Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
- More expensive: price The OpenFit 2+ is described as much cheaper than Bose while nearly matching its sound.
- Similar: sound quality The reviewer says Shokz gets close to Bose's open-ear sound benchmark.
Shokz OpenFit 2+ Review
Bottom Line
Choose the Shokz OpenFit 2+ for open-ear comfort, awareness, strong battery, calls, and wireless charging. Skip it if you need ANC, sealed-bud bass, or a fit that survives hats and buffs.
Best for
Best for runners, cyclists, hikers, gym users, commuters, and office listeners who want comfort, long battery life, clear calls, and awareness of traffic or people nearby. It also suits buyers choosing their first premium open-ear earbuds rather than upgrading from OpenFit 2.
Not for
Not for listeners who want active noise cancellation, deep sealed-earbud bass, high-end codecs, or a fully isolated listening bubble. Ultra runners who remove hats, buffs, or layers mid-race should also be cautious because the earbuds can come off with clothing.
Verdict
The Shokz OpenFit 2+ earns unusually broad praise for open-ear earbuds because reviewers agree it stays comfortable, light, secure, and practical for runs, commutes, workouts, and all-day wear. Battery life, physical buttons, multipoint, Qi charging, EQ, and Dolby audio make the Plus model feel more complete than the standard OpenFit 2. The tradeoff is inherent to the design: it preserves awareness instead of isolation, so ANC seekers and deep-bass listeners may feel shortchanged. Sound leakage is improved but not gone, stability can dip during explosive movement or clothing changes, and case/charging quirks appear in a few reviews.
Compared in Reviews
Products reviewers directly compared with this model, grouped into quick takeaways.
AirPod Pros
- Compared: microphone quality The reviewer compares OpenFit 2+ microphone sound directly against AirPods Pro during call tests.
JBL Soundgear Sense
- Compared: open-ear weight and comfort The reviewer says the OpenFit 2+ felt unusually light compared with prior open-ear companions.
Feature Scorecards
Pros
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Transparency is excellent because the open-ear design preserves traffic, voices, nature, and general situational awareness.
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Android support is directly confirmed, with reviewers also using the app and pairing features across mobile platforms.
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Low weight is a major comfort factor, with reviewers repeatedly citing 9.4g or less-than-10g earbuds that almost disappear on-ear.
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USB-C support is consistently present for the case, alongside wireless charging on the Plus model.
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Battery life is one of the strongest points, with many reviewers citing 11-hour earbud life, 48-hour case totals, or weeklong real-world use.
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Compatibility is broad across phones, laptops, iOS, Android, and multipoint use cases.
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Comfort benefits from the absence of clamping force, with reviewers noting no pressure or skull squeeze.
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Design impressions are very positive, especially the premium-looking chassis, understated colorways, and ergonomic open-ear hook shape.
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Charging is a clear upgrade thanks to Qi wireless charging, USB-C, and useful quick-charge claims, though case behavior is not flawless.
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Comfort is one of the strongest areas, with reviewers repeatedly saying the earbuds stay soft, light, and wearable over long sessions.
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Physical buttons are a major win across reviews because they are easier and more reliable than touch-only controls during activity.
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Maximum-volume clarity is generally strong, with reviewers saying treble and overall sound remain controlled when turned up.
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Multipoint is repeatedly described as smooth or convenient for switching between two devices such as phone, laptop, or smartwatch.
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Soundstage is widened substantially by Dolby, often described as cinematic, spatial, or more immersive.
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Instrument separation is praised, with reviewers hearing clean separation and specific bass notes despite the open-ear layout.
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Overall sound quality is praised for an open-ear product, with strong clarity and fullness, though objective testing still shows open-ear limits.
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Build impressions are positive, especially the nickel-titanium hooks, soft silicone, and robust-feeling materials.
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Stability is strong for running, cycling, hiking, and daily use, but high-impact jumping or removing hats and buffs can dislodge them.
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EQ customization is strong, with preset modes and custom EQ available, though one reviewer disliked starting custom profiles from baseline.
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The Shokz app is repeatedly described as useful and uncomplicated, providing EQ, Dolby, controls, pairing tools, firmware updates, and battery status.
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Value is favorable for new buyers because the Plus adds Dolby and wireless charging for a small premium, though upgrades from OpenFit 2 are less compelling.
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Midrange and vocal clarity are a strength, with reviewers praising clean mids, forward vocals, and improved midrange definition.
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Spatial audio via Dolby is valuable for movies and some listening, but one reviewer found it gimmicky and not true spatial positioning.
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Preset EQ modes are useful, especially Vocal, Bass Boost, and Treble Boost, though preferences vary by content and reviewer.
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Bluetooth 5.4 is confirmed and generally works reliably, though one reviewer only gave a basic range estimate.
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Water and sweat resistance is broadly reassuring for workouts, rain, and sweat, though not for submersion or case exposure.
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Microphone noise reduction is good for traffic, office, and general ambient noise, but wind and nearby voices can still challenge it.
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Call quality is generally clear and natural, though one reviewer found Shokz's call clarity claims overstated in windy runs.
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Sound leakage is better controlled than expected for open-ear earbuds, but it remains audible at higher volumes or in very quiet spaces.
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Video sync is strong for streaming apps, though mobile gaming is described as acceptable rather than truly low-latency.
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Treble is often crisp and detailed, though objective testing and some listening impressions find it smoother or less brilliant than ideal.
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Bass is better than many open-ear designs and can be boosted, but some reviewers still found it light or limited by the open form factor.
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Voice assistant access is supported through touch or button customization, but it is not presented as a standout feature.
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Integrated microphones are present for calls and voice capture, though quality depends on surrounding noise.
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Setup is mostly easy through pairing and nonessential app use, but the lack of an on/off switch creates an ultra-running annoyance.
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Volume output is adequate for many reviewers and outdoor use, but it is not the loudest open-ear option and can struggle in noisy places.
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The case is compact and gains wireless charging, but reviewers also flagged non-waterproofing, charging-pin quirks, and a raised inner lip.
Cons
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Accessories are basic but adequate, centered on the case, USB-C cable, documentation, and app instructions.
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Portability is mixed: the case is compact, but ultra runners may resent carrying it because the earbuds lack an on/off switch.
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Sensor evidence is mixed: one review says wear detection is included, while another wanted smart sensors.
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Touch controls exist but are limited, with the physical buttons carrying most of the useful control workload.
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The app can help ring the earbuds, but reviewers also wanted fuller Find My functionality, especially for the case.
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Codec support is basic, with SBC and AAC mentioned and no high-end codecs supported.
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Frequency accuracy is limited by weak sub-bass and underemphasis versus a preferred curve in objective testing.
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Passive isolation is intentionally minimal because the product leaves the ear canal open for awareness.
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Reviewers consistently noted that these are open-ear headphones without active playback noise cancellation, while call microphones have separate noise-reduction features.
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LDAC support is specifically absent, and one reviewer wanted it on a premium open-ear model.
Compared With Category Average
Compared with other Open-Ear Headphones, this product is above average in Spatial audio, Sensors, Maximum volume clarity, below average in LDAC, Frequency response accuracy, Find My.
| Attribute | This product | Category average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| LDAC | 1.0 | 3.2 | -2.2 |
| Spatial audio | 4.2 | 2.4 | +1.8 |
| Frequency response accuracy | 2.0 | 3.3 | -1.3 |
| Sensors | 3.0 | 2.0 | +1.0 |
| Find My | 2.7 | 3.6 | -0.9 |
| Codec support | 2.4 | 3.4 | -1.0 |
| Maximum volume clarity | 4.5 | 3.8 | +0.7 |
| Build quality | 4.4 | 3.7 | +0.7 |
FAQ
Do the Shokz OpenFit 2+ have active noise cancellation?
No. Reviewers repeatedly describe them as open-ear headphones meant for awareness, not isolation, though the microphones use noise reduction for calls.
Are they good for running and workouts?
Yes for most steady running, cycling, hiking, gym use, and daily movement. Reviewers found them secure, but high-impact jumping and removing hats or buffs can make them shift or fall.
How good is the battery life?
Battery life is one of the strongest points. Reviews cite up to 11 hours per charge and 48 hours with the case, with several reviewers calling the real-world endurance excellent.
Is Dolby Audio worth it?
Most reviewers liked Dolby for a wider, richer, or more cinematic feel, especially for video and spoken content. One reviewer found it gimmicky for longer music sessions, so it is a useful but taste-dependent feature.
Do they leak sound?
They leak less than many open-ear earbuds at normal volumes, but they are not private like sealed earbuds. Reviewers warned that people nearby may hear audio at higher volumes or in quiet rooms.
Are the OpenFit 2+ worth upgrading from the OpenFit 2?
The evidence is mixed. Reviewers liked the Plus additions, especially Dolby and wireless charging, but several said current OpenFit 2 owners may not need to buy a whole new pair.
Do they work with Android and iPhone?
Yes. One reviewer explicitly tested compatibility with both Android and iOS, and the app is described as available for both platforms.
Consider This Instead
If you want better Codec support
Choose Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2 Open-Ear Headphones. It scores 4.2 vs 2.4 for Codec support, with a 3.7 overall score.
If you want better Volume output
Choose Edifier LolliClip Earbuds. It scores 4.6 vs 3.6 for Volume output, with a 3.9 overall score.
If you want better Water/sweat resistance rating
Choose EarFun OpenJump Open Ear Earbuds. It scores 4.8 vs 4.1 for Water/sweat resistance rating, with a 3.7 overall score.
If you want better Stability
Choose Soundcore AeroClip Earbuds. It scores 4.7 vs 4.3 for Stability, with a 4.0 overall score.
Overall Top Open-Ear Headphones Alternatives
Choose the AeroClip if you want ultra-comfortable, secure open-ear earbuds with strong calls and surprisingly good sound. Skip them if you need real noise blocking or tougher-than-IPX4 protection.
Pros: Weight comfort, USB-C
Cons: Active noise cancellation effectiveness, Sensors
#2
Current product
Shokz OpenFit 2+
Best for open-ear comfort, awareness, strong battery, calls, and wireless charging. Skip it if you need ANC, sealed-bud bass, or a fit that survives hats and buffs.
Pros: Transparency mode quality, Android compatibility
Cons: LDAC, Active noise cancellation
Choose the LolliClip if you want open-ear comfort, strong battery life, and surprisingly solid sound in a workout-friendly design. Skip it if you need powerful ANC or polished controls and...
Pros: Interchangeable left/right bud design, Transparency mode quality
Cons: Noise isolation (passive), Equalizer customization
Best for secure open-ear workout comfort, easy physical controls, and long battery life. Skip them if you need ANC, sealed-earbud bass, or the best value at full price.
Pros: Audio-video sync accuracy, USB-C
Cons: Active noise cancellation, aptX