These race-friendly running headphones receive an audio boost over the OG OpenRun Pro.
Shokz are a popular choice for a lot of runners. While they might not muster audiophile-grade sound, they aim to strike a balance between doing justice to your running playlists while keeping you aware of what’s going on around you. The OpenRun Pro 2 sits in the premium category of Shokz’ headphone collection. It promises to give you the best sound from a design that should be suitable for everything from intervals to longer runs. So out on the tarmac and the trails, are these Shokz up there with the best running headphones?
Men’s Fitness verdict
Shokz ups the power and bass and makes the OpenPro 2 easier to charge. However, the sound sometimes isn’t as clear and crisp as that of its rivals.- Distinct pick up in power and bass on OpenRun Pro
- Design is secure and comfortable for long runs
- Uses more universal USB-C charging
- They don’t sound as clear as other Shokz headphones
- Louder volumes drains battery quicker
- Other Shokz headphones have stronger waterproofing
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Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 design
Shokz brings two open-ear audio technologies together to offer a boost in sound over the original OpenRun Pro. A better battery aims to make the new OpenRun Pro 2 go longer when you go longer too. Shokz doesn’t make sweeping changes compared to the Pro, though – and in fairness it didn’t need to. They’re not as discreet to wear as something like the Jabra Elite 8 Active, but they do tick the key boxes regarding what most people want from a pair of running headphones. They’ve stayed put and don’t jump around, even on faster runs; they didn’t feel heavy to wear on longer, hour-plus runs; and they have a great set of controls to adjust the volume or skip a track on the fly.
Like the OpenRun Pro, you can grab them in either standard or mini sizes depending on how much you want them to hug around your head, and they offer the same IP55 sweatproof design. That means they’re well equipped to handle splashes of water, whether that’s from beads of sweat or a light rain shower.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 sound quality
If you like the idea of running headphones that prioritize power and bass but still keeps you in tune with your surroundings and don’t entirely block out traffic, you’ll like the OpenRun Pro 2. It’s not giving you exceptionally detailed, clear or sparkling sound, but the combination of Shokz’ 10th generation bone conduction technology and air conduction from its OpenFit range still produces a very enjoyable sound that didn’t falter handling my drum and bass-heavy playlists during faster runs or the more relaxed sounds of a podcast on easy and recovery run days.
There’s also more room to tinker with the sound compared to the OpenRun Pro when you pair the OpenRun Pro 2 to the Shokz companion smartphone app. There you’ll find EQ modes to boost the treble or kick things up a notch in the bass department for more up-tempo running playlists. If you’re not satisfied by the prebuilt EQ modes, you can also make your own.
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 battery life
Shokz says the OpenRun Pro 2 can muster 12 hours of battery life, so they should have plenty in the locker to make it through a good few marathons. Getting that impressively long battery life does depend on how loud you like to listen to your sounds, though. Go near to the maximum volume and battery life is actually going to be closer to 10 hours. Fortunately, you do have a handy fast-charge mode that’s quicker than the fast charge mode on the OpenRun Pro and gets you 2.5 hours of listening time from just 5 minutes of charging. Plus, it now uses the kind of USB-C charging cable most phones use, making it a lot easier than before to power up.
How we test running headphones
Mike Sawh is an experienced runner and product tester. He tested these running headphones over a range of distances and terrains. He based his overall score for each set of headphones primarily on sound quality, but also on fit and running suitability, weight, versatility and value.
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