I use over-ear headphones all day at work and switch to in-ear headphones when I’m exercising or working outside. I was super pleased with the OpenRock X earbuds I tried last year, and I still use them often. In this article, I’ll take you through my thoughts on another pair from OpenRock: the S2 open-ear air conduction sport earbuds.
My Favorite Things
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So comfortable I forget I’m wearing them.
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Stays secure during movement and workouts.
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Easy-to-use physical controls.
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Useful app features like a sleep timer.
Key Features and Findings
After spending some time with the OpenRock S2 earbuds in everyday situations, here’s how they perform in all the areas that matter.
Fit & Comfort: These are open-ear headphones, so they don’t really sit in your ear canal, which makes them incredibly easy to slip on and off (and clean). While you might assume this would affect how well they stay in place, I’ve had zero issues with that. This is due to the hook design; they fit over my ear like a glove to stay in place, although I wish they could be adjusted to fit different ear sizes. Weighing just 7 grams (only slightly heavier than a credit card), I often forget I’m even wearing them, and I’ve experienced no soreness, even after several hours of wear. OpenRock markets these as sport earbuds, and while they are just as great for low-impact activities, they stay in place even during fast movements and when I tilt my head all the way back.
Controls & Ease of Use: One issue I have with other headphones, like my Google Pixel Buds, is their touch controls. It’s just too easy to pause or skip music by accident. The OpenRock S2 buds use a physical button at the back (tucked behind your ear), so you really have to press it intentionally to activate anything. This lets you pause and play music, answer and hang up calls, skip tracks, and take photos when paired with your phone. The app adds some more functionality with customizable long-press gestures if you want to trigger your voice assistant or control volume. It also includes a volume limiter, sleep timer, and spatial sound toggle.
Battery Life & Charging: Like other wireless earbuds, these come with a charging case that can provide the buds with an additional 24 hours of life. The magnetic slots make it easy to snap the earbuds into place, and the spacious design makes them easy to clean, too. A small status light indicates when the case hits 50 percent or 20 percent battery so that I know when to charge. The earbuds themselves routinely last several hours between charges, so I’ve been able to wear them while I do anything.
With the charging case, the S2 earbuds can last up to 32 hours.
Lifewire / Jon Fisher
Sound Quality: Open-ear headphones simply can’t match the sound isolation or immersion of other designs. For this reason, I don’t wear these when I need some peace or want to really feel the music. They don’t block out background noise, but they do deliver consistently good sound for casual use, and I love to have these in for phone calls. I also tested the Hi-Res Mode in the app, which switches to a higher-resolution codec, but I had to turn it off because the earbuds kept disconnecting despite my phone sitting only a foot away.
Build Quality: These earbuds have an IPX5 waterproof rating. I didn’t test this, but it basically means they’ll work just fine through sweat and rain (just don’t drop them in a puddle). OpenRock says the earbuds are made with ultra-thin titanium filaments and soft liquid silicone. They’re incredibly soft to the touch and flexible, so they’re comfortable in my pocket and feel great on my ears. That said, for around $100, the charging case feels a bit wimpy; I have to be careful when opening the case for fear that the lid will bend too far and snap. Still, the case is small and durable enough to toss into a pocket or bag and forget.
The earbuds hook onto the ear for a secure fit.
Lifewire / Jon Fisher
Important Specs to Know
Form Factor
Open Ear
Playtime
8hrs (32hrs with case)
Microphones
4 mics / AI-powered call noise cancellation
Controls
Physical button with app customization
Connectivity
Wireless / Bluetooth 6.0
Weight
7 grams (32 grams with case)
Color
Black or khaki
The Bottom Line
The OpenRock S2 earbuds are a perfect option if comfort and secure fit are high on your list of wants. The open-ear design makes them incredibly easy to wear for long stretches without fatigue, and the over-ear hooks keep them firmly in place no matter what you’re up to. I think you’ll also appreciate the convenience of the physical controls, the companion app, and the long battery life.
However, it’s important to remember that these earbuds are not designed like other ones you might be used to. The sound quality is completely fine for casual listening and phone calls, but it lacks the isolation you might expect from traditional headphones (though that’s not a con, in my opinion). And while the earbuds themselves feel well-made, you’ll probably face the same fears I have about the fragile case.
All that said, I will continue using these, and I recommend them to anyone who wants to stay aware of their surroundings while still enjoying the convenience of taking calls and listening to music or podcasts on the go.
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