Review: OpenFit Air 2

The Shokz product lineup is starting to become a bit crowded. We experienced the same phenomenon with Soundcore after a while, where the number of models grew and became difficult to keep track of. The differences between the various models weren’t particularly clear, and the feeling that Soundcore was simply chasing shelf space began to take over. We are at that point now with Shokz, and some models released this year are largely just updates of their predecessors. One example is the Shokz OpenDots 2, where the design doesn’t reveal which generation you’re looking at at all, even though certain new features are naturally included. (The review of the OpenDots 2 will be coming soon here on senses.se).

However, it seems to be a deliberate move since the price difference, at least on Shokz’s own website, is small and in line with the changes. Shokz also follows a logic that is easy to track, as they have a number of series where the Shokz OpenFit Air 2, today’s test candidate, is the second model in their somewhat more basic Air series.

What is Shokz’s Air series?

The main characteristics of the Air series are generally lower battery capacity, no support for wireless charging (something that actually first arrived with the OpenFit 2+), and slightly scaled-back sound, but in return, they are lighter. This last part is a fairly important factor, as comfort becomes noticeably higher with just a few grams’ difference on our delicate ears. Even the Shokz OpenRun and Dots series have an Air variant sold at a lower price.

Shokz OpenFit Air 2 – First Impressions

What first strikes us is that Shokz has slightly changed the shape with the Air 2. The previous design has been replaced by a slightly more curved version that sits further into the ear. It became apparent quite early that, perhaps due to this design, they are somewhat more sensitive to placement in the ear. They must sit correctly to avoid an imbalance in the sound. This is a disadvantage since the ear hooks are not adjustable (despite Shokz writing that they adapt), so the earbud ends up where it ends up. Even if you nudge it into place, it slides back. It’s not much, but during our tests, our attention is naturally total to detect every possible detail. And we cannot ignore this small detail.

However, the low weight of 7.2 g per earbud, supported by the narrow hook, makes for high comfort. They can be worn for long periods without feeling the least bit heavy. The Shokz OpenFit Pro, Shokz’s most advanced earbud, weighs a full 12.3 g per earbud in comparison, which was also its only drawback. The Air 2 also feels thin in width, meaning they aren’t bothersome if you rest your head against a pillow. The case also follows the simple design, and you get exactly what you expect.

Features and Technology

One strength Shokz has always had is that the earbud settings are flexible. 1 to 3 taps, as well as 1+long-press, make it easy to transfer the configuration you’re used to so that muscle memory does its job. With the Air 2, touch controls have been replaced with physical buttons, which is naturally a matter of taste, but they become less sensitive to accidental presses. Sound-wise, there are some improvements compared to the OpenFit Air ONE such as OpenBas 2.0 (same as in the OpenFit Pro) and Bassphere.

The Air 2 features Bluetooth version 6.1 instead of 5.2, providing seamless connectivity via Google Fast Pair™ and Microsoft Swift Pair. The connection supports a range of about 10 meters, though this depends on your phone or the transmitter’s capacity. With the Xiaomi 17 Ultra, the connection reaches approximately double that distance under fairly favorable conditions.

Battery capacity has increased by two hours, with a total of 8 hours achievable on a single charge (from 28 to 36 hours with the case). But honestly, battery capacity has never really been an issue with Shokz. Quick charging and the fact that you rarely listen for eight hours straight mean it’s rare to hear the reminder to charge.

Finally, on the technical side, standby time has increased radically. In the case, the Air 2 lasts a full 180 days compared to the Air, which only managed 30 days. Furthermore, the earbuds themselves manage 36 hours of standby outside the case. However, the Air 2 does not have wear detection, which both the Shokz OpenDots One and OpenFit Pro have, which to some extent makes standby a bit less interesting. But it should still be noted that Shokz has succeeded very well with its earbuds and their ability to wake up as soon as you put them on your ears.

The Soundscape – Shokz OpenFit Air 2

As with most in the OpenFit series—with the exception of the OpenFit Pro which has noise cancellation—the inherent limitation is that they are completely open, and they perform just okay on a bicycle. On the running track, however, you get a really good feel and sound with the Air 2. Fundamentally, these aren’t a pair of headphones intended to cover all registers perfectly or satisfy the most discerning listener. But as long as you keep that in mind, you certainly won’t be disappointed. Because after all, it is surprisingly good sound for both the price and the construction.

They are perfect for audiobooks and radio, but our favorite is still cruising around with some moderately challenging piano music. It takes the edge off dull environments (and contexts), while you can hear everything at the same time, and with a reasonable volume, you aren’t disturbed. They are all-rounders, except for a certain weakness in genres like EDM or D&B; bass is not their strength. However, they handle width, detail, dynamics, and trebles with excellence.

The final piece is also its excellent ability to function as a headset, as we have never, in fact with any Shokz earbuds, experienced our counterpart having trouble hearing us. And we typically always make test calls to each other at the editorial office to ensure the other party is listening with the right ears.

The Bottom Line – Shokz OpenFit Air 2

The price is around 1,600 SEK, while the predecessor varies a bit in price and currently sits around a thousand. On Shokz’s website, the Air 2 is only 10 dollars more expensive than the Air ONE, reflecting their ambition to release an updated version rather than a sequel with many new features. The two parts we feel are missing are wireless charging and an on-ear sensor, but as we’ve established, that’s part of the more affordable package. We like the choice of having a physical button, and the low weight provides good comfort.

The part we actually don’t think measures up is the fit, which causes the soundstage to become uneven. It’s irritating and something you continuously try to fix. But otherwise, we don’t have much to complain about. Shokz OpenFit Air 2 is an excellent alternative in the fully open headphone genre and is perfect for those who don’t feel the need for the features that were omitted in this somewhat cheaper line.

Finally, we must point out that the OpenFit 2+ currently costs around 1,800 SEK. Even though you get an older Bluetooth version and some other parts that are inferior on paper, you get wireless charging, better battery capacity, and dual diaphragms (handling high and low frequencies separately), which has a major impact on the sound. However, if features like Google Fast Pair™ and Microsoft Swift Pair are important, the OpenFit Air 2 is a better choice.

Shokz sent review units for this test. Senders of material have no editorial influence on our tests; we always write independently with you, the readers and consumers, in focus.