Shokz expands its line of open clip headphones with the OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air

It is in Shenzhen, where its headquarters, factories and research and development activities are located, that Shokz invited a handful of journalists from all over the world.

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On site, the bone conduction specialist lifted the veil on the OpenDots 2 and the OpenDots Air. These two new models of open clip headphones expand a range inaugurated last year with the OpenDots One.

On the program, an upgrade for OpenDots 2, which promises progress in audio, call quality and resistance, but also the arrival of OpenDots Air, a more affordable version intended to further democratize this format.

OpenDots 2, even more ambitious sound for Shokz clip-on headphones

During our test of the OpenDots One, we were seduced by their comfort and especially their surprisingly balanced sound experience. Between present bass, clear mids and detailed treble, Shokz had managed to silence some of the criticism usually addressed to open headphones.

Not wanting to stop there, the manufacturer concentrates most of the developments of this second version on the audio part. The OpenDots 2 retain an architecture based on two 11.8 mm transducers, but introduce Bassphere 2.0 technology. Shokz thus promises up to 70% less distortion than on the previous model as well as more generous restitution in the bass.

The OpenDots 2 also gain improved Dolby Audio as well as new MirrorPitch technology. According to Shokz, this allows sound to be better channeled towards the ear in order to reinforce the impact of the bass and the feeling of immersion.

The Shenzhen firm also announces progress on the calls side. Where the OpenDots One relied on two microphones per earphone and noise reduction assisted by artificial intelligence, this second generation adds a bone conduction microphone as well as an adaptive system supposed to better isolate the voice.

Another interesting new feature, especially for athletes, the OpenDots 2 are now IP57 certified and the case IP54. As a reminder, the OpenDots One were satisfied with IP54 certification for the headphones, while its case had no protection.

Finally, the OpenDots 2 retain their clip format, their flexible nickel-titanium structure as well as an almost unchanged weight of 6.4 grams per earphone. Battery life also remains stable with up to 10 hours of listening time per charge and 40 hours with the case.

OpenDots Air, the spiritual heirs of OpenDots One?

As it did with the OpenFit Air, a more affordable version of its open-ear headphones, Shokz offers its clip format in a more accessible version.

To achieve this, the manufacturer logically had to make a few concessions. If the OpenDots Air retain two 11.8 mm transducers as well as the Bassphere technology, they ignore Bassphere 2.0, the improved Dolby Audio or the MirrorPitch technology introduced on the OpenDots 2.

Same observation on the appeals side. Where the OpenDots 2 rely on a bone conduction microphone, two classic microphones and an adaptive beamforming system, the OpenDots Air is satisfied with a simpler configuration composed of two microphones associated with noise reduction assisted by artificial intelligence.

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Other slight reductions, autonomy goes from 10 to 9 hours per charge and from 40 to 36 hours with the case. In addition, the OpenDots Air have a more modest IP55 certification.

Visually and technically, it is difficult not to see the OpenDots Air as the direct heirs of the OpenDots One. A lineage which is only really distinguished by the addition of a few additional coquetry. Among them, Bluetooth 6.1, DirectPitch technology intended to limit sound leaks and even automatic left/right detection.

Price, availability and competition

These two new models are available from June 4. The OpenDots 2 are offered in black, gray and white colors at a price of 199 euros. For their part, the OpenDots Air cost 139 euros and are available in black and purple.

As a reminder, the OpenDots One were made official during the summer of 2025 at 199 euros. At the start of 2026, Huawei also launched its FreeClip 2 at 199 euros, just like Sony which also aligned itself with this price with its LinkBuds Clip.