Open-ear headphones for cycling: Listen to music without blocking out your surroundings with Shokz OpenDots

Listening to music whilst cycling? For many, the soundtrack is an integral part of the ride. The problem is that traditional in-ear headphones block out sound – meaning you can’t hear an approaching car or the bell of a road cyclist. Dangerous. Open-ear headphones like those from Shokz solve the dilemma: they sit on the outside of the ear, leaving the ear canal free. So you can hear music and traffic at the same time. A real advantage, especially on gravel rides or long road trips. And practical in everyday life too: if a colleague asks you a question, you don’t have to fumble around for your earbuds first.

A clip instead of a plug

The new range features a clip-on design. The OpenDots 2 They use a flexible nickel-titanium alloy with a silicone coating – Shokz calls this the JointArc™ structure. Weighing just 6.4 grams per earbud, they are designed not to cause discomfort even when worn for long periods. The advantage is that you remain aware of what is happening around you – which is handy in traffic or when a colleague asks you a question.

Sound & Features

When it comes to sound quality, Shokz promises powerful bass thanks to its proprietary Bassphere™ 2.0 technology – it remains to be seen how well this works with the earbuds open. The OpenDots 2 also support Dolby Audio for a more immersive sound experience.
The microphone system is designed to clearly isolate voices even in windy conditions. Control is via pressure sensors on the earbud. The more affordable Air version weighs 6.3 grams and boasts up to 36 hours of battery life – a respectable figure.

Prices

The OpenDots 2 cost €199 and are available in Pearl White, Grey and Black. The OpenDots Air is available for €139 in Black and Daybreak Purple.

The grey area of safety: just because something is allowed doesn’t mean it’s always sensible

Listening to music whilst cycling is generally permitted. However, it remains a safety concern. Studies and experts show that even moderate volume levels can impair your ability to react – particularly in heavy urban traffic. Noise-cancelling headphones or highly isolating in-ear earphones are particularly problematic because they significantly block out ambient noise. If you want to be on the safe side, opt for open-back systems such as the open Dots or use just one earpiece.

Editorial commentary

Open-ear headphones are particularly useful for athletes and commuters. In terms of sound quality, they usually can’t compete with traditional in-ear headphones – but there’s no annoying earbud in your ear, and you’ll be better able to hear that SUV in the city centre trying to cut you off. It remains to be seen whether the new Shokz models will prove a hit.