Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

I was out running tonight in the evening sun with my favourite playlist, and it was beautiful, but it would have been significantly less enjoyable if all I could hear was my own wheezing. The downside was an ungraceful launch (not that my running is ever graceful) into a hedge to avoid a speeding car down a country lane. That’s why the OpenRun Pro 2 from Shokz are a brilliant tool to let you enjoy your tunes but always remain fully aware of your surroundings. These are bone conduction headphones, and while the tech isn’t brand new, Shokz has really refined it here and the Pro 2s are probably the best it’s ever sounded.

Unlike traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones, the OpenRun Pro 2 sits just in front of your ears and uses vibrations to deliver sound through your cheekbones. Sounds a bit sci-fi, but it actually works—and crucially, it leaves your ears completely open to hear what’s going on around you. For outdoor workouts, dog walks, or even just feeling safer when you’re out and about, that’s a big win.

In terms of technical specs, the OpenRun Pro 2 features Shokz’s latest bone conduction technology with Shokz DualPitch, which basically means you get stronger bass and clearer audio than previous models. It’s a real step up. Music sounds fuller, and even podcasts come through crisp and detailed.

Battery life is also solid, with up to 12 hours of playtime on a single charge and a quick charge feature that gives you 2.5 hours of use from just a 5-minute top-up. Perfect if you forget to charge before a workout (guilty!).

They’re IP55 water-resistant, so sweat and light rain aren’t an issue, and they’re surprisingly comfy—even over long sessions. The fit is snug but not tight, and they stay in place well, even during runs or high-intensity workouts. There are two band sizes to choose from, the Standard and the Mini. There are also two-colour choices, black and orange with the Kipchonge Co-Branded Edition available in Standard only.

There’s Bluetooth 5.3 for a stable connection, dual noise-cancelling mics for clearer calls, and the controls are simple and responsive. There are tactile buttons on the frame, but they may need to take a couple of goes to become familiar.

If you’re after big, booming sound or total noise isolation, these probably aren’t for you, but that’s not the aim of Shokz. But if you value awareness, comfort, and a lightweight design, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 delivers impressive audio in a unique, smart package. RRP £169

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