I’m a daily runner, and over the last couple of years, I’ve tested more than 50 wireless earbuds in my search for the best running headphones. Though a few models have excelled in certain areas, I’ve finally come across a pair that nails the complete package: the Shokz OpenDots 2.
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These open-ear buds deliver just the right balance between fit, performance, and awareness that I look for when running. Their open-ear design lets you naturally hear your surroundings. They don’t pool as much sweat in your ears as other models I’ve used. They also don’t slip out or shift around as much because their clip-on attachment is nice and secure.
The problems I’ve had with other cuff-style earbuds are that very few of them manage to excel across the board. If they fit well, the sound isn’t great. Or the sound might be good, but the media controls and fit are lacking. The Shokz OpenDots 2 make the fewest compromises and offer the most well-balanced performance I’ve found.
To really put the Shokz OpenDots 2 to the test, I used them every day across more than 75 miles of running. I listened to all kinds of audio content in loud and quiet environments. Here’s why Shokz’s latest wireless earbuds are my favorite running headphones yet.
The OpenDots 2 are our favorite running earbuds. They feature a comfortable open-ear design that lets you stay naturally aware of your surroundings while still delivering excellent sound quality.
What we like
What we don’t like
The OpenDots 2 have an ideal fit and design for running
For me, the most important aspect of a good pair of earbuds is their fit, and the OpenDots 2 are a joy to wear. They use an open-ear design with IP57 sweat resistance and a comfortable clip-on fit that keeps the buds in place just outside your ear, without creating a plugged-in seal.
The buds aren’t too big or too small. They don’t clip on too tight or too loose. In fact, there have been times I’ve forgotten I’m wearing them. Though I’ve tested plenty of comfortable running earbuds, the OpenDots 2 beat them all out for extended use. If you wear glasses or run in sunglasses or a hat, you’ll also appreciate that they don’t use an over-the-ear hook, which can get in the way with other workout-style headphones.
Interestingly, neither of the OpenDots 2 buds is labeled for left- or right-ear orientation. The buds are interchangeable and auto-detect which side they’re on, so left and right are a thing of the past. I mixed them up in my pocket once, and that led to some brief confusion about which side of the charging case they belonged to. Since then, I’ve loved not having to keep track of them. In all my tests, the correct stereo orientation worked automatically with no issues.
The charging case isn’t a make-or-break part of this product, but I appreciate how compact it is. It’s small enough that I don’t have to think twice about bringing it on a trip. And despite the petite size, the case still charges wirelessly, so it’s easy to set it on any Qi charger. The case offers 40 hours of battery life, and you can expect up to 10 hours of playback per charge from the buds.
Audio quality is good, even compared to traditional in-ear buds
There are plenty of decent open-ear buds on the market, but most fall short in audio quality. An open-ear design is great for running, since it lets you hear your surroundings. But the downside is that without a seal in your ear, open-ear headphones often lack bass and fidelity. However, the Shokz OpenDots 2 manage to buck this trend.
Despite their open design, the OpenDots 2 sound full and deliver performance that’s more in line with traditional in-ear buds. This is one area where the OpenDots 2 clearly improve upon their predecessor. This is partly due to the company’s new “Bassphere 2.0” audio technology, which aims to provide a richer listening experience. It features a redesigned diaphragm for less distortion, and software-melding of each bud’s dual drivers to better work as one.
While I was at home, songs sounded robust with plenty of bass and clean mids. But sounding good in a quiet environment isn’t too difficult for most earbuds. The real test comes when taking them outside on a run.
The first time I left my house and hit the road, I was immediately impressed with the quality of the music I was listening to. It only took about half a mile before I was convinced that these were something special. Since then, I’ve used the OpenDots 2 for over 75 miles of running and still feel the same.
Even when outside, songs like Billie Eilish’s “Chirio,” with its thick, rolling bass, had genuine punch. This is important because earbuds that lack fullness and power aren’t motivational to use for running.
On the spoken front, voices also sounded natural. Speech was never distracting or hard to hear. So, if you run with audiobooks or podcasts, that’s still a viable option with the OpenDots 2.
When it comes to rivals, the $300 Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are still the best-sounding open-ear buds I’ve tried. Those have a bit more power and better directional awareness. But the OpenDots 2 aren’t too far behind, while costing $100 less and being a little lighter and smaller on the ear.
My only complaints are the touch controls and volume
Although the Shokz OpenDots 2 are my favorite running earbuds yet, they still have some drawbacks. The two main things keeping them from being perfect are their touch controls and max volume.
To control media playback, like skipping tracks or pausing songs, you can either tap the cuff or force-press the bulb on the back, behind your ear. The force-touch area is easy to feel and makes a faux-clicking sound, mimicking a physical button. It’s very usable, but it’s still not as good as a real, clickable button like you get on some rivals like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds or Powerbeats Pro 2.
I only encountered one false positive when the OpenDots 2 thought I tapped the side of the cuff. That’s far fewer than I’ve encountered with similar running earbuds, including Sony’s Linkbuds Clip. In the Shokz app, I ended up turning off the side taps. To Shokz’s credit, you can heavily customize the gestures and other settings in its mobile app.
The other minor complaint I have is the max volume level. I wouldn’t mind a few more decibels to work with in order to cover the busiest, loudest environments I might run in. This is minor because in normal situations, the max volume of the OpenDots 2 is plenty loud. It’s just some noisy intersections, with cars honking and construction, that can eclipse certain music.
Should you buy the Shokz OpenDots 2?
After years of testing dozens of wireless earbuds for running, the Shokz OpenDots 2 have instantly moved to the top of my recommended list. The fit is secure, and the sound is big and full. Importantly, the buds don’t block my ears, so I can hear all the dangers around me. Whether you run or not, these might be the best open-ear buds available right now.
The OpenDots 2 aren’t cheap at $199, but they’re polished. They’ve performed better than nearly every competitor and deliver real value to runners.
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