MissLJBeauty

If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know I’m always testing out new gear that can actually keep up with my lifestyle, whether I’m mountain biking in the Scottish Hills, hitting a long trail run, or heading to the gym. Music keeps me motivated, but I’ve always struggled to find earbuds that are lightweight, safe, and comfortable enough to wear for hours. without that earbud annoyance, you know the one. where your ears just feel off for a while after you have had them in. 

So when I got my hands on the OpenRock S2 Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport Earbud, I couldn’t wait to see if they’d live up to the hype. 

Spoiler: they didn’t just live up to it, they genuinely changed the way I train. These are special. 

As a qualified beauty and sports massage therapist and mountain bike athlete, I always test gear in real-world conditions before recommending it to you all so you know you get an honest review of every product. 

Quick Take: The OpenRock S2 are lightweight, open-ear sport earbuds built for comfort, clarity, and awareness, perfect for runners, cyclists and commuters who want great sound without blocking out the world.

Why Open-Ear Earbuds Are a Game-Changer

I’ve tried countless in-ear options, and they always end up falling out mid-ride or feeling sore after a long session. The OpenRock S2 take a different approach; their air conduction open-ear design sits outside your ear canal, using carefully directed sound to deliver rich, detailed audio while keeping your ears open to the world around you. I know it sounds like magic, doesn't it? But it works. 

It’s such a simple but brilliant concept,  I can hear cars, other riders, or even my husband calling for our dogs, Millie and Mylo, without missing a beat. No more missing the postie when I am Zwifting.  The combination of safety and comfort makes these perfect for outdoor sports as well as indoor. 

Design & Fit: Lightweight, Secure and Built for Movement

The design is clearly athlete-focused. Each earbud weighs just 7 g, thanks to the 0.6 mm titanium memory wire and soft liquid silicone. The result is a secure hook-clip that flexes naturally to your ear shape no matter how large or small your ears are. 

I’ve worn them during 40-mile cross-country mountain bike rides, HIIT circuits, and long rainy walks, and they’ve stayed in place perfectly. There’s no pressure, no irritation, and no slipping, bye bye sore ear canals and even during the sweatiest workouts. 

The open-ear air conduction design also means my ears stay cool and don’t ache after hours of wear. You get the energy of music without that closed-in, blocked-ear feeling. What a game-changer these are. 

Sound Quality: Crisp, Balanced and Surprisingly Punchy

Open-ear earbuds can sometimes sound tinny, but the OpenRock S2 really surprised me. The brand’s BassDirect™ technology channels sound through a clever acoustic cavity to create deeper bass and richer mids.

They’re also Hi-Res Audio certified and support LDAC, which means you get more detail from streaming apps like Spotify, Apple Music or Tidal.  So my new Taylor Swift album is clear as day. Other artists' music is just as good.  Whether it’s my turbo trainer playlist or a true-crime podcast, the clarity is brilliant,  even in windy conditions.

For something that doesn’t sit inside your ear, the sound is incredibly full and natural.

Performance for Sports & Outdoor Training

These were clearly built with active people in mind. I’ve tested them in everything from drizzly Highland weather to sweaty strength workouts, and they’ve handled it all.

• Triple Water-Resistant Coating (IPX5) – handles rain, sweat, and high humidity

• Bluetooth 6.0 + Multipoint Connection – pairs instantly and connects to two devices at once

• 4-Mic AI Noise Cancellation – keeps phone calls clear, even in wind or traffic

• 32 Hours Total Playtime – up to 8 hours from a single charge, plus 24 hours from the compact case

As a cyclist, I love being able to listen to my playlist without tuning out the world — I still hear tyres on gravel or passing cars, which makes training safer.

Battery Life & Charging

The 32-hour total playtime is a massive win. I easily get a full week of workouts before I even think about recharging.  Which is amazing. I have fully run them out, and it took a very long time, unlike my other brands' earpods I have to charge all the time. The case is small and matte-textured, with a USB-C port for quick charging and LED battery indicators.

They’ve even added fast-charge functionality, which gives you an hour of playback in just 10 minutes brilliant if you forget to charge and need it quickly. 

Everyday Use: From Trails to Commutes

What I love most about the OpenRock S2 is that it fits my whole lifestyle, not just training. I’ve worn them for:

• Walks with Mylo (I can still hear him rustling about! and jumping in the mud)

• Editing and writing days at home (I can hear and never miss the postie)

• Online calls the mic clarity is seriously good and doesn't give me ear pain.

• Travelling and flights no ear pressure or muffled sound

And it’s not just me using them anymore…

Husbands' Cycle commute test 

My husband “borrowed” them for his cycle commute to work, and now I can barely get them back! He said the open-ear fit makes traffic awareness so much better, and the audio still sounds crisp even in the wind. He also discovered the remote photography feature, which lets you use the earbuds to trigger your phone camera. He loves it for quick ride selfies.

Between my trail sessions and his commute, these have quickly become our new go-to earbuds. They seem to have gone missing again as I write this. I can only guess they are in his work bag. That says a lot as he is a very hard-to-please person for earbuds. But can I have them back please, husband?

Air vs Bone Conduction

If you’ve tried bone conduction headphones, you’ll notice the difference straight away. The air conduction system in the S2 feels more natural,  no buzzing sensation on your cheekbones, just clean, balanced sound.

Bone conduction is great for pure awareness, but air conduction offers a richer listening experience without sacrificing safety. It’s a sweet spot between open sound and real audio depth.

How to Clean and Care for Your OpenRock S2

After intense training or long commutes, your earbuds can pick up sweat, dust, and natural oils, because well us humans are messy and especially if you wear them outdoors like I do. Keeping them clean isn’t just about hygiene; it also helps maintain sound quality and durability.

Here’s how I keep mine fresh:

1. Wipe Them After Every Use

After every ride or workout, I gently wipe the earbuds and hooks with a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth. Avoid using anything abrasive or paper-based, as that can scratch the silicone coating.

2. Use a Mild Cleaner (If Needed)

If they’re sweaty or dusty, I use a tiny drop of mild soap diluted in water on a cloth. Gently clean the ear hooks and speaker area,  but never soak them or run them under a tap.

3. Avoid Harsh Products

Skip alcohol wipes or harsh disinfectants, as they can break down the protective coatings and compromise the IPX5 water resistance.

4. Clean the Charging Case Weekly

A dusty or damp charging case can affect battery contacts. I use a dry cotton bud to clear any debris around the connectors and vents.

5. Let Them Air Dry Naturally

Before popping them back into the case, make sure they’re completely dry. I leave mine on a clean towel for about 10 minutes after each session.

6. Store in the Case, Not Your Pocket

Always store the earbuds in their charging case rather than a gym bag or pocket. It keeps the connectors clean and protects the titanium hooks from bending.

Pro tip: I keep a mini microfiber cloth in my handlebar bag and another in my gym locker — that way, I never forget to give them a quick wipe-down after a ride or run.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Lightweight 7 g fit with titanium & silicone frame
• Open-ear design keeps you aware of surroundings
•  Great bass and detail for open-ear style
•  Sweatproof & triple water-resistant
• 32 hours total playtime
• Multipoint Bluetooth 6.0
•  Crisp 4-Mic AI noise-cancelling calls
•  Remote camera control feature
• Perfect for runners, cyclists, commuters & gym workouts

Cons:

• Not noise-isolating (which is intentional for safety
• Bass won’t match sealed in-ear headphones for audiophiles

Where to buy 

Final Verdict: My Favourite Open-Ear Sport Earbuds of 2025

As someone who trains hard and spends most days outdoors, the OpenRock S2 Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport Earbuds tick every box for me: comfort, performance, and practicality.

They sound incredible, feel featherlight, and keep me connected to my surroundings. Whether you’re cycling, running, hiking, or heading to work, they’re ideal for anyone who wants high-quality sound without losing awareness.

My husband’s already eyeing up a second pair, which says it all, really.

FAQs

Q: Are the OpenRock S2 waterproof?
They’re IPX5 triple water-resistant — fine for rain and sweat, not for swimming.

Q: Do they fall out during exercise?
No — the hook-clip fit stays secure even on long runs or bumpy rides.

Q: Can I take calls with them?
Yes! The AI mic system keeps voices clear even in wind or traffic.