Shokz OpenDots – Shokz has unveiled two new open-ear earbuds—OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air—built to sit clipped behind your ear while projecting sound toward your ear canals. The lineup focuses on lighter wear, better bass clarity, and easier multi-device switching, with up to 4
By the time the day gets busy. the best earbuds aren’t the ones that disappear—they’re the ones you forget you’re wearing. That’s the pitch behind Shokz’s latest open-ear lineup. with two new models designed to be clipped to the back of your ear and positioned so the drivers project sound toward your ear canals without blocking them.
Shokz’s new OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air follow the original OpenDots One. which launched in May 2025. and they stick to the same basic idea: more comfort and more environmental awareness than traditional wireless earbuds. Where they differ is in the way Shokz positions each version for different priorities—price and simplicity on one end. extra audio and call features on the other.
The OpenDots Air is the entry-level option, priced at $129.95 and offered in black and daybreak purple. Shokz says it uses a “next-generation spherical acoustic structure” called Bassphere. built around a pair of custom 11.8mm drivers on each side and an “optimized diaphragm” aimed at improving bass. loudness. and clarity. You can also make custom EQs in the accompanying app. but Shokz includes preset sound profiles too—one for boosting voice in podcasts and audiobooks. and a privacy mode that reduces higher frequencies when you’re in quiet environments.
Battery life is estimated at up to nine hours of playback, extendable to up to 36 hours with the charging case. There’s no ANC, but Shokz uses AI algorithms to help reduce background noise during calls. The OpenDots Air also include dynamic ear detection. so you can wear them on either side without having to figure out which bud goes on the left or right—Shokz says they’ll figure that out on their own.
At just 6.3 grams per earbud, OpenDots Air is the lighter model. The gap isn’t huge, though: OpenDots 2 weigh 6.4 grams per bud and cost $199.95. They come in pearl white, gray, and black, and they keep the same dual-driver system as the Air, but add support for Dolby Audio.
For calls, OpenDots 2 add an extra layer of help. Shokz includes an additional bone-conduction microphone designed to isolate your voice from background noise that can make it harder for the person on the other end to hear you.
Battery life is stronger on the OpenDots 2: 10 hours on their own, or 40 hours with their charging case. Shokz says the case can be topped off with a Qi wireless charger.
Both models use Bluetooth 6.1 and can connect to two devices simultaneously, making switching between a phone and laptop easier. They can also be located using the Shokz mobile app, but only if you’re within Bluetooth range.
Where OpenDots 2 aim to reduce the frustration of losing earbuds, Shokz adds support for Google’s Find Hub app. That’s set to reveal the earbuds’ last known location even when you’re nowhere near them.
With both OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air. Shokz is doubling down on the open-ear comfort concept—lighter hardware. directional sound toward the ear canals. and features like multi-device switching and app-based tracking. The choice for buyers now looks simple: save on the Air. or pay more for Dolby Audio support and the extra microphone Shokz says helps your voice cut through noise.
Shokz OpenDots 2 OpenDots Air open-ear earbuds Bluetooth 6.1 Bassphere Dolby Audio Qi wireless charging Google Find Hub Shokz app
So basically they’re open-ear but still trying to make bass? I don’t get how that works, you can hear everything around you anyway.
OpenDots Air for $129 is wild when you can get cheap earbuds that also have “AI” noise reduction. Also the “privacy mode” sounds like they’re nerfing the music on purpose.
Wait it says no ANC but uses AI to reduce background noise during calls… so like will it make calls clearer or just make it sound muffled? I’m guessing it’s the same as ANC but they just renamed it, lol.
I like the whole behind-the-ear clip thing, I hate earbuds falling out. But “projects sound toward your ear canals” sounds like it could still be uncomfortable. $129.95 is fine if battery is really up to 36 with the case, but I feel like that number is always optimistic.