Shokz OpenRun Air 2 Headphones Can Last For Hours On A Single Charge

Open-ear, bone-conduction headphones like Shokz OpenRun Air 2 help runners stay alert while exercising outdoors. Shokz recently upgraded the OpenRun with a stronger bone-conduction driver for a better sound quality and improved the built-in microphone, so runners can take calls in windy conditions.I tested these headphones for a month as I geared up for a half marathon. They are comfortable and secure. I wore them through my daily miles, speed sessions, and even the few times I got caught in the rain. The open-ear, bone-conduction design allows me to hear those around me (as long as they speak up) and that makes me feel safe. They’re also convenient to wear when I’m not running and super easy to use, so I end up wearing them all day long.ProsCharges quicklyLong battery lifeEasy to carryWater resistantEasy to cleanConsNeckband is not adjustableHard to wear with long hairFit and Comfort One of the first things I noticed about these Shokz headphones is the silky smooth silicone finish that feels soft against my cheeks. The ear hooks were the next thing. They fit snugly and the headphones don’t fall off when I bend down. I can wear them for long periods of time, even with my glasses on, before fatigue sets in. When I take them off, they sit comfortably on my neck so I don’t lose them.Winston ZhouThe ear hooks rest comfortably against your cheeks without irritating your skin.At first, I found the non-adjustable headband hard to manage with my long hair, but it got better once I realized it was easier to slide the band behind my neck, instead of over my head. Senior Gear Editor Cat Bowen said the neckband bounced as she ran, but otherwise they don’t rub in an unusual way.The Balance Between Sound and AwarenessI like to wear the Air 2 while running on busy trails because I can hear others around me. But that doesn’t mean you should let down your guard while wearing these (or any other bone-conduction headphones). They’re meant to increase your awareness, but they won’t make you fully aware—especially if you have the volume on full blast—and you should always follow the rules of the road (run facing car traffic, look both ways before crossing the street, follow traffic signals).Winston ZhouThe open-ear design makes it easier to stay alert on the run.The biggest issue I noticed with these headphones is volume. I found it hard to hear my music in noisy environments, like running past a lawnmower or a large crowd during a race. But Shokz has an app that lets you customize and improve the sound for situations like these. I tried the volume boost equalizer mode while running past a train and it made a significant difference. But if you want something with stronger speakers, consider the OpenRun Pro 2, one of the brand’s higher-end models.Battery Life and ChargingWhen it comes to battery life, Shokz headphones truly shine, and that’s what I like about them as a mom and a runner whose phone battery is always low.Winston ZhouThese headphones are IP67 water-resistant, so you can wear them in the rain.With the OpenRun Air 2, Shokz promises 2 hours of continuous playback on just a five-minute charge and that comes in handy for me on days when I forget to charge them. I also got a full charge to last more than 11 days of occasional use (including three short runs). It was amazing.The VerdictBased on my own experience, I know these headphones will get the job done for two-hour long runs, half marathons, and everything in between. You can listen to your favorite playlist with them on a run, and still have enough juice to do errands and tune into your favorite podcast. So if you’re a runner who prioritizes safety and battery life over immersive sound, these are good contenders.Monique LeBrun is a health and fitness editor who is based in Easton, Pennsylvania. She covers a wide range of health and wellness topics, with a primary focus on running performance and nutrition. Monique is passionate about creating content that empowers runners to become the best versions of themselves. As an avid runner and parent, she loves spending time outdoors with her daughter, who often accompanies her on weekend runs as her personal mini run coach.