Shokz has just announced the successor to its 2024 OpenFit Air, with the aptly titled OpenFit Air 2.
As the OpenFit Air has a 4.5-star rating, how does the OpenFit Air 2 look set to compare? Are there enough differences to warrant an upgrade, or are the new buds more of a refinement rather than a complete overhaul.
Ahead of our OpenFit Air 2 review, we’ve compared its specs to the OpenFit Air and highlighted what’s new with the pair.
Once you’re finished here, make sure to check out our list of the best open headphones, while we’ve also rounded up a guide to the best headphones.
Price and Availability
The Shokz OpenFit Air 2 will launch officially from September 16th in the UK, with an official RRP of £129. It’ll come in a choice between three colours: Ice Blue, Black and White.
Although the OpenFit Air has an official RRP of £94, and swaps the Ice Blue shade of the 2s for a fetching Pink alternative, it’s no stranger to a deal. In fact, at the time of writing, you could pick up the buds from retailers like John Lewis and Amazon for under £65.
OpenFit Air 2 is lighter
Both the OpenFit Air 2 and OpenFit Air are open-ear buds that are fitted with over-ear hooks for a secure fit. We appreciate this design, and concluded that the OpenFit Air felt comfortable to wear over long periods, thanks to the balanced and lightweight design and secure hooks that wrap around the ears.
Fortunately, the OpenFit Air 2 promises to retain the foundations set by the predecessor, but offers a lighter package. In fact, not only are the OpenFit Air 2 buds lighter than the OpenFit Air, but they’re actually the lightest ear-hook earbuds Shokz has ever released at just 7.2g each. With this in mind, we reasonably expect the OpenFit Air 2 to be comfortable and easy to wear.
OpenFit Air 2 is powered by the OpenBass 2.0 algorithm
Of course, both the OpenFit Air 2 and OpenFit Air won’t offer the same level of immersion as the best noise cancelling earbuds as the open-ear design keeps users aware of their surroundings at all times. Plus, the OpenFir Air 2 sport Shokz’s DirectPitch technology that promises to minimise sound leakage which is a common issue with open-ears.
Even so, Shokz promises the OpenFit Air 2 delivers a “bold and expansive listening experience” that’s powered by the OpenBass 2.0 algorithm.
Shokz explains OpenBass 2.0 works alongside the Air 2’s Bassphere dual driver system to produce an overall rich bass and full soundstage, with enhanced depth and texture. We’ll have to wait until we review the buds ourselves to see how well they really perform.
Otherwise, the original OpenFit Air is equipped with OpenBass Air that enables the buds to sound balanced and punchy but without any overbearing bass levels either. You can also enter the Shokz app to choose between four preset EQs – the same as the OpenDots Air which is worth doing to tailor your listening to you.
OpenFit Air 2 promises a longer battery life
Shokz claims the OpenFit Air can last up to six hours on a single charge, with an additional 28 from the case. In our review, we found this to be accurate enough as we generally saw around six hours – although this will vary depending on your listening volume and the EQ mode that’s in use.
The OpenFit Air 2 promises a slight boost in battery, with up to eight hours on a single charge and up to 36 hours with the charging case too. In addition, a 10-minute Quick Charge promises to provide three hours of playback which is always a useful feature to save you from getting caught short before a workout.
OpenFit Air 2 has an IP55 rating
The OpenFit Air 2 is built for “active daily use with a secure, all-day comfortable fit”, so naturally requires a high dust and water resistance rating to keep it protected. Fortunately, the charging case is fitted with an IP54 rating that means it’s dust-protected and can withstand water drops, which is the same as the OpenFit Air buds. However, the OpenFit Air 2 buds sport an IP55 rating, which means they are protected against water jets too.
OpenFit Air 2 sports upgraded pressure sensitive controls
Following on from the above, as the OpenFit Air 2 is designed for everyday use, Shokz promises the buds are built to keep up with a “full and varied day”. That’s why the buds are fitted with upgraded pressure sensitive controls that promise to ignore sweat, water droplets and even stray hairs and respond instantly to your press.
This is undoubtedly a welcome improvement from the OpenFit Air, as we found finding the controls of those buds was a constant challenge.
Early Verdict
With improved sound technologies, a lighter design and longer battery life, the Shokz OpenFit Air 2 seems like a promising upgrade over the OpenFit Air. However, at this early stage where we haven’t reviewed the buds yet, we’re not sure whether the differences necessarily warrant an upgrade from the original pair.
We’ll be sure to update this versus once we review the OpenFit Air 2.
