Shokz OpenDots 2 review: The gym-proof audio must-have for everyday wear

The new OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air get all the sounds right while keeping you aware of the surroundings

I used to go crazy for noise-cancelling headphones and think that I am the coolest in the gym. They look aesthetically nice and they are perfect as ear muffs in winter. But when the weather gets warmer, I would go for open-ear headphones. Last year I had the opportunity to try Shokz’s OpenFit 2 earphones, which I was able to maintain awareness while listening to music.

This year, the electronics brand launched two new clip-on earbuds – OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air – both are “designed to slip effortlessly into modern life”. I picked up the pearly white pair (a new colourway that goes with almost any outfit) and put it to test in a reformer pilates class.

For those who are not familiar with open-ear headphones, they prioritise user awareness for safety without compromising audio quality. Instead of enduring the discomfort of disturbing the inner ear canal, they sit against the inner ridge of your ear and secure behind your ear.

To test the OpenDots 2, I was asked to listen to the pilates instructor’s cue and play the Spotify soundtrack at the same time, but soon I found myself in trouble.

Turned out I was the only one in the class who was not on Spotify Premium, I had to listen to a 20-second-long advertisement. I was shamed by others for not paying for ad-free service, but that led me a chance to test the earphones’ connectivity as the instructor shared her pair with me.

Whether I was lying down on the machine or on all fours trying to swing my leg up in the air, the contoured silicone offered a soft cushioning that kept the earphones secure. It was featherlight and I could see myself wearing this beyond exercise.

Paired with its accessory charms, friends almost mistook them as some latest jewellery earpieces. But in my opinion, they are not as nice as the Huawei pair, which comes with dainty charms from French jewellery brand Les Nereides.

The battery life of OpenDots 2 is incredible, it offers up to 10 hours of listening time on a single charge and up to 40 hours with the charging case. It also supports Qi-certified wireless charging, and a quick five-minute charge provides up to two hours of listening, which is an upgrade from the previous model.

With noise levels louder than gigs on the tube, the OpenDots 2 are not capable to block out the high-pitched shriek but their AI noise reduction help minimise background distractions. I had no issue taking calls in public space thanks to the bone conduction microphone for clear calls.

Compared to its predecessor, the earphones has bumped its dual-driver acoustic system to Bassphere 2.0. It is also installed with MirrorPitch technology to deliver a more focused listening experience. The OpenDots 2 also takes Dolby Audio up a notch for richer bass and clearer voice.

The Shokz OpenDots 2 retails at £179, shoppers can receive a pair of earbuds accessory for free along with a free carrying case. It also comes with a 360-day worry-free service. It is available in pearl white, grey and black.

Other than OpenDots 2, Shokz also launched OpenDots Air as a more affordable option. Priced at £129, OpenDots Air uses Bassphere technology but it does not support Dolby Audio. Instead of soft cushioning at sensitive contact points, the material is a skin-friendly silicone.

The OpenDots Air is available in Daybreak Purple and Black.

Both the OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air are dust and water resistant, but OpenDots 2 offers IP57 water resistance for the earbuds and IP54 for the charging case, while OpenDots Air provides IP55 water resistance for the earbuds, but its charging case is not waterproof.

I also own Huawei’s clip-on earbuds, FreeClip 2, which comes with a premium-feel chrome finish but I am always mindful and try not to get scratches when wearing them. So I tend to reach out the Shokz OpenDots 2 as my gym go-to. They are more robust and easy to wear, or dare I say, scratch-resistant.