable, which adds another dedicated lead to keep track of.

The overall balance was described as lively and fairly even, though the open fit still limits deep bass extension.

The tuning is not especially neutral. Multiple reviewers heard an elevated low end, and one said the overall balance trails the Shokz OpenSwim Pro.

The case usually feels premium, sturdy, and slim for an earhook design, with metal reinforcement and wireless charging. Its larger footprint, occasional scuffs, and isolated condition complaints keep it from being universally praised.

The soft-shell case is compact, but it does not provide extra charging. One reviewer called out that missing function when comparing the headset’s battery package with wireless earbuds.

The hook-shaped case is wider than typical earbud cases but remains slim and reasonably pocketable. It is easier to carry than over-ear headphones, though not truly compact.

The smaller profile was praised as streamlined for swimming, making the headset less bulky than its predecessor.

Comfort is one of the strongest qualities, with many people forgetting the earbuds are on during long workdays and workouts. Fit pressure, cartilage contact, ANC pressure, and fatigue still affect a notable minority.

Once fitted under goggle straps or a swim cap, the headset can all but disappear during a workout. Two testers said it became effectively unnoticeable.

Leakage is modest at lower volumes but becomes obvious when volume rises to fight outside noise. Private EQ helps only a little and may sacrifice bass or vocal clarity.

One reviewer found that the open bone-conduction design leaks audio noticeably, especially when listening louder.

Volume is strong enough for most workouts and busy streets, though very loud settings can still overpower the open design. A few buyers wanted more output or had to push volume uncomfortably high.

There is ample underwater volume, and two testers actually found the output strong enough to turn down. One comparison still judged its power below the Shokz OpenSwim Pro.

Most connections behave normally, but scattered reports mention static, glitches, stutters, false pauses, and repeated Apple Music disconnects.

Watch-based underwater streaming is usable but not perfectly stable. One reviewer experienced occasional dropouts during turns and found reliability better when the head stayed submerged.

The metal-and-silicone design looks polished, premium, and sporty. It is more visible than discreet clip-style earbuds, and the larger form can feel bulky on smaller ears.

The goggle-clip design is highly effective for its intended job and was even called game-changing for pool use. The tradeoff is severe specialization: several reviewers found the form factor awkward to put on and poor for running, cycling, or everyday listening.

IP55 protection and secure silicone-covered hooks make the earbuds dependable for sweat, rain, running, and gym sessions, though they are not swim-ready.

Water protection is a major strength. Reviewers repeatedly praised the IPX8 rating and treated the headset as fully suited to sustained swimming at its stated depth limit.

Pairing is usually quick and connections are generally stable across phones, computers, and watches. A minority of users reported short range, stutters, static, or repeated disconnects.

Underwater Bluetooth streaming worked better than one reviewer expected when the watch was positioned close to the headset, but occasional dropouts remained during turns and certain strokes.

The earhooks stay planted through running, HIIT, cycling, and head movement for most users. Ear shape matters, and a minority experienced looseness, falls, or poor fit even with stabilizers.

Secure fit is one of the product’s clearest strengths. Multiple reviewers could not knock the headset loose through flips, fins, butterfly, or vigorous laps, although one tester raised concerns about cable and strap stability.

Optional stability bands are a useful backup for smaller ears or anyone wanting an extra contact point during exercise.

The included waterproof earplugs are more than filler accessories; testers found they improve intelligibility and make the bone-conduction presentation sound richer underwater.

Physical buttons are more dependable than touch controls with sweat, gloves, or movement and are easy to find once learned. The small size and multi-click combinations can feel fiddly.

The physical buttons are tactile and generally workable in the water, with some testers finding them simple and intuitive. Others found the layout crowded, the command combinations clunky, or experienced accidental changes from strap contact.

Vocals and spoken content generally come through clean and intelligible, with the Vocal preset helping weaker default mids. Some measurements and listening notes found the lower midrange slightly recessed.

Mids are generally easy to follow underwater, with vocals and spoken-word content coming through clearly. One reviewer found the midrange less smooth than ideal.

Treble carries plenty of detail and crispness, but tuning opinions vary. Brighter recordings can sound harsh or uneven, while Treble Boost may become fatiguing.

Treble drew mixed reactions: two reviewers said the highs stayed crisp or clear underwater, while another heard a grainy edge.

Sound is unusually full, clear, and detailed for an open-ear design, with many calling it the best Shokz has produced. It still cannot match sealed flagship earbuds for depth in every environment.

Underwater sound is the headline strength: every reviewer found it clear or enjoyable in the pool, with several calling it excellent or top-tier. It is not audiophile-neutral, though, and one test placed it behind Shokz for balance and clarity.

The open design excels at keeping traffic, voices, announcements, and workout surroundings audible while music plays. Noise reduction softens distractions without fully disconnecting the listener.

The open-ear design preserves awareness in the pool, letting swimmers hear coaches or people around them while still listening to audio.

Bass is the standout upgrade: punchier and fuller than most open-ear rivals, especially with Bass Boost. Deep sub-bass remains limited, and a few listeners noticed fuzziness or vibration on bass-heavy tracks.

Bass has plenty of impact underwater, which some testers loved for energetic swimming. Others found the low end too dominant, with kick drums capable of overpowering the rest of the mix.

Overall enthusiasm is high, especially among runners and people who dislike in-ear tips. Price, long-wear comfort, microphone inconsistency, and limited true isolation are the recurring reasons some buyers returned them.

Overall sentiment is strongly positive when the headset is used for lap swimming: reviewers repeatedly call it excellent, easy to recommend, or outstanding in that niche. Enthusiasm drops sharply when judged as an all-purpose headset.

Battery life is excellent in open mode, commonly lasting a full day and up to 50 hours with the case. Noise reduction roughly halves endurance, and several customers found the six-hour range disappointing.

Battery life is generally considered strong for swimming, with reviewers citing roughly 9–10 hours in some modes and calling that enough for serious sessions. One test saw shorter endurance from the onboard player.

The open fit creates a naturally wide, speaker-like soundstage with convincing stereo placement. Spatial processing can stretch it further without collapsing dynamics.

One reviewer found that the soundstage opens up nicely underwater, giving the presentation more space than expected from this swim-focused bone-conduction design.

Open-ear noise reduction works surprisingly well on steady office, café, gym, fan, and HVAC noise. It is far weaker than sealed ANC on planes, trains, traffic rumble, and sharp sounds, and some people feel uncomfortable pressure.

Android and Pixel use is broadly smooth, with easy connection and full app compatibility reported.

The lack of aptX was specifically called disappointing at this price, especially for buyers seeking higher-quality wireless playback.

Video playback showed no obvious lip-sync delay, and a low-latency mode helps with games and multimedia.

Auracast is missing, which feels like a missed opportunity for earbuds built around shared spaces and environmental awareness.

Materials and construction feel premium and robust, with aluminum accents and a secure titanium core. A small number of customers reported static, overheating, or a failed earbud.

One tester wanted the flexible cable between the two sides to feel more stable, especially because the headset depends on goggles or another strap for support.

Codec support is limited to basic SBC and AAC, which feels underpowered for a premium audio product.

Long hair or hats can brush against the earbud and create a noticeable scratching sound during movement.

The in-app finder is handy for locating a misplaced bud nearby. Its Bluetooth-only range and very quiet alert limit usefulness outdoors.

Most people can wear the hooks with glasses, caps, helmets, or beanies without trouble. Some glasses wearers feel pressure where the hook and frame overlap.

At louder levels, one reviewer noticed the familiar bone-conduction vibration tickle, making high-volume listening less comfortable.

Layered tracks are easy to pick apart, making individual parts and textures more distinct than expected from open earbuds.

One customer found that clarity deteriorated as volume increased, with the sound thinning out rather than staying composed.

Background suppression often keeps chatter, appliances, and street noise away from the caller’s voice. Wind handling is inconsistent, with some excellent results and some complete breakdowns.

Call quality ranges from crystal clear in busy places to muffled or unreliable in wind and heavy noise. Indoor and moderate-noise calls are usually the safest bet.

The earbuds work well across iPhone, Android, Windows PCs, and other Bluetooth devices, making them practical for mixed-device routines.

Two-device pairing works well for most people and switching is usually smooth. One customer found that playback would not automatically hand off until the first device was stopped.

Phone-free playback is a major advantage for swimming. Reviewers liked the onboard player and Playlist+ for keeping music and podcasts available underwater, but several complained that getting streaming content onto the headset takes too much time.

Two customers received packaging with strong fragrance or visible residue, creating a poor first impression despite the earbuds themselves appearing intact.

Bass Boost is the most consistently praised preset, adding fuller low-end without burying vocals. Private mode can reduce leakage at quiet levels, but its benefit is limited and may dull clarity.

Wear detection and auto-pause are useful additions and generally respond accurately. One customer experienced false removal detection when changing head position.

The matte case hides marks reasonably well, though it can still pick up scuffs and surface wear.

Dolby Atmos adds convincing width, height, and immersion, especially for movies and supported music. Head tracking works smoothly for many but feels distracting or gimmicky to others.

Alexa worked cleanly for one buyer, with strong clarity and reliable activation.

The weight is well distributed and often feels light in use, but the Pro is heavier than earlier OpenFit models. Some long-session users found that extra mass tiring.