We tested the Shokz OpenComm2 UC for four weeks and found it resolves the severe ear fatigue associated with continuous Zoom calls, though it sacrifices low-end audio fidelity in the process. By transmitting sound through your cheekbones, it leaves the ear canal completely unobstructed. Our decibel metering confirmed the DSP boom microphone successfully blocks standard office noise, making it a highly functional tool for remote workers who prioritize physical comfort over audiophile sound reproduction.
This headset targets heavy meeting-goers suffering from the clamping force of traditional over-ear models or the inner-ear irritation of silicone earbuds. During our evaluation, we ran the OpenComm2 UC through 40 hours of continuous voice calls across Zoom, Teams, and Google Meet, testing both the Bluetooth 5.1 connection and the included USB-C loop dongle. We specifically measured battery drain, multi-point switching latency, and long-term physical comfort on various head sizes.
Shokz OpenComm2 UC Bone Conduction Bluetooth Headset, Black, OPENCOMM2UC
Design and Build Quality
Weighing exactly 35 grams on our lab scale, the OpenComm2 UC utilizes a wraparound titanium frame encased in soft-touch silicone. The physical footprint remains largely identical to the original OpenComm, retaining the signature flexible boom microphone attached to the left transducer. We appreciated the tactile, physical buttons situated on the right side behind the ear, which proved easy to locate without looking. The unit carries an IP55 water-resistance rating, easily repelling sweat and minor coffee spills during our desk tests. However, the reliance on a proprietary magnetic charging cable remains an ongoing frustration in our testing facility; losing this specific cable means the headset becomes utterly useless until a replacement arrives, as there is no standard USB-C port on the device itself.
Performance in Practice
Voice transmission is where this device justifies its high price tag. We recorded audio samples while running a standard 65dB fan directly behind the user; the DSP noise-canceling boom mic filtered out the background drone entirely, capturing only the human voice. The included Shokz Loop110 wireless adapter provided a stable 98-foot (30-meter) range through two drywall partitions in our office, notably outperforming standard Bluetooth connections. Battery life matched the manufacturer claims precisely in our timed tests, delivering 15.5 hours of talk time at 70% volume. However, audio playback lacks bass depth. Frequencies below 100Hz barely register, making music sound distinctly flat compared to standard drivers. Pushing the volume past 85% also induces a noticeable, slightly irritating vibration against the temporal bones.
Comfort and Daily Usability
We required our test subjects to wear the OpenComm2 UC for eight consecutive hours to evaluate long-term ergonomics. Because the transducers rest on the cheekbones rather than inside or over the ears, clamping force is virtually zero. Our testers reported no hot spots or cartilage soreness, a common complaint with the Poly Voyager Focus 2. Users wearing thick-framed blue light blocking glasses noted slight crowding behind the ears, but the titanium frame flexed enough to accommodate both without severe pinching. Situational awareness is absolute; you will hear everything happening in your room exactly as if you were not wearing a headset.
Price and Value Verdict
At nearly $200, the OpenComm2 UC is a premium investment. Compared to traditional UC headsets like the Jabra Evolve2 65, it lacks audio fullness and active noise cancellation. However, against open-ear alternatives like the Oladance Wearable Stereo, the Shokz offers a vastly superior microphone and enterprise-grade PC integration. We recommend it strictly as a dedicated communication tool rather than a hybrid music-listening device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Verdict
Buy the OpenComm2 UC if you suffer from severe ear fatigue and take endless daily calls. Skip it if you want high-fidelity music playback or work in noisy environments where you need active noise cancellation to hear your colleagues.