The Shokz OpenFit Air 2 is a £129 open-ear earhook headphone for listeners who want a secure fit and awareness of their surroundings while exercising or going about the day. Expert Reviews’ Andy White found it comfortable and stable over a month of use, with enjoyable workout sound after EQ adjustments. Its main drawbacks are fiddly pressure-sensitive controls, no noise isolation and shorter battery life than the pricier OpenFit 2+.
What the OpenFit Air 2 is—and who it suits
Instead of sealing the ear canal, each OpenFit Air 2 sits outside it on an earhook. That design can make it easier to hear surrounding sounds while running or walking, but it also means these are not the right choice if you want to block out traffic, office noise or other distractions.
The strongest case for the Air 2 is a comfortable, secure fit for workouts and everyday listening. Expert Reviews reviewer Andy White used the earbuds across exercise and daily settings, including a park, central London, public transport and an office. He praised their comfort and stability, while identifying the controls as the main frustration. [Expert Reviews]
How it performs in everyday use
Fit and exercise
The earhooks are the product’s defining advantage: they hold the earbuds in place without inserting them into the ear canal. White found the fit exceptionally comfortable and secure during exercise. The open design also preserves awareness of nearby sounds, though it cannot provide the isolation of sealed in-ear headphones.
#1 Best Overall
- Unparalleled Audio and Premium sound - Dual drivers combine the clear highs of Bone Conduction Tech with the deep bass of Air Conduction Tech for 12 hours of powerful, 3D audio.Perfect for musical motivation during workouts and runs.
- Open-Ear Awareness - SHOKZ's signature open-ear design helps you power through your workouts while keeping you safely aware of your surroundings. Leak-free listening ensures your audio remains for your ears only
- Secure Stable, Lightweight Fit - The weight-optimized design of this unibody frame integrates a Ni-Ti alloy memory wire and ergonomic ear hooks. The result is a secure, comfortable fit that defies slips and shift even during gym sessions or cycling.
- Dedicated EQ Modes - Customize your audio experience with our dedicated EQ modes on the Shokz App. Enjoy pure bone conduction sound with the newly launched Classic Mode, or boost your audio in noisy environments with Volume Boost Mode.
- Crystal-Clear Calls - Strategically positioned dual wind-resistant microphones and an AI noise reduction algorithm filter out 96.5% of background noise, including wind at speeds of up to 15 miles per hour.
Controls
The earbuds use pressure-sensitive controls. White found them fiddly and wrote, “The control setup is my least favourite aspect of the OpenFit Air 2.” If you frequently pause, skip tracks or adjust playback from the earbuds, try the control scheme before committing if you can.
Sound
White found the sound enjoyable for workouts, but recommended experimenting with the Shokz app’s preset and custom EQ options. The open-ear format is a practical choice for situational awareness, not a substitute for the more isolated presentation of sealed earbuds. [Expert Reviews]
Battery life and charging
Shokz’s UK product listing claims up to 8 hours of music playback from the earbuds and up to 36 hours with the charging case. It also says a 10-minute charge provides up to 3 hours of music. These are manufacturer figures, not guarantees for every listening volume, content type or battery condition. [Shokz UK]
Rank #2
- Ultra-Comfort with Open-Ear Design: Experience matchless comfort even for all-day wear with these non-intrusive, open-ear Bluetooth earbuds.
- Enhanced Situational Awareness: V20i open-ear wireless earbuds let you stay connected to the world while enjoying pristine playback. Ideal for both urban life and outdoor ventures.
- Four Adjustable Positions for a Secure, Comfy Fit: Easily rotate to find the sweet spot for your ears with these bluetooth earbuds, boosting stability and comfort. Listen and move freely with V20i open-ear earbuds throughout the day.
- Powerful Sound with 16mm Drivers: Immerse in rich, resonant bass fueled by V20i's advanced 16mm drivers—featured in these wireless earbuds—with titanium-coated domes and soundcore's proprietary BassUp technology.
- Clear Calls with 4 Mics and AI Enhancement: Equipped with four mics and an AI algorithm, V20i open-ear Bluetooth earbuds ensure crisp and clear calls wherever you are.
White’s month-long review broadly supported the stated battery performance. In one observation, after 20 hours of total listening, the case showed 40% remaining. That is a single reviewer’s usage result rather than a general battery-life measurement. [Expert Reviews]
Recommended Free Tools
OpenFit Air 2 vs OpenFit Air and OpenFit 2+
Shokz’s UK comparison guide places the Air 2 between the less expensive OpenFit Air and the more premium OpenFit 2+. Its listed prices are a snapshot and can change; check the current listing before buying. The table’s prices, weights and battery figures are Shokz’s published specifications, not independent measurements. [Shokz UK comparison guide]
| Model | UK listed price | Weight per earbud | Music per charge | Music with case | Earbud water resistance | Controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenFit Air | £94 | 8.7 g | Up to 6 hours | Up to 28 hours | IP54 | Touch |
| OpenFit Air 2 | £129 | 7.2 g ±0.2 g | Up to 8 hours | Up to 36 hours | IP55 | Pressure-sensitive |
| OpenFit 2+ | £179 | 9.4 g | Up to 11 hours | Up to 48 hours | IP55 | Physical and touch |
The Air 2 is lighter than the OpenFit Air and offers longer stated battery life, but costs more. The OpenFit 2+ costs more again and has the longest listed playback time, plus physical and touch controls. The Air 2 is the middle option if its fit and price make sense for you; the comparison table does not establish that one model sounds better than another.
Rank #3
- Open-Ear Headphones - Experience unmatched comfort with our lightweight, secure fit, featuring an earbud-free design for all-day listening without ear fatigue.(Rebranded version of AfterShokz OpenMove)
- Safety & Connection - Stay motivated with your favorite audio without compromising on safety. Unlike over-ear and in-ear headphones, OpenMove keeps you connected and aware of your surroundings.
- Secure Fit - From light jogs to everyday commutes, a wraparound titanium frame keeps your bone conduction headphones in place during a range of low impact activities.A rugged, sweat-resistant design built to withstand your most intense workouts.
- 6 Hours of Music & Calls - Enjoy six continuous hours of music, calls, and podcasts on a single charge with our bluetooth headphones. Universal compatibility: Seamlessly pairs with Android, iOS, Windows, and other Bluetooth-enabled devices.Includes a USB-C cable.
- High Sound Quality- Enjoy balanced audio, optimal volume and rich bass delivered through your cheekbone, anytime, anywhere with this premium OpenMove headset.Ensures excellent call quality for clear conversations.
Specifications and durability
According to Shokz’s UK listing, each Air 2 earbud weighs 7.2 g ±0.2 g and uses Bluetooth 6.1 with SBC and AAC codecs. Shokz rates the earbuds IP55 for sweat and water resistance and the charging case IP54, and lists a two-year warranty. These are manufacturer specifications and coverage terms; check the warranty conditions and local listing for your purchase. [Shokz UK]
Should you buy the Shokz OpenFit Air 2?
Choose the OpenFit Air 2 if a secure, comfortable open-ear fit and awareness of your surroundings matter more than blocking noise or having the longest battery life. It is a weaker fit for listeners who want isolation, premium sealed-earbud sound or straightforward controls. For a longer stated battery life and different control options, compare the OpenFit 2+; for a lower listed price, consider the OpenFit Air. Prices and specifications above reflect Shokz’s UK listings checked in 2026, and prices may change.
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