Unlock the Power of Steady Improvement with Shokz OpenFit 2
Shokz OpenFit 2 Review: An Imperfect but Solid Upgrade to Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds
I was eagerly awaiting Shokz’s latest open-ear wireless earbuds, the OpenFit 2. As I jumped into my review, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement. Shokz made some notable improvements to the overall design and function, but the sound still falls short of perfection.
But First, How I Felt About the OpenFit Air
I had tried the OpenFit Air a few months back, and while it wasn’t perfect, I was impressed with its decent bass and reasonable volume. The problem was the ear hook design, which didn’t fit well with my glasses on. Add to that finicky touch controls, and I was left underwhelmed.
The OpenFit 2: A Pair of Earbuds Worth Checking Out
Shokz sent me a pair of the OpenFit 2 ahead of CES, and I couldn’t wait to get started. With the updates, I was very hopeful. The company added an extra speaker to each bud, dedicated to bass, mids, and highs, which I had previously praised in the OpenRun Pro 2. This approach worked fantastically well, and I was excited to see how it would translate to these open-ear buds. The physical buttons and tweaked ear hook design were also promising.
My Experience with the OpenFit 2
I immediately noticed many of these improvements during my testing. The ear hook design is now easier to use with my glasses, and the physical buttons are a significant step up from the finicky touch controls. The volume has improved, and I loved the extra bass and clear sound quality in quieter environments. However, high-traffic areas and loud environments still posed a challenge, but not as much as before.
The Catch: Sound Quality
While the OpenFit 2 sound better than the Air, they didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Vocals can sometimes sound distant, and bass-heavy songs can become distorted, especially at higher volumes. This is no surprise, given the open-ear design. However, when listening at lower volumes or to podcasts, the issue is less noticeable.
The Bottom Line: Worth Considering, But Not Perfect
Whether the OpenFit 2 are worth it depends on how you plan to use them. As someone who mostly uses open-ear buds for running, I found myself gravitating back to the OpenRun Pro 2. However, for everyday activities like strength training or lounging around the house, these buds are more comfortable and convenient.
Get Your Hands on the OpenFit 2
The OpenFit 2 are now available in black and beige for $179.95, starting today. While not perfect, they’re an solid upgrade to the original OpenFit and OpenFit Air. If you’re in the market for an open-ear wireless earbud, the OpenFit 2 are worth considering.