Shokz Wins Four Gold Awards at the Prestigious VGP2026 Audio Awards

Shokz Triumphs at the VGP2026 Awards

This year at the prominent VGP2026 awards, Shokz, a pioneering manufacturer of open-ear headphones, clinched gold awards for four of its innovative products: OpenDots ONE, OpenFit 2+, OpenFit Air, and OpenRun Pro 2. Additionally, 16 other Shokz models received accolades, underscoring the brand’s commitment to high-quality audio experiences.

Gold Award: OpenFit 2+

The OpenFit 2+ earphones stand out due to their unique DualBoost technology, which greatly enhances sound quality while ensuring a comfortable fit for extended wear. This model excels in delivering deep bass alongside crisp highs, creating a natural listening experience perfect for casual use. Critics praised its ability to maintain superior audio quality despite being an open-ear design—an achievement acknowledged in the award decision.

The flexible earhooks ensure comfort and minimize fatigue over long periods, while intuitive controls for volume adjustment and phone calls add to its convenience. These factors make the OpenFit 2+ a versatile choice for business meetings, everyday commuting, or any situation requiring quality audio on the go. Its blend of sound quality, comfort, and usability plays a key role in securing the gold award.

Gold Award: OpenFit Air

Another winner, the OpenFit Air, features an ultra-thin 0.75mm flexible shape-memory nickel-titanium alloy paired with a soft silicone finish for its Air earhooks. This design allows the earphones to fit snugly, offering both comfort and stability. With Shokz’s proprietary OpenBass™ Air technology, ambient noise is effectively reduced, resulting in a rich, immersive sound experience, making this model a game-changer in the audio realm.

Gold Award: OpenDots ONE

The OpenDots ONE represents a revolutionary approach by combining Shokz's signature open-ear design with an ear cuff-style format. Weighing merely 6.5 grams, it is exceptionally lightweight while providing a comfortable fit that doesn’t compromise on audio quality. The stylish design seamlessly blends with outfits, allowing wearers to enjoy music like a fashion accessory. Judges lauded this innovative wireless earphone for its harmonious balance of portability and high-fidelity sound.

Gold Award: OpenRun Pro 2

The OpenRun Pro 2 emerges as another standout, significantly upgraded with dual-driver technology that enhances sound fidelity. This model blends bone conduction speakers for clear mid and high ranges with air conduction speakers for powerful bass, providing an unparalleled auditory experience. Furthermore, the unique DirectPitch™ technology minimizes sound leakage, enhancing its suitability for intense workouts or outdoor activities.

Designed ergonomically, the ear hooks and unibody frame ensure a stable fit, even during dynamic movement, facilitating enjoyable listening without obstructing the ears.

Overview of the Awards

The VGP awards, organized by Ongen Publishing, are renowned for recognizing top-tier audio-visual equipment in Japan. An esteemed panel of ten experts, comprising critics and senior sales personnel from leading retailers, rigorously evaluates products across numerous categories including television, audio systems, and lifestyle electronics, declaring only those deserving the titles of “must-buy” items.

Since its inception in 1987, the VGP awards have occurred biannually, recognizing excellence in both summer and winter editions. Shokz’s remarkable achievement this year with OpenDots ONE, OpenFit 2+, OpenFit Air, and OpenRun Pro 2 highlights the brand’s dedication to audio innovation, alongside the 16 additional accolades for other models.

About Shokz

Shokz continues to transform the open-ear headphone market. They offer affordable options without sacrificing sound quality, ensuring that users enjoy a superior audio experience in everyday life. By prioritizing safety and sound excellence, Shokz is set to continue revolutionizing headphone technology for years to come.

For more details, visit Shokz Japan.