Shokz Says Its Clip-On OpenDots 2 Earbuds Focus on Enhanced Volume and Bass

Shokz has two new pairs of clip-on earbuds, a style popularized by Bose two years ago. The new flagship, OpenDots 2, introduces a new driver design that is said to deliver better bass. And the OpenDots Air pairs a simple, style-conscious design with moderate features and premium prices.

Bass response is often the weak point of open-ear designs – especially the clip-on variety. Shokz is trying to make it less of a barrier with Basssphere 2.0 technology in OpenDots 2. The company says that each of the 11.8mm drivers, arranged in a circular design, is equivalent to the output of a single 16mm driver. Meanwhile, the redesigned diaphragm should reduce distortion by 70 percent. The result, according to Shokz, is high performance in a compact environment.

A feature Shokz calls MirrorPitch angles the sound so it’s reflected in your ear rather than projected outwards. The company says this improves bass and volume response, “making your music sound fuller and more focused.” The clip-on buds also get enhanced Dolby Audio support, which is said to add “depth” and “impact” while maintaining vocals and soundstage.

Call quality gets an upgrade, too. A dedicated bone conduction microphone serves as a reference point for the onboard AI to distinguish between your voice and background noise. Shokz says OpenDots 2 also offers better noise reduction for calls, helping your voice be heard clearly in wind conditions up to 12 mph.

You can control them by tapping the arc between the two sections or by pressing the back part (battery). (It uses a force sensor to help reduce accidental touches.) The earbuds are IP57 rated for water and dust resistance.

Shokz claims up to 10 hours of battery life per charge for the OpenDots 2. It’s said to last up to 40 hours with the case, which supports Qi wireless charging. Meanwhile, a quick five-minute charge should deliver two hours of additional playback.

OpenDots 2 is available in black, gray, and pearl white. You can order it now from Amazon, Best Buy, and Shokz’s website for $200.

Shokz markets the inexpensive OpenDots Air as a “simple, accessible” alternative to the clip-on form factor. Depending on your style, they may look a little lighter (and more purple!) on your ears. More importantly, you can save $70 compared to the flagship.

But the easy part probably shouldn’t sway your decision. The OpenDots Air weighs 6.3g per earbud, compared to 6.4g for the OpenDots 2. Sure, you could argue that every milligram counts when something is stuck in your ear, but the difference on paper is small.

OpenDots Air uses an older version (1.0) of Shokz’s Basssphere tech found in the original OpenDots. It’s a cheap model and doesn’t offer Dolby Audio or wireless charging. Its battery life is short: up to nine hours of playtime per charge. And its fast charging feature is slow, taking 10 minutes to add two hours of playtime.

The Shokz OpenDots Air is available in black and the “purple” color seen above. You can order the earbuds today for $130 from Amazon, Best Buy, and Shokz’s website.