Shokz has announced two new open-ear earbuds called OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air, and the company is clearly betting big on the clip-on design trend. Instead of jamming silicone tips deep into your ears, these buds clip onto the outside of them, letting you hear your music while still staying aware of what is happening around you.
As someone who has never liked traditional in-ear earbuds, I can understand the appeal. Most earbuds start hurting my ears after a while, especially during long listening sessions. Open-ear audio is simply more comfortable for me. But clip-on earbuds still feel a little strange, and I am not fully convinced this form factor is going to become mainstream.
The OpenDots 2 is the more premium model. Shokz says it uses dual 11.8 mm drivers and its Bassphere 2.0 technology to improve bass and overall sound quality despite the tiny size. The company is also touting Dolby Audio support, AI noise reduction for calls, wireless charging, and up to 10 hours of battery life per charge. With the charging case included, total battery life jumps to 40 hours.
Other features include IP57 water resistance, automatic left and right channel detection, wear detection for auto pause and resume, and MultiPoint pairing for connecting to multiple devices at once.
Meanwhile, the OpenDots Air is the cheaper and lighter option. Each earbud weighs just 6.3 grams, and Shokz says the flexible silicone design is meant for all-day comfort. You still get dual 11.8 mm drivers, customizable EQ settings in the Shokz app, AI-enhanced call clarity, and IP55 water resistance.
Battery life is slightly lower than the flagship model, offering up to 9 hours on a charge and up to 36 hours with the case.
Pricing starts at $199.95 for OpenDots 2 and $129.95 for OpenDots Air. Both are available now on Amazon.
Support independent tech journalism
NERDS.xyz is independently owned and operated. If you enjoy my coverage of Linux, AI, hardware, cybersecurity, and tech culture, consider supporting the site on Ko-fi.
Support NERDS.xyz