Shokz OpenFit Air 2: lighter, longer-lasting open-ear earbuds with Bluetooth 6.1

A redesigned version of the model that democratized the ear-hook format at the manufacturer, the OpenFit Air 2 refines its formula by focusing on improved comfort and a significant reduction in bulk.

 

Shokz OpenFit Air 2: nickel-titanium structure and ultra-light design Weighing just 7.2 g per earbud on the scale (compared with 8.7 g on the previous generation, or 17.2% less), the OpenFit Air 2 adopts a flexible frame made from a 0.75 mm shape-memory nickel-titanium alloy wire. The acoustic module is tilted at 30° to align naturally with the ear canal without ever blocking it or exerting in-ear pressure. The charging case follows the same slimming treatment, becoming 10.5% more compact (for a total featherweight of 60.8 g with the earbuds).

 

 

Shokz OpenFit Air 2, Bassphere transducer and DirectPitch air conduction Unlike the brand’s historic bone-conduction headsets, the OpenFit range relies on open air-conduction transmission. The audio section is handled by the patented Bassphere transducer, combining two 11.8 mm speakers to deliver power equivalent to that of a 16 mm transducer (frequency response from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, SBC and AAC codecs). Low-frequency rendering is enhanced by the OpenBass 2.0 algorithm, while DirectPitch technology is responsible for channeling the sound flow toward the ear in order to limit audio leakage and preserve the confidentiality of conversations.

 

 

Bluetooth 6.1, AI noise reduction and 36 hours of battery life On the connectivity side, the OpenFit Air 2 moves to the very latest [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 6.1 standard. It supports multipoint pairing with two devices simultaneously, as well as Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair fast-pairing protocols. For phone calls, the system relies on two microphones coupled with artificial intelligence environmental noise reduction capable of cutting up to 96.5% of outside noise.

 

 

As for battery life, the 56 mAh battery per earbud offers up to 8 hours of music playback on a single charge (6 hours for calls), extended to 36 hours in total thanks to the case’s 600 mAh battery (compared with 28 hours previously). A 10-minute quick charge restores 3 hours of listening.

 

 

Shokz OpenFit Air 2, specs in brief The earbuds benefit from an IP55 waterproof rating (resistant to dust, showers, and sweat), while the carrying case is IP54 certified. The Shokz companion app provides access to four equalizer profiles (Standard, Vocal, Enhanced Bass, Private) as well as two fully customizable equalizers. Controls are handled by improved pressure-sensitive buttons to eliminate any accidental triggering due to sweat or hair.

 

 

Immediately available in three colors: black, white, and glacier blue. Suggested retail price: 139 euros.

 

Reminder of the key features of the Shokz OpenFit Air 2:

• Type: open-ear earbuds

• Speakers: 11.8 mm closed dynamic

• Frequency response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz

• Sensitivity: 97.5 dB (± 3 dB)

• Connectivity: [abc]Bluetooth[/abc] 6.1

• Supported Bluetooth profiles: A2DP/AVRCP/HFP

• Codecs: SBC, AAC

• Certification: IP55 for the earbuds, IP54 for the case

• Battery life: 8 h (continuous connection including playback), 36 h with the storage case and its built-in battery

• Charging time: 60 min for the earbuds, 100 min for the earbuds + the case

• Weight: 7.2 g for the earbuds, 46.4 g for the case