The quest for the perfect running headphones continues, and Shokz’s OpenRun Pro 2 takes a bold step forward with an innovative approach. By combining traditional bone conduction technology with open-air speakers, they aim to tackle the age-old issue of lackluster bass in this category. But do they succeed, and at what cost? Let’s dive in.
A Familiar Form with a Sonic Twist
The OpenRun Pro 2 sticks to the tried-and-true bone conduction design, with two pods resting in front of your ears,connected by a flexible band that wraps around your head. The magic lies within those pods. Alongside the bone conduction drivers that vibrate your cheekbones to deliver sound directly to your inner ear, they house open-air speakers that project music outwards. The result is a clever division of labor: the bone conduction drivers handle the mid and high frequencies, while the open-air speakers pump out the bass.
The Bass is Back… Sort of
Don’t expect earth-shattering lows like you’d get from a pair of premium over-ear headphones. But compared to their predecessors and other bone conduction headphones, the OpenRun Pro 2 delivers a noticeable improvement in bass response. Podcasts, dance tracks, and any music with a prominent low-end will benefit from this added depth. The overall sound is fuller and more rounded, and the intense vibrations that plagued some older bone conduction models at high volumes are thankfully reduced.
Situational Awareness: A Slight Trade-Off
Open-ear headphones are beloved by runners for their ability to keep you aware of your surroundings. The OpenRun Pro 2 still excels in this regard, but the addition of open-air speakers introduces a subtle shift. At medium volume levels, the outward-facing sound can mask some background noise, making you slightly less aware of cars, bikes, and other runners. It’s a minor compromise, but one worth noting if situational awareness is your top priority.
Sound Leakage: Not a Major Concern
While the open-air speakers do increase sound leakage compared to pure bone conduction models, it’s only really noticeable to those standing very close by when the volume is cranked up high. In a typical running environment, it’s unlikely to be an issue.
Welcome Upgrades and Comfortable Fit
Beyond the audio enhancements, the OpenRun Pro 2 boasts several other improvements. Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint support lets you connect to two devices simultaneously, a boon for runners who want to pair their headphones with both a smartwatch and a phone. The fit is excellent, striking a balance between comfort and security, with a flexible band that keeps the pods in place without squeezing too tight.
Battery Life and Charging: No Complaints Here
With a 12-hour battery life and USB-C charging, the OpenRun Pro 2 will keep you going on even the longest runs. A full charge takes about an hour, and a quick five-minute top-up provides enough juice for a decent workout.
The Verdict
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is a commendable attempt to bridge the gap between bone conduction and traditional open-ear headphones. They offer a significant improvement in bass response, making them a more enjoyable option for a wider range of music and audio content. The trade-off in situational awareness is minimal, and the added features like Bluetooth multipoint and USB-C charging are welcome additions.
If you’re looking for a pair of running headphones that deliver decent bass without sacrificing situational awareness, the OpenRun Pro 2 is a solid choice. But if sustainability is a top priority, you may want to look elsewhere.
