Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Review – Liberation

Comparisons –

Shokz OpenRun Pro ($130): The OpenRun Pro offers a very similar overall experience to the 2nd generation model, that is, until it comes to sound quality. The fit and finish are all nigh identical and the comfort is similarly inspiring. The Pro 1 has a proprietary magnetic charging cable while the Pro 2 uses type-C. The Pro 2 has identical controls but larger buttons that are easier to find and press. When it comes to listening, it’s a night and day difference. The Pro delivers a clear midrange and some bass impact but overall a hollow, echoey and mid-focused sound. The Pro 2 offers real bass that is audible and punchy. Meanwhile, the midrange is fuller and more fleshed out.

Note, more bass does not equal a boomy sound, arguably the Pro 2 is far more balanced as a result of this. Not only do bassy songs sound better, voices also sound more true to life as bass tones do contribute to their reproduction. The bone conduction drivers vibrate less which will be to the liking of some. Some listeners have expressed to me that they prefer the pure BCD setup on the Pro 1 as despite offering vastly lower sound quality, they have slightly better listenability in the presence of high wind noise. However, the Pro 2 is undoubtedly superior in terms of pure audio reproduction and still sufficed for me even during my quicker paced rides.

Huawei Freebuds 5 ($150): The Freebuds 5 are an airpod-style TWS earbud. They are non-sealing but do sit within the ear canal. I find them comfortable and equally low profile, suitable for sleeping due to the lack of neckband. At the same time, the fit isn’t nearly as stable which makes active use risky and spatial awareness isn’t quite as perfect as on the truly open ear OpenRun Pro 2. The Freebuds in return offer ANC which does work albeit no where near as potently as a sealing in-ear model. The Freebuds offer a bit more flexibility in this regard and have less sound leakage, they are also a much better headset with better mic quality and volume for the caller.

Sonically, the Freebuds 5 are more engaging and offer higher fidelity. The bass is deeper reaching with more power, texture and presence. The midrange is well voiced, clear but slightly more laid-back. Highs are more extended and detailed on the Freebuds 5, delivering greater air and fine detail alongside a more nuanced soundstage. The OpenRun Pro 2 is spacious and delivers around 70% of the sound quality with over double the battery life, a considerably more stable fit and truly perfect spatial awareness. It has a slightly more balanced sound profile if slightly less range and detail than the Freebuds 5 that sit within the ear canal.

Beats Fit Pro ($199): The Beats Fit Pro represent a similar comparison to the Freebuds 5 albeit with a sealed in-ear design that further exacerbates the pros and cons between the form factors. The Fit Pro has the advantage of passive isolation + potent ANC delivering far more ability to block external noise. The aware mode functions decently, but you will miss conversations and it is difficult to pinpoint the direction a sound is coming from i.e.. approaching vehicles when cycling. They are also susceptible to wind noise, especially in aware mode making it far less useful when traveling at speed. Batterylife is twice as long on the OpenRun Pro 2 and call quality is about the same on both albeit louder for the caller on the Beats earphones.

The fit however, is exceptionally stable due to the compact chassis and stabilizer fin, they don’t budge when running or cycling and footstep noise is reduced albeit some wearing pressure is apparent. This comes at the expense of pressure on the ear which can tire after 1-2hrs of wear. Sonically, they are more V-shaped with stronger bass and highs with smaller, more recessed mids. They lack the open soundstage of the OpenRun Pro 2 but deliver a sizable sub-bass wallop in return alongside a clearer, more detailed treble. Once again, the OpenRun Pro 2 is more balanced and delivers less range. The main advantage is the perfect spatial awareness and lack of wearing pressure contributing to far superior all-day comfort.

Verdict –

Shokz has implemented a novel way of achieving full-range audio in a unique form factor. While sound quality still pales compared to an enthusiast in-ear or over-ear model, it no longer leaves you wanting to the extent that you reach for one once you finish your activities. Indeed, the OpenRun Pro 2’s sound quality is always “good enough” as there’s enough bass for all genres of music and true full-range sound for movies and games too. This makes them a far more appealing buy than the previous model which excelled for sports but lacked fidelity for other uses. All of this is delivered within the same active form factor. And that form is really what the OpenRun Pro 2 is all about. The open-ear chassis disappears during wear, offers excellent stability and low wind noise. Batterylife is exceptional and the controls are intuitive and reliable. While there is some sound leakage, the OpenRun 2 is an evolutionary change over its predecessor and offers best-in-class sound quality both in quiet and loud environments.

The OpenRun Pro 2 is available for $319 AUD. You can read all about it and treat yourself to a unit on Shokz. I am not affiliated with Shokz and receive no earnings from purchases made through this link.