Shokz opendots one earbuds 2 review

Quick tip to really understand the Shokz OpenDots One Earbuds 2 is to remember they’re not trying to be your typical noise-cancelling, in-your-ear buds. Instead, these are all about keeping you connected to your world while still enjoying your audio, whether that’s your favorite podcast, some chill tunes, or a quick call. Think of them as your friendly companion for daily life, not a complete escape from it. So, if you’re someone who values situational awareness and comfort over total audio immersion, these could genuinely be a must. They hit the market in the US around April 29th and in Australia on July 3rd, 2025, usually retailing for about $199.95.

Now, after spending some time with these, I can tell you that the Shokz OpenDots One bring a lot to the table for their price. While they might not blow away hardcore audiophiles who live for thumping bass and absolute silence, they offer a really compelling package for everyday listening. We’re talking impressive comfort, surprisingly good sound quality for an open-ear design, and a battery life that can easily get you through your day and then some. They’re a solid pick if you’re looking to upgrade your daily listening experience without completely cutting yourself off from your surroundings. Let’s dig into what makes them tick and if they’re the right fit for you. You can often find them on Amazon or at retailers like Best Buy.

First Impressions: Design and Comfort

Right out of the box, the first thing you’ll probably notice about the Shokz OpenDots One is their unique clip-on design. Unlike traditional earbuds that sit inside your ear canal or have an over-ear hook that can sometimes feel bulky, these are designed to gently clip around the lower part of your ear. It’s a fresh approach for Shokz, who are well-known for their bone-conduction headphones.

Each earbud is incredibly lightweight, weighing in at just 6.5 grams. To put that into perspective, that’s less than a couple of regular paperclips! This featherlight feel is a huge part of their comfort story. Shokz uses something called “JointArc” technology, which is basically a flexible band with soft silicone strategically placed where it touches your ear. This design is meant to provide a gentle yet secure grip that adapts to different ear shapes, and many users, myself included, find it works remarkably well.

One of the coolest features is that the OpenDots One earbuds are interchangeable. There’s no designated “left” or “right” bud. you can put either one in either ear, and the earbuds automatically detect their position and adjust the audio channels for stereo sound. This might sound like a small thing, but it’s a massive convenience when you’re grabbing them on the go or just want to quickly pop one in.

For those of us who wear glasses, this clip-on style is often a much better experience than over-ear designs that can interfere with spectacle arms. Reviewers, including those on Reddit, have praised their comfortable fit for long listening sessions, with some even saying they barely notice them after a few minutes. However, it’s worth noting that a few users reported feeling a slight ear fatigue after several hours of continuous wear, though it’s usually not painful. For finding your perfect fit, exploring different earbud accessories might also be helpful. Hotel collection studio pro scent diffuser review

Sound Quality: What to Expect from Open-Ear

Now, let’s talk sound. When you’re dealing with open-ear earbuds, it’s important to set your expectations correctly. These aren’t going to give you the same noise-cancelling, thumping bass experience you’d get from premium in-ear headphones. Why? Because the very nature of their design means your ears aren’t sealed off from the outside world.

That said, the Shokz OpenDots One still deliver a surprisingly robust audio experience. They feature dual 11.8mm drivers and Shokz’s “Bassphere Technology,” which aims to replicate the performance of a larger 16mm driver. What really elevates the sound here is the Dolby Audio support. You need to enable this in the Shokz app, and when you do, it noticeably “opens up” the sound, making everything feel a bit fuller and clearer. Many users describe a wider soundstage and more immersive audio with Dolby Audio engaged.

For podcasts and audiobooks, the OpenDots One are fantastic. Voices come through crisp and clear, making them ideal for daily commutes, walks, or even just listening around the house. When it comes to podcast, you’ll find a clear, balanced sound with decent bass for an open-ear model. It’s not a chest-thumping bass, but it provides a satisfying body and warmth to your podcast without sounding thin. The mids are nice and clear, with prominent vocals, and the treble is detailed enough to complement the mix, avoiding any harshness.

However, the open design does have its limitations. In very noisy environments, like a busy city street or on public transport, external sounds can sometimes overwhelm your audio, requiring you to turn up the volume. Reviewers noted that while they hold their own against light traffic and wind, extremely loud surroundings will be a challenge. Also, getting the perfect sound can sometimes depend on how you position the buds on your ears, so a little adjustment might be needed to find your sweet spot. For a truly immersive audio experience in a quiet setting, you might still gravitate towards traditional noise-cancelling earbuds. Baseus Bowie MC1 Open Ear Clip-On Earbuds Review: Your Guide to Staying Connected and Comfortable

Staying Aware: The Open-Ear Advantage

One of the primary reasons people choose open-ear headphones like the Shokz OpenDots One is for situational awareness. These earbuds are specifically designed to let you enjoy your audio while still hearing what’s going on around you. This isn’t just a feature. for many, it’s a safety and lifestyle choice.

Imagine you’re out for a run or a walk. With in-ear buds, you might miss a car approaching, someone calling your name, or important announcements. The OpenDots One solve this by keeping your ear canals open. This makes them incredibly beneficial for:

• Runners and Cyclists: Being aware of traffic and other environmental sounds is crucial for safety outdoors.
• Parents and Caregivers: You can listen to a podcast while still hearing your children or other important sounds around the house.
• Office Workers: It allows for discreet listening while remaining available for conversations with colleagues or hearing office alerts.
• Commuters: You can hear train announcements or the world around you without feeling completely isolated.

Many users, especially those who run alone, appreciate this aspect greatly. It offers a sense of security that traditional noise-isolating earbuds can’t match. While they don’t provide the complete isolation of in-ear headphones, that’s precisely the point. They bridge the gap between enjoying your audio and staying connected to your immediate environment. If you frequently find yourself needing to hear your surroundings, open-ear wireless headphones are definitely worth considering.

Battery Life and Charging: Powering Your Day

Nobody likes constantly worrying about their earbud battery, and thankfully, the Shokz OpenDots One do a solid job in this department. On a single charge, you can expect to get up to 10 hours of listening time. That’s enough to cover most workdays, several gym sessions, or a long journey without needing to pop them back in the case.

Breville barista express espresso machine review

But the real magic happens with the charging case. It extends the total listening time to a remarkable 40 hours. This means you can easily head off for a weekend trip and not have to bring the charging cable for the case. Just a quick 10-minute charge of the earbuds in the case will give you around 2 hours of listening time, which is perfect for those moments when you realize you’re almost out of juice right before you head out.

When it comes to charging the case itself, Shokz has you covered with both a USB-C port and wireless charging capabilities. This versatility is a definite plus, especially if you already have a wireless charging pad for your phone or other devices. It’s super convenient to just drop the case onto a pad and know it’s powering up. The Shokz app also makes it easy to check the battery life of your earbuds.

For comparison, some competitors like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, while great, offer slightly less battery life 7.5 hours on a single charge and don’t feature wireless charging for their case. This gives the OpenDots One a distinct advantage in terms of power and convenience.

Connectivity and Controls: A Touchy Subject?

The Shokz OpenDots One are equipped with Bluetooth 5.4, offering a stable connection and efficient power usage. One feature that’s always a winner in my book is multipoint pairing. This means you can connect the earbuds to two devices simultaneously—say, your phone and your laptop—and seamlessly switch between them without having to manually disconnect and reconnect. It’s a huge time-saver and makes transitioning from work calls to personal listening effortless.

Uncanny Brands Star Wars Coffee Maker Review: Is it Worth Your Galactic Credits?

Controlling your audio with the OpenDots One is primarily done through touch controls. You can customize these controls through the Shokz app for iOS and Android, setting up double-taps and long presses to manage playback, answer calls, or activate your voice assistant. The app also lets you mess with EQ modes Standard, Vocal, Bass, Private, plus two custom profiles and turn on Dolby Audio. Plus, there’s a handy “Find My Earbuds” feature, which plays a loud tone if you misplace them – super useful if, like me, you often leave them in random spots.

However, the touch controls aren’t without their quirks. Several reviewers, including those on Reddit, have noted that they can be a bit “fiddly” or “tricky” to get used to, especially compared to the physical buttons found on some other open-ear models like the Shokz OpenFit 2+. Some users experienced needing to repeat taps, and there’s feedback that customization options for volume control versus track skipping are limited. While they generally work, it might take a bit of practice to get them exactly right every time. For folks who prefer more tactile feedback, this could be a minor annoyance. If precise control is a top priority, looking at earbuds with physical buttons might be a better route.

Call Quality: How Clear Are You?

For many, earbuds aren’t just for podcast. they’re essential tools for staying connected through calls. The Shokz OpenDots One come with AI noise-canceling microphones designed to make your voice clear. In a quiet environment, these earbuds perform perfectly fine for phone calls. People on the other end should hear you without any issues, and your calls will sound crisp and balanced.

Dell 32 Curved 4K UHD Monitor Review: Is It Your Next Big Screen Upgrade?

However, the reviews on call quality are a bit mixed, especially when you step out into a noisy setting. Some users on Reddit reported that while the mic is “okay,” it’s “not great” and can sound “echoey and a little muddled” if there’s significant background noise. This is a common challenge for open-ear designs, as they don’t block out ambient sound for the microphone as effectively as in-ear or over-ear headphones do.

There is a noise cancellation toggle in the Shokz app that you can enable for calls, which helps to isolate your voice more effectively. Shokz themselves mention that turning this on might result in a slight drop in overall sound quality, but most people find it’s still worth it in a noisy environment to ensure their voice is heard clearly. For business calls where absolute clarity is paramount, especially in loud places, you might find the performance just “adequate” rather than “top-notch”. If crystal-clear calls in any environment are your absolute priority, you might want to consider headsets with dedicated boom mics.

Durability and Everyday Use

When you’re shelling out for a new pair of earbuds, you want them to last, right? The Shokz OpenDots One are built for everyday life, designed to withstand the usual bumps and splashes. They come with an IP54 rating, which means they’re splash-proof and dust-resistant.

What does IP54 really mean for you? IKEA Uppåtvind Air Purifier Review: Is This Budget Buy Worth It?

• Sweat Resistance: They can handle your sweatiest gym sessions without an issue.
• Light Rain: Getting caught in a drizzle or light rain won’t damage them.
• Dust Protection: They’re protected against dust ingress, so you don’t have to worry about them getting gunked up if you use them outdoors or in slightly dusty environments.

However, it’s crucial to remember that IP54 doesn’t mean they’re waterproof for submersion. So, don’t try taking them swimming or into the shower. Also, the charging case itself isn’t waterproof, so keep that in mind.

Many users have put these earbuds through their paces, wearing them for runs, gym workouts, and daily commutes. Despite Shokz stating they aren’t specifically designed for intense running, users report they stay securely in place during exercise and handle sweat well. The flexible build and soft silicone contribute to their secure fit, ensuring they won’t easily fall out during activity. Overall, the build quality feels premium, with high-quality materials used. For active lifestyles, these strike a great balance between comfort, sound, and resilience. For more robust sports headphones that are fully waterproof, you might look for higher IP ratings.

OpenDots One vs. The Competition

In the world of open-ear earbuds, the Shokz OpenDots One aren’t alone. They face some stiff competition, particularly from Shokz’s own lineup and offerings from other major players. Let’s break down how they stack up against some common alternatives:

Shokz OpenDots One vs. Shokz OpenFit 2+

This is an interesting matchup since both are from Shokz and feature an open-ear design. Motorola Razr Plus Flip Phone Review: Is This the Foldable You’ve Been Waiting For?

• Design: The OpenDots One have a unique clip-on design, which many find to be incredibly comfortable and less noticeable. The OpenFit 2+ typically feature an over-ear hook design.
• Controls: A key difference is the controls. The OpenDots One rely on touch controls, which can be a bit “fiddly” for some. The OpenFit 2+ offers physical buttons, which many users prefer for tactile feedback, especially during workouts.
• Sound Quality: The OpenFit 2+ generally offer louder, more impactful audio and a wider soundstage. However, the OpenDots One, with their speakers closer to the ear canal, can deliver a more immersive soundscape and surprisingly decent bass for an open-ear design.
• Battery Life: The OpenFit 2+ edges out the OpenDots One slightly, offering around 11 hours on a single charge and up to 48 hours total with the case, compared to 10 hours and 40 hours for the OpenDots One.
• Water Resistance: The OpenFit 2+ has a slightly better IP55 rating compared to the OpenDots One’s IP54.
• Wireless Charging: The OpenDots One case supports wireless charging, while the OpenFit 2+ charging case only supports wired USB-C charging.
• Interchangeability: The OpenDots One are fully interchangeable no left/right distinction, a feature not present in the OpenFit 2+.

Verdict: If secure fit for active lifestyles and physical buttons are paramount, the Shokz OpenFit 2+ might be better. But for comfort, a more discreet look, wireless charging, and daily casual listening, the OpenDots One could be your pick.

Shokz OpenDots One vs. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are a significant competitor, often considered the gold standard in clip-on open-ear design.

• Price: The OpenDots One retail for about $199.95, while the Bose Ultra Open typically list for $299, though they’re often on sale for around $249. Shokz offers a significant price advantage.
• Sound Quality: Many reviewers agree that the Bose Ultra Open generally have a slightly better sound quality, with a more open sound, a bit more bass, and better tonal balance, even with Dolby Audio engaged on the Shokz. However, the OpenDots One are still among the best-sounding clip-on buds tested.
• Comfort & Fit: Both are very comfortable, but some reviewers found the OpenDots One to fit their ears slightly better, providing a gentle and secure grip. The Bose can cause some discomfort after extended wear for some.
• Battery Life: The OpenDots One offer up to 10 hours on a single charge and 40 hours total with the case. The Bose Ultra Open offer up to 7.5 hours 4.5 with Immersive Audio and 19.5 hours with the case. Shokz clearly wins here.
• Charging: The OpenDots One case has wireless charging. the Bose case does not.
• Call Quality: Both struggled with call quality in noisy environments initially, though Bose improved theirs with a firmware update. Shokz has AI noise-canceling mics, but performance is still mixed in loud settings.

Verdict: The Bose Ultra Open might offer a slight edge in pure sound quality, but the Shokz OpenDots One are a strong contender at a lower price point, with better battery life, wireless charging, and excellent comfort. For many, the value proposition of the Shokz makes them the better choice.

Who Are the Shokz OpenDots One For?

The Shokz OpenDots One aren’t trying to be everything to everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. They carve out a specific niche for users who prioritize certain features over others. So, who would truly love these earbuds?

Nothing CMF Buds 2 Plus Earbuds Review: Are These Your Next Budget Superstars?

• The Situational Awareness Seeker: If you need to hear your surroundings for safety like runners, cyclists, or walkers on busy streets, or simply prefer to stay connected to your environment like parents, caregivers, or office workers, these are designed precisely for you. They excel at letting you enjoy your audio without isolating you from the world.
• The Comfort Enthusiast: People who find traditional in-ear earbuds uncomfortable, painful, or prone to falling out will likely find the clip-on design of the OpenDots One a breath of fresh air. Their lightweight design 6.5g per bud and flexible fit make them almost unnoticeable for extended periods.
• Glasses Wearers: If you wear glasses and struggle with over-ear hooks or bulky headphones, the OpenDots One’s design avoids interference, making them a much more comfortable option.
• Daily Commuters and Casual Listeners: For listening to podcasts, audiobooks, or background podcast during your daily activities – commuting, working at a desk, running errands – the sound quality and comfort are excellent.
• Those Who Value Battery Life and Convenience: With 10 hours on a single charge and 40 hours total with wireless charging case, they offer impressive longevity and ease of power-up.
• Fans of Shokz’s Open-Ear Philosophy: If you already appreciate Shokz’s commitment to open-ear listening, the OpenDots One bring that philosophy to a new, smaller, and more discreet form factor.

However, if your main priorities are active noise cancellation, thumping bass that vibrates your soul, or absolute top-tier call clarity in consistently noisy environments, then traditional in-ear noise-cancelling earbuds or specialized headsets might be a better fit. The OpenDots One are about balance, comfort, and connection to your surroundings.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Let’s quickly sum up the good and the not-so-good about the Shokz OpenDots One to help you make your decision.

Pros

• Exceptional Comfort: Super lightweight 6.5g per bud and a flexible clip-on design with soft silicone make them incredibly comfortable for long wear, even for glasses wearers.
• Situational Awareness: The open-ear design is fantastic for safety and staying connected to your environment, whether you’re exercising outdoors or just need to hear around the house.
• Good Sound for Open-Ear: Deliver surprisingly clear and balanced audio, with decent bass thanks to Bassphere Technology and a noticeable boost from Dolby Audio. Great for podcasts and casual podcast.
• Long Battery Life: Up to 10 hours on a single charge and 40 hours total with the charging case, plus a convenient 10-minute quick charge.
• Wireless Charging Case: Adds convenience for powering up the earbuds.
• Interchangeable Earbuds: No left or right bud. they automatically detect placement, making them super easy to grab and wear.
• Multipoint Pairing: Connect to two devices simultaneously for seamless switching.
• IP54 Water Resistance: Protected against sweat and light rain, making them suitable for workouts and daily activities.

Cons

• Touch Controls Can Be Fiddly: Some users find the touch controls less intuitive or responsive than physical buttons, requiring practice to master.
• Mixed Call Quality in Noise: While acceptable in quiet environments, call clarity can suffer in noisy surroundings, even with AI noise-canceling mics.
• Sound Can Be Overwhelmed: In very loud environments, the open-ear design means external sounds can easily overpower your audio.
• No Active Noise Cancellation ANC: This is inherent to the open-ear design, so if full noise isolation is what you need, these aren’t it.
• No Volume Control on Buds for some customization setups: Depending on your app settings, you might not have dedicated volume control directly on the earbuds, which can be an inconvenience.
• Not for Audiophiles Seeking Deep Bass/Loudness: While good for open-ear, they won’t provide the thumping bass or extreme volume levels of high-end in-ear buds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Shokz OpenDots One good for running or workouts?

Yes, many users find the Shokz OpenDots One to be quite good for running and workouts. While Shokz states they are designed more for daily wear, their secure clip-on fit and IP54 sweat and splash resistance mean they stay in place comfortably during exercise and can handle moisture. The open-ear design is especially beneficial for outdoor activities, allowing you to hear your surroundings for safety.

The Nike x Hyperice Hyperboot Review: Is This $900 Recovery Tech Worth It?

Do Shokz OpenDots One have noise cancellation?

No, the Shokz OpenDots One do not feature active noise cancellation ANC for listening to audio. Their open-ear design is specifically intended to allow you to hear your surroundings, maintaining situational awareness. However, they do have AI noise-canceling microphones for calls, which helps to reduce background noise for the person on the other end of your conversation.

How long does the battery last on the Shokz OpenDots One?

The Shokz OpenDots One offer up to 10 hours of listening time on a single charge. The compact charging case extends this significantly, providing a total of around 40 hours of listening time. If you’re in a hurry, a quick 10-minute charge can give you about 2 hours of playback.

Can I use just one Shokz OpenDots One earbud at a time?

Yes, you absolutely can! A great feature of the Shokz OpenDots One is that they are interchangeable. There’s no specific left or right earbud. you can wear either one in either ear. This means you can use a single earbud, keeping the other in the case, effectively doubling your single-ear listening time or allowing you to charge one while using the other.

How do the Shokz OpenDots One compare to the Shokz OpenFit 2+?

The Shokz OpenDots One have a distinct clip-on design, are lighter 6.5g vs. 9.4g per bud, offer wireless charging for the case, and are fully interchangeable. The OpenFit 2+ have an over-ear hook design, slightly longer battery life 11 hours bud / 48 hours total, physical buttons instead of touch controls, and a slightly higher IP55 water resistance rating. While the OpenFit 2+ might offer slightly louder sound, many find the OpenDots One more comfortable for daily wear due to their lightweight and discreet fit.

Do the Shokz OpenDots One support Dolby Audio?

Yes, the Shokz OpenDots One support Dolby Audio. You need to enable this feature within the Shokz app on your smartphone. When activated, many users report that it noticeably enhances the sound quality, making the audio feel fuller, wider, and more immersive for an open-ear design. The Anker PowerPort III Nano Review: Your Tiny Powerhouse Charger!

Are the controls on the Shokz OpenDots One customizable?

Yes, the controls on the Shokz OpenDots One are customizable through the Shokz app. You can adjust what specific touch gestures like double-tap or long press do, such as controlling playback, activating your voice assistant, or managing calls. However, some reviewers noted that the customization options, particularly for combining volume control and track skipping on the buds themselves, might be limited compared to other models.