Shokz OpenFit 2+ vs Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen)

How they differ in real use

Built from our open ear earbuds for running scoring, each product's published specifications, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing.

Both the Shokz OpenFit 2+ and the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) made our Top 5 Open-Ear Earbuds for Running, at #2 and #5. The best true wireless option for runners: separate 9.4 g buds on nickel-titanium hooks, IP55, and 11 hours per charge with 48 hours from a wireless charging case, where the OpenRun Pro 2 has 12 hours and no case. Its 17.3 mm driver plus tweeter gives fuller bass than bone conduction, and TechRadar's reviewer ran in it and called it a serious contender for the open-ear crown. It ranks below the OpenRun Pro 2 because separate hooks are less locked-in than a band and are not adjustable, which reviewers found can crowd glasses. It ranks above the OpenFit Pro on value: it costs less, and Tom's Guide suggested it may be the better buy. The newest pick (on sale October 1, 2026) and the best for sound away from the run: Gizmodo called it a clear step up from the original, with deeper bass, TrueSpatial head-tracked audio and a tighter clip. It ranks last for running because its IPX4 rating is the lowest here (every other pick is IP55), Bose markets it for travel and office rather than training, and a clip-on cuff is less locked-in than the Shokz hooks or the OpenRun band. It is also the most expensive pick. Choose it over the AeroFit 2 only if your runs are easy and sound quality comes first.

We score open-ear earbuds for running on Running Stability (25%), Sound Quality (20%), Sweat & Weather Resistance (15%), Battery & Charging (15%), Controls & Calls (10%) and Value (15%). On that basis the Shokz OpenFit 2+ totals 8.3 out of 10 and the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) 6.7. The widest gap is Running Stability, where the Shokz OpenFit 2+ scores 8 against 6 for the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen): how securely the design stays put at running pace (wraparound band, ear hook or clip, and whether the hook adjusts), based on reviewers' running and workout reports. Sweat & Weather Resistance also separates them: 9 for the Shokz OpenFit 2+ versus 6 for the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen). The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) claws back ground on Sound Quality.

On paper, the specifications that actually differ: Design: True wireless ear hooks (non-adjustable) on the Shokz OpenFit 2+ versus Clip-on cuff on the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen); Audio: 17.3 mm bass driver plus tweeter, Dolby Audio on the Shokz OpenFit 2+ versus Updated transducer with TrueSpatial immersive audio and head tracking on the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen); Battery (Buds): Up to 11 hours on the Shokz OpenFit 2+ versus Up to 9 hours (5 with Immersive Audio) on the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen); Battery (Total): Up to 48 hours with case on the Shokz OpenFit 2+ versus Up to 28 hours with case on the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen); Water Resistance: IP55 (earbuds) on the Shokz OpenFit 2+ versus IPX4 on the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen); Bluetooth: 5.4 on the Shokz OpenFit 2+ versus 5.4, aptX Adaptive on the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen). They match on Multipoint and Charging.

Check current pricing at the merchant links below. Owners praise the Shokz OpenFit 2+ for separate 9.4 g buds with silicone-covered nickel-titanium hooks, rated IP55 for sweat and 11 hours per charge, 48 hours with a wireless charging case; the most common complaint is the ear hook is not adjustable, and reviewers found it can crowd thick glasses frames. Owners praise the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds (2nd Gen) for updated drivers for deeper bass plus TrueSpatial head-tracked audio; Gizmodo praised the sound and extra volume and clip-on cuff sits outside the ear canal and is comfortable for all-day wear; the most common complaint is rated only IPX4, below the IP55 of every other pick here.