A Month with Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: The Best Headphones for Running ?

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The archetype of the runner in 2024 is well defined: smartwatch on the wrist, sports headphones on 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 at the same time as the practice.

And for each device, reference brands exist. For watches, undoubtedly the most disputed segment, it is Garmin that dominates the debates. For sports headphones, another American brand is overshadowing the rest of the market: Shokz.

If Apple manages to enter these two markets with very (too much?) mainstream 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 fad, 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

Eliud Kipchoge, living marathon legend and face of the Shokz brand with the OpenRun Pro 2 around his ears © Shokz

If you practice 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 address three common issues in the world of running.

Even better listening quality

The first is the question of listening quality. To put all the arguments on its side, Shokz wanted to develop a real audio headset. If the brand made a name for itself with bone conduction devices, leaving the ear free and alert, it slightly denies its DNA with this OpenRun Pro 2.

Indeed, Shokz is integrating a real speaker for the first time. While 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

© Shokz

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 reserved, the calls not being very well received at the other end of the line.

But one thing is certain, the addition of the speakers has solved the problem of receiving calls. The voices are clear and the bass is there. On the old Shokz models, bone conduction tended to reproduce the bass as best it could by vibrating the headset in all directions. A sensation far from pleasant. But this discomfort has 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 previous headphones. Comfort is also improved by this new design, but we will come back to that later in this test.

A foolproof battery life

Before focusing on the comfort of use, we have to mention the battery life. This is the second big strong point of the OpenRun Pro 2. The headphones are just impressive. Shokz announces on its website a battery life of 12 hours. During our test, we were able to use the headphones for about ten hours before the first “low battery” messages appeared. are not heard.

As if that wasn't enough, this elephant-like autonomy is coupled with an ultra-fast recharge. Shokz assures that the headset can recover 2.5 hours of use in just 5 minutes. We tried the experiment during our test. If the charge is very fast, it nevertheless takes 10 or 15 minutes to reach 30 or 40% battery and thus leave with peace of mind.

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Last point, always important, 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

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As we said above, the comfort of this OpenRun Pro 2 headset is excellent. The device fits perfectly on the ears. If the design can be scary at first glance, it does not bother you at all when using it.

We quickly get used to this small rounded bar that goes around our neck. If the aesthetics are still questionable, the comfort is there. The arrival of the speakers solves all the problems related to the unpleasant vibrations of the headset.

For the rest it 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 reduced the pressure of the headset by 16% compared to the previous model. It is 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. The enlargement of the contact area of ​​the headset on the temples also helps to better distribute the pressure around the skull.

A few rare defects

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Despite this very positive test, we did find some faults with this device during our outings. The first is obviously the small strip that goes around the nape 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 neckband, there is surely one designed for you.

The other problem we encountered during our test is the absence of MP3 mode. While its presence on the OpenSwim Pro had allowed the headset to work underwater, the OpenRun Pro 2 does the impasse on this technology.

It’s a shame, especially when you consider that Shokz has the technology to integrate this feature into its helmets. The MP3 mode allows you to go out without taking your phone with you. The music is stored directly in the helmet, 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 (via Bluetooth 5.3) doesn’t provide enough range to cover the entire field.

Our opinion on the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

© Shokz

Despite this minor flaw, Shokz continues to surprise us positively. The brand had already done very well with the OpenSwim Pro (which we recommend to all swimmers), now it is back on the road and seducing runners with the OpenRun Pro 2.

The headset is an excellent device, with more than sufficient audio quality, foolproof battery life and clearly improved listening comfort. If it is not perfect, it comes very close.

Price and availability

Shokz is marketing its OpenRun Pro 2 headset at a price of €199. It is available in three colours: black (see photos), orange and in white in a special edition for Eliud Kipchoge, the first man to run 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 great athlete, the Apple devices should be more versatile and more suitable.
If on the other hand you are going to run regularly, wearing bone conduction headphones, or at least open-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 beautiful Christmas present before time.

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