Shokz OpenDots 2 Earbuds Promise Better Bass and Volume

Shokz is expanding its open-ear earbud lineup with two new models: the flagship OpenDots 2 and the more budget-friendly OpenDots Air. Both promise better volume and bass compared to the original OpenDots One, which launched in May 2025.

What Are Open-Ear Earbuds?

Unlike regular earbuds that fit inside your ear canal, open-ear earbuds sit outside your ear entirely. Shokz’s OpenDots design clips to the back of your ear and uses small speakers to project sound toward your ear canal without blocking it. Think of it as a tiny speaker attached to your ear instead of a plug shoved in it. This way, you can still hear traffic, conversations, and other sounds around you while enjoying music or taking calls.

This design has gained popularity among runners, cyclists, and commuters who want to enjoy audio without losing situational awareness. Shokz built its name on bone conduction headphones, which send sound vibrations through your cheekbones rather than through the air in your ear canal. However, the OpenDots line takes a different approach by using air conduction.

What’s New with OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air?

Shokz claims the OpenDots 2 is the flagship model, designed specifically to deliver more volume and deeper bass compared to the first-generation OpenDots One. The open-ear format has had a tough time with bass response. Without a sealed ear canal to channel low frequencies, the sound can feel weak. Shokz seems to be tackling that issue head-on with this upgrade.

The OpenDots Air is marketed as a lighter and more affordable option, aimed at users who prioritize comfort during long listening sessions over top-notch audio performance.

Both models keep the clip-on design of the original, attaching to the back of the ear with drivers angled toward the ear canal. This setup ensures that your ears stay unobstructed, which is the main goal of this product category.

What This Means for Users

If you’ve been interested in open-ear earbuds but hesitated because they seemed too quiet or lacking in quality, the OpenDots 2 is Shokz’s answer to that concern. More volume and better bass make listening to music more enjoyable. Plus, it helps you hear a podcast over street noise without cranking the volume to damaging levels.

For those who exercise, commute, or simply dislike the sensation of earbuds in their ears, open-ear designs have become a popular alternative. The clip-on format also means you won’t have to deal with in-ear seals that wear out over time, which can be uncomfortable after hours of use.

The OpenDots Air’s lighter design is a big plus for anyone who’s felt ear fatigue from heavier earbuds during long runs or all-day use. Even a few grams can make a noticeable difference when something’s clipped to your ear for hours.

Community Feedback

“The original OpenDots One were a step in the right direction, but the bass was basically nonexistent. If they actually fixed that, I might finally switch from my Aeropex.”

— u/RunningGearNerd, Reddit

“I’ve been waiting for a lighter version. The clip on the One was fine, but after a two-hour run, it starts to bother me. OpenDots Air looks promising.”

— YouTube commenter on Shokz review video

Sources

• The Verge: Shokz upgraded its open earbuds with better sound and a lighter design
• Engadget: Shokz says its clip-on OpenDots 2 earbuds focus on improved volume and bass

What To Watch

• Pricing and availability: Shokz hasn’t confirmed retail prices or an on-sale date for the OpenDots 2 or OpenDots Air yet. Look out for an official announcement, likely aligned with a major retail window.
• Independent sound tests: Audio reviewers will scrutinize the bass and volume claims once review units ship. Real-world comparisons against the OpenDots One will show how much improvement there really is.
• Competition from Sony, Bose, and others: Open-ear audio is a rapidly evolving category. Sony and Bose have products competing here, and how the OpenDots 2 fares in sound quality at its price point will be crucial for Shokz.