The latest trend in headphones is open-ear earbuds, which solve a common problem with traditional in-ear designs. Regular earbuds use silicone or memory foam tips that create a seal for audio quality but often cause a feeling of pressure in the ear. Open-ear earbuds, by contrast, have speaker drivers that sit at the edge of the ear canal, eliminating pressure while allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings. This design is beneficial for situations like walking on the street or working in an office, and it can also help reduce earwax buildup.
Shokz OpenDots 2: Design and Comfort
The Shokz opendots 2 feature a two-part design: a tiny spherical piece sits inside the ear with the speaker, while a thin band of nickel-titanium encased in silicone connects to a barrel containing the battery. The barrel rests behind the ear, and the tension of the band holds the earbud securely in place. This makes them ideal for workouts, as they stay put during runs. The fit is comfortable and not too tight, and the flexible frame accommodates various ear shapes. The contoured silicone cover is soft and smooth, enhancing comfort. The earbuds are sweatproof with an IP57 rating, an upgrade from the previous IP54. Available in black and grey, they strike a balance between chic and technological, looking like jewellery and audio devices combined.
Audio Performance
Despite the open design, the opendots 2 deliver strong audio quality. Features like Dolby Audio and enhanced bass ensure music sounds good, especially in quieter environments. In noisy settings, users may need to increase volume, but the overall fidelity is impressive. The enhanced bass is effective and improved from the previous generation.
Features and Controls
The barrel houses the battery and also serves as a control interface. Users can tap, squeeze, or pinch and hold to adjust volume, play or pause, and more. The earbuds work in either ear, using dynamic ear detection to determine left or right placement. They can connect to two devices simultaneously and switch between them seamlessly. For calls, three microphones—two air-conduction and one bone-conduction—along with AI noise reduction ensure clear audio even in noisy environments.
Battery Life
The earbuds offer 10 hours of playback, with an additional 30 hours from the charging case, totalling 40 hours. A five-minute charge provides two hours of listening, which is twice as fast as the previous model.
Verdict
The Shokz opendots 2 are lightweight, attractive, and comfortable, avoiding the invasive fit of most earbuds. The open design is less effective in noisy environments, but the audio quality remains excellent while allowing awareness of surroundings for safety. They are available for £179 on Amazon.co.uk.
Testing Method
I swapped my go-to earbuds for the Shokz opendots 2 over a weekend, assessing fit, usability, and listening experience to evaluate innovation in open-ear and clip-on earbuds.
