Shokz OpenDots 2 review: Improved comfort and longer battery life

Shokz has launched the OpenDots 2, a redesigned clip-on wireless earphone that aims to improve comfort and battery performance. Unlike previous models that hook over the ear, the OpenDots 2 clips onto the ear, offering a more secure fit for daily use, including commuting, outdoor exercise, and office work.

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The unit's weight is 6.4g on one side. Applying excellent structure of nickel-titanium alloy material and silicone finish, it is comfortably fixed to the ear.

The earphones feature a reversible design, meaning there's no left or right distinction, and an internal sensor automatically detects orientation. Each unit weighs a mere 6.4g and is constructed with a nickel-titanium alloy and silicone finish for a comfortable, pressure-free fit, even during extended wear. The open-ear structure minimizes fatigue, a significant improvement over previous versions.

Shokz has incorporated a Bassphere 2.0 acoustic structure and 11.8mm dual drivers to address the low-frequency loss common in open-ear designs. The sound quality is robust, with stable bass and minimal distortion at high volumes. Activating Dolby Audio enhances spatial sound and instrument separation. The companion app offers EQ presets and customization, allowing users to tailor the sound profile. The audio clarity, particularly for podcasts, was noted as superior to some competitors.

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When the Dolby Audio function is activated, the sense of space expands, and the separation of vocals and instrument sounds increases.

Sound leakage, a common issue with open-ear designs, is mitigated by Shokz's DirectPitch and MirrorPitch technologies. Testing in a quiet office environment confirmed that sound was not audible to nearby individuals at 70% volume. Call quality is supported by a three-microphone system with AI noise reduction, effectively filtering out background noise in busy streets and windy conditions.

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In a quiet office environment, when listening to music with the volume set to 70%, I confirmed with people around me that the sound was not leaking outside.

Battery life is a key highlight, with up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge and 40 hours with the charging case. Fast charging provides 2 hours of playback from a 5-minute charge, and Qi wireless charging is supported. The earphones also feature pinch controls to reduce accidental touches, IP57 water and dust resistance, and Bluetooth 5.1 with multipoint connectivity for simultaneous connection to two devices. The OpenDots 2 appears to be a strong contender for users seeking comfortable, long-lasting earphones with good sound and call quality, especially those who dislike traditional in-ear designs.

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The battery lasts up to 10 hours on a single charge, and up to 40 hours with the charging case.