Shokz open-ear headphones have earned multiple Techlicious Editor’s Choice awards, and that’s not by accident. They solve a real problem: how to listen to music or podcasts without shutting out the world around you. For running, cycling, or even just walking busy city streets, being able to hear traffic, people, and warning sounds isn’t a nice-to-have – it’s essential.
Shokz made its name by pioneering bone-conduction audio, which sends sound through vibrations to your inner ear instead of sealing off your ear canal. The company hasn’t stood still since. It’s steadily refined that core technology while also rolling out more traditional open-ear, air-conduction models that deliver fuller sound and compete head-to-head with brands like Bose, often at more approachable prices.
With holiday discounts of up to 30% running through December 28 on Amazon and Shokz.com – plus an extra 5% off at Shokz.com with the code SHOKZHOLIDAY2025 – this is one of the best times of the year to buy. Here are the Shokz models I recommend most.
OpenRun Pro 2: Best Bone-Conduction Headphones
The OpenRun Pro 2 got our Editor's Choice award for best bone-conduction headphones. The breakthrough here is DualPitch technology, which fixes the bass problem that has plagued bone-conduction for years. Shokz routes bass frequencies through traditional air-conduction drivers found in regular earphones, while sending mids and highs through your cheekbones. This eliminates buzzy vibrations and delivers much clearer, fuller sound. If you're a fan of hip-hop or other music with a thumping base, these are the bone-conduction phones for you.
The OpenRun Pro 2 offers 12 hours of battery life and IP55 water resistance in case a mild rain kicks up during your run or walk. and comes in standard or mini sizes. If you've ever felt your phones were overtaking your ears, Shokz has you covered, and no worries if you're a little forgetful: A five-minute quick charge can get you 2.5 hours of playtime.
Deal price: $139.95 (usually $179.95) – 22% off
OpenFit 2: A Secure Ear-Hook Design for Working Out
The OpenFit 2 have a comfortable ear-hook design that uses traditional air-conduction drivers that hover over your ear canal rather than bone-conduction drivers. The promised battery life is 11 hours per charge, with a total of 48 hours with the charging case. These are also IP55 rated for sweat and rain, with four noise-cancelling microphones for clear audio during calls. If you prefer more traditional headphones, find in-ear headphones uncomfortable, and would like to save some money, these are a great choice.
Deal price: $124.95 (usually $179.95) – 30% off
OpenFit 2+: Adds Dolby Audio for Discriminating Listeners
The OpenFit 2+ builds on the OpenFit 2 with Dolby Audio processing for richer sound and wireless charging for the case. Everything else stays the same, including 11-hour battery life and an IP55 rating. For audiophiles, this $20 premium is easily worth the price.
Deal price: $159.95 (usually $199.95) – 20% off
OpenDots ONE: An Extra-Comfortable Clip-On Design
The OpenDots ONE use a clip-on design that attaches gently to your outer ear, leaving the ear canal open so you stay aware of your surroundings. At 6.5 grams per earpiece, they're comfortable for extended wear and stay securely in place. The sound is fuller than the OpenFit 2 models, and the microphone handles calls well in noisy environments. However, the OpenDots don’t have the water resistance of the OpenFit or as secure a fit for working out.
Deal price: $139.95 (usually $199.95) – 30% off
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OpenRun: Our Budget Pick
The OpenRun delivers solid bone-conduction performance. You get eight-hour battery life, an IP67 water-resistant rating, and two sizes: standard and mini. We’ve tested the OpenRun and found that they deliver clear sound, but without the resonant bass of the OpenRun Pro 2, which has a dedicated woofer.
Deal price: $89.95 (usually $129.95) – 30% off
Read more: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Fix the Poor Bass of Bone-Conduction Headphones
