I ran, cycled and worked out with the Shokz OpenFit Air 2 for three weeks — here’s my verdict

The Shokz OpenFit Air 2 is the newest, budget-friendly open earhook headphones from Shokz, offering a more affordable alternative to the higher-end Shokz OpenFit 2+ and OpenFit Pro. Although the sound quality isn't as refined as the pricier models, they still provide a decent audio experience and feature an ergonomic, lightweight design that makes them ideal for workouts.

The OpenFit Air 2 are available in three colors – black, white, and light blue – and weigh only 0.25oz (7.2g) per earbud, making them lightweight and comfortable to wear for extended periods. They also come with an IP55 rating, meaning they can withstand sweat, water, and offer multipoint pairing to two devices simultaneously via Bluetooth V6.1.

The new pressure-sensitive buttons on the earbuds have replaced the touch panel controls of the previous model, offering an easier and more reliable way to control the headphones during workouts, even when your hands are sweaty or wearing gloves. However, the earhook design may not be as convenient as clip-on designs for some users.

In terms of sound quality, the OpenFit Air 2 offer good audio performance without the bass or noise cancellation features found in the more expensive Shokz OpenFit 2+ and OpenFit Pro. They still maintain a powerful bass for motivation during runs, and clear sound in quieter environments, such as Phoebe Bridgers' "The Governor's Waltz."

The headphones provide up to eight hours of playback on a single charge, with a total of 36 hours when using the charging case. This battery life is sufficient for daily use, and even when used extensively, they last over a week. The headphones also come with a charging case that offers three hours of use from just 10 minutes of charging.

Overall, the Shokz OpenFit Air 2 provide a strong balance of features, comfort, and price, making them an excellent choice for those seeking open earhook headphones, particularly if you're new to the Shokz brand or looking for a more affordable option. Cheaper alternatives include the OpenFit Air and JLab Epic Open Sport, while Shokz OpenDots Air and OpenDots 2 offer different clip-on designs.