Shokz expands open-ear range with OpenRun Air 2 and OpenFit Air 2

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...
5 Min Read

Shokz is expanding its open-ear audio lineup in Australia with the launch of the OpenRun Air 2 and OpenFit Air 2, bringing lighter designs and updated audio hardware to its bone conduction and true wireless ranges.

The OpenRun Air 2 is aimed primarily at runners, cyclists and outdoor training, while the OpenFit Air 2 is a more conventional true wireless experience for workouts, commuting and everyday listening. Both retain Shokz’s open-ear approach, keeping the ear canal unobstructed so users can remain more aware of what’s happening around them.

OpenRun gets its first Air model

The OpenRun Air 2 is the first “Air” version of the OpenRun series to launch in Australia. At 26.4 grams, it’s over nine per cent smaller than the standard OpenRun. Added to this are redesigned ear hooks and a forward-shifted centre of gravity intended to improve stability while running or exercising.

Shokz has also upgraded the bone conduction hardware with its PremiumPitch 3.0 technology. The new driver uses an all-metal dual-coil, dual-reed design, which is said to improve bass, vocal detail and overall balance compared with the OpenRun.

Battery life has been improved to 10 hours, with a five-minute quick charge providing around two hours of playback. For those — like me — who look at charging options to reduce the need to carry lots of cables, USB-C charging is included alongside an IP67 dust and water-resistance rating.

Physical controls remain, which will undoubtedly be welcomed by active users who don’t want to fiddle with touch controls while moving. An AI-assisted noise-reduction microphone is designed to improve call quality, including in windy environments, which is useful outdoors, but I’m not sure I know too many people who want to listen to me huffing and puffing while I’m on my bike.

The physical controls are simple to learn and use.

Users can also adjust the sound through the Shokz app, with four preset EQ modes and two custom profiles available.

The OpenRun Air 2 will be offered in Black and Ice Blue, with both Standard and Mini sizes available.

OpenFit Air 2 gets smaller and lighter

For those who prefer separate true wireless earbuds, the OpenFit Air 2 builds on the previous OpenFit Air with an emphasis on reducing weight and improving comfort. Each earbud weighs 7.2 grams, making it the lightest model in the OpenFit family. The charging case is smaller, and the combined earbuds and case are noticeably lighter than the previous generation.

Shokz has refined the ear hook using a 0.75mm nickel-titanium alloy frame, designed to provide enough flexibility for comfort while keeping the earbuds secure during workouts.

The improved balance means better stability while you’re working out

Audio comes from Shokz Bassphere driver system paired with its OpenBass 2.0 processing. A 30-degree angled speaker directs audio towards the ear, while DirectPitch technology is designed to minimise the sound leakage that can sometimes be an issue with open-ear headphones.

Battery life is rated at eight hours from the earbuds or up to 36 hours with the charging case; A 10-minute quick charge provides up to three hours of listening.

Shokz has also moved to pressure-sensitive controls designed to reduce accidental inputs from sweat, water or hair. Other features include Bluetooth 6.1, Multipoint Pairing, Google Fast Pair, Microsoft Swift Pair and Find My Earbuds through the Shokz app.

The earbuds carry an IP55 sweat and water-resistance rating and will be available in Black, White and Ice Blue.

Pricing and Availability

The Shokz OpenRun Air 2 will cost A$229, while the OpenFit Air 2 will retail for A$219.

It’s great to escape, enjoy your music and the sounds of the great outdoors.

Both models will be available in Australia from 3 September 2026 through the Shokz online and Amazon stores, before expanding to retailers including JB Hi-Fi and Harvey Norman from 10 September.

Conclusion

With only a $10 difference between them, the choice largely comes down to how they’re going to be used. The OpenRun Air 2’s bone conduction design, IP67 rating and secure neckband make it the more obvious option for running and outdoor exercise, while the OpenFit Air 2 provides true wireless earbuds for users wanting something that can transition between workouts, commuting and everyday listening.

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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.
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