The Shokz OpenFit 2 are available now for $180. Shokz

When Shokz released its OpenFit earbuds in 2023, they got a lot of attention because they were the company's first true-wireless earbuds and its first headphones to use standard speaker technology instead of its signature bone-conduction technology. They were generally well received, but they didn't fit everyone's ears equally well.

Now at CES 2025, Shokz has released the second-gen OpenFit 2 with a slightly upgraded design, upgraded drivers that noticeably improve the sound quality, better battery life and a new physical control button. They're available today in black or beige for $180 in the US, the same price as the original OpenFit buds.  

I got a chance to try the OpenFit 2 ahead of their launch. While I haven't fully tested them yet, my early impressions are quite positive. The changes don't seem huge on the surface, but the improvements are significant. They fit my ears more comfortably than the originals and have superior sound quality with more bass and better clarity.

The sound quality is excellent for open-ear style earbuds. While it still can't quite match the sound quality of top noise-isolating earbuds in this price range, it approaches it -- at least when you listen to the buds in quieter environments.   

Shokz has upgraded the design of the OpenFit 2 in subtle but significant ways. Shokz/Screenshot by CNET

At 9.4 grams, the new buds weigh about a gram more than the originals, but they're still lightweight and have one of the best ear-hook designs I've tried. Those ear hooks have been improved with upgraded flexible nickel-titanium alloy that "molds to the contour of your ears" and Shokz' Ultra-Soft Silicone 2.0. Just as importantly, Shokz has slightly altered the wearing curve of the ear hook to improve its ergonomics.

Battery life has been significantly boosted, from up to seven hours on a single charge to up to 11 hours. Shokz has also added a physical control button to go along with the touch controls. That physical button was a big request from people who used the OpenFit buds, who didn't want to fiddle with touch controls while running or doing other sporting activities. 

The OpenFit 2 in their case.  David Carnoy/CNET

One of the big issues with bone-conduction headphones technology is that it just doesn't work all that well for music listening because bone-conduction headphones can't deliver truly full sound with enough bass. Despite this, Shokz has done its best to improve performance on the low end. In moving to this type of open design with more traditional speaker technology, albeit the kind that Shokz says is patented, you'll now get a much less compromised listening experience.

Shokz says the OpenFit 2 uses its new DirectPitch 2.0 technology along with Shokz OpenBass 2.0, the company's proprietary low-frequency enhancement algorithm.

The OpenFit 2 has a larger 21x11mm driver than original OpenFit, which has a 18x11mm driver. The driver has two individual speakers: a low-frequency driver for bass and a high-frequency driver for mids and highs. As I said, the earbuds deliver more bass and offer better overall clarity with less distortion than the original OpenFit Buds. 

The Shokz OpenFit 2 have a new physical control button. Shokz/CNET

The call quality of the original OpenFit buds was good, and in my limited test calls the OpenFit 2, callers said they could hear me clearly with minimal background. I need to do more testing in this area, but my initial impression is that the OpenFit 2 has similar voice-calling performance to the OpenFit.

I'll be posting a full review in the coming weeks that includes comparisons to Shokz' OpenFit Air buds ($120), which don't have quite as good sound quality but are less expensive and offer a very comfortable fit.  

Shokz OpenFit 2 key specs

• Ear hooks wearing curve changed slightly for more ergonomic fit and wrapped in upgraded silicone
• 21x11mm upgraded drivers with two individual speakers in each earbud
• OpenBass 2.0
• DirectPitch 2.0 technology
• Bluetooth 5.4
• Battery life: Up to 11 hours of listening time on a single charge and three extra charges in charging case (48 hours total)
• Quick charge: 10 minutes' charging provides two hours of listening time
• Weight: 9.4 grams per earbud (charging case weighs 51 grams) 
• IP rating: IP55 water-resistant (charging case is not waterproof)
• AI call-noise reduction 
• Physical control button and integrated touchpads
• Multipoint Bluetooth pairing
• FindMy Earbuds feature 
• Four preset EQ modes and two customizable EQ modes via Shokz app
• Available in beige and black for $180 at Shokz.com and Amazon