Audio brand Shokz announced the OpenFit Air 2 open-ear wireless earbuds on Monday, cutting physical bulk to create its lightest earhook model to date. Priced at $130 (approximately Rs 10,800), the new model weighs 7.2 grams per bud, which is about 17 percent lighter than the first generation. The companion charging case also shrinks by more than 10 percent in size, addressing a common complaint about bulky cases in the open-ear audio segment. Sales open on Aug. 27.
Key Takeaways
- Shokz OpenFit Air 2 weighs 7.2 grams per earbud, making it the lightest earhook model from the company.
- The charging case size drops by over 10 percent compared to the original version.
- Audio hardware includes the Bassphere acoustic driver and OpenBass 2.0 algorithm for stronger low frequencies.
- The earbuds offer eight hours of playback per charge and up to 36 hours with the charging case.
- Global retail availability begins Aug. 27 at a retail price of $130.
Lighter Form Factor for Daily Comfort
Open-ear audio products avoid placing silicon tips inside the ear canal. This structure eliminates ear canal pressure, reduces sweat buildup during long workouts, and lets users hear vehicle traffic and ambient sounds. Earhook designs hold the driver near the ear opening using an outer silicone band.
By trimming the weight down to 7.2 grams per piece, Shokz brings earhook bulk closer to clip-on alternatives. For comparison, Nothing Ear Open weighs 8.1 grams per earbud. The smaller case also makes pocket storage easier for daily runners and commuters.
Sound Hardware and Connectivity
Open-ear headphones often lose low-end bass frequencies because they do not form an acoustic seal. To address this limitation, Shokz added its custom Bassphere audio driver paired with the OpenBass 2.0 processing algorithm. An angled internal speaker directs sound waves directly toward the ear canal to limit sound leakage.
The earbuds run on Bluetooth 6.1 and support multipoint pairing, allowing users to connect two devices simultaneously, such as a laptop and a smartphone. Through the companion smartphone app, users can choose between four preset equalizer profiles or create two custom sound modes.
Battery Life and Durability
The OpenFit Air 2 provides eight hours of continuous audio playback on a single charge. Combined with the charging case, total listening time reaches 36 hours. A fast 10-minute top-up through the USB-C port provides three hours of listening time. The earbuds carry an IP55 rating for resistance against dust, sweat, and light rain.
Alongside the OpenFit Air 2, Shokz also revealed the OpenRun Air 2 bone-conduction headset for $130. That model features a wrap-around neckband, an IP67 rating, and a 10-hour battery life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the price of the Shokz OpenFit Air 2?
A1. The Shokz OpenFit Air 2 costs $130.
Q2. How much does each OpenFit Air 2 earbud weigh?
A2. Each earbud weighs 7.2 grams, representing a 17 percent reduction from the previous model.
Q3. What is the total battery life of the OpenFit Air 2?
A3. The earbuds offer up to eight hours of standalone playback and up to 36 hours when paired with the charging case.
Q4. Do the Shokz OpenFit Air 2 earbuds feature active noise cancellation?
A4. No, the OpenFit Air 2 does not include active noise cancellation because open-ear headphones keep the ear canal open to maintain awareness of surrounding noise.
