Shokz launches OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air open earbuds

Shokz is betting that more listeners want earbuds that do not seal off the world. The company’s new OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air keep the clip-on, open-ear format aimed at commuters, runners, office users, and anyone listening in shared spaces, where situational awareness matters as much as sound quality.

OpenDots 2 is the flagship. Each earbud weighs 6.4 grams and uses Bassphere 2.0 with dual 11.8mm drivers. Shokz says a redesigned diaphragm cuts distortion by 70 percent, while an upgraded Dolby Audio setup and a three-mic system, including a dedicated bone-conduction microphone, are meant to improve call clarity. The model also brings up to 40 hours of total battery life with the charging case, Qi-certified wireless charging, wear detection, interchangeable left and right earbuds, and force-sensor controls. Shokz has priced OpenDots 2 at $199.95, and REI is listing it at the same price, signaling that the new model is already landing through broad retail channels.

OpenDots Air trims the formula down for buyers who want a lighter and more style-forward option. It weighs 6.3 grams per earbud, uses custom 11.8mm dual drivers with Bassphere technology, and offers preset EQ modes labeled Standard, Vocal, Bass, and Private. Battery life reaches up to 9 hours on a single charge and 36 hours with the case, while a 10-minute charge is good for up to 2 hours of listening. Unlike OpenDots 2, OpenDots Air is not compatible with wireless chargers. It comes in Daybreak Purple and Black, and it uses tap and pinch controls rather than the force-sensor system on the higher-end model.

Both earbuds reflect the same core pitch: keep ears open without giving up too much sound performance. Shokz says each model has interchangeable left and right earbuds, Dynamic Ear Detection, and automatic pause and resume. That makes the lineup especially practical for people moving between the street, the gym, and desk work, where pulling an earbud out and reinserting it can be more trouble than it is worth.

The release also shows how quickly Shokz has pushed the category forward since the original OpenDots ONE arrived in 2025 at 6.5 grams per earbud. That model was framed as the company’s smallest and lightest open earbuds at the time, with a U-shaped clip-on design, Bassphere technology, Dolby Audio, and a focus on keeping users aware of their surroundings. With OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air, Shokz is refining that same idea into two clearer choices: one built for features and battery life, the other for lighter everyday wear.