Shokz is adding to its open-ear lineup with a more accessible choice. Alongside the OpenDots 2, the company has quietly unveiled the OpenDots Air — a budget-friendly entry into its clip-on earbud series that still manages to pack in many of the important features.
With a price tag of $129.95, the OpenDots Air is much cheaper than its siblings, but it doesn’t come across as lacking in the ways you might expect.
A slightly tweaked design that stays lightweight
The OpenDots Air keeps the same open-ear, clip-on concept, but with a slightly different design compared to the OpenDots One and OpenDots 2. It still uses Shokz’s flexible nickel-titanium “JointArc” structure, allowing the earbuds to adapt to different ear shapes for a secure fit.
Weight remains low at just 6.3 grams per earbud, so they’re clearly built with long listening sessions in mind.
Durability sees a small upgrade too. The earbuds are rated IP55 for dust and water resistance — a step up from the OpenDots One — although the charging case doesn’t carry any official protection rating.
Familiar audio tech, minus the latest upgrades
To hit the lower price, Shokz has made some trade-offs on the audio side.
The OpenDots Air uses the original Bassphere technology rather than the newer Bassphere 2.0 found in the OpenDots 2.
Inside, you still get dual 11.8mm drivers, which should deliver solid performance for an open-ear design, even if it doesn’t push as far in terms of depth or clarity.
Users also get a bit of flexibility with sound tuning, thanks to four preset EQ modes and two customizable options in the app.
Smart features carry over
Where the OpenDots Air feels less like a budget device is in its feature set.
Dynamic Ear Detection is here, meaning the earbuds automatically recognize which ear they’re placed on — no need to worry about left or right.
They also pause playback when removed and resume when worn again, a small convenience that quickly becomes second nature.
Controls are handled through a mix of touch gestures and a force pinch sensor. Tapping manages playback and calls, while pinching lets you adjust volume or skip tracks. It’s a simple system, but one that avoids clutter.
Calls and connectivity stay competitive
For calls, each earbud includes two microphones, supported by AI-powered noise reduction to help isolate your voice. It’s not as advanced as the six-mic setup on the OpenDots 2, but it should be more than capable for everyday use.
Connectivity is right up to date, with Bluetooth 6.1 and MultiPoint support allowing seamless switching between devices.
Like the rest of the lineup, the earbuds pair with the Shokz app for EQ adjustments, firmware updates, and device tracking.
Battery life and charging trade-offs
Battery life is slightly lower than the higher-end models, coming in at up to 9 hours per charge and 36 hours with the case.
The case itself skips wireless charging, which is one of the clearer compromises at this price. Still, fast charging is included — a quick 10-minute charge delivers around two hours of playback, which helps offset the smaller battery.
Price and availability
The Shokz OpenDots Air is available now for $129.95, making it the most affordable option in the OpenDots lineup.
It comes in two colors — Daybreak Purple and Black — and is available through Shokz’s website and Amazon. Unlike the OpenDots 2, there are no bundled extras or promotional gifts.
Source: Shokz
Nick, the Co-founder of Earbuds Arena, is a seasoned freelance tech journalist with over ten years of experience covering wearables, apps, headphones, and gadgets. When he’s not immersed in the tech world, you’ll likely find him unwinding with video games, going for a run, or enjoying a game of soccer on the field.
