I’ve been an avid cyclist for several years and an occasional runner, and I’ve found the Shokz OpenRun to be the best headset for me while training.
As bone conduction headphones, OpenRuns sit outside the ears to allow the user to be aware of their surroundings while listening to music or a podcast, which is especially important if you’re riding on a busy road.
Shokz took this technology from the OpenRun and combined it with the air conduction technology found in the company’s other offerings, like the Shokz OpenFit line, to deliver improved audio quality with the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2.
We named the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 one of the best open-back headphones, especially for runners who want the added stability of the neckband design, compared to other open-back headphones.
Besides the improved audio quality, the Shokz OpenRun 2’s air conduction means it won’t vibrate too aggressively at higher volumes, which happens in pure bone conduction headphones like the OpenRun.
Shokz also replaced OpenRun’s proprietary magnetic charger with a USB-C port, making the OpenRun Pro 2 a more convenient option and you won’t have to worry about losing the included charging cable. Unfortunately, this also means the Pro 2 has lost a bit of water resistance as it has an IP55 rating (compared to the OpenRun’s IP67) for limited dust penetration and protection against low-pressure water jets.
That said, the OpenRun is also discounted in the Amazon Big Smile sale for AU$169 (or 23% off) if you’re looking for something more water and dust resistant or aren’t too concerned about audio quality. I personally tried these headphones myself and wrote about my experience on sister site Tom’s Guide.
But if you’re willing to spend more for improved audio quality (while also having the option to upgrade to pure bone conduction), the convenience of USB-C charging, and an included case, then you can’t go wrong with the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2.
