Shozk OpenDots 2 review: I'm totally hooked

With so many wireless earbuds flooding the market, it's rare for one to really stand out from the ever-growing crowd. But that's exactly what the latest music makers from Shokz have achieved. They are called the OpenDots 2, and they've quickly become some of my favourite buds. No, they don't sound as good as some rivals, no, they don't block out background sounds via active noise cancellation (ANC), and no, you can't plunge them deep into your ear canal for the best audio isolation, but that's exactly why I've enjoyed using them so much.

As the name suggests, the OpenDots 2 from Shozk feature a fully open-ear design, which keeps you connected with the world around you.

Rather than sitting inside the ear canal, the OpenDots 2 clip gently onto the ear and combine integrated speakers with bone-conduction technology to deliver impressive sound.

It’s a design that makes perfect sense for anyone who hates the feeling of silicone tips being pushed into their ears or simply doesn’t want to feel cut off from the outside world.

I’ll admit, I was sceptical at first. Open-ear audio always sounded like a compromise to me, but the more time I’ve spent with the OpenDots 2, the more I’ve come to appreciate them.

And I’m not the only convert in my house.

My wife has always struggled with traditional earbuds because she can never find a comfortable fit. They usually end up frustrating her to point where she simply goes without music. But the OpenDots 2 are the first pair she’s genuinely happy to wear — and I can completely understand why.

Thanks to their flexible nickel-titanium JointArc frame, they are incredibly comfortable, and I’ve never once felt like they were about to fall out. That’s even been true during my daily jog around the park, where many other earbuds, such as the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8s, have definitely struggled.

The sound quality is also impressive thanks to dual drivers that Shozk explains work as one. A redesigned diaphragm also cuts distortion by 70 percent and that’s clear to hear. You get access to EQ modes to fine-tune the audio, while upgraded Dolby Atmos support helps enhance everything from vocals to bass. They won’t replace a pair of high-end noise-cancelling earbuds for pure audio immersion, but for an open design, they perform remarkably well.

Touch controls make everyday use simple, letting you skip tracks, adjust volume and pause music without reaching for your phone.

When work calls come in, AI-powered noise reduction helps reduce background distractions, keeping your voice clear even in busier environments.

Battery life is another highlight, with around 10 hours of playback, while the charging case is compact, practical and easy to carry. They’re also water-resistant, meaning sweat from workouts or unpredictable British weather shouldn’t be an issue.

A decent app lets you dabble with the controls, check battery life, find the buds and switch on the Multipoint Pairing feature.

Honestly, I’ve found very little to dislike about the OpenDots 2.

The biggest limitation is obvious: they will never completely block out the outside world, reduce the din in a busy cafe or dull the rumble of a jet engine.

Apple's AirPods, for example, can kill background audio and also get a Transparency mode that lets the outside world flood into the ears.

The OpenDots 2 feel less like a replacement for traditional earbuds and more like a brilliant alternative for people who simply don’t enjoy having something stuck inside their ears.

I’m lucky enough to have a bag full of earbuds thanks to reviewing the latest tech, but the biggest compliment I can give the OpenDots 2 is that I keep reaching for them again and again.

That genuinely surprised me because, before trying them, I never really understood the appeal of open-ear audio.

Shokz has created something that is wonderfully simple: earbuds that are comfortable, sound great and let you stay connected to the world around you.

They’re also some of the most comfortable earbuds I’ve ever used.

At £179, they aren’t cheap, although Shokz also offers the slightly more affordable OpenDots Air at £129.

So yes, these are my new best buds — and I’m hooked.