OpenRun Air 2 is our newest bone conduction sports headphone. It joins two models you may already know: OpenRun and OpenRun Pro 2. All three keep your ears open, so you hear your music and the world around you at the same time.
What changes from model to model is how they sound, how long they last between charges, how they fit, how they handle the weather, and how they connect. This guide puts the three side by side and explains what each difference means when you're out training. Near the end, you'll also find a section that matches features to common routines.
Three Models at a Glance
OpenRun Air 2 and OpenRun belong to our Standard tier, and is our Flagship sports model. The table below covers the points readers ask about most. The sections after it go deeper on each pairing.
Battery figures come from our lab testing under controlled conditions. Test setups differ slightly between models, and real-world results vary with volume, audio source and usage.
OpenRun Air 2 vs OpenRun: What's Different
OpenRun Air 2 is the next generation of our classic OpenRun sports headphones. It keeps the open-ear bone conduction design, so your ears stay fresh and comfortable during workouts and long listening sessions. The changes are in sound, battery, charging, fit, calls and app support.
Sound and EQ
OpenRun runs on PremiumPitch™ 2.0+, tuned for deeper bass, less vibration and louder volume. OpenRun Air 2 moves to PremiumPitch™ 3.0, built around an upgraded bone conduction driver with an all-metal, dual-coil, dual-reed structure. In practice, that design adds bass and brings out more detail in vocals, giving you deep bass, smooth mids and crisp highs at running tempo.
You can shape the sound too. OpenRun Air 2 offers four preset EQ modes (Standard, Vocal, Volume Boost and Private) plus two custom modes in the Shokz App. OpenRun offers two EQ modes: Standard and Vocal Booster, the latter aimed at podcasts and audiobooks.
Battery and charging
OpenRun Air 2 plays for up to 10 hours on a single charge, compared with up to 8 hours for OpenRun, a 25% increase. A full charge takes about 1 hour instead of 1.5 hours. A 5-minute quick charge gives up to 2 hours of listening, while OpenRun's 10-minute quick charge gives 1.5 hours. A short top-up while you lace up can cover a session.
Fit and comfort
In our lab testing, OpenRun Air 2 is over 9% smaller than OpenRun, with a slimmer profile. Weight stays in the same range at around 26 g (OpenRun Air 2 is 26.4 g in Standard and 25.9 g in Mini). The change is in size and balance rather than weight.
A forward-shifted centre of gravity and a unibody neckband are designed to minimise bounce when you run, jump or turn. The redesigned ear hook follows the natural curve of your ear and spreads pressure evenly for long sessions. Individual fit varies with ear shape and how you wear them. OpenRun's wraparound titanium frame is built to stay put during dynamic moves such as jumping and yoga inversions.
Calls and connection
OpenRun Air 2 pairs an optimised dual-microphone layout with an AI noise reduction algorithm designed to reduce ambient noise while preserving voices. It offers stronger wind-noise resistance than OpenRun. In our lab simulations of intersection scenarios, it also achieved a better signal-to-noise ratio and reduced loud echoes more effectively than OpenRun. OpenRun uses dual noise-cancelling microphones with a CVC algorithm to separate your voice from background noise.
OpenRun Air 2 runs on Bluetooth 6.0, designed for fast, stable connections within 10 m (33 ft). OpenRun runs on Bluetooth 5.1 with the same 10 m range.
App support
OpenRun Air 2 works with the Shokz App: EQ settings, custom button functions, MultiPoint Pairing between two devices, Find My Headphone (make your headphones ring if they go missing), and firmware updates.
OpenRun Air 2 vs OpenRun Pro 2: How They Differ
OpenRun Pro 2 is our flagship bone conduction sports headphone, built around DualPitch: a bone conduction driver handles mids and highs, while a dedicated 18×11 mm air conduction driver handles bass. It plays for up to 12 hours, and its angled ear hooks and nickel-titanium frame are designed to hold securely without discomfort. OpenRun Air 2 takes a different route, with a bone conduction speaker running PremiumPitch™ 3.0, a lighter 26.4 g body, IP67 water resistance and Bluetooth 6.0. Both work with the Shokz App. Here's how they compare, area by area.
Sound and EQ
OpenRun Pro 2 uses DualPitch™: a bone conduction driver handles mids and highs, while a separate 18×11 mm air conduction driver handles bass. Our algorithm assigns each sound element to a dedicated driver, DirectPitch™ technology limits sound leakage from the air conduction unit, and DRC technology keeps distortion in check at peak volume.
OpenRun Air 2 delivers its sound through a bone conduction speaker with PremiumPitch™ 3.0, an all-metal, dual-coil, dual-reed driver designed for deep bass, smooth mids and crisp highs.
Battery and charging
OpenRun Pro 2 plays for up to 12 hours per charge, compared with up to 10 hours for OpenRun Air 2. Both take about 1 hour for a full charge. A 5-minute quick charge gives up to 2.5 hours on Pro 2 and up to 2 hours on Air 2. Both charge over USB-C.
Weight and fit
OpenRun Air 2 weighs 26.4 g (Standard) and 25.9 g (Mini), while OpenRun Pro 2 weighs 30.3 g. Each takes a different approach to a secure fit:
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OpenRun Air 2: a forward-shifted centre of gravity and a unibody neckband to minimise bounce, with a contoured ear hook that spreads pressure evenly.
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OpenRun Pro 2: angled ear hooks, an expanded contact area and a streamlined band, on a nickel-titanium memory-wire frame. It has 16% less clamping force than the previous generation.
Calls and connection
Both models use dual microphones and AI noise reduction. On Pro 2, the microphone sits in a low-wind zone, and in our lab simulation of an intersection scene the algorithm reduced ambient noise by about 96.5%. Air 2's wind-noise and echo results were tested against OpenRun. The two tests used different scenarios, so the results aren't directly comparable.
On Bluetooth, OpenRun Air 2 uses version 6.0 and OpenRun Pro 2 uses 5.3. Both have a 10 m (33 ft) range.
Which Model Fits How You Train?
Each model puts its emphasis in a different place. Find the line that sounds most like your routine, then check the notes beside it.
You want the longest run time between charges
Compare these figures against your longest listening day, such as a long run plus a commute. OpenRun Pro 2 plays for up to 12 hours, with up to 2.5 hours from a 5-minute quick charge. OpenRun Air 2 plays for up to 10 hours, with up to 2 hours from 5 minutes. OpenRun plays for up to 8 hours, with 1.5 hours from a 10-minute charge.
You train in wet, sweaty or unpredictable weather
OpenRun Air 2 and OpenRun are both IP67 rated, and you can rinse OpenRun Air 2 under water after a workout. OpenRun Pro 2 is IP55 rated, built for rain, sweat and splashes, though not for the sea, saunas or showering. None of the three is for swimming. If your training includes the pool or open water, take a look at OpenSwim Pro, our Bluetooth + MP3 model for water sports.
You want a light, compact fit, or you have a smaller head
OpenRun Air 2 and OpenRun sit at a similar weight, around 26 g in Standard (26.4 g for Air 2, 25.9 g in Mini), but Air 2 is over 9% smaller, with a more compact profile. OpenRun Pro 2 weighs 30.3 g, with angled ear hooks and a wider contact area that spread pressure across the ear. All three come in Standard and Mini.
You care about how it sounds, and want to tune it
OpenRun Pro 2's DualPitch pairs a bone conduction driver with a dedicated air conduction driver for bass, and its presets include Bass Boost and Treble Boost. OpenRun Air 2's PremiumPitch™ 3.0 is designed for deeper bass, clearer vocals and detailed highs, with presets that include Volume Boost and Private. OpenRun's PremiumPitch™ 2.0+ comes with two EQ modes, including a Vocal Booster for podcasts and audiobooks. Sound is personal, so consider trying them on at a store near you.
You already own an OpenRun
OpenRun Air 2 keeps the wraparound design you know and adds up to 10 hours of playback (up from 8), a 1-hour full charge (down from 1.5), USB-C in place of a magnetic cable, PremiumPitch™ 3.0, four EQ presets plus two custom modes, AI noise reduction for calls and Bluetooth 6.0.
Whichever you choose, wear your headphones securely, keep the volume at a level where you can hear traffic, and follow local road rules when cycling or commuting.
FAQ
What's the difference between OpenRun Air 2 and OpenRun?
OpenRun Air 2 runs on PremiumPitch™ 3.0, while OpenRun runs on PremiumPitch™ 2.0+. Battery is up to 10 hours vs up to 8. Air 2 uses Bluetooth 6.0 (OpenRun uses 5.1), adds AI noise reduction for calls, supports the Shokz App, and is over 9% smaller.
What's the difference between OpenRun Air 2 and OpenRun Pro 2?
OpenRun Pro 2 uses DualPitch, with separate bone and air conduction drivers, and plays for up to 12 hours. OpenRun Air 2 uses a bone conduction speaker with PremiumPitch™ 3.0, plays for up to 10 hours, and is IP67 rated (Pro 2 is IP55). Air 2 weighs 26.4 g in Standard, and Pro 2 weighs 30.3 g.
Is OpenRun Air 2 waterproof? Can I swim in it?
OpenRun Air 2 is IP67 water resistant, so you can train in the rain and rinse the headphones under water afterwards. It should not be worn while swimming or during underwater activities. Dust and water resistance can diminish with normal wear and tear.
How long does the OpenRun Air 2 battery last?
Up to 10 hours of listening on a single charge. A full charge takes about 60 minutes, and a 5-minute quick charge provides up to 2 hours. Actual battery life varies with volume, audio source and usage.
What can I do in the Shokz App with OpenRun Air 2?
You can switch between four preset EQ modes and two custom modes, customise the button functions, use MultiPoint Pairing between two devices, use Find My Headphone, and keep the firmware up to date. The app is available on the App Store and Google Play.
How should I charge OpenRun Air 2?
Make sure the charging port is dry before you plug in, and don't charge right after exercising, since sweat may be inside the port. Use a power supply that meets local regulatory requirements. We recommend a 5V/1A charger to help protect the battery, and the output voltage shouldn't exceed 15V.
Which size should I choose, Standard or Mini?
Measure from behind one ear, around the back of your head, to behind the other ear with a soft tape measure. If you measure over 23.5 cm (9.25 in), choose Standard. If you measure under 23.5 cm (9.25 in), choose Mini. OpenRun Air 2 weighs 26.4 g in Standard and 25.9 g in Mini.
Explore the Range
Each model has its own product page with full specifications and colour options.
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OpenRun Air 2: bone conduction sports headphones with PremiumPitch™ 3.0, up to 10 hours of battery, IP67 and Bluetooth 6.0. Explore OpenRun Air 2
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OpenRun: bone conduction sports headphones with PremiumPitch™ 2.0+, up to 8 hours of battery, IP67 and a full titanium frame. Explore OpenRun
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OpenRun Pro 2: bone conduction sports headphones with DualPitch dual drivers, up to 12 hours of battery, IP55 and Bluetooth 5.3. Explore OpenRun Pro 2
You can also open our full product comparison page to see more models side by side.
