The archetype of the runner in 2024 is well defined: connected watch on the wrist, sports headphones in the ears and even for some, speed glasses in front of the eyes. These accessories, which have been an integral part of the small world of running for years, evolve along with the practice.
And for each device, reference brands exist. For watches, undoubtedly the most contested segment, it is Garmin which dominates the debates. For sports headphones, another American brand overshadows the rest of the market, Shokz.
If Apple manages to enter these two markets with very (too?) mass market products (the Apple Watch and AirPods, not to mention them), Garmin and Shokz remain favored by insiders.
But is this love for products costing several hundred euros justified, or is it just a fashion effect, a consumption whose real goal is the feeling of belonging to a group? This is what we will try to see in this test of the new OpenRun Pro 2 from Shokz.
A helmet designed for runners
If you’re into running, you know that music and podcasts play a key role in training. They are the perfect companion for endurance outings that can last several hours.
Choosing a good product is therefore essential, given that its usage time will be several hours per week. As such, the Shokz OpenRun 2 have been designed to respond to three common problems in the world of running.
Even better listening quality
The first is the question of listening quality. To put all the arguments on his side, Shokz wanted to develop a real audio headset. If the brand made itself known with bone conduction devices, leaving the ear free and alert, it slightly denies its DNA with this OpenRun Pro 2.
In fact, Shokz is integrating a real speaker for the first time. If bone conduction technology is still at the heart of the project, the addition of this speaker is the kind of new feature that we expected on the brand’s devices.
Speakers that change everything
On previous models, bone conduction alone already offered very good listening quality, but it was technologically limited. The bass wasn’t very good, which could be annoying, especially during calls.
The new OpenRun Pro 2 from Shokz benefits on this point from the addition of an AI capable of reducing buzzing by 96%. The brand also promises more precise microphones, to better capture voices. On this point, however, we remain a little cautious, as the calls are not very well received at the other end of the line.
But one thing is certain, adding the speakers helped solve the problem of receiving calls. The vocals are clear and the bass is there. On older Shokz models, bone conduction tended to reproduce bass as best it could by vibrating the headphones in all directions. A feeling far from pleasant. But this discomfort disappeared with the appearance of a speaker for each ear.
Finally, the listening quality on the OpenRun Pro 2 is even better than on the brand’s old headphones. Comfort is also improved by this new design, but we will come back to that later in this test.
Foolproof autonomy
Before focusing on comfort of use, we have to mention autonomy. This is the second big strong point of the OpenRun Pro 2. The headphones are simply impressive. Shokz announces a battery life of 12 hours on its website. During our test, we were able to use the headset for around ten hours before the first “low battery” messages were heard.
As if that were not enough, this elephantine autonomy is coupled with ultra-fast charging. Shokz assures that the headset can recover 2.5 hours of use in just 5 minutes. We tried the experiment during our test. Although charging is very fast, it still takes 10 or 15 minutes to reach 30 or 40% battery and thus leave with peace of mind.
Last but still important point, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 has a USB-C charging port. We forget the proprietary cables, it will be the same connection for the headphones and for your smartphone (except iPhone 14 and older).
Optimal comfort
As we said above, the comfort of this OpenRun Pro 2 headset is excellent. The device fits perfectly on the ears. Although the design may be frightening at first glance, it is not at all disturbing during use.
We quickly get used to this little rounded bar that goes around our neck. If the aesthetics are always questionable, the comfort is there. The arrival of speakers solves all the problems related to unpleasant headset vibrations.
For the rest he is IP55 certified. It is therefore very resistant to sweat and you can take it everywhere with you (except in the shower). The new DualPitch technology takes care of reducing pinching on the temples. Shokz claims to have lowered helmet pressure by 16% compared to the previous model. Difficult to verify these figures, but having tried several devices from the brand (my test on the OpenSwim Pro), we feel a real difference on this point. Enlarging the contact area of the helmet on the temples also allows pressure to be better distributed around the skull.
Some rare defects
Despite this very positive test, we did find some faults with this device during our outings. The first is obviously the little band that goes around the back of the neck. It is flexible, but not adjustable. You really have to be careful when buying your Shokz helmet. The brand offers two different sizes for this choker, there is surely one for you.
The other problem we encountered during our test was the absence of MP3 mode. If its presence on the OpenSwim Pro had made it possible to operate the helmet underwater, the OpenRun Pro 2 skips this technology.
It’s a shame, especially when we know that Shokz has the technology necessary to integrate this functionality into its helmets. MP3 mode allows you to go out without taking your phone with you. The music is stored directly in the headset, which offers a little more freedom.
It’s also very useful if you often go to an athletics track and your phone doesn’t accompany you during your 400 meters. The connection (in Bluetooth 5.3) does not provide enough range to cover the entire area.
Our opinion on the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
Despite this minor flaw, Shokz continues to positively surprise us. The brand had already done very well with the OpenSwim Pro (which we recommend to all swimmers), now it is returning to the road and seducing runners with the OpenRun Pro 2.
The headset is an excellent device, with more than sufficient audio quality, rock-solid battery life and clearly improved listening comfort. If it’s not perfect, it’s very close.
Prices and availability
Shokz markets its OpenRun Pro 2 headset priced at €199. It is available in three colors: black (see photos), orange and white in a special edition for Eliud Kipchoge, first man under 2 hours in the marathon.
At this price you can also treat yourself to the latest 4th generation AirPods with active noise reduction. If you are not a big sportsman, Apple’s devices should be more versatile and more suitable.
If, on the other hand, you go running regularly, wearing bone conduction headphones, or at least free-ear headphones, will change your life.
The OpenRun Pro 2 are the best that Shokz offers. For less than 200 euros, you are equipped with the best product on the market today. A nice early Christmas gift.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
199.99
We love
- Autonomy
- Sound quality
- Comfort
- USB-C fast charging
We like less
- no MP3 mode
- Always a special design
