Shokz Expands Its Clip-on Earbud Range With OpenDots 2 And OpenDots Air

By
PHIL TANN - SENIOR JOURNALIST
Phil hails from an IT background and has spent 14 years as a tech journalist, and over that time has seen massive evolution in phones, development...
6 Min Read

Shokz has expanded its open-ear audio lineup with two new clip-on earbuds, introducing the flagship OpenDots 2 alongside the more affordable OpenDots Air. Both models are designed for people who want to listen to music, podcasts or take calls while remaining aware of their surroundings, offering an alternative to traditional in-ear earbuds and the company’s bone-conduction designs. 

OpenDots 2

Positioned as Shokz’s premium clip-on earbuds, the OpenDots 2 builds on the original OpenDots ONE with a focus on improved sound quality, clearer calls and longer everyday usability. 

Each earbud weighs just 6.4 grams and uses the company’s flexible nickel-titanium JointArc design to adapt to different ear shapes while maintaining a secure fit. Audio performance has also received a significant upgrade, with a new dual-driver Bassphere 2.0 acoustic system delivering stronger low-frequency performance, while Dolby Audio support adds greater depth and spatial sound for music, podcasts and video content. MirrorPitch technology is also designed to direct more sound towards the listener while reducing audio leakage. 

Call quality has been enhanced by adding a dedicated bone-conduction microphone that works alongside dual air-conduction microphones, adaptive beamformin,g and AI-powered noise reduction to improve voice pickup in noisy environments. Shokz has also introduced force-sensor controls for playback and call management, dynamic left and right-ear detection, multipoint Bluetooth connectivit,y and Qi wireless charging.

Wireless charging is a great convenience

Battery life is rated at up to 10 hours from the earbuds themselves, extending to 40 hours with the charging case, while a five-minute quick charge provides up to two hours of playback. The earbuds are also rated IP57 for dust and water resistance, making them suitable for exercise and everyday outdoor use. 

OpenDots Air

The OpenDots Air becomes the new entry-level option in the clip-on range, targeting buyers who want the open-ear experience without paying flagship prices. 

Weighing 6.3 grams per earbud, the OpenDots Air retains the lightweight clip-on design while introducing a more minimalist appearance available in Daybreak Purple or Black. Rather than including every premium feature from the OpenDots 2, it focuses on the core listening experience, pairing Bassphere acoustic technology with DirectPitch technology to deliver balanced audio while helping minimise sound leakage. 

The OpenDots Air are a more price conscious buy, but deliver great audio

The earbuds also support multipoint pairing, allowing simultaneous connections to two devices,and offers up to 36 hoursof battery life when used with the charging case. Like its more expensive sibling, the OpenDots Air is intended for everyday wear, whether commuting, exercising or simply remaining aware of surrounding sounds while listening. 

The Hardware

Although aimed at different buyers, both OpenDots models share the same underlying philosophy. Rather than sealing the ear canal, the clip-on design leaves the ear open so users can continue hearing traffic, conversations and other environmental sounds while listening to audio. 

Both models feature compact, lightweight construction, Bassphere acoustic technology, multipoint Bluetooth pairing for switching between two connected devices, and Shokz’s sound-directing technology to reduce audio leakage. Each is designed as an all-day wearable, combining open-ear listening with a secure fit intended for commuting, working, exercising or general day-to-day use.

The flagship OpenDots 2 differentiates itself through upgraded acoustics, Dolby Audio support, wireless charging, improved microphones, longer battery life, force sensor controls and higher dust and water resistance, while the OpenDots Air offers many of the core benefits in a more affordable package. 

Pricing and Availability

The Shokz OpenDots 2 will retail in Australia for AU$339 and will be available in Pearl White, Grey and Black. The OpenDots Air will retail for AU$219 and comes in Daybreak Purple and Black. Both models go on sale from 23 July 2026 through the Shokz online store. 

Initially, the OpenDots 2 will be sold through the Shokz Amazon Store and exclusively through JB Hi-Fi until 23 August, while the OpenDots Air will be exclusive to Harvey Norman during the same period. From 23 August, both products will become available through JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman and other participating Australian retailers. As part of the launch promotion, buyers purchasing through Shokz and selected retailers will receive complimentary jewellery-inspired clip-on accessories while stocks last. 

Clip on earbuds are great for enjoying audio, without the loss of situational awareness

Conclusion

With the OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air, Shokz is broadening its appeal beyond sports-focused users by offering two clip-on earbuds that prioritise comfort and environmental awareness. The OpenDots 2 targets buyers looking for premium audio features and the latest technology, while the OpenDots Air provides a lower-cost entry point without abandoning the core open-ear experience. Together, the two models give consumers more choice depending on how much they value premium audio, advanced calling features and longer battery life.

Share This Article
Phil hails from an IT background and has spent 14 years as a tech journalist, and over that time has seen massive evolution in phones, development of technology and the introduction of AI. If it’s got buttons, a screen or goes “ping”, then he’s probably going to have some thoughts or opinions on it.
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *