Shokz upgraded its open earbuds with better sound and a lighter design | The Verge
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Shokz upgraded its open earbuds with better sound and a lighter design
The Open Dots 2 add a bone conduction microphone while the Open Dots Air are a cheaper, entry-level alternative.
The Open Dots 2 add a bone conduction microphone while the Open Dots Air are a cheaper, entry-level alternative.
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The Open Dots 2 are designed to be more comfortable than traditional wireless earbuds that sit inside the ear.
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Shokz has announced two new versions of its open earbuds. Like the original Open Dots One that launched in May 2025, the new Shokz Open Dots 2 and Open Dots Air are both designed to be worn clipped to the back of your ear with their drivers positioned to project sound toward your ear canals without blocking them. It’s a design that potentially offers more comfort and environmental awareness than traditional wireless earbuds, while the two new versions cater to specific needs.
The Open Dots Air are an entry-level version available in black or daybreak purple color options for
The Open Dots Air are available in black and daybreak purple color options.
Battery life is estimated to be up to nine hours of playback that can be extended to up to 36 hours with their charging case. There’s no ANC, but AI algorithms are used to help reduce background noises during calls. The Open Dots Air also feature dynamic ear detection so you can wear them on either side without having to determine which earbud goes on the left or right. They’ll figure that out on their own.
The Open Dots Air are also the lighter of the two new models at 6.3 grams per earbud, but at 6.4 grams per bud the $199.95 Open Dots 2 aren’t much heavier and offer more functionality. Available in pearl white, gray, and black color options, the Open Dots 2 feature the same dual-driver system as the Air but with support for Dolby Audio. To further improve how you sound on calls, an additional bone-conduction microphone has been added to help isolate your voice from background noises that could make it hard for others to hear you.
The Open Dots 2 are available in gray, pearl white, and black color options.
Battery life for the Open Dots 2 is 10 hours on their own or 40 with their charging case that can be topped off with a Qi wireless charger. Both of Shokz’ new offerings use Bluetooth 6.1, can connect to two devices simultaneously for easy switching (such as between your phone and laptop), and can be located using the Shokz mobile app, but only if you’re within Bluetooth range. The Open Dots 2 improve their chances of being found with support for Google’s Find Hub app, which will reveal their last known location even if you’re nowhere near them.
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