Shokz OpenFit 2 review: The most comfortable earbuds available have just been improved even further.

      **Shokz OpenFit 2**

      **MSRP**: $180.00

      “Shokz's OpenFit 2 offers nearly everything we desire from open-ear earbuds.”

      **Pros**

      - All-day comfort

      - Outstanding battery life

      - Ideal for calls

      - Enhanced bass response

      - Bluetooth Multipoint

      **Cons**

      - Lacks wireless charging

      - No support for LE Audio/Auracast

      Shokz’s initial open-ear earbuds, the Shokz OpenFit, demonstrated exceptional comfort in earbud design. I was so impressed with their materials and design that I labeled them the most comfortable earbuds globally. However, despite their comfort, the OpenFit faced challenges with sound quality, had limited control options, launched without Bluetooth Multipoint, and did not support wireless charging. Any of these shortcomings might have been acceptable had the price hovered around $100, but at $180, they rank among the priciest open-ear earbuds available. With the release of the OpenFit 2 at the same $180 price, did Shokz address these issues, or is there still room for enhancement? Let’s explore.

      **What’s changed?**

      While Shokz has not fulfilled every request from my wishlist, several notable changes have been made to the OpenFit 2:

      - New shape with softer silicone

      - Larger drivers with improved bass response

      - Physical buttons in addition to touch controls

      - Extended battery life per charge

      - Enhanced water resistance (IP55 over IP54)

      - Upgraded Bluetooth standard

      **Shokz OpenFit 2 specs**

      - **Price**: $180

      - **Weight**: 9.4 grams (each earbud), 68.8 grams (charging case)

      - **Form factor**: Open earbuds

      - **Noise cancellation**: None

      - **Battery life**: 11 hours per charge, 48 hours total with charging case

      - **Charging**: USB-C

      - **Voice assistant**: Native smartphone access

      - **Multipoint**: Yes

      - **Water/dust resistance**: IP55 (earbuds only)

      - **Hi-res audio**: No

      - **Fast pairing**: No

      - **Bluetooth/codecs**: BT 5.4 with AAC, SBC

      - **Auracast**: No

      **Design**

      Fortunately, Shokz adopted a “if it ain’t broke” approach with the OpenFit 2. The silicone-wrapped, highly flexible earhooks remain, but with a tighter curve compared to the original. This redesign aims more to ensure correct positioning rather than just a secure fit—though the first generation was already adept at staying in place during workouts or runs. The OpenFit 2 grips a bit more securely.

      Shokz claims a new version of its “ultra-soft silicone” has been used in the OpenFit 2, but I find them just as comfortable as their predecessor, even while wearing glasses.

      The most significant upgrade for me is the addition of physical buttons. I’m generally not fond of touch controls, especially with open-ear earbuds where the earbud itself can shift. Being able to hold the earbud with my thumb and forefinger (while pressing the button with my forefinger) simplifies usage.

      The charging case has seen minor modifications but remains largely the same, providing excellent access to the earbuds due to its wide-open clamshell design, comparable in size and weight to other earhook-shaped earbuds. A notable improvement is the addition of a dedicated Bluetooth pairing button, as some users found the previous pairing process confusing—holding both earbuds for five seconds while they're in the case. Although the case button makes the process more intuitive, I don't believe it speeds it up. Unfortunately, the anticipated improvement of wireless charging for the case is still absent—a trend across the industry where wireless charging is common but not yet widespread in open-ear models.

      **Controls and connections**

      Once paired via Bluetooth, the OpenFit 2 maintains a stable connection. Although I experienced no connection issues with the original OpenFit, the updated Bluetooth 5.4 on the OpenFit 2 should theoretically enhance reliability. Regrettably, Shokz hasn't utilized one of Bluetooth 5.4’s key features: LE Audio with Auracast support. Depending on the chipset chosen for these earbuds, these features might be added with a future firmware update, but the company has not made any announcements regarding this possibility.

      I am pleased that Bluetooth Multipoint is available out of the box (the OpenFit received this ability via firmware update three months post-launch), and I appreciate its implementation within the Shokz app. Users can view all previously paired devices and select the desired two to connect, with switching between them being quick and smooth.

      The new physical buttons are a welcome addition. As mentioned, they are easy to