The Shokz OpenFit 2+ earbuds are available for $99.95, a 50% discount from their $199.95 retail price, marking the lowest price ever for the device, NBC News reported.
This deal arrives two weeks ahead of Black Friday, offering a large reduction on the model currently ranked as the best overall in the outlet’s guide to open-ear audio.
Open-ear design for situational awareness
Unlike traditional earbuds that seal the ear canal, the OpenFit 2+ utilize soft silicone ear hooks to position the drivers just outside the ear. This design allows users to listen to music while remaining aware of ambient sounds, such as traffic or commuters, according to NBC News.
Shokz notes that its technology minimizes sound leakage and uses bone conduction principles to send audio to the cochlea, which the company claims provides clear sound while maintaining an open-ear experience.
Hardware upgrades and battery performance
The OpenFit 2+ introduces Dolby Audio and wireless charging, two features absent from the previous generation. NBC News reported that enabling Dolby Audio through the Shokz app provides a wider soundstage but reduces battery life by approximately two hours.
The earbuds offer up to 11 hours of playback on a single charge, with the included case extending total battery life to 48 hours. The case is compatible with Qi wireless chargers, and a 10-minute quick charge provides two hours of listening time.
Durable controls for calls and devices
Each earbud features a physical button that remains functional in cold or wet weather, even when the user is wearing gloves, NBC News reported. The device weighs 9.4 grams per bud and supports multipoint connectivity, allowing users to pair with two devices simultaneously. For phone calls, the hardware incorporates four AI-enhanced microphones designed to reduce background noise.
Limitations for noise-heavy environments
While the OpenFit 2+ is designed for active lifestyles, the open-ear architecture lacks active noise cancellation (ANC). NBC News reported that these earbuds do not effectively block environmental noise, making them less suitable for loud settings like subway cars or long-haul flights. Users requiring complete noise isolation should consider traditional wireless earbuds with ANC, according to the outlet.
Common questions about Shokz OpenFit 2+
How does the OpenFit 2+ compare to the original model?
The primary hardware upgrades in the 2+ version are the addition of Dolby Audio for spatial sound and a charging case that supports wireless Qi charging.
Are these earbuds waterproof?
Shokz states that its open-ear technology is engineered for active lifestyles and provides waterproof performance to support workouts, according to the company’s official product documentation.
Can I use these for phone calls in busy areas?
The earbuds include four AI-enhanced microphones specifically designed to cut down on background noise during calls, though they do not provide the physical noise isolation found in ANC-equipped models, NBC News reported.
The previous lowest price for the OpenFit 2+ was recorded during major shopping events like Prime Day, according to NBC News.