My Honest Thoughts on the OpenRock S2 (Best Open Ear Headphones Under $100)

I’ve been testing the OpenRock S2 Open Ear Headphones for several weeks now, and they’ve completely changed how I think about workout audio. I truly believe that these are currently the best open ear headphones priced under $100.

Unlike traditional earbuds that block your ears, these sit comfortably above them, delivering surprisingly rich sound while keeping you connected to your environment.

The design initially seemed too good to be true, but there’s more to this story than meets the eye.

Key Takeaways

• Open-ear design provides exceptional comfort for extended wear while maintaining awareness of surroundings during activities.
• Sound quality rivals Apple AirPods with crisp vocals, well-balanced audio, and surprisingly deep bass response.
• Four-microphone array with AI noise cancellation delivers excellent call quality in challenging environments.
• Battery provides 7-8 hours continuous playback with quick five-minute charging for one hour of playtime.
• Minimalist matte black design offers excellent water resistance and durable build quality for active use.

Appearance and Durability

OpenRock nailed the design with their minimalist approach to the S2 headphones. The matte black exterior looks incredibly sleek while resisting dirt, oil, and fingerprints – a practical touch I really appreciate.

These headphones are relatively small and discreet, avoiding the overly flashy aesthetics that plague many competitors.

The build quality immediately stands out when you hold them. They feel solid and well-made, with quality construction throughout that suggests they’ll last for years.

I’ve put their water resistance to the test multiple times, wearing them in pouring rain for over an hour on several occasions. They performed excellently in all conditions without any issues.

The S2s strike the perfect balance between understated style and robust durability.

Outstanding Comfort

What truly sets the S2s apart is their exceptional comfort during extended wear. I love the way these headphones fit around my ears.

The open-ear design means nothing’s inserted into your ear canals – they simply wrap around the backside of your ears while providing an open soundstage. This enables you to listen to audio without completely isolating yourself from your surroundings. You’ll remain fully aware of your environment, which I find incredibly valuable.

What impresses me most is their stability. They don’t wiggle, move around, or shift even during rigorous activities like jogging or mountain biking.

Since they feature an open-ear design, they don’t cause me to sweat like traditional earbuds do, which I absolutely love about them.

DISCOUNT AVAILABLE: Use code NerdTechy for a 20% off discount when you purchase the OpenRock S2 from the official website.

Sound Quality

Despite their open-ear design, the S2s deliver sound quality that rivals my Apple AirPods. The audio performance is genuinely impressive, offering crisp vocals and well-balanced mids and highs that bring music to life.

What surprised me most was the deep, resonating bass response—something I didn’t expect given the gap between the speakers and my ear canals.

I’ve tested these headphones across various music genres and media types, and they consistently deliver excellent clarity.

The open design means you won’t get that plugged-up feeling while still enjoying rich, detailed sound. Whether I’m listening to podcasts, streaming music, or watching videos, the S2s handle everything with remarkable precision.

The sound quality truly exceeded my expectations for open-ear headphones.

Call Quality

When it comes to phone calls, the S2s truly shine with their impressive four-microphone array and AI noise cancellation technology.

I’ve tested these headphones extensively in challenging environments, and they consistently deliver exceptional performance.

During my trials in a bustling coffee shop and on a noisy bus, the AI noise cancellation worked flawlessly. The four external microphones effectively filtered out background distractions, allowing callers to hear me with crystal clarity.

I didn’t need to raise my voice or find a quieter spot – the technology handled everything seamlessly.

What impressed me most was how natural my voice sounded to others. There wasn’t any of that robotic, over-processed quality you sometimes get with aggressive noise cancellation.

The S2s strike the perfect balance between eliminating unwanted noise while preserving clear, natural speech transmission.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery performance stands out as one of the S2’s strongest features, delivering 7-8 hours of continuous playbook on a single charge. This translates to multi-day use for my typical 2-3 hour daily sessions, eliminating frequent charging concerns.

While OpenRock doesn’t include a USB-C cable in the box, the charging speed more than compensates for this omission. Just five minutes of charging provides approximately one hour of playtime, making quick top-ups incredibly convenient without greatly interrupting your listening experience.

The charging case deserves praise for its portability. Measuring 3 inches wide, 2 inches deep, and 1 inch tall, it fits comfortably in any pocket without creating bulk.

This compact design makes the S2 system genuinely travel-friendly while maintaining the extended battery life you need for all-day use.

Super Simple Pairing and Setup

While many wireless earbuds require tedious setup processes, the OpenRock S2 eliminates frustration with its streamlined pairing experience.

The headphones feature Bluetooth 6.0 technology, delivering quick transmission and instant pairing capabilities that impressed me from the start.

I had these headphones connected and ready within less than a minute of unboxing—no guesswork required. The process was completely intuitive, and I didn’t need to reference any manual or troubleshoot connection issues.

What’s especially convenient is how they automatically pair to my phone each time I remove them from the charging case.

The S2 also supports simultaneous connection to two Bluetooth devices with seamless switching between them. This dual-device capability proves incredibly useful when shifting between my phone and laptop throughout the day.

Camera Control

How often do you find yourself struggling to take the perfect selfie or group photo while keeping your phone at arm’s length?

The OpenRock S2 solves this problem with one of its most innovative features: camera control via physical buttons on each earbud.

Simply press the button on either earbud to remotely control your phone’s camera when it’s in photo or video mode. This functionality transforms photography during outdoor activities like hiking, where traditional selfie sticks become cumbersome or impractical.

I’ve never encountered this feature on any other earbuds before, and it’s genuinely game-changing for content creators and outdoor enthusiasts.

The seamless integration between the earbuds and camera app makes capturing moments effortless and convenient, proving OpenRock’s commitment to cutting-edge technology that actually enhances daily life.

DISCOUNT AVAILABLE: Use code NerdTechy for a 20% off discount when you purchase the OpenRock S2 from the official website.

Final Thoughts

I’ve thoroughly tested the OpenRock S2 headphones, and they’ve exceeded my expectations in every category. The comfort is unmatched for extended wear, the sound quality rivals premium brands, and the open-ear design keeps me connected to my surroundings during activities. With excellent call quality, reliable battery life, and effortless pairing, these headphones offer tremendous value. I’d confidently recommend them to anyone seeking quality open-ear audio under $100.