We Pushed These Sweatproof Headphones Through Sprints and Squat PRs. They Never Missed a Beat
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I consider myself somewhat of a headphone snob, especially when it comes to workout headphones. Nothing kills a PR attempt more than using a pair of headphones you have to constantly fidget with. One pair might be perfect for Zoom calls or walking the dog, but there are a lot more variables at play when training: sweat, movement, impact, and the need to stay aware of what’s happening around you.
That's why our team spent months testing workout headphones across various training environments, from outdoor runs to noisy box gyms. One pair that particularly stood out was the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones, rightfully earning its title as the best pair for outdoor running and safety.
Back to that self-proclaimed headphone snob comment. I've personally been using the OpenRun Pro 2s for almost a year now, including through half-marathon training, and I'll never go back. They're designed for safety, completely comfortable, and last through long runs.
If you're debating buying a pair, read on for our honest review of the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones.
Want the inside scoop on the best fitness gear of the year? Check out the rest of Men’s Journal 2026 Fitness Awards, where we’ve tested everything from workout shorts and protein powders to weightlifting shoes and wearable fitness trackers.
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Key Features
For runners and cyclists who prioritize safety, Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are one of the safest ways to train outdoors. As cathartic as it is to blast your music and zone out, situational awareness still matters, and the bone-conduction design keeps your ears completely open, allowing you to hear traffic, pedestrians, and environmental cues while still delivering clear audio for music, podcasts, or coaching cues. This makes them exceptionally well-suited for road running, bike paths, and early-morning or urban training environments where situational awareness matters.
During testing, the OpenRun Pro 2 remained stable during long road runs, tempo efforts, and mixed-terrain routes, without bouncing or shifting as pace changed. The lightweight frame eliminated ear fatigue, even on longer sessions, and physical controls made it easy to adjust volume or skip tracks on the move. Sound quality won’t rival in-ear earbuds, especially in the low end. Still, clarity remained consistent enough to stay engaged without cranking the volume, a key benefit for outdoor safety.
They're built to handle a lot of sweat, too, and I say this as someone who tests that limit regularly. Zero issues with moisture to date. As far as battery life goes, I feel like I'm constantly putting them on the charger, but they haven't died on me yet during a run, which is what really counts.
Pros
- Excellent situational awareness for outdoor training
- Comfortable for long runs and rides
Cons
- Bass and sound depth lag behind in-ear models
- Not ideal for loud gym environments
Final Verdict
Kelsey Kryger
Personally, I think the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones are definitely worth it. There's truly nothing I hate more during a workout than having to tango with headphones that keep falling out of my ears. The OpenRun Pro 2s completely eliminate that issue, with a comfortable and secure fit that you barely even notice once you start moving.
Of course, I am a basshead and must acknowledge the biggest con with these: they aren't very loud. If you like your music blasting, these don't scratch that itch. But that's also kind of the point. They're safer for outdoor runs, rides, and trail sessions where you need to stay aware of your surroundings.
For that reason, they’re better suited for running, biking, and outdoor training than for heavy lifting in a loud gym. Still, for what they’re designed to do, the OpenPro Run 2 headphones nail it and have earned our stamp of approval.
Why You Should Trust Me
I’m a health and fitness staff writer for Men’s Journal and previously wrote for Men’s Fitness, covering training trends, workouts, and gear reviews. I’m also an ACE-certified personal trainer and group fitness instructor, with experience teaching multiple training modalities, including HIIT and indoor cycling. Along with my career experience, I’ve been weightlifting for over a decade and have trained in a wide range of shoes.
I personally test all products I review and have spent quality time with countless pieces of fitness equipment, from HYROX shoes to Lagree reformers and watermelon-flavored creatine. My goal is to give practical, experience-driven feedback that helps you decide what’s worth your time and money in the gym, while elevating your workout experience.