Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones review: Brilliant bone conduction for runners

Bone conduction headphones are often praised for being safe and reliable, as they allow runners to keep their ears open for potential hazards.

However, they don’t always have a great reputation for sound quality, although Shokz claim that the OpenRun 2 Pro are their best-sounding headphones yet.

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 bone conduction headphones, £169

Shokz has been making bone conduction headphones since 2011, and has constantly improved its product design with each new model launch.

What’s unique about the OpenRun Pro 2 is that they have open-air speakers in addition to bone conduction transducers.

These speakers are positioned to direct sound toward your ears and are optimised to handle low-frequency tones, such as bass.

Meanwhile, the bone conduction transducers transmit the remaining sound frequencies through vibrations in your cheekbones directly to your inner ear.

In theory, this design provides rich sound while keeping your ears open to your surroundings.

Eager to see whether the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 could make my music sound livelier to take my mind off marathon training, I decided to put them to the test.

Navigate this article

• Quick summary
• Full review
• Verdict
• FAQs

How I tested the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 bone conduction headphones, £169

As a keen runner who regularly clocks up 10 to 16 miles on the weekends, alongside 5km runs and weekly sprint sessions, I was able to take the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones out on multiple runs.

For three weeks, I used them for all my running sessions and used them in the gym and the office, to fully evaluate comfort, sound quality and overall wearability.

My runs are a mix of longer endurance miles and high-intensity sprints, and I like to listen to a variety of music genres to keep my motivation high.

On longer runs, I’ll often switch to sports podcasts or TalkSport podcasts for something more engaging.

During testing, my goal was to evaluate the crispness and clarity of the audio across podcasts and music.

I’ve tested a lot of headphones in the past and recently wrote a guide to the best running headphones, which helped me give these headphones a rating that reflects how they perform compared to other sporty models.

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Quick Summary

Pros:

• Lightweight
• 12 hours of battery life
• Improved sound quality compared to previous OpenRun models
• Carry case included
• Easy to charge with included USB-C charging cable
• Comfortable but secure fit over the ears

Cons:

• Expensive
• Slightly heavier than the OpenRun (30g compared to 26g)
• Bass not as rich as that offered by ear buds

Rating: 4.5/5

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: Full Review

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 bone conduction headphones, £169

At first glance, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones look strikingly similar to the original Shokz OpenRun, which I’ve been using for years.

With hooks to loop them securely around the ears, a comfortable silicone-coated titanium headband, and a panel on the side with manual controls, the design has stayed true to Shokz’s signature style.

If you’re familiar with the older model, the Pro 2 feels like slipping into something comfortably familiar.

The differences in design only became apparent when I put them on.

While the Pro 2 is slightly heavier at 30g compared to the 26g for the original OpenRun, I immediately noticed an improvement in fit.

The headphones feel looser around both the ears and the head, reducing the pressure that bone conduction headphones can sometimes exert during extended wear.

On longer runs and during high-intensity exercise classes in the gym, this small adjustment made a big difference, and I was happy to accept the minor increase in weight as a trade-off for greater comfort.

Another feature I really appreciated with the OpenRun Pro 2 was the addition of a carry case.

If you’re someone who likes to run home from work or head out straight after your commute, having a case to safely store your headphones is a genuinely useful touch.

I found that it kept them protected in my endless pit of a work bag and stopped them from tangling with other items, which is something I’ve struggled with in the past using the older OpenRun model.

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 bone conduction headphones, £169

Sound Quality

Venturing outside for a run was where the real upgrade became apparent.

The OpenRun Pro 2 introduces air conduction technology alongside bone conduction, a feature that significantly enhances sound quality compared to the original OpenRun.

Bone conduction headphones, by their very nature, conduct sound through vibrations to the ear bone, which can sometimes leave audio feeling a little flat – even when compared to budget in-ear earbuds.

However, the addition of air conduction makes a noticeable difference, offering a fuller and more dynamic listening experience.

As someone who’s accustomed to the slightly muted bass and flat tones typical of bone conduction headphones, I was genuinely impressed by the difference.

Vocals and mid-range tones are clearer, and the bass, while still not as punchy as traditional in-ear headphones, has improved depth.

Tracks with heavy basslines, such as electronic or hip-hop, felt livelier, and the overall sound had a warmth that the original OpenRun lacked.

It’s worth noting, however, that while the Pro 2 significantly improves sound quality, it’s still not going to compete with premium in-ear or over-ear headphones.

Audiophiles might notice the limitations in bass and immersion, but for someone like me, who prioritises safety while exercising outdoors, the trade-off is worth it.

Battery Life

Battery life remains a strong point for Shokz, and the OpenRun Pro 2 is no exception.

There’s also been an upgrade for the OpenRun Pro 2 with USB-C charging, which is far more practical than the magnetic charging cable used in previous models.

USB-C is a widely used standard, meaning if you forget your cable, there’s a much better chance of someone at the office or gym having one you can borrow.

Simply slot the cable into the side of the headphones, and an LED indicator will turn from red to blue when charging is complete.

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 bone conduction headphones, £169

With up to 12 hours of playback on a single charge, these headphones are more than capable of lasting through long workouts, commutes, or even all-day wear.

For those of us who inevitably forget to charge our devices, the quick-charge feature is a lifesaver.

Just five minutes of charging provides up to 2.5 hours of playback – just enough for a cheeky half-marathon or a run to the gym and a strength and conditioning workout.

Over the course of testing, the battery consistently delivered on its promises, and I never had to worry about running out of juice mid-run.

Shokz OpenRun Pro 2: The Verdict

For those who like to listen to crisp, clear audio without being cut off from their surroundings, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are a game changer.

The addition of air conduction tech means your music sounds louder and punchier, which is a big win if you’re someone who needs that extra motivation to push through a tough workout.

Sure, they’re not going to blow you away like a pair of premium in-ear or over-ear headphones, but that’s not what these are about.

They’re about keeping you safe, letting you hear cars, bikes, or people coming up behind you, all while delivering decent sound quality that’s good enough to keep you moving.

The fit is more comfortable, especially for longer runs or workouts, and the battery life is spot on – 10 hours is more than enough for a day’s worth of activity, and the quick-charge is perfect for those last-minute sessions.

If you’re considering buying (or upgrading) bone conduction headphones, then the Shhokz OpenRun Pro 2 are well worth the price.

Running headphones FAQs

What are bone conduction headphones?

Bone conduction headphones allow you to listen to music or take calls without blocking your ears.

Unlike traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones, they work by transmitting sound through vibrations on your cheekbones, bypassing your eardrum entirely.

This unique technology makes them ideal for people who want to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to music, podcasts, or calls.

Whether you’re running, cycling, or hiking, bone conduction headphones keep your ears open, enabling you to hear traffic, pedestrians, or other potential hazards.

They’ve become increasingly popular among athletes and outdoor enthusiasts due to their lightweight design and ability to deliver sound without compromising safety.

Are bone conduction headphones safe?

Yes, bone conduction headphones are considered safe for most users, especially those who use them during outdoor activities like running or cycling.

Unlike traditional headphones, they don’t block your ears, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying your favourite tunes.

This open-ear design reduces the risk of accidents, as you can hear approaching cars, cyclists, or pedestrians.

Additionally, because they bypass the eardrum, they may be less likely to cause long-term hearing damage compared to in-ear models that deliver sound directly into the ear canal.

For people with sensitive hearing or those who experience discomfort with traditional headphones, bone conduction technology is a safer and more comfortable alternative.

Who are bone conduction headphones best suited for?

Bone conduction headphones are perfect for people who lead active lifestyles or need to stay aware of their surroundings while listening to music.

This includes runners, cyclists, hikers, or anyone who exercises outdoors.

The open-ear design ensures you can hear ambient sounds, such as traffic or conversations, which is crucial for staying safe in busy environments.

They’re also a great option for swimmers, as some models are waterproof and designed for underwater use.

However, it’s worth noting that bone conduction headphones for swimming cannot use Bluetooth connections, so you’ll need to load your tracks directly onto the headphones as mp4 files before you dive in.

People with certain types of hearing loss may also benefit from bone conduction technology, as it bypasses the eardrum and delivers sound directly to the inner ear.

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