Shokz is known for its bone and air conduction wireless earbuds that sit on your ear versus in. They usually come in a format with hooks that wrap around the back of your ears like the Shokz OpenFit Pros which I reviewed earlier this year, or a band that sits behind your neck. But there’s also a growing trend towards clip-on “huggie” style earbuds, and the Shokz OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air fit in this category.
The Shokz OpenDots 2 earbuds are the flagship model with premium sound, enhanced call clarity, and advanced features while the OpenDots Air are a tad lighter and less expensive, focused primarily on style.
As the new flagship in this line, the OpenDots 2 boast Shokz Bassphere 2.0, a next-generation spherical acoustic structure designed to maximize output in a small space. Two custom 11.8 mm drivers work together to deliver sound comparable to a 16 mm single driver, while an optimized diaphragm improves bass, volume, and clarity.
With MirrorPitch technology, OpenDots 2 direct sound more precisely toward the ear, creating a more focused listening experience, says Shokz. Paired with upgraded Dolby Audio, it delivers deeper bass, clearer vocals, and a wider soundstage across music and entertainment.
OpenDots 2 also boasts improved call clarity and smart features. A dedicated bone conduction microphone works alongside dual air conduction microphones to better isolate your voice, while AI noise reduction helps reduce background noise in busy environments. It offers up to 10 hours of playback on a single charge and up to 40 hours with the charging case, along with fast charging and Qi-certified wireless charging.
Additional features include Dynamic Ear Detection for automatic left and right channel recognition, wear detection for auto pause and resume, IP57 water-resistant to handle sweat and rain with ease, and support for multipoint pairing, Find My Earbuds, and Fast pairing with Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair through the Shokz app.
The Shokz OpenDots 2 are available in Black, Grey, and Pearl White for $250.
At a more accessible price point, the OpenDots Air are also lighter in weight at just 6.3 grams per earbud. The flexible JointArc structure and soft silicone materials provide a secure fit that adapts to a range of ear shapes.
Powered by dual 11.8 mm drivers and Shokz Bassphere technology, OpenDots Air delivers balanced sound with clear vocals, says Shokz. You can choose from preset EQ modes or customize sound through the Shokz app. DirectPitch technology, meanwhile, helps reduce sound leakage.
OpenDots Air offers up to nine hours of playback and up to 36 hours with the charging case. It also supports AI-powered call clarity, IP55 water resistance, Dynamic Ear Detection, multipoint pairing, and customizable controls.
Available in Daybreak Purple and Black, the Shokz OpenDots Air are $170.