SHOKZ OpenComm2 Open-Ear Bluetooth Headset Review

The SHOKZ OpenComm2 is an open-ear Bluetooth headset that sits firmly in the brand’s Communication Series. While SHOKZ is widely known for bringing bone conduction technology to the general public, the OpenComm2 is specifically designed with a focus on voice calls and all-day wear. It is a portable, lightweight device intended for people who need to stay connected while remaining aware of their surroundings. This review examines the headset based on its stated design, features, and intended use cases.

Design & Build

The most immediate aspect of the OpenComm2 is its open-ear form factor. Unlike traditional headsets that cover or plug the ears, this device rests outside the ear canal. The design is built around a flexible frame that wraps around the back of the head. According to the product information, the entire unit weighs only 35 grams, which places it in the lightweight category for wearable communication devices.

SHOKZ has applied a soft silicone finish to the frame. This serves a dual purpose in the design: it contributes to the overall comfort for extended wear, and it is part of the headset’s resistance to water and dust. The OpenComm2 carries an IP55 rating, meaning it is designed to withstand limited dust ingress and low-pressure water jets from any direction. In practical terms, this makes the headset suitable for use in environments where sweat, light rain, or splashes might be a concern, such as working outdoors or moving between different office settings throughout the day.

The flexible frame is a key engineering choice here. Because the headset is intended for “mobile workwear,” the frame needs to accommodate different head shapes and movement patterns without becoming brittle or uncomfortable. The combination of the flexible structure and the soft-touch coating suggests a device that is meant to be worn for long stretches rather than taken on and off frequently.

Features & Technology

The OpenComm2 relies on SHOKZ’s 7th generation Bone Conduction Technology. This is the core mechanism that transmits sound through the cheekbones, leaving the ears open to ambient noise. The brand states that this creates a listening experience where your ears remain open to your surroundings for situational awareness, safety, and connection.

For audio output, the headset utilizes PremiumPitch 2.0 audio. While the product information does not provide specific frequency response curves or driver specifications, it is clear that this is SHOKZ’s proprietary audio tuning designed to work in tandem with the bone conduction driver. The emphasis here is on voice clarity and communication rather than bass-heavy music reproduction.

The microphone system is a critical component of a communication headset. The OpenComm2 features a noise-canceling microphone that uses DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology. This combination is intended to suppress background noise during calls, allowing the person on the other end to hear the user’s voice more clearly. The stated goal is to make conversations feel more like speaking in person, even when the user is in a noisy environment.

Physical controls are integrated directly into the headset. The product information highlights “intuitive integrated controls” that allow the user to adjust volume, mute and unmute calls, and play or pause audio. These are physical buttons rather than touch-sensitive surfaces, which is a practical choice for a work-focused device. Physical buttons allow for precise, tactile control without looking at the headset, which is beneficial when you are in the middle of a conversation or moving around.

Connectivity and Software

Bluetooth connectivity on the OpenComm2 includes a notable feature: multipoint pairing. This allows the headset to pair with two devices simultaneously. The practical benefit is that you can maintain a connection to both your computer and your smartphone at the same time. If a call comes in on your mobile phone while you are listening to audio from your laptop, the headset can toggle between the two sources.

This multipoint functionality is managed through the included SHOKZ App. The app is described as a tool that allows you to “seamlessly toggle” between paired devices. While the product information does not detail the full extent of the app’s settings, its inclusion suggests that users have some degree of control over how the headset prioritizes connections and manages multiple audio sources.

It is worth noting that the multipoint feature is stated as a capability of the headset’s reliable Bluetooth connectivity. The source material does not specify the Bluetooth version number, so that detail remains unconfirmed. However, the presence of multipoint pairing is a clear indicator that this headset is designed for productivity and multitasking.

Battery and Charging

Battery life is a significant differentiator for the OpenComm2. The product information states that the headset provides up to 16 hours of talk time and up to 8 hours of listening time per charge. This is an interesting split that reveals the device’s priorities. The 16-hour talk time is double the listening time, which strongly suggests that the audio processing and microphone array are optimized for voice transmission efficiency. The headset is engineered for calls, not just passive listening.

Charging is handled via a USB-C port. This is a modern, widely adopted standard that allows users to charge the headset with the same cables used for most current smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The convenience of USB-C cannot be overstated for a work device, as it reduces cable clutter and simplifies travel.

Additionally, the OpenComm2 supports a quick charge feature. A 5-minute charge is stated to provide 2 hours of talk time. This is a practical feature for those who forget to charge their devices overnight. If you have a meeting starting in ten minutes and your headset is dead, a brief plug-in session can get you through the call.

Performance & Everyday Experience

When considering the everyday experience of the OpenComm2, it is important to look at how the features work together. The 35-gram weight and flexible frame are designed to make the headset forgettable during long wear sessions. The IP55 rating adds a layer of confidence for users who move between environments or work up a sweat during a commute.

The open-ear design is the defining characteristic of the experience. Because the ears are not sealed, users retain full awareness of their surroundings. This is a safety feature for those walking in traffic or working in environments where hearing ambient sounds is necessary. It also allows for natural conversation—you can hear yourself speak normally, and you can hear people talking to you without pausing your audio.

The dual battery life figures suggest a device that behaves differently depending on the use case. If you are primarily using the headset for phone calls, video conferences, or voice memos, the 16-hour talk time is the relevant metric. If you are using it to listen to music or podcasts while working, the 8-hour listening time applies. Users who mix both activities should expect battery performance somewhere between these two figures.

The noise-canceling microphone with DSP is the feature that most directly impacts call quality. While the source material does not provide independent test results, the stated purpose is clear: to reduce background noise so the caller’s voice is the primary sound transmitted. This is a critical feature for anyone taking calls in open-plan offices, coffee shops, or while commuting.

Who Is This Product Best For?

Based on the supplied information, the OpenComm2 is best suited for professionals and individuals who spend a significant portion of their day on voice calls. The 16-hour talk time, noise-canceling microphone, and multipoint pairing all point toward a device that is meant for communication-heavy workflows.

This headset is also well-suited for those who need to maintain situational awareness while wearing a headset. The open-ear design makes it appropriate for use while walking, cycling, or working in environments where hearing alarms, announcements, or approaching vehicles is important. The IP55 rating further supports use in outdoor or physically active settings.

Additionally, the lightweight construction and flexible frame make it a candidate for all-day wear. Workers who move between desks, meeting rooms, and outdoor areas—such as facility managers, warehouse coordinators, or field technicians—may find the combination of comfort, connectivity, and environmental awareness appealing.

Final Verdict

The SHOKZ OpenComm2 is a purpose-built communication headset that leverages bone conduction technology to keep users connected without isolating them from their environment. Its key strengths are the lightweight 35-gram frame with a soft silicone finish, the IP55 water and dust resistance, and the impressive 16-hour talk time battery life.

The inclusion of multipoint pairing and physical control buttons makes it a practical tool for managing calls and audio across multiple devices. The noise-canceling microphone with DSP technology is designed to improve call clarity in noisy settings, though specific performance results are not provided in the source material.

The headset is clearly optimized for voice communication, as evidenced by the talk time being double the listening time. It is not marketed as a music-first device, but rather as a reliable communication tool for those who need to stay connected while remaining aware of their surroundings. For users whose primary need is clear, comfortable, all-day voice communication in an open-ear format, the OpenComm2 presents a well-considered option.