Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Bone Conduction Headphones Keep You Connected to the Trail

Runners frequently struggle to strike the perfect balance when it comes to listening to music or podcasts on long runs: they want to be able to zone out from the world while also remaining aware for approaching cars or chatter from fellow trail-goers without having to rip out their headphones at every little sound. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 bone conduction headphones, priced at $139.95 (was $180), solve that exact problem with a design that sits snugly against your cheekbones while leaving both ears open for full awareness.

A lightweight frame weighing only 30g clips on and stays put across uneven terrain or gym circuits thanks to a clever combination of a nickel-titanium wire and soft ear hooks that follow the natural contours of your head for comfort. Reviewers swear they can wear these for hours without experiencing the normal pressure areas and shifting that requires frequent fussing with the fit.

The sound quality is quite impressive, with bone conduction handling the clear mids and highs and a small air conduction speaker providing a nice boost of low-end weight that previous models could only dream of. As a result, music and audiobooks sound full and balanced even at moderate volumes. It’s also incredibly simple to change up your sound with a simple app that provides rapid access to preset modes for noisy streets or a pure open-ear listening experience.

You get a good 12 hours of fun on a single charge, which is equivalent to a full day of action without having to stop halfway through to recharge. If you do need to recharge, plugging them in for five minutes via USB-C will give you an extra 2.5 hours of music, and phone calls sound crystal clear even on windy days or on crowded sidewalks. The dual microphones are angled such that they cut through all of the background wind noise, allowing the person on the other end to hear what you’re saying clearly rather than simply the sound of traffic or your breathing.

In terms of durability, these headphones have an IP55 rating, which means they can survive light rain and even perspiration without missing a beat. There’s also a reflective strip along the frame to keep you visible in low light, but you won’t have to bother with other equipment. If you already own an earlier Shokz model, you’ll feel the difference right away, as the switch to standard USB-C charging is a modest but welcome change, and the added low-end weight and reduced vibration make them more comfortable for extended listening.