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The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 rely on so-called bone-sound technology. Many athletes don't want to do without their favourite music when training - even when mountain biking. However, conventional headphones shield the ears and make it difficult to hear your surroundings, which can be risky in road traffic. Instead of directing the sound through the ear canal, Shokz headphones rely on vibrations that reach the inner ear directly via the temporal bone. The ears remain completely free, which should allow you to continue to hear ambient noise - an important safety factor on the bike. In our test of the previous version, we were already impressed by many of the OpenRun Pro's featuresbut criticised the sound quality when listening to music. Have the new generation of bone conduction headphones upped the ante?
Shokz Openrun Pro 2 headphones in detail
Developed for athletes
Shokz is making a name for itself as the market leader for bone-sound headphones. The OpenRun Pro 2, which was launched last year, is the manufacturer's new flagship product and is correspondingly expensive at €199. In return, the sports headphones are packed with features. Ergonomic earpieces and a one-piece frame are designed to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Memory wire promises a good grip on the head without uncomfortable pressure. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is protected against sweat and rain in accordance with the IP55 standard. It promises up to twelve hours of battery life. Thanks to the quick-charging function, a five-minute charge should be enough for 2.5 hours of use. The small internal battery can be charged via the USB-C port.
Two strategically positioned dual microphones are integrated into the bone-sound headphones, allowing the user to make calls with the OpenRun Pro 2. An AI algorithm for noise suppression is said to eliminate 96.5 per cent of ambient noise and transmit calls clearly even in windy conditions or when driving at speeds of up to 25 kilometres per hour. As with all modern electronics, the OpenRun Pro 2 naturally comes with Bluetooth 5.3 transmission and app connectivity. Shokz promises a wireless transmission range of ten metres.
However, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is said to have made the most significant progress compared to its predecessor in terms of audio quality. The developers have opted for dual-pitch technology, which is intended to improve the sound distribution from highs to lows. An extra-thin driver processes high frequencies and a larger low-frequency air conduction driver promises rich bass. Shokz speaks of a "dynamic and immersive 3D sound experience" in any sporting situation.
I now use the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 commute by bike almost every day. When lorries thunder past me on a country road, I can no longer hear my music. But the open ears give me a good feeling and I can hear approaching cars earlier. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Practical test of bone-sound headphones
As with its predecessor, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 impresses with its good build quality and easy handling. Bluetooth pairing with the smartphone is child's play and after just a few seconds, music can be heard in the ear via the Spotify interface. You can feel the vibrations of the bone-sound headphones with your fingers, but you can't feel them on your head. The OpenRun Pro 2 fit well and are therefore quickly forgotten while riding. Caution: They are not compatible with enduro or even full-face helmets that are pulled far down due to their neckband. The same applies to Helmets with the new HighBar fastening system. Even with a plait, the back of the head can get a bit cramped. While we had no problems with the ergonomics on the vast majority of our tours, the lack of space behind the ears becomes noticeable after riding for more than four hours. Depending on the glasses, this can lead to a feeling of pressure.
Shokz has obviously got a lot right when it comes to the sound experience. Just like its predecessor, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is ideal for listening to podcasts. Voices and vocals are reproduced clearly and distinctly. There has been progress in the music sound. Here, the new edition has come closer to classic headband or in-ear headphones and the quality is impressive. Only real audio freaks will miss something in terms of quality with the bone sound headphones. Caution: Due to their design, the headphones are not ideal in every everyday situation. On the train, the music experience can be spoilt by the sound of other people's conversations. In the gym, the droning radio can be annoying. However, the OpenRun Pro 2 fulfils its purpose: the surroundings remain audible and the music enjoyment is at a high level. The noise cancellation is helpful when making phone calls, but does not manage to eliminate all wind noise. So it's better to stop for an important call.
BIKE summary of the OpenRun Pro 2 headphones
It's great to see that Shokz has improved the audio quality with the new OpenRun Pro 2. Music over bone sound has never been so good. Listening to nature, bike noises and songs at the same time is fascinating and the technology has been translated into a convincing product. However, due to their design, the open-ear headphones with neckband are not always ideal for everyday use. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- Improved sound quality compared to its predecessor
- Bone sound keeps ears clear and increases safety
- Impressive workmanship and handling
Contra
- Little shielding against external noise in sports and everyday life
- Space problems with some helmet systems and braids
- Phone noise cancellation is not always sufficient when cycling
Jan Timmermann
Editor
