Shokz has upgraded their open ear headphones with better sound and a lighter design

Shokz has announced two new versions of its open-ear headphones. Like the original OpenDots One launched in May 2025The new Shokz OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air are designed to be worn at the back of your ear with their drivers positioned to direct 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 air It is an entry-level version available in black or day purple for $129.95 which is more than $70 cheaper than the original version. It features Shokz’s “next-generation spherical acoustic architecture” called Bassphere which uses a pair of custom 11.8mm drivers on each side with an “optimized diaphragm” for improved bass, loudness and clarity. You can create custom audio equalizers in a companion app, but there are also preset audio profiles including a sound boost mode for podcasts and audiobooks, as well as a privacy mode that reduces high frequencies while you’re in quiet environments.

Battery life is estimated at up to nine hours of playback which can be extended up to 36 hours using its charging case. There’s no ANC, but AI algorithms are used to help reduce background noise during calls. The OpenDots Air also features dynamic ear detection so you can wear them on either side without having to decide which earbud to put on the left or right. They will find out for themselves.

The OpenDots Air are also the lighter of the two new models at 6.3g per earbud, but only 6.4g per earbud. $199.95 OpenDots 2 It is not much heavier and offers more functionality. Available in pearl white, gray and black color options, the OpenDots 2 features the same dual-player system as the Air but with Dolby Audio support. To further improve your voice during calls, an additional bone conduction microphone has been added to help isolate your voice from background noise that may make it difficult for others to hear you.

The OpenDots 2 has a battery life of 10 hours on its own or 40 hours with its charging case, which can be equipped with a Qi wireless charger. Both of Shokz’s new offerings use Bluetooth 6.1 technology, 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. OpenDots 2 improves the chances of finding them by supporting the Google Find Hub app, which will reveal their last known location even if you’re not nearby.