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Shokz OpenDots 2 Open-ear clip-on earbuds
Hear your music. Hear the world.
There’s a reason we love recommending Shokz to runners — they just get it. No blocking out the traffic, no missing your training partner, no fumbling with tips before a wet morning run. The OpenDots 2 takes everything that made the original a cult favourite and turns it up a notch.
These are clip-on open-ear buds, which means they sit comfortably on the outside of your ear rather than going in it. You get your music, a podcast, or your running playlist — and you keep full awareness of everything around you. For road running, trail running, or cycling, that’s not just comfortable, it’s genuinely safer.
What’s new and why it matters
The biggest upgrade is sound. Shokz has introduced Bassphere 2.0 — a dual-driver setup using two 11.8mm drivers per earbud — and the difference is noticeable. Open-ear headphones have historically struggled with bass, but the OpenDots 2 genuinely delivers warmth and depth. Dolby Audio mode adds extra spatial richness if you want it.
For runners specifically, the jump from IP54 to IP57 waterproofing is a big deal. That’s full protection against sweat, rain, and the kind of weather we all know too well. The case now carries IP54 too, so you’re covered all round.
Call quality has also been rethought. A bone conduction microphone joins the dual air conduction mics, and Shokz claims clear voice pickup in winds up to 12mph — useful if you like catching up with a mate mid-run.
At just 6.4g per earbud, you’ll genuinely forget you’re wearing them.
The honest bit
If you want full noise cancellation — that’s not what these are about. Sub-bass lovers may also want to manage expectations. But if you value comfort, situational awareness, and a surprisingly good listen for an open-ear design, the OpenDots 2 are fantastic. They are not the full bone conducting version (that’s the OpenRun range) so may not be race legal. (check your race T&C’s)
Key specs at a glance
£150.00
