Shokz OpenDots 2 bring bigger sound to open-ear listening

By Tom MarshallJune 16, 202612 mins read

Shokz’s latest clip-on earbuds build on the original OpenDots design with improved sound, smarter controls, and better durability.

Open-ear audio has become one of the fastest-growing trends in personal listening, offering an alternative to traditional earbuds that completely block out the outside world. Now, Shokz has unveiled the OpenDots 2, the second generation of its clip-on earbuds, bringing a range of upgrades aimed at improving sound quality, comfort, connectivity, and everyday usability.

Known for its open-ear headphones and bone conduction technology, Shokz has spent years developing products that help listeners stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying music, podcasts, and calls. With OpenDots 2, the company is refining the clip-on formula introduced with OpenDots ONE, adding new audio technology, improved microphones, and a more robust design.

What are the Shokz OpenDots 2?

OpenDots 2 are open-ear clip-on earbuds that attach to the outer ear rather than sitting inside the ear canal. Unlike traditional in-ear earbuds, the design leaves your ears open to surrounding sounds. This means you can listen to music while remaining aware of conversations, traffic, studio chatter, or other environmental sounds around you.

The design sits somewhere between conventional wireless earbuds and Shokz’s well-known open-ear headphones. Rather than using ear hooks or headbands, OpenDots 2 use a flexible clip-on design built around Shokz’s JointArc construction, combining a nickel-titanium frame with soft silicone materials for a lightweight and secure fit.

At just 6.4 grams per earbud, they are slightly lighter than the original OpenDots ONE, while maintaining the same all-day wearability that helped define the first generation. They’re available in Black, Grey, and Pearl White, each offering a sleek finish.

Bigger sound without blocking out the world

One of the biggest upgrades in OpenDots 2 comes from the audio system. While open-ear products have traditionally struggled to match the low-end response of sealed earbuds, OpenDots 2 is here to challenge that.

According to Shokz, the earbuds feature its new Bassphere 2.0 acoustic technology alongside dual 11.8mm drivers. The company says the redesigned acoustic system reduces distortion by 70% while delivering more powerful bass and higher overall output compared to the first-generation model.

The earbuds also feature upgraded Dolby Audio support, designed to create a wider and more immersive listening experience.

Improved privacy and call quality

One of the most common criticisms of open-ear headphones is sound leakage. Because the audio isn’t sealed inside the ear canal, it’s easy for sound to get both in or out.

Shokz addresses this with its DirectPitch technology, which uses reverse sound waves to direct audio more precisely towards the ear while reducing leakage. Users can access Private Mode within the Shokz app for even more discreet listening in public spaces.

The company has also upgraded the microphone system. Each earbud now combines two air-conduction microphones with a dedicated bone-conduction microphone designed to focus on the wearer’s voice while reducing background noise.

Smart controls and everyday upgrades

OpenDots 2 still replaces traditional touch controls with a force sensor system, but have been upgraded here. Instead of relying on taps that can be accidentally triggered by hair, sweat, or adjusting the earbuds, users perform deliberate pinch gestures for more reliable control.

Similarly, OpenDots 2 retains the interchangeable nature of the earbuds. That means there is no left and right earbud, with both featuring the same design.

The earbuds also feature wear detection that automatically pauses and resumes playback, multipoint pairing for connecting to two devices simultaneously, Bluetooth 6.1 connectivity, Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair support, Find My Earbuds functionality, custom EQ controls through the Shokz app, and Qi-certified wireless charging.

Longer-lasting and more durable

Wehn it comes to charging, battery life remains one of OpenDots 2’s strongest selling points. The earbuds offer up to 10 hours of playback from a single charge and up to 40 hours when used alongside the charging case.

Fast charging has also improved compared to the original model. A five-minute charge now delivers up to two hours of playback, cutting charging time in half compared to OpenDots ONE.

Durability has also received a welcome boost. The earbuds now carry an IP57 rating for dust and water resistance, while the charging case gains an IP54 rating. That’s an upgrade over the first-generation model, making OpenDots 2 better suited to workouts, outdoor use, commuting, and unpredictable weather conditions.

How do they compare to OpenDots ONE?

The original OpenDots ONE already stood out thanks to their unique clip-on design and comfortable fit. OpenDots 2 appear focused on refining that experience rather than reinventing it, introducing a number of meaningful improvements over the original model.

Key upgrades include: new Bassphere 2.0 acoustic technology, reduced audio distortion, upgraded Dolby Audio implementation, dedicated bone-conduction microphone for calls, Bluetooth 6.1 connectivity, more accurate force-sensor controls, faster charging, and improved water and dust resistance.