In 2023, Shokz strayed from its bone conduction roots by developing “air conduction” open-ear wireless earphones. The Shokz OpenFit offered better audio than the bone conduction model, but that didn’t mean much. Their sound was still hit-or-miss, and some users had issues with finicky touch controls. At CES 2025, the company brought back the $180 OpenFit 2. This appears to include solutions to both problems, as well as new bone conduction headsets for office calls.
Shokz OpenFit 2 features a woofer and tweeter in each earpiece for more dynamic sound. (First-generation models had only one driver in each ear.) The company also improved its bass algorithm, which “transmits dynamic low-frequency vibrations directly to the ear.”
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The design of the open earbuds hasn’t changed much from the original OpenFit. The hooks are still wrapped around each ear and the buds are just outside. However, Shokz designed the earhooks of the new model with softer silicone (for more comfort) and tighter curves (for more stability). According to the company, they are “molded to the contours of your ear for a personalized and comfortable fit.” Each earpiece weighs 9.4g (0.33oz). Available in black or beige.
The 2023 model used touch controls, but this wasn’t necessarily the best input solution for the earbuds’ small surface. Newer models therefore have physical multifunction buttons in addition to touch controls, which should help prevent or minimize accidental touches.
The OpenFit 2 is rated to last up to 11 hours on a single charge (7 hours on the first-generation model), or 48 hours when you factor in the bundled charging case. It also has a better water resistance rating (IP55 compared to the original’s IP54) and Bluetooth 5.4.
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Shokz also has a new office headset, OpenMeet, which appears to be a redesigned spiritual successor to the OpenComm series. Like other workplace headsets, it has a long microphone stem that sticks out towards the mouth area, making it look a little goofy. Like OpenComm, the earpieces sit in front of your ears, rather than on, in, or around your ears. But the key difference is that OpenMeet’s band extends above your head instead of behind your head.
The company says OpenMeet is designed to feel weightless thanks to a five-point design that distributes 78 g for minimal pressure. Its audio combines bone conduction and air conduction, and the company says its (amusingly named) “LeakSlayer 3.0” technology helps minimize sound leakage and keep calls private.
OpenMeet uses a dual microphone system with Qualcomm’s cVc noise reduction, which Shokz claims reduces background noise by up to 98.6 percent. It features a dedicated mute button, Bluetooth 5.4, and up to 15 hours of battery life.
The Shokz OpenFit 2 is currently available on the company’s website, Amazon, and retail partners (including Best Buy and Target) for $180. OpenMeet headsets, on the other hand, are sold through the company’s business website.
