OpenRock S2 Open-Ear Earbuds Review – Hook design ideal for gym and fitness use

The fitness audio market has seen a significant shift towards open-ear designs, and OpenRock’s latest offering, the S2, positions itself as an affordable entry point into this growing category. These earbuds promise to deliver the benefits of situational awareness whilst maintaining sound quality that won’t disappoint during workouts. With an attractive price point of £60 and features typically found on more expensive models, the S2 represents an intriguing proposition for fitness enthusiasts and casual users alike.

OpenRock, a subsidiary of OneOdio, has established itself since 2021 as a brand focused specifically on sports and fitness audio solutions. The S2 continues this legacy with a hook-clip hybrid design that aims to solve the perennial problem of earbuds falling out during intense physical activity whilst keeping users connected to their surroundings.

Buy from OpenRock

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	OpenRock S2 Open Ear Headphones, Ultra-Light Hook-Clip...	No ratings yet	£79.99	Buy on Amazon

Specification / Features

Specification Details

Features

Audio Technology

Driver Configuration

The S2 incorporates 12mm drivers with BassDirect technology. This system channels low-frequency energy directly towards the ear canal whilst maintaining the open-ear design principle. The drivers deliver up to 30mW output power with a frequency response range of 20Hz to 20kHz.

Audio Codecs and Processing

Support includes LDAC, AAC, and SBC codecs, with Hi-Res Audio certification. The LISO 2.0 algorithm provides dynamic bass and treble adjustment. Three preset sound modes are available: Rock, Relax, and Boom, alongside customisable EQ settings through the companion application.

Connectivity and Controls

The earbuds utilise Bluetooth 6.0 with multipoint connection capability, allowing simultaneous pairing with two devices. Connection range extends beyond 10 metres under optimal conditions.

Physical button controls are positioned on the ear hook section rather than touch-sensitive surfaces. This includes integrated camera remote functionality for smartphone photography when the device is in camera mode.

Water Resistance and Durability

The S2 carries an IPX5 rating for water resistance. The protection system incorporates three elements: angled wearing position to encourage sweat runoff, independent driver chamber design to isolate electronic components, and nano-coating treatment on circuit boards and electrodes.

Internal testing indicates the titanium wire components withstand over 5,000 bending cycles whilst maintaining structural integrity.

Call Quality and Microphones

Four MEMS microphones are positioned across the earbuds, utilising beamforming technology and AI noise cancellation algorithms. This configuration aims to maintain voice clarity during calls, particularly in windy conditions.

Companion Application

The OpenRock application provides access to EQ customisation, firmware updates, device location features, and health monitoring functions. The health features include listening time reminders and volume limit settings to encourage safer listening practices.

Design

The S2 utilises a hook-clip hybrid design weighing 7g per earbud. The construction employs 0.6mm titanium wire filaments combined with liquid silicone materials. This approach creates a three-point support system that contacts the ear rim, ear clip, and ear wheel areas. The earbuds feature a 20-degree angle alignment intended to match the natural ear canal orientation.

The charging case adds 51g to the total system weight, bringing the complete package to 58g. The case design incorporates a speckled coating with textured finish elements that resist fingerprints and provide a secure grip. The case sits flat when placed on surfaces, avoiding the instability issues that plague some competitor designs.

Build quality feels solid throughout, with materials that don’t appear cheaply manufactured. The matte black finish with subtle gold flecks creates an understated aesthetic that should appeal to most users. The USB-C port is sensibly positioned on the side of the case rather than underneath, allowing for stable charging whilst maintaining the case’s compact footprint.

The earbuds themselves feature a chrome-like finish on the driver housing, contrasted with the matte black of the hook section. This two-tone approach adds visual interest without being ostentatious. The titanium wire construction provides excellent flexibility whilst maintaining structural integrity – these earbuds can be twisted and bent considerably without concern for damage.

Fit / Comfort

The hook-clip design represents a middle ground between pure ear-hook styles and simple clip-on configurations. The 7g weight per earbud places them among the lightest options in the open-ear category, making them virtually undetectable during extended wear. The three-point contact system distributes weight evenly across multiple areas of the ear, reducing pressure points that can cause discomfort during long sessions.

The titanium wire flexibility allows for some accommodation of different ear shapes, though this isn’t as customisable as memory wire solutions found on some premium alternatives. The 20-degree angle alignment works well for most ear anatomies, positioning the drivers appropriately for sound delivery whilst maintaining the open-ear principle.

However, fit can be somewhat variable depending on individual ear anatomy. Some users may find the drivers sit slightly higher than optimal, potentially reducing volume and bass impact. The driver placement on the upper portion of each earshell can also result in partial obstruction by the tragus for certain ear shapes, which may muffle output quality.

The liquid silicone material feels pleasant against the skin and shows no signs of causing irritation even during extended wear periods. The earbuds remain comfortable for multi-hour sessions, making them suitable for long workouts or all-day wear scenarios.

How do they perform during intense gym workouts?

During weightlifting, HIIT sessions, and other high-intensity activities, the S2 demonstrates excellent stability. The hook design prevents the earbuds from dislodging during rapid movements, burpees, or inverted exercises. The secure fit means users can focus on their workout rather than constantly adjusting their earbuds.

The IPX5 rating provides adequate sweat resistance for most gym activities. Testing with heavy perspiration showed no degradation in performance or fit security. The angled wearing position does help encourage sweat runoff as advertised, though this isn’t foolproof in all circumstances.

One consideration for gym use is the open-ear design’s interaction with ambient noise. Whilst this allows users to remain aware of their surroundings for safety, it also means that in noisy gym environments, users may need to increase volume levels to maintain audio clarity, which could impact battery life and potentially disturb nearby gym users.

How do they perform running outdoors?

For outdoor running activities, the S2 excels in providing the situational awareness that makes open-ear designs appealing to safety-conscious runners. Traffic sounds, approaching cyclists, and other environmental audio cues remain clearly audible whilst music playback continues uninterrupted.

The secure fit translates well to running activities, with the earbuds remaining stable during various running gaits and terrain changes. Testing on both road running and trail running showed minimal movement, even during more challenging terrain navigation.

Wind noise presents more of a challenge for the S2 compared to ear-cuff designs. The hook configuration and driver positioning can create additional wind noise during breezy conditions, which may interfere with audio enjoyment. This is a common issue with hook-style open-ear earbuds but bears consideration for users who frequently run in exposed, windy areas.

The battery life advantage becomes particularly apparent during long runs, where the 8-hour single charge duration easily accommodates ultra-marathon distances or all-day outdoor adventures.

General Sound Quality

The BassDirect technology delivers surprisingly robust low-frequency performance for an open-ear design. The 12mm drivers produce fuller bass response than many competitors in this category, though expectations should remain calibrated to the open-ear format rather than sealed in-ear alternatives.

Vocal clarity remains strong across the frequency range, with good articulation and presence. The LISO 2.0 algorithm does provide noticeable improvements to dynamic range, though the benefits are most apparent at higher volume levels where the open design typically struggles.

The three preset modes offer genuinely different sonic signatures. Rock mode provides the most versatile tuning for general use, whilst Boom mode emphasises low-frequency energy for high-intensity activities. Relax mode offers a more laid-back presentation suitable for casual listening or low-intensity activities.

The LDAC codec support provides access to higher-resolution audio streams, though the practical benefits are somewhat limited by the open-ear design’s inherent compromises. Ambient noise intrusion can mask the subtle detail improvements that high-resolution codecs typically provide.

Soundstage presentation benefits from the open design, creating a more spacious and natural presentation than sealed earbuds. This can make music feel more live and engaging, particularly for acoustic and orchestral content.

However, the open design does impose limitations. Maximum volume levels may not satisfy users accustomed to sealed earbuds, particularly in noisy environments. Sound leakage at higher volumes can also disturb others in quiet environments, limiting usage scenarios.

Battery Life

The claimed 8-hour single charge duration proves accurate in real-world testing, with slight variations depending on volume levels and codec usage. The total 32-hour capacity with the charging case provides excellent longevity for multi-day activities or users who prefer infrequent charging cycles.

The 5-minute quick charge providing one hour of playback proves genuinely useful for last-minute workout sessions or when caught with depleted batteries. Full charging from empty takes approximately 90 minutes for the earbuds alone, extending to several hours when the case also requires charging.

Battery performance remains consistent across different usage patterns, though enabling LDAC codec support does reduce overall longevity by a modest amount. The lack of wireless charging represents a minor inconvenience but isn’t unusual at this price point.

The battery indicator integration with both the case LED and companion app provides clear status information, helping users plan charging schedules effectively.

Price and Alternative Options

Buy from OpenRock

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	OpenRock S2 Open Ear Headphones, Ultra-Light Hook-Clip...	No ratings yet	£79.99	Buy on Amazon

The OpenRock S2 have an RRP of £80. The older OpenRock S has an RRP of £75 but is available for £45

The OpenRock Pro Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport Earbuds have an RRP of £97 but are available for £75

The OpenRock X Open-Ear Air Conduction Sport Earbuds have an RRP of £150

There are plenty of similar alternative options, including:

• Nothing Ear (open), which are available for around £90
• Soundcore AeroFit 2, which are available for around £90
• Huawei FreeArc for £100
• Shokz OpenFit 2+ which are available for £179 or the OpenFit 2 for £169
• Cleer Audio ARC II, which are available for £200

At £60, the S2 represents competitive value in the open-ear segment. The feature set, build quality, and performance justify the price point, particularly when considering the included LDAC support and extensive battery life.

The pre-order pricing of approximately £50-55 makes them even more attractive, positioning them as one of the most affordable routes into quality open-ear audio. However, users should carefully consider whether the open-ear format suits their listening preferences and usage scenarios before committing to this design approach.

Overall

The OpenRock S2 are a decent pair of open-fit earbuds.

I generally prefer the performance of ear-cuff earbuds as they place the driver closer to the ear canal.

But, with these, you have the added benefit of the hook design, which means it is extremely unlikely that the earbuds will fall off your ear during intense workouts.

The downside is that they are more prone to wind noise than ear cuff earbuds, and all open-fit earbuds are prone to this problem in the first place.

The S2 is a great option for users specifically seeking the security advantages of hook-style open-ear earbuds. The combination of lightweight construction, solid build quality, respectable sound performance, and excellent battery life creates a product that effectively serves its target audience.

However, the open-ear format itself presents inherent limitations that no amount of engineering can completely overcome. Users accustomed to the isolation and bass response of traditional earbuds may find the S2’s performance underwhelming, regardless of how well-executed the implementation may be.

The driver positioning and fit variability represent the most significant concerns, as they can substantially impact the listening experience depending on individual ear anatomy. Prospective buyers should ideally test the fit before purchasing, though the reasonable price point does mitigate the risk of an unsuitable purchase.

For fitness enthusiasts prioritising security, situational awareness, and comfort over maximum sound quality, the S2 delivers excellent value. The comprehensive feature set, including multipoint connectivity, camera remote functionality, and extensive customisation options, adds practical utility beyond basic audio playback.

The build quality inspires confidence in long-term durability, whilst the IPX5 rating provides adequate protection for most exercise scenarios. Battery performance exceeds most competitors, making these suitable for extended activities or users who prefer minimal charging maintenance.

Ultimately, the S2 represents a well-executed implementation of the hook-style open-ear concept at an affordable price in comparison to the alternatives. Users who understand and accept the inherent trade-offs of this design approach will find much to appreciate, whilst those seeking maximum sound quality or strong bass response may be better served by traditional in-ear alternatives or higher-end open-ear options with more sophisticated driver positioning systems.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.

Last update on 2025-07-31 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API