We've just launched two brand-new additions to our lineup of open-ear clip-on earbuds: the OpenDots 2and the OpenDots Air. These new Shokz headphones use our open-ear clip-on design, which means they attach to the outer part of your ear instead of going into the ear canal.
In this article, we cover everything you need to know about both earphones in detail to help you determine whether or not you need an upgrade.
Shokz OpenDots 2: Features and Highlights
The OpenDots 2 is our flagship model. It offers premium audio technology, a triple-mic system for calls, wireless charging, and one of the best battery-life setups in the clip-on category.
Premium Open-Ear Sound
The OpenDots 2 is powered by our Bassphere 2.0 technology, which uses a highly integrated spherical acoustic design to get the most out of a compact form. It uses a dual-driver system with two 11.8mm drivers that match the output of a 16mm round driver. We redesigned the diaphragm cuts to reduce distortion by 70%, so the sound is cleaner and louder than the previous generation of Shokz open-ear headphones.
There are three other audio technologies that also contribute to the premium sound experience:
- The Dolby Audio: This gives a richer bass, clearer vocals, and a more open soundstage.
- MirrorPitch: This angles the sound outlet to reflect audio into your ear for better bass and volume.
- DirectPitch: This directs sound toward your ear to reduce leakage and keep your audio more private.
Designed for Comfort and Stability
The OpenDots 2 weighs just 6.4g per earbud. It can be worn for hours without becoming a distraction. And since it’s an open-ear clip-on earbud, it attaches to the outer ear and doesn't go into the ear canal at all, so there's no pressure build-up over time.
The flexible JointArc structure is made from a nickel-titanium plate that adapts to different ear shapes naturally. The earbuds are also interchangeable, so you don’t have to figure out which goes left or right when putting them on.
Upgraded Call Quality
The OpenDots 2 uses three microphones for calls: two air-conduction microphones with a dedicated bone-conduction microphone. The bone-conduction mic picks up vocal vibrations directly, while the air-conduction mics help capture your voice in the surrounding space.
It also offers AI-powered noise reduction that works across all three to filter out background noise so that the person on the other end hears you clearly. This setup makes the OpenDots 2 one of the best earbuds for work calls and video meetings on the move.
Battery Life and Charging
The OpenDots 2 gives you up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge, and up to 40 hours in total with the charging case. The case supports Qi-certified wireless charging, so you can top it up on any compatible pad. If you're in a hurry, you can use the five-minute fast charge to top up enough energy for two hours of listening.
Shokz OpenDots Air: Features and Highlights
The OpenDots Air is the more accessible option. It offers the same signature open-ear comfort and solid sound quality, but at a lower price point and with a lighter feature set.
Lightweight Design for Everyday Use
The OpenDots Air is the more style-forward of the two. It comes in two finishes, Daybreak Purple and Obsidian Black, and has a clean, compact profile that blends into your look.
While slightly lighter than the OpenDots 2 (6.3g per earbud), it uses the same JointArc flexible structure. It adapts to different ear shapes for a stable, comfortable hold. It’s the kind of headphone you put on in the morning and stop noticing after a few minutes.
Sound Quality and Audio Features
The OpenDots Airr produces audio that exceeds what you'd expect from its size. It uses our open-ear audio technology, featuring dual 11.8mm drivers paired with our Bassphere technology. Vocals are clear, and the sound stays balanced across the frequency range.
Like the OpenDots 2, it comes with preset EQ modes, including Standard, Vocal, Bass, and Private, and you can also create up to two custom EQ profiles in the Shokz App. It has the DirectPitch Technology too.
Everyday Convenience Features
The OpenDots Air has several features that make it easy to live day to day:
- Dynamic Ear Detection: This means the earphones detect when you're wearing them and pause playback automatically when you take them off.
- Touch and pinch controls: This feature lets you manage your music and calls without reaching for your phone. Tap twice to play or pause, and use the pinch function to skip tracks or adjust volume.
- AI-enhanced call quality: It uses two microphones and adaptive noise reduction to keep your voice clear on calls, even in noisy surroundings.
- Multipoint pairing: This lets you stay connected to two devices at once and switch between them through the Shokz App.
Battery Performance
The OpenDots Air gives you up to 9 hours of listening on a single charge, with a total of up to 36 hours with the charging case. It also supports quick charging: 10 minutes in the case adds around two hours of playback.
It's worth noting that, unlike the OpenDots 2, the OpenDots Air does not support wireless charging, so you'll be plugging in to top up the case.
Durability and Connectivity
The earbuds carry an IP55 rating, so they handle sweat and splashes well during workouts or in rainy environments. It uses Bluetooth 6.1, which can keep up a connection for up to 10 metres. It supports Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair, so you can connect to a new Android phone or Windows computer in just a couple of seconds.
OpenDots 2 vs OpenDots Air: What's the Difference?
|
Feature |
OpenDots 2 |
OpenDots Air |
|---|---|---|
|
Audio Technology |
Bassphere 2.0, Dolby Audio, MirrorPitch, DirectPitch |
Bassphere, DirectPitch |
|
Battery Life |
Up to 10h / 40h with case |
Up to 9h / 36h with case |
|
Call Microphone |
Triple-mic (bone + 2x air-conduction) |
Dual-mic (AI noise reduction) |
|
Wireless Charging |
Yes (Qi-certified) |
No |
|
Water Resistance |
IP57 |
IP55 |
|
Price |
£179 |
£129 |
Who Should Buy OpenDots 2?
The OpenDots 2 is the right pick if you want the best sound experience our clip-on range has to offer, and won't compromise on features. The audio quality is top-notch for both music and calls, thanks to the combination of Dolby Audio support, Bassphere 2.0 technology, and the triple-mic setup.
It is also an excellent option for people who wear their earbuds a lot and want something that keeps up with a full, active day. If you need earbuds that perform well in sports or work, the OpenDots 2 covers all of that.
Who Should Buy OpenDots Air?
The OpenDots Air at £129 is the better option if you want open-ear clip-on earbuds without paying for features you may not use every day. The sound quality is strong for its class, the battery life is more than enough for most people, and the lightweight design makes it ideal for all-day wear.
It's a great choice for commuters, students, or anyone picking up their first pair of clip-on earbuds. If you're stepping up from standard in-ear buds and want to try the open-ear format, the OpenDots Air is a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the new Shokz headphones for 2026?
Our two newest releases are the OpenDots 2 and the OpenDots Air, both launched in June 2026. They are two of the best Shokz clip-on earbuds built on an open-ear clip-on design. The OpenDots 2 is our flagship model, and the OpenDots Air is the standard option at a more accessible price.
What's the difference between OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air?
The main differences are in audio technology, mic quality, and charging. The OpenDots 2 has Bassphere 2.0 with Dolby Audio support and a triple-mic system with a bone-conduction microphone, while the OpenDots Air uses Bassphere with a dual-mic setup. The OpenDots 2 also supports wireless charging and carries a higher IP57 water resistance rating compared to the IP55 on the OpenDots Air.
Can you exercise with OpenDots Air?
The OpenDots Air is well-suited for exercise. It uses a JointArc flexible structure that holds the earbuds securely during movement, and has an IP55 water resistance rating, which assures that sweat and light splashes won't cause any problems. The open-ear design also keeps you aware of your surroundings during outdoor sports, especially for runners or cyclers who need that extra safety.
Do OpenDots headphones use bone conduction?
The OpenDots series uses our open-ear audio technology rather than traditional bone conduction. They use air-conduction drivers to send sound to your ears. The OpenDots 2 does include a bone-conduction microphone as part of its triple-mic call system, but the audio playback itself works through open-ear sound rather than bone conduction.
