Product reviews
Words by: Nat Bromhead
For those of us who like to listen to music, podcasts, or take calls while outdoors, particularly while bike riding, walking or running, the question of safety and awareness is an ever-present concern. Traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones block out ambient sounds and increase the risk when near traffic or in busy urban areas. Like many others, I simply will not ride with in-ear or over-ear headphones. Remaining aware of ambient sound while cycling is a critical aspect of safety and survival. The problem is, like many, I often like to ride with music or a podcast playing. That’s where open-ear audio steps in. I’ve been using these innovative headphones extensively, both on and off the bike, and they’ve become a daily essential. The Open-Ear Advantage The standout feature of the OpenRun Pro 2 is their open-ear design, which uses a combination of bone and air conduction technology to delivers sound without covering the ears. The result is that you can still hear traffic, conversation, or other environmental cues while enjoying surprisingly high-quality audio. For riders, runners, and walkers in particular, this is a game-changer. I’ve found the situational awareness these headphones allow has made me feel noticeably safer, especially on shared paths or in areas with unpredictable traffic. Sound Quality: Better Than Expected Admittedly I was sceptical about sound quality from a set of bone conduction headphones – ears have evolved for a reason, as have bones. However, the OpenRun Pro 2 genuinely surprised me. The sound is clear, balanced, and offers a level of bass that’s better than expected. While they won’t replace premium over-ear headphones for immersive, high-fidelity listening, for commuting or a long-distance ride they more than hold their own. Comfort and Fit: Set and Forget Comfort has been another strong point during the review period. For the first 2-hour outing (and, like usual, not reading the simple instructions), I actually wore the Open Runs upside down / around the wrong way. They still sat well, sounded great, and were barely noticeable. Battery, Calls, and Everyday Use The claimed 12-hour battery life has proven accurate in testing. A quick 5-minute charge also delivers around 2.5 hours of use – a handy backup if you forget to fully charge them before heading out. Call quality is also impressive, with dual wind-resistant microphones that will handle up to around 20 k/ph (depending upon wind strength). Shokz claim the product also features AI noise reduction. Any Downsides? While the OpenRun Pro 2 delivers on its promises, they aren’t perfect. Audiophiles might still find the audio lacks the depth and warmth of traditional headphones. But for their tiny size, supreme comfort, and long battery life – plus the fact your earways remain open – they get a big green tick from me. Also, they are IP55 rated, meaning they can handle sweat and rain, but they aren’t fully waterproof – something to keep in mind for extreme conditions. Final Thoughts Overall, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 strike a strong balance between sound quality, comfort, and situational awareness. For active users – particularly riders and runners – they make a lot of sense and add a layer of safety that traditional headphones simply can’t. Nowadays I don’t leave home without them. RRP $319 Shokz are distributed in Australia by FE Sports and are available at a wide range of retailers across the country. Visit www.skokz.com.au for further details.
Open Run 2 Open Ear Headphones Tested
Specifications
Battery Life: 12 hours
Charge Time: 1 hour
Charging Port: USB-C
Quick Charge: 5-min charge 2.5 hours of usage
Bluetooth V5.3
Sweat & Water Resistant: IP55
Weight: 30.3g
Command Controls: Multifunction button, volume button
EQ: 4 preset EQs + 2 custom modes
Microphone Type: 2 noise-cancelling mics
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