Shokz rivals Apple's AirPods once again with a new way to listen to your music
Shokz is launching two new open-ear buds called the OpenDots 2 and OpenDots Air.
Wireless earbuds such as Apple’s AirPods keep getting better at shutting out the world around you. Most now feature advanced active noise cancellation, blocking the chatter of crowded cafés and muting the chaos of busy airports. But what if you don't want to feel completely cut off — and don't like the idea of silicone tips wedged deep inside your ears? That's where open-ear headphones come in, offering a more comfortable, connected listening experience. And one of the category's leading brands has just unveiled a new way to enjoy your music.
Shokz, which has been making wireless audio products for more than a decade, is expanding its line-up with the launch of its premium OpenDots 2 earbuds.
Rather than sitting inside the ear canal, the OpenDots 2 clip gently onto the ear and combine integrated speakers with bone-conduction technology to deliver impressive sound while keeping you aware of your surroundings.
Built around a flexible nickel-titanium JointArc frame, the earbuds naturally adapt to a wide range of ear shapes, providing a secure and comfortable fit throughout the day.
That makes them ideal for everything from long outdoor runs to busy days in the office, where staying aware of what's happening around you can be just as important as the audio you're listening to.
Despite their open design, the OpenDots 2 are packed with premium features. They are ultra-lightweight, support upgraded Dolby Audio, and include intuitive touch controls for managing music and calls without reaching for your phone.
Battery life is equally impressive, with up to 10 hours of listening from a single charge, plus extra power available from the compact charging case.
When it's time to take a call, AI-powered noise reduction helps minimise background distractions so your voice remains clear, even in noisy environments.
The earbuds also carry an IP57 dust and water-resistance rating, helping them cope with everything from sweaty workouts to unpredictable British weather.
The Shokz OpenDots 2 are available now for £179.
For those looking for a more affordable option, Shokz is also launching the OpenDots Air for £129.
While not quite as feature-packed as their premium sibling, they still offer up to nine hours of battery life, a lightweight design, water resistance, and seamless multi-device pairing.
Both models are on sale now through retailers including Argos and Amazon.
Behind the scenes at Shozk
You might simply pop them in your ears and enjoy an instant hit of music, but bringing a new pair of wireless earbuds to market takes months of intensive audio engineering and rigorous testing.
Shokz gave us exclusive access to its laboratories in Shenzhen, China, revealing the extraordinary lengths the company goes to ensure its products deliver exceptional sound and can withstand the demands of everyday life.
Every new design, including the latest OpenDots 2, is meticulously scrutinised and subjected to a battery of punishing tests.
The earbuds are continuously bent, twisted and dropped to identify potential weak points, while charging cases are opened and closed thousands of times to assess their long-term durability.
They are also blasted with water and exposed to extreme temperatures to ensure they can perform reliably in challenging conditions.
One of the lab's more unusual pieces of equipment is a machine shaped like a human backside, designed to sit on the earbuds and confirm they can survive the pressure of being left in a pocket.
Once Shokz is satisfied with the design, durability and sound quality, production begins. And despite advances in automation, it's not just robots assembling the final product.
Because of their compact and intricate construction, the earbuds are carefully built by teams of highly trained technicians.
Thousands roll off the production line every week before being shipped to customers around the world.
Since its founding in 2011, Shokz has sold more than 19 million units, cementing its position as one of the world's leading brands for open-ear and sports headphones.
