SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 Review: The Best Bone Conduction Headphones for Sports and Everyday Use?

Bone conduction headphones have always been a niche choice, but SHOKZ (formerly AfterShokz) has built a strong reputation among athletes, cyclists, and runners who want great sound without losing awareness of their surroundings. The new SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 promises deeper bass, crystal-clear calls, and all-day comfort.

I’ve tested these headphones in daily life — from running and cycling to commuting in the subway — to see if they live up to the hype. Here’s my full review.

Review of: Tonny Chung

We Like

Extremely comfortable, no pressure even after hours
Secure fit, won’t slip during workouts
Deep bass + clear vocals for bone conduction headphones
Excellent microphone performance with AI noise reduction
Sweat and rain resistant
Long-lasting battery with fast charging
Open-ear design keeps you aware of surroundings

We Don't Like

Higher price compared to traditional wireless earbuds

Summary

One of the aspects I particularly appreciate about the CUKTECH 20 power bank is its substantial battery capacity, which ensures that I can keep my devices charged for extended periods. Additionally, the fast charging capability is a significant plus, as it allows for quick and efficient charging of most electronic devices. The design of the power bank is also quite appealing, with a sleek and modern aesthetic that adds to its overall attractiveness. However, there is a trade-off to consider: the large battery capacity comes with increased weight, making the power bank heavier to carry around. This can be a drawback for those who prioritize portability and may need to consider this factor when choosing a power bank for on-the-go use.

Comfort & Fit: A Big Step Up from Older Models

Comfort is always the first thing I notice with bone conduction headphones. I wore the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 for two hours straight, and there was no pressure or discomfort at all. Compared to my older AfterShokz OpenMove, the difference is dramatic — no irritation, no tightness.

I also tested them on the treadmill, and they stayed perfectly in place without slipping. Even though I don’t wear glasses, I can confidently say the lightweight frame and memory wire won’t interfere with glasses or sunglasses.

✔ Verdict: Perfect for long workouts or extended listening sessions.

Audio Performance: Clearer Sound with Deeper Bass

The biggest upgrade from SHOKZ’s earlier models is the sound quality. Thanks to the dual-driver design (bone conduction + air conduction), the OpenRun Pro 2 delivers surprisingly deep bass while keeping vocals crisp and clear.

I tested them in the subway — one of the noisiest environments — and the listening experience was still satisfying. While bone conduction headphones won’t match in-ear earbuds for pure isolation, the OpenRun Pro 2 does a great job of balancing audio clarity with environmental awareness.

✔ Verdict: Rich sound, especially for bone conduction technology.

Awareness & Safety: Open-Ear Design That Works

The open-ear design is SHOKZ’s signature, and the OpenRun Pro 2 nails it. While walking and cycling, I could enjoy my playlist but still hear traffic, voices, and signal sounds around me. This makes them far safer for outdoor running and biking compared to traditional earbuds.

I also tested sound leakage. A colleague stood right next to me while I played music at a high volume. Unless they were literally face-to-face with me, they couldn’t hear anything.

✔ Verdict: Safe for outdoor use, almost no sound leakage.

Call Quality & Microphone: Surprisingly Good

This was one of my biggest concerns, but the OpenRun Pro 2 exceeded expectations. I made a call from inside a noisy subway station, and my friend couldn’t even tell I was in a loud environment. I also tested while riding my e-bike, and the other person still said my voice was clear.

That’s thanks to the dual wind-resistant microphones and AI noise reduction, which filter out background noise very effectively.

✔ Verdict: One of the best bone conduction headphones for calls.

Battery Life & Charging: Reliable for Long Workouts

SHOKZ claims up to 12 hours of playtime. In my test, I played music at maximum volume for two hours, and the battery dropped 20%. That suggests around 10 hours of battery life at high volume, which is very close to the official spec.

Charging is fast — it took me about one hour to go from 30% to 100%. That makes them ideal if you forget to charge before a workout.

✔ Verdict: Long-lasting and quick to recharge.

Durability & Sweat Resistance: Built for Sports

I wore the OpenRun Pro 2 for running sessions and even during light rain. They got wet but continued working without any issues. With an IP55 rating, they’re built to handle sweat and splashes with ease.

✔ Verdict: Reliable for all weather workouts.

Connectivity & App: Simple and Smart

Bluetooth pairing is effortless, and resetting the headphones is just as easy. They automatically reconnect to my phone each time I power them on.

The Shokz App adds useful EQ modes like Classic Mode and Volume Boost Mode, so you can adjust the audio depending on your environment.

✔ Verdict: Beginner-friendly with extra customization.

Conclusion

If you’re a runner, cyclist, or gym-goer who values comfort, safety, and call quality, the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 is one of the best open-ear, bone conduction headphones you can buy.

They’re more expensive than average workout headphones, but the combination of secure fit, sound quality, and safety features makes them worth it. For athletes and outdoor fitness lovers, these are a game-changer.

👉 Recommended for: runners, cyclists, outdoor athletes, and anyone who wants to stay aware while enjoying music.