Reviewing the Shokz OpenDots One for cyclists

Since 2019, I have been a big fan of Shokz (previously AfterShokz) headphones. Their open-ear and bone-conduction designs have made sense for cyclists who want to enjoy music or podcasts while staying aware of their surroundings.

After my OpenRun Pro 2 became my go-to companion for long solo rides, Shokz sent me the OpenDots One to try out. I have now completed several rides with them, and here are my thoughts.

First impressions

The Shokz OpenDots One are completely different. They are smaller, lighter, and use a clip-on open-ear design instead of the wrap-around style of the OpenRun Pro 2. This design makes them more convenient to wear, although they might look a bit unusual at first.

One of the biggest advantages I noticed is that you can use just one earbud. This is incredibly handy for group rides because it allows you to keep one ear completely free to talk to the rider next to you while still having audio in the other ear. It gives you a good balance between awareness and entertainment.

Sound quality

The sound quality of the OpenDots One really surprised me. Compared to the OpenRun Pro 2, the audio is richer and more immersive, especially for podcasts or spoken audio. They deliver a clear, balanced tone with a nice bass presence for such a lightweight device.

Even at higher speeds, the sound remains crisp and enjoyable. However, the main downside becomes noticeable on windy days. When the wind picks up, you will hardly hear anything. The open design lets in all ambient noise, which is great for safety but makes it hard to follow a podcast when facing strong gusts. I faced similar issues with the OpenRun Pro 2, although this is where bone conduction has the benefit of slightly better wind handling.

Comfort and fit

The OpenDots One are comfortable and feel secure on the ears. They do not interfere with glasses or helmet straps, which is always a plus. During long rides, I barely noticed them. I would say they are even more comfortable than the OpenRun Pro 2, which can feel weird depending on the glasses you wear.

Compared to the OpenRun Pro 2, the OpenDots offer a bit more flexibility in how you wear them, thanks to the single-ear option. However, the controls are not as intuitive. Adjusting volume or skipping tracks is easier on the OpenRun Pro 2, which has more tactile buttons that are accessible even with gloves on.

Battery life

Battery performance is great. I’ve used them on three rides of 3 hours each, and they still had battery left afterward. Each bud can last up to around 11 hours (at least that is what the specs say), and the case provides roughly 40 hours of total charge. On multi-day rides, this means you can go for several outings without needing to recharge.

Safety and awareness

Like all Shokz models, the OpenDots One keep your ears open to the environment. You can still hear cars, cyclists, or conversations around you. This is what makes open-ear headphones ideal for road cycling.

Although the sound is more directed into your ear canal compared to bone conduction, you still get a good level of situational awareness if you lower the volume.

When used with one bud, this awareness increases even more, and you can chat naturally with others while riding. The trade-off is that you lose some sound immersion, especially in noisy or windy conditions.

Comparing OpenDots One and OpenRun Pro 2

Here is a quick summary of how both models perform based on my experience.

Feature	Shokz OpenDots One	Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
Design	Clip-on open-ear earbuds	Wrap-around bone conduction
Sound	Rich and balanced, great for podcasts	Slightly less bass but very clear
Wind performance	Struggles in strong wind	Handles wind a bit better
Controls	Smaller, less tactile	Easier to use during rides and when wearing gloves
Single ear use	Yes	No
Battery life	Up to 11 hours per charge	Around 12 hours per charge
Comfort	Very light	Slightly bulkier but stable
Ideal for	Group rides, podcasts	Long solo rides, windy conditions

Both headphones are great options, but they serve slightly different purposes. If you want maximum awareness and control, the OpenRun Pro 2 still wins. If you prefer flexibility and comfort, the OpenDots One are a strong alternative.

Conclusion

After several rides, the Shokz OpenDots One have earned a permanent spot in my cycling gear. The ability to ride with one earbud, the improved sound quality for podcasts, and their lightweight comfort make them an excellent choice.

The downside remains the wind, you won’t hear much when it’s strong and the controls could be more practical for on-the-go use. But overall, the OpenDots One provide a new level of convenience and are perfect for riders who value both safety and simplicity.

If you are a cyclist looking for open-ear audio that keeps you connected to your surroundings, the Shokz OpenDots One are definitely worth trying.

Happy riding, and stay safe!