During my runs along the banks of the Seine or between sets on the rowing machine at the gym, I regularly came across athletes wearing headphones who left the outer ear completely freeNo ear tips, no isolation, but a very present soundtrack; enough to pique my curiosity and push me to understand how they managed to listen to music without cutting themselves off from their environment.
A discussion with several sports colleagues provided me with the key: these headphones are based on the bone conduction, a process that transmits sound through the temple bones, leaving the ear canal open. And these earphones have a name: OpenRun Pro 2 by Shokz. Intrigued, I decided to test them. Shokz OpenRun Pro 2After several weeks of use at the office, while running, and at the gym, I can already tell you that they constitute a real favorite They offer a rare balance between audio quality, comfort and safety, without claiming to replace insulating internal components. but quickly becoming indispensable in situations where you want to stay alert.
How does bone conduction work?
To fully understand the benefits of OpenRun Pro 2 headphones, you must first understand how bone conduction works.
Shokz earphones use two small transducers positioned just in front of your ears. These convert the audio signal into micro-vibrations that travel along your cheekbones and temporal bone to the cochlea, bypassing the eardrum. This leaves your ear canal completely free, allowing you to continue hearing traffic or announcements at the gym.
This approach offers several advantages for the general public: comfort (nothing enters the ear), security (you can still perceive the ambient sound) and hygiene (less discomfort due to perspiration). On the other hand, the maximum volume remains more moderate than with closed in-ear headphones.
Unboxing, Design and Getting Started
Le Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 It arrives in a white molded cardboard box with rounded edges. The material, a type of recycled and 100% biodegradable paper/cardboard, offers perfect rigidity. An illustrated sleeve surrounds the box; it can be removed with a simple gesture to reveal the lid embossed with the Shokz logo.
Upon opening, one discovers a semi-rigid transport case zipped. Its outer face is rigid, while a felt lining protects the helmet. Inside, a small elastic compartment holds the usb-c cable No accessories are left loose. The headphones rest in a molded insert that fits snugly around the titanium headband, preventing any twisting. The whole assembly remains compact, easy to store, and consistent with the brand's eco-friendly approach.
Just below the carrying case, a thin divider contains the instructions, the warranty card and a leaflet linking to the mobile application.
In terms of design, the open-ear headband maintains a simple, understated look: 30,3 gr titanium components coated with silicone to minimize pressure points. Physical controls are limited to a multifunction button at the front of the left transducer and two volume buttons under the right-hand arch; the USB-C port is protected by a flexible cover to preserve theIP55 rating.
Start-up
- Press and hold the multifunction button for three seconds; a voice message will signal that the device is powered on and has entered pairing mode.
- Accounts Manager OpenRun Pro 2 in your smartphone's Bluetooth list.
- Download the application Shock to access firmware updates and equalization settings.
In less than five minutes, the headset is ready for a first outing while leaving the ear open to the environment.
Features of the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 helmet
Audio features and equalization
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 They use two state-of-the-art bone conduction transducers capable of covering a bandwidth from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Four equalization profiles are accessible via the mobile app; two additional slots allow for saving custom settings. This flexibility enables quick adjustments for speech, acoustic music, or cardio sessions requiring more bass without masking ambient sounds.
Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity
The Bluetooth 5.3 chip ensures a stable range of approximately ten meters and reduces latency compared to previous generations. Initial pairing takes less than thirty seconds, and the internal memory stores up to eight devices. multipoint pairing, which can be activated from the physical controls, allows you to stay connected to a smartphone and a computer: the headset automatically switches to the source that is broadcasting the sound, convenient for taking a call without interrupting a video.
Physical controls and ergonomics
Shokz maintains a simple interface: a multifunction button on the left transducer controls play, pause, and calls; two volume buttons under the right headband also control power and pairing mode. Their raised design makes them easy to locate by touch and prevents accidental presses during exercise. Turning the device on also triggers a voice announcement (in English) of the battery level, useful before heading out for a run.
Microphones and call quality
The two microphones, combined with digital noise filtering, effectively isolate the voice while allowing ambient sounds to pass through, essential for natural conversation. During tests in an open-plan office and on a busy street, callers perceived a clear timbre free of background noise; the headset thus remains suitable for extended meetings as well as for a quick phone call between workouts.
Battery life and fast charging
The 150 mAh battery promises up to twelve hours of continuous playback and lasts approximately ten days on standby. A five-minute quick charge via the USB-C port provides an additional two and a half hours of playback, perfect for impromptu outings. A full charge takes one hour, and an LED indicator near the connector shows the status without needing to open the app.
Resistance and IP55 rating
With its nickel-titanium alloy headband and silicone shell, the helmet easily withstands perspiration, light rain, and splashes of water. The index IP55K It also guarantees protection against dust, allowing for use on a trail or in a gym without fear of the transducers getting dirty. This robustness enhances the model's versatility, designed to accompany you through all phases of your day.
Shokz mobile app
Available for free on Android and iOS, the official Shokz app effectively complements the headset. It immediately displays the precise battery level, offers one-click software updates and allows you to enable or disable the multipoint coupling without using physical keys.
The audio section provides access to four equalization profiles integrated: Standard, Member, Basses et TrebleTwo additional slots allow for the creation of custom settings that you can name and then instantly synchronize with the headset. The entire system is controlled via a clear interface that matches the color of the chosen model and requires no registration for basic functions.
User experience
Comfort and support
From the very first use, you forget you're wearing the helmet; its 30,3 gr The earcups, positioned around the titanium headband, exert no unpleasant pressure on the temples. The silicone coating remains soft even after extended use; it causes neither irritation nor overheating. The absence of ear tips completely frees the ear canal: you can even scratch your ear without having to remove the device, a welcome feature for those who find traditional earphones uncomfortable.
The fit is impeccable for most everyday movements. In the gym, the headphones stay in place on the weight machines and don't move during transitions between exercises. On the street, the slight bounce of walking doesn't cause the headband to tip; you have to make a conscious effort to dislodge it.
Audio quality and environmental perception
The sound reproduction is surprisingly balanced; the bass retains its fullness without overpowering the midrange, and the details of a voice or guitar riffs are easily discernible. Bone conduction allows ambient noise to pass through naturally; you can hear nearby conversations and warning sounds without the music becoming merely a distant background noise.
This open design is a major advantage in urban environments: the sound of a passing car or a bicycle bell remains audible, improving safety. On the other hand, the headphones aren't designed to block out very noisy environments; in the din of a rowing machine in a gym or a congested street, the volume needs to be turned up above 80% to maintain intelligibility. This is a logical compromise for a product that intentionally offers no noise cancellation.
Behavior in sporting situations
Whether on a treadmill or outdoors, the headphones stay in place without bouncing around. During a run in Paris, the constant ventilation prevents the heat buildup that often accompanies closed-back headphones; sweat doesn't seep into the ear and the index IP55K It's sufficient for a light drizzle. Hearing traffic and pedestrians provides a clear sense of security; you remain connected to the urban rhythm while enjoying quality musical accompaniment.
For more intense activities, such as rowing or high-cadence stationary cycling, headphones remain usable, but the ambient noise of the room and the machine's hum can sometimes mask the quieter passages of a piece. In these conditions, they act more as a rhythmic guide than an analytical listening system.
Office use
In an open environment, the OpenRun Pro 2 finds a second life: it allows you to listen to a playlist without cutting yourself off from conversations with colleagues. Spontaneous conversations remain audible, and you can respond without removing your headphones, thus avoiding repeated pauses. This moderate sound presence helps maintain a slight cognitive isolation without completely shutting off the listener.
Long-lasting comfort is undeniable; after several hours, no discomfort arises around the ear or neck, and the absence of an ear tip eliminates the occlusion effect (that feeling of internal pressure caused by some in-ear headphones). The headphones thus become a daily work tool rather than just a sports accessory.
Phone calls
The OpenRun Pro 2 headset's dual microphones deliver clear, natural voice quality, even on busy streets; your callers will only hear a reduced ambient noise. The button placement simplifies call answering: the multifunction button, located on the left transducer, is easy to find by touch, preventing accidental presses.
The absence of an earpiece offers another advantage: you retain the natural feedback of your own voice, which limits the "mouth-in-a-pad" effect characteristic of closed-back headphones. Discussions remain fluid and free from ear fatigue during long meetings.
Limitations and complementarity
The OpenRun Pro 2 isn't intended to replace a noise-isolating in-ear headphone; its strength lies in situations where you want to stay alert. In a very noisy open-plan office or on rush-hour public transport, those who prefer a strong bass response will miss the punch offered by an open-back design.
However, as a versatile backup headset (for sports, office work, quiet commutes, etc.), it stands out for its lightness, secure fit, and the freedom of sound it provides. Used alongside a closed-back model, it covers all everyday scenarios without major compromises. It's a real favorite of mine, and I understand why everyone has been raving about it!
Features of the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 earphones
Battery and autonomy
| Battery life | Up to 12 hours of use Up to 10 days in standby mode |
| Battery capacity | 150mAh |
| Loading time | 1 hour for a full charge Quick charge => 5 minutes for 2.5 hours of use |
| Charging port | USB-C |
Connectivity
| Bluetooth | 5.3 |
| Wireless range | 10 meters |
| Multipoint pairing | Simultaneous connection to two devices |
Conception
| Water Resistant | IP55 => sweat resistant |
| Materials | Nickel-titanium alloy ear hook and frame |
| Weight | 30.3g |
| Controls | Multifunction button Volume buttons |
Sound and microphone
| Frequency response | 20Hz ~ 20KHz |
| Sensitivity | Air conduction: 96 dB ± 2,5 dB Bone conduction: 101,3 dB ±3 dB |
| Equalization | 4 preset equalizers + 2 customizable modes |
| Microphone Type | 2 wind and noise resistant microphones |
| Microphone Sensitivity | -38 dB ±1dB |
Our verdict
Highlights
- Lightweight comfort: Weighing 30,3g and with a titanium headband, it offers no discomfort even over long periods.
- Balanced sound while keeping an open ear to the environment
- Increased security: clear perception of nearby traffic and conversations
- Actual battery life of 12 hours with USB-C fast charging (2.5 hours in 5 minutes)
- Bluetooth 5.3 multipoint stable for switching between two devices
- Effective microphones : clear voice and good ambient noise reduction
Weak points
- Limited use in very noisy environments: Reduced efficiency in a noisy environment
- Modest basses: Less punch than closed-back in-ear headphones
- High price (but legitimate) : €199 for a helmet that doesn't fit everywhere
- Small leak sound high volumeA musical halo remains perceptible to those nearby
At €199, the OpenRun Pro 2 They are clearly positioned in the premium segment, but the investment is justified if you're looking for headphones that keep you connected to your surroundings without sacrificing sound quality. Shokz offers three colors: classic black, bright orange and total Kipchoge co-branded edition which pays homage to the eponymous marathon runner. Regardless of the model, you'll enjoy the same comfort, battery life, and micro performance.
After several weeks of use, I'm absolutely thrilled with it. What I appreciate most is the freedom offered by bone conduction: being able to run in the city while still hearing cars, work in an open-plan office without ignoring colleagues, or take a call without being bothered by the wind. The OpenRun Pro 2 doesn't replace noise-isolating in-ear headphones, but it complements them perfectly. If your routine involves a mix of sports, office work, and quiet commutes, these headphones will quickly become an indispensable companion and perhaps the only one you'll always carry in your bag.
Where to buy it?
You can order the model and choose your color directly online: OpenRun Pro 2.
