I’ve tried a lot of earbuds over the years, but none have really worked for me until now. The OpenRock S2 Open-Ear Sport Earbuds have quickly become my favourites, not just for training runs at home but also for bigger mountain days when I want music, podcasts, or the option to take a call while staying aware of my surroundings.
Unlike traditional in-ear models, the best open earbuds don’t seal off your ear canal. Instead, they use cleverly designed speakers that sit just outside the ear, directing sound towards you while keeping it discreet from those around you.
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Open-ear headphones come in a few different styles: some hook securely around the ear, others clip to glasses, and a few rest lightly in the ear’s concha. They’re not to be confused with bone conduction headphones, which also leave the ear open but transmit sound in a completely different way.
Key Features
- Ultra-light hook-clip design (7 g per earbud) with titanium filaments and liquid silicone for a secure, comfortable fit.
- Battery life: 8 hours per charge, up to 32 hours with the charging case.
- BassDirect™ technology for deep, powerful bass and enhanced sound quality.
- Bluetooth 6.0 with multipoint pairing, allowing connection to two devices at once.
- 4-Mic AI Noise Cancellation for clearer calls, even in noisy environments.
- IPX5 water and sweat resistance, making them suitable for rain and workouts.
- Supports LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs for high-resolution audio playback.
- Over 10 m Bluetooth range for reliable connections.
- Operating temperature range: 0–45 °C.
- Stylish design: textured pebble-shaped charging case and composite finish on the earbuds.
First Impressions
The first thing that struck me about the S2s is just how light they feel. At only 7 grams per earbud, they’re so comfortable that I often forget I’m wearing them. This is a huge plus, especially on long days when I don’t want any distractions. I’ve always struggled with traditional in-ear pods; my ears are small and I’ve found them too heavy to stay in my ear and would constantly fall out. The S2’s hook-clip design solves that problem perfectly. They sit securely, whether I’m running on the road, tackling rocky trails, or staggering up climbs in the hills.
Out on the Run
I’ve worn the S2s in all sorts of conditions, from everyday training runs at home to longer sessions in the mountains, and they’ve handled everything really well. The open-ear design means I can still hear what’s going on around me, which feels much safer on the busy roads of Leeds where I live and also gives me that sense of awareness when I’m out in the hills. It makes a big difference to be able to enjoy music or take calls without feeling cut off from the world.
The battery life is another standout feature. With 8 hours on a single charge, I can easily cover a day’s back to back meetings or a day out in the mountains without worrying about them dying on me. And with the charging case, I get up to 32 hours in total, enough to keep them topped up across multiple days. For me, that’s been a game-changer.
Price Analysis
At £79.99, the OpenRock S2 is among the most affordable quality open-ear earbuds available, especially considering the advanced features it packs.
- The nearest price competitor is the Huawei FreeArc at £79.00
- Competing models like Nothing Ear (open) or Shokz OpenFit cost significantly more, typically £130–180, offering nice upgrades but not essential ones.
- Meanwhile, premium-priced models like Bose Ultra Open or Moto Buds Loop (~£250–299) cater to niche tastes and aesthetics rather than core functionality.
- More budget-friendly options like JLab Epic Open Sport (around £99) offer less flexibility and fewer codecs, making the S2 a formidable value choice.
Sound Quality & Limitations
The BassDirect™ technology gives a surprisingly deep, rich sound for an open-ear design, and voices come through clearly on calls. As a member of the “Speaker Posse” in nightclubs in my younger days, I do tend to have the volume up too loud when I wear earphones; I regularly get the warning from my phone that the volume is too high. So the concept of the earbuds merely sitting on the outside of the ear was strange to me; how could I possibly hear the bass properly? But I can and the music quality is excellent.
They’re also comfortable to use for work calls and video meetings, which adds another layer of versatility beyond just running. I recently had to join a meeting whilst on holiday, eating dinner in a busy street in Spain; although I occasionally had to press an earbud against my ear when a noisy moped went past behind me, the report from the other end was that they could hear nothing beyond me speaking. I record RunUltra podcasts using them, and the audio feed from my side is always good.
The only real downside I’ve found is on windy days. When the wind really picks up, particularly in exposed mountain conditions, it’s difficult to hear much over the wind. To be fair, that’s true of most open-ear headphones I’ve tried, and it’s not enough to put me off using them. On calm days, they perform brilliantly.
Pros:
- Ultra-light and comfortable.
- Secure fit (no more earbuds falling out).
- Excellent battery life.
- Open-ear awareness for safety.
- Solid sound quality for the design.
Cons:
- Wind noise can overpower sound in exposed conditions.
Why They Work for Me
What makes the S2s really stand out for me is the combination of comfort, security, and practicality. I no longer have to deal with earbuds falling out mid-run, and I don’t feel shut off from the environment around me. They’re light, they stay put, and they last long enough for everything I throw at them. I now use them for almost everything, from running and mountain adventures to everyday phone calls.
Final Thoughts
The OpenRock S2 earbuds have completely changed my view of sports headphones. They’re light enough to wear for hours, tough enough for mountain use, and secure enough that I don’t have to think about them while I’m running. The battery life easily outperforms what I need for both everyday training and longer days out, and while wind noise can be an issue, it’s the only real compromise in what is otherwise an excellent design.
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Have you tried the OpenRock S2 earbuds yet? Don’t agree with this review? What’s your opinion? Add your own comment below this review and share your experience and passion for running with others.
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About the author:
Kate Allen is the owner and Editor of RunUltra and a Mountain Leader. In her spare time she can be found either running with her dog Mac around the hills of Yorkshire and Lake District or on her motorbike exploring trails of a different nature with her partner.
