Discovering the best pair of operating headphones is usually a problem, proper? With so many choices on the market, it’s powerful to know the place to begin. On this assessment, I’ll share my takeaways on the Shokz OpenRun Professional 2 headphones and offer you an summary of the remainder of the Shokz lineup that will help you make an knowledgeable resolution.
I’m a giant fan of bone-conduction headphones. My first pair was the OpenRun Professional, and I haven’t appeared 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 fast rundown: these headphones transmit sound via vibrations to the bones in your cranium, bypassing the eardrums. The vibrations then attain your interior ear, so you may get pleasure from music whereas protecting your ears open to the world round you—security first, proper?
In case 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 Overview
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 cushty, 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 when 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 when you’re in a rush, the fast cost characteristic is a lifesaver—simply 5 minutes of charging provides you 1.5 hours of use.
That mentioned, there are just a few downsides to bear in mind.
In case you’re operating in a gymnasium or different noisy setting, you would possibly discover it a bit tougher to listen to your audio clearly.
Whereas the sound is superb for music, it’s not as crisp for audiobooks or podcasts, so these headphones aren’t the only option for spoken phrase content material. Once more this could possibly be why Amanda hasn’t historically been as huge 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 may be tough to make use of throughout runs or when you’ve got chilly fingers, making it a bit tougher to regulate quantity or skip tracks on the go.
All in all, these headphones are excellent for runners who need consolation, nice battery life, and strong sound high quality. Simply needless to say when you’re operating in noisy environments or desire audiobooks, they may not be the best choice.
OpenRun Professional vs. OpenRun Professional 2
The OpenRun Professional 2 takes every thing nice concerning the unique model and improves it, particularly in sound high quality and match. Right here’s a fast comparability that will help you determine which one is best for you.
Sound High quality:
The OpenRun Professional 2 affords considerably higher sound, with richer bass and clearer audio. It additionally incorporates a new speaker design that factors instantly at your ear, decreasing sound leakage—so you may get pleasure from your music with out bothering these round you.
Customizable Match:
These headphones supply two headband sizes—Commonplace (5.3 to 7.5 inches) and Mini (4.7 to six.9 inches)—each adjustable for a extra customized, comfy match. Whether or not you put on hats, sun shades, or each, you may 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 unique, so that you get extra operating time between costs.
Charging Port:
The brand new headphones swap 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 positively within the “miss it” camp.)
Backside Line:
The OpenRun Professional 2 is the clear winner when you prioritize sound high quality, battery life, and a customizable match. That mentioned, the OpenRun Professional remains to be a incredible choice at a barely lower cost, however the Professional 2’s upgrades make it the higher alternative for many runners.
Evaluating Shokz Headphones
All proper, now the query is which mannequin of Shokz are best for you. In case you’ve determined you’re keen on bone conducting as a result of it helps you are feeling secure they usually’re comfortable then there are just a few completely different kinds!
OpenRun
The OpenRun headphones are excellent for runners who need nice sound and are a little bit cheaper than the two!
They share the identical open-ear design because the Professional 2, and you’ll select between Commonplace or Mini headband sizes for a extra customized match.
With 8 hours of battery life and a fast 10-minute cost that provides you 1.5 hours of playtime, they’re able to go every time you’re. Light-weight, sweatproof, and tremendous safe, they keep in place via your hardest exercises—although preserve them out of the pool, as they’re not designed for swimming.
Test them out right here for $159 >>
OpenSwim Professional
Actually, we expect that is most likely their coolest choice. It’s a sport changer for lengthy swims!
The OpenSwim Professional headphones are essential when you spend time within the pool. They characteristic an open-ear design much like the OpenRun Professional 2, however now with Bluetooth connectivity.
You possibly can take heed to music underwater for as much as 2 hours, even at depths of 6.5 toes!
Not close to your telephone? No downside—simply swap to MP3 mode and revel in your tunes with 32GB of storage—no connection wanted.
It simply transitions from water to land, so you may put on them throughout your swim and preserve 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 provides you 3 hours of playtime, these headphones will preserve you shifting out and in of the pool.
OpenFit
The OpenFit and OpenFit 2 headphones are tremendous versatile, excellent for every thing from morning runs to work calls.
The air-earhook design retains them safe, whereas the dual-layered silicone earbud offers a comfortable, adaptable match. At simply 8.3 grams, they’re extremely light-weight, and with AI Noise Cancellation, your calls keep crystal clear. Take pleasure in 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 choice. Additionally simply having the ability to drop them round your neck, vs worrying about shedding an earbud is nice.
OpenFit Air that you may additionally see, isn’t actually designed for exercises and therefore less expensive.
All the small print of the OpenFit right here for $179 >>
And that’s your earful of information on the Shokz lineup! We hope this helps you discover your subsequent pair of headphones.
As at all times, we’d love to listen to from you. Drop a remark beneath to share which pair you’re contemplating or when you’ve tried any of them. All of it helps fellow runners discover what’s finest for them.
In search of extra gear opinions?