Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Review

The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is my new go-to when running, cycling (or walking the dogs), but its lack of ability to compete with the utility of noise-cancelling headphones in a busy environment means it has not managed to replace my earbuds entirely.

Let’s start with the basics – the OpenRun Pro 2 came in an elegant soft-edged white box with a sleek black carry case. There are two sizes, mini and standard, and two colours, orange and black – all retailing currently at $319 AUD. I tested the black standard size for this review.

For the OpenRun Pro 2 Shokz has described using both ‘bone-conduction’ and ‘air-conduction’ technologies. The ‘bone’ conduction refers to the way the OpenRun Pro 2 has transducers that conduct sound via your cheekbones. The ‘air conduction’ describes how the OpenRun Pro 2 includes a new ‘micro-speaker’ that aims to project sound directly into your ears. The OpenRun Pro 2 relies on physical controls (thankfully!) with small, easily located buttons on the right ear arm. It is charged using a standard USB-C port, charging cable included. The battery is stated to last approximately 10-12 hours, I noted that it seemed quite variable – anywhere from 7 hours to 10 hours of use – but that could be due to my style of switching between gym-use (high-volume) to kerb-side use whilst running (low-to-medium volume).

I have used ear buds for years now, and I was expecting the OpenRun Pro 2 to feel heavy in comparison – I was wrong; the OpenRun Pro 2 somehow balances feeling sufficiently hefty to be sturdy and worth the price-tag, and sufficiently light and airy that you almost forget it’s there (until you get home, lie down and wonder why there’s plastic behind your head).

They were great for running, biking, and outdoor ‘play’ generally. The headphones are IP55-rated meaning you can get all sweaty at the gym or on a run, give a quick wash-off under the tap, etc – but are not suitable for immersion or swimming. Perfectly functional for going to the gym, but because your ears are not covered, you will of course still hear everything going on around you. For instance, if the gym you attend is fond of terribly loud dance playlists – you will find yourself straining to hear either music or podcasts, even at maximum volume. I can confirm that sound quality (in comparison to other technology) is probably the main trade off you make when electing for the OpenRun Pro 2 or other open-ear style headphones when compared to ear buds and such.

The above might seem like an obvious ‘negative’ – however it’s worth being mindful of how important it is to still be able to hear what’s going on around you when you’re going for a run. I’m much more accustomed to noise-cancelling inner earbuds, and I have developed the constant vigilance needed when using these in public, like riding on a road or running next to a busy road. I feel one of the great accidental ‘features’ of the OpenRun Pro 2 is that you will still be able to hear and attend to traffic, pedestrians, other riders when out and about on your runs, rides or family walks.

The difference in audio volume and quality was not significant enough for me to use my earbuds when running instead – the convenience of knowing the OpenRun Pro 2 would never fall off or out (let alone hearing the cars around) was a game-changer. And both my wife and I have enough experience with earbuds falling out whilst at the gym that again, the form of the OpenRun Pro 2 and the way it actually stays on your head even as you bounce or bop or dip makes a significant difference. I’ve found that I prefer using the OpenRun Pro 2 when I’m trying to balance walking the pram with the dogs and having to always be alert to cars reversing out of drive-ways.

Whilst on the topic of volume, it’s worth speaking to the OpenRun Pro 2 sound quality. They come with several settings to allow for different listening styles and music types (even a ‘podcast’ appropriate setting that claims to emphasise voice over background effects). Of course, compared to close or inner-ear earbuds the sound quality seemed inferior – it is unable to achieve similar volume (as mentioned above) and the listening experience is significantly different. When listening to running-style tracks that were bass heavy, or similar EDM, the experience was not different enough for me to be bothered – but I quickly gave up on listening to podcasts in the gym, or anything vocal-heavy when out and about.

Overall, I was impressed by the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, particularly I was out-and-about, whether that’s running or pram pushing. For the price point of $319 I think everyone should consider how and when they are likely to use their headphones – a quick search at local retailers online reveal wireless in-ear headphones ranging from $100 to $300. If you need the versatility of the OpenRun Pro 2 for any kind of community use, I would strongly recommend them. However if you’re mainly a gym-junkie, it’s probably worth reconsidering.