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The Shokz OpenFit Air 2 is a £129 open-ear earhook headphone for people who want a stable fit and can still hear their surroundings. Expert Reviews’ month-long review praised its comfort and security for exercise, but found its pressure-sensitive controls fiddly and its sound best after EQ adjustment. It is a strong fit for workouts and everyday listening, not for blocking out noise or maximizing battery life.
What the OpenFit Air 2 is—and what open-ear listening means
Rather than sealing inside the ear canal, each OpenFit Air 2 earbud sits outside it and is held in place by an earhook. That leaves you more aware of nearby sounds than you would be with sealed in-ear headphones, but it also means you should not expect noise isolation. The trade-off is suited to running, workouts and daily wear when a secure, unobtrusive fit matters more than shutting out the environment.
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Shokz lists each earbud at 7.2 g ±0.2 g. Its UK product page specifies Bluetooth 6.1, SBC and AAC codec support, IP55 resistance for the earbuds and IP54 for the charging case. Shokz also lists a two-year warranty. These are manufacturer specifications, not independent measurements; see the Shokz UK product listing.
Comfort and controls: a secure fit with a fiddly interface
Expert Reviews’ Andy White used the Air 2 for a month, rotating them with other headphones at home, in parks, in central London, at the Expert Reviews office and on public transport. He praised the comfort and stability, including during exercise. For listeners who find conventional earbuds uncomfortable or want a fit that stays put while moving, that is the Air 2’s clearest strength.
#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.
The main drawback in his review was operating them. The Air 2 uses pressure-sensitive controls, and White found them fiddly, calling the control setup his least favourite aspect of the product. That matters if you expect to adjust playback frequently without reaching for your phone.
Sound: enjoyable for exercise, but adjust the EQ
White found the sound enjoyable for workouts, but recommended experimenting with the app’s equalizer, including its presets and custom settings. The open design also has a practical acoustic limit: because the earbuds do not seal your ears, they cannot provide the isolation of sealed in-ear buds. In noisy places, that can make listening less immersive; raising volume is not a substitute for isolation.
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.
Battery life and charging
Shokz claims up to 8 hours of music playback per charge and up to 36 hours with the charging case. Its UK listing also says a 10-minute charge can provide up to 3 hours of music. These are manufacturer figures, and actual playback time can vary with use and settings.
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Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallWhite’s month-long review broadly supported the battery claims. In one reported observation, after 20 hours of total listening the case showed 40% remaining. That is one reviewer’s test result, not a guaranteed runtime for every user.
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.
OpenFit Air 2 vs OpenFit Air and OpenFit 2+
Shokz’s UK comparison guide positions the Air 2 between the less expensive OpenFit Air and the higher-priced OpenFit 2+. The figures below are the guide’s UK lineup snapshot; check Shokz for current prices and specifications before buying.
| Model | UK price listed | Earbud weight | Music per charge | 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 | 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 plus touch |
Prices are Shokz UK listings checked in 2026, not permanent prices. The comparison guide also distinguishes the models by connectivity and audio features; consult Shokz’s OpenFit comparison guide for the current feature breakdown. On the listed figures, the Air 2 trades the Air’s lower price for longer stated battery life and higher water resistance, while the 2+ costs more and offers longer stated playback and a different control arrangement.
Who should buy the OpenFit Air 2?
- Consider it if you want lightweight, secure open-ear headphones for running, workouts or everyday use and value awareness of your surroundings.
- Look elsewhere if you need noise isolation, prefer simpler controls, want the longest battery life in this Shokz lineup, or prioritize sound immersion over an open fit.
- Compare the OpenFit Air if price is the priority; compare the OpenFit 2+ if longer stated battery life or its physical-plus-touch controls matter enough to justify the higher listed price.
At the £129 UK price listed by Shokz when checked in 2026, the OpenFit Air 2 occupies the middle of those three options. Expert Reviews’ assessment is positive for its niche: comfort and stability are strong, workout listening is enjoyable after EQ adjustment, and the controls are the standout compromise. Read the Expert Reviews review for the reviewer’s full account.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
