Discovering the proper pair of operating headphones generally is a problem, proper? With so many choices on the market, it’s powerful to know the place to start out. On this overview, I’ll share my takeaways on the Shokz OpenRun Professional 2 headphones and offer you an outline of the remainder of the Shokz lineup that can assist you make an knowledgeable choice.

I’m an enormous fan of bone-conduction headphones. My first pair was the OpenRun Professionaland I haven’t seemed again since. So when the OpenRun Professional 2 confirmed up on my doorstep, I used to be stoked.
What are bone conducting headphones?
For anybody new to bone-conduction know-how, right here’s the short rundown: these headphones transmit sound by way of vibrations to the bones in your cranium, bypassing the eardrums. The vibrations then attain your internal ear, so you possibly can take pleasure in music whereas protecting your ears open to the world round you—security first, proper?
When you’re new to this tech, there’s a brief adjustment interval, however when you’re used to it, it’s clean crusing together with your favourite jams.
OpenRun Professional 2 Evaluation
Arms down, these are my favourite headphones and my present go-to for operating!
The OpenRun Professional 2 is a complete game-changer for runners. They provide a snug, safe match that stays in place, regardless of how intense your exercises get. They’re tremendous light-weight, and I had no points with them bouncing or shifting round throughout my runs.
Plus, they match comfortably below hats (whether or not it’s a efficiency cap or a winter beanie) and slide simply below sun shades (although should you’re explicit about the place your shades sit, you would possibly want to regulate them barely). Coach Amanda says she nonetheless can’t fairly work out the hat, sun shades and OpenRun combo comfortably.
Sound high quality is the place the OpenRun Professional 2 actually shines. The improve from the unique OpenRun Professional is noticeable, with a lot clearer audio and richer bass.
The battery life is strong too, providing as much as 12 hours of playtime, and should you’re in a rush, the short cost characteristic is a lifesaver—simply 5 minutes of charging offers you 1.5 hours of use.
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That mentioned, there are just a few downsides to remember.
When you’re operating in a health club or different noisy surroundings, you would possibly discover it a bit more durable to listen to your audio clearly.
Whereas the sound is great for music, it’s not as crisp for audiobooks or podcasts, so these headphones aren’t your best option for spoken phrase content material. Once more this may very well be why Amanda hasn’t historically been as massive of a fan as a few of us. Even on the treadmill, she discovered with audiobooks it simply by no means felt tremendous clear.
Additionally, the buttons will be difficult to make use of throughout runs or when you could have chilly arms, making it a bit more durable to regulate quantity or skip tracks on the go.
All in all, these headphones are good for runners who need consolation, nice battery life, and strong sound high quality. Simply remember the fact that should you’re operating in noisy environments or favor audiobooks, they won’t be the most suitable choice.

OpenRun Professional vs. OpenRun Professional 2
The OpenRun Professional 2 takes every thing nice concerning the authentic model and improves it, particularly in sound high quality and match. Right here’s a fast comparability that can assist you determine which one is best for you.
Sound High quality:
The OpenRun Professional 2 presents considerably higher sound, with richer bass and clearer audio. It additionally incorporates a new speaker design that factors immediately at your ear, decreasing sound leakage—so you possibly can take pleasure in your music with out bothering these round you.
Customizable Match:
These headphones provide two headband sizes—Commonplace (5.3 to 7.5 inches) and Mini (4.7 to six.9 inches)—each adjustable for a extra personalised, snug match. Whether or not you put on hats, sun shades, or each, you possibly can tweak the match to fit your gear of the day.
Battery Life:
The OpenRun Professional 2 extends battery life to 12 hours, up from 10 hours within the authentic, so that you get extra operating time between costs.
Charging Port:
The brand new headphones change to a USB-C port from the earlier magnetic connection. Whereas USB-C is extra common, some would possibly miss the comfort of the magnetic charger. (I’m undoubtedly within the “miss it” camp.)
Backside Line:
The OpenRun Professional 2 is the clear winner should you prioritize sound high quality, battery life, and a customizable match. That mentioned, the OpenRun Professional remains to be a incredible possibility at a barely lower cost, however the Professional 2’s upgrades make it the higher alternative for many runners.
Obtainable now for $179.95.
>> Use code RUNTOTHEFINISH for $10 off (or $5 throughout Prime sale)
Evaluating Shokz Headphones
All proper, now the query is which mannequin of Shokz are best for you. When you’ve determined you like bone conducting as a result of it helps you’re feeling protected and so they’re cozy then there are just a few completely different types!
OpenRun
The OpenRun headphones are good for runners who need nice sound and are a bit cheaper than the two!
They share the identical open-ear design because the Professional 2, and you may select between Commonplace or Mini headband sizes for a extra personalised match.
With 8 hours of battery life and a fast 10-minute cost that offers you 1.5 hours of playtime, they’re able to go every time you might be. Light-weight, sweatproof, and tremendous safe, they keep in place by way of your hardest exercises—although maintain them out of the pool, as they’re not designed for swimming.

Fast Take
- Is available in two completely different sizes for a greater match
- Tremendous snug that you simply overlook you’re sporting them
- If in a loud space, it may be exhausting to listen to your audio
- Controls will be complicated at first
OpenSwim Professional
Truthfully, we expect that is most likely their coolest possibility. It’s a sport changer for lengthy swims!
The OpenSwim Professional headphones are a must have should you spend time within the pool. They characteristic an open-ear design much like the OpenRun Professional 2, however now with Bluetooth connectivity.
You may hearken to music underwater for as much as 2 hours, even at depths of 6.5 toes!
Not close to your cellphone? No downside—simply change to MP3 mode and revel in your tunes with 32GB of storage—no connection wanted.
It simply transitions from water to land, so you possibly can put on them throughout your swim and maintain them on for a run afterward. With 9 hours of Bluetooth battery life or 6 hours in MP3 mode, plus a fast 10-minute cost that offers you 3 hours of playtime, these headphones will maintain you shifting out and in of the pool.

Fast Take
- Can retailer music and audio information on the headphones
- Go as deep as 6.5 toes and nonetheless have the ability to pay attention
- Points with bluetooth underwater
- Could get in the way in which of a swim cap
OpenFit
The OpenFit and OpenFit 2 headphones are tremendous versatile, good for every thing from morning runs to work calls.
The air-earhook design retains them safe, whereas the dual-layered silicone earbud supplies a comfortable, adaptable match. At simply 8.3 grams, they’re extremely light-weight, and with AI Noise Cancellation, your calls keep crystal clear. Get pleasure from 7 hours of battery on a single cost, and as much as 28 hours with the charging case.
Our gear tester Gillian LOVED these and has used them on a ton of runs. As soon as once more, Coach Amanda is the weirdo who discovered they simply by no means stayed put and felt just like the controls actually wanted some work.
For a similar worth level because the OpenRun Professional 2 we expect it’s a a lot better possibility. Additionally simply with the ability to drop them round your neck, vs worrying about dropping an earbud is nice.
OpenFit Air that you may additionally see, isn’t actually designed for exercises and therefore less expensive.

Fast Take
- safe match
- AI noise cancellation
- Controls aren’t simple to make use of
- They have a tendency to not keep put and transfer round
OpenDots
The OpenDots at the moment are considered one of our favourite choices ever. They solved points with hats and sun shades whereas nonetheless giving us the sound high quality and consciousness we wish!
They’re gentle and secure, it doesn’t matter what I’m doing. I can run, shake my head, or have a mid-run dance break, and so they don’t transfer. The earbuds are made of soppy silicone, in order that they aren’t stiff or snappy; they simply gently relaxation in place.

If you put them in, a tender tone lets you recognize they’re on, and a fast double-tap begins your music—one other double-tap pauses it. Simply as simple, the quantity is tremendous intuitive: pinch the proper earbud to show the quantity up and the left to show it down. Every thing responds easily and immediately.
Plus, the earbuds are interchangeable, so it doesn’t matter which ear you place them in; they work both means.
Charging can be tremendous simple. The earbuds routinely energy up every time they’re within the case. And when the case itself runs low, you possibly can set it on a wi-fi charging pad or plug it in to cost. Simple peasy.
- Weight: 6.5 grams
- Battery Life: As much as 40 hours with charging case, as much as 10 hours on a single cost
- IP54 Water Resistance
- Obtainable for $199
Fast Take
- safe match
- interchangeable left and proper
- doesn’t get in the way in which of glasses or a hat
- Slippery case
- Audio simply misplaced in noisy areas
And that’s your earful of information on the Shokz lineup! We hope this helps you discover your subsequent pair of headphones.
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As at all times, we’d love to listen to from you. Drop a remark under to share which pair you’re contemplating or should you’ve tried any of them. All of it helps fellow runners discover what’s finest for them.

