Best Open Ear Earbuds: Benefits & Top Picks

If Apple AirPods Pro (or similar earbuds) aren’t your thing. Some find them uncomfortable and others worry about the safety risks of blocking out external noise. That’s where open-ear headphones come in. These headphones sit outside your ears, letting ambient sound in while delivering much better audio quality than bone-conduction headphones, which have been a popular alternative for years.

How do open-ear headphones compare overall? And which ones stand out? To find out, I tested and reviewed the latest models from Baseus, Bose, Shokz and Soundpeats.

Spoiler: I was pleasantly surprised by most of them. If you’re after comfort for all-day wear and the convenience of not having to remove them for conversations, these open-ear options are worth a look. (I use “headphones” and “earbuds” interchangeably here as their designs blend features of both.)

However, open-ear headphones don’t offer active noise cancellation. If that’s a deal-breaker for you, check out our roundup of the best wireless earbuds. Also, due to the open-ear design, you’ll sacrifice some sound quality—they don’t quite match up to premium ANC earbuds or over-the-ear headphones.

For more on open-ear headphones, including FAQs, shopping tips, and details on our testing process, keep reading.

Baseus Eli Sport 1 Open Ear Headphone

Baseus Eli Sport 1 Open Ear Headphones is a cutting-edge solution for fitness lover and audiophiles alike. These headphones combine the best of both worlds: comfort and high-quality sound. With an innovative open-ear design, they provide a painless and safe listening experience. Its allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings while running, working out, or driving. The IPX4 waterproof rating ensures that sweat and rain are no longer obstacles to your audio enjoyment.

It’s equipped with 16.2 mm drivers and the Baseus Bass Enhancement Algorithm. These headphones deliver punchy bass, crisp highs and rich mids. It’s offering a superior audio experience. The directional acoustics technology minimizes sound leakage, ensuring privacy and optimal sound transmission directly into your ears. Ergonomically designed with ultra-lightweight materials and a detachable neckband. They guarantee a stable fit even during intense activities.

Moreover, the Baseus Eli Sport 1 boasts an impressive 30-hour battery life. With up to 7.5 hours of playtime on a single charge and an additional 22.5 hours provided by the charging case. Enhanced by AI noise cancellation and four ENC microphones. These headphones ensure crystal-clear calls, making them perfect for both music and communication needs. Priced at $55.78.

Baseus Eli Sport 1 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds

Price : $55.78

The Baseus Eli Sport 1 Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds offer clean, balanced audio, a comfortable fit, and over 7 hours of battery life for well under $100.

Best Site

• Very comfortable, slightly durable design
• Surprising strong audio performance
• Robust companion app
• Great battery life

Bad Site

• Polarizing design
• Spotty gesture control
• Massive charging case

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Pros:

• Comfortable and Durable Design: Enjoy a secure, comfortable fit that stays in place during intense workouts, thanks to the slightly durable and ergonomic design.
• Strong Audio Performance: Experience surprisingly powerful and balanced audio that enhances your music, whether you’re running, lifting, or just commuting.
• Robust Companion App: Customize your listening experience and access various features with the comprehensive companion app.
• Great Battery Life: With over 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, and up to 30 hours with the charging case, you can go longer without needing to recharge.

Cons:

• Polarizing Design: The open-ear style may not appeal to everyone, especially those used to traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones.
• Spotty Gesture Control: While handy, the gesture control feature can sometimes be inconsistent, requiring some patience and practice.
• Massive Charging Case: The charging case, though functional, is quite large and may be less convenient for on-the-go storage.

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Introducing the new Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, a groundbreaking innovation in wireless audio technology designed for those who crave both premium sound quality and situational awareness. Priced at $299, these sleek and stylish white earbuds are engineered to provide an unparalleled listening experience while keeping you connected to your surroundings. The unique open ear design allows you to enjoy rich, private sound without shutting out the world, making them ideal for busy environments where awareness is key.

Bose’s OpenAudio technology ensures that you receive high-quality, immersive sound, while the Bose Immersive Audio feature adds a spatialized dimension, bringing your music to life with a depth and clarity that makes you feel as if you are part of the performance. The earbuds’ flexible joint and light-as-air grip provide a comfortable and secure fit, hooking gently around the back of your ear to stay put during any activity, from running to relaxing.

Designed to withstand the elements, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds come with an IPX4 water resistance rating, meaning they can handle splashes, sweat, and rain without missing a beat. The acoustic mesh keeps out moisture and debris, ensuring durability and longevity even in tough conditions.

Battery life is another strong suit of these earbuds. You get up to 7.5 hours of playtime on a single charge, or up to 4.5 hours when using the immersive audio mode. The included charging case adds an impressive additional 19.5 hours of battery life, giving you a total of up to 48 hours of standby time. This long-lasting performance ensures that your music, podcasts, and calls can go the distance with you.

Controlling your audio experience is a breeze with the simple button controls on the earbuds. Switch between stereo and immersive modes, manage your music, and answer calls with ease, all at the touch of a button. Additionally, Bose SimpleSync technology allows you to pair these wireless earbuds with Bose smart soundbars and speakers, creating a personalized TV listening experience with independent volume control.

NEW Bose Ultra Open Earbuds with Immersive Audio

Price : $299.00

Experience the ultimate in wireless audio with Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. Designed for comfort and awareness, these clip-on earbuds offer rich, private sound with OpenAudio technology. Enjoy up to 48 hours of battery life and seamless integration with other Bose products. Perfect for any activity, the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds keep you connected to your surroundings while delivering high-quality sound.

Unique Selling Points

🎧Open-Ear Design for Awareness
🎵Bose Immersive Audio
🛡️Superior Comfort and Fit
💧IPX4 Water Resistance
🔋Extended Battery Life
🕹️Simple Controls
🔗Bose SimpleSync Technology

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Pros:

🎧 Novel Open Fit: The open-ear design ensures a secure fit without the discomfort of in-ear headphones, making them ideal for long workouts.

🪶 Light and Comfortable: With a lightweight, wraparound titanium frame, these headphones are designed to stay comfortable and stable, even during intense training sessions.

🎵 Excellent Sound Quality: Utilizing the 9th generation bone conduction technology and Shokz TurboPitch, these headphones deliver clear sound with powerful volume and rich bass directly through your cheekbones.

🔋 Long Battery Life: Enjoy up to 10 hours of continuous music, calls, and podcasts. The quick charge feature provides up to 1.5 hours of battery life with just a 5-minute charge.

💼 Good Case: The included case is robust and practical, ensuring your headphones are protected when not in use.

💦 Sweat Resistance: Designed for workouts, the OpenRun Pro is sweat resistant, allowing you to train without worrying about damaging your headphones.

🕹️ Solid Controls: Easy-to-use controls provide a seamless experience, allowing you to adjust volume, skip tracks, and answer calls without any hassle.

📱 AptX Adaptive/Snapdragon Sound: These headphones support high-quality sound standards, but only for certain Android devices, enhancing your audio experience with minimal latency.

Cons:

🔇 No Sound Isolation: The open-ear design, while comfortable, does not provide sound isolation, which may not be ideal in noisy environments.

💸 Very Expensive: Priced at $179.95, the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro is a significant investment compared to traditional earbuds.

📏 Larger Than Traditional Earbuds: The bone conduction technology and open-ear design result in a larger form factor, which might not be as discreet as standard earbuds.

🛠️ Unrepairable: These headphones are not designed to be repaired if they break, potentially leading to higher replacement costs if they are damaged.

SHOKZ OpenRun Pro

The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro sets is a new standard for open-ear Bluetooth bone conduction sport headphones, delivering unparalleled comfort and performance for workouts and running. It’s Priced at $179.95, these headphones feature an innovative open-ear design that eliminates the discomfort of in-ear models, allowing for a secure and stable fit even during the most intense activities.

With their advanced 9th bone conduction technology and Shokz TurboPitch, users can enjoy premium sound quality that includes clear audio, powerful volume and rich bass delivered through their cheekbones. Safety is also a priority, as the open-ear design enhances environmental awareness, providing a safer listening experience compared to traditional earbuds or over-ear headphones.

The lightweight, wraparound titanium frame ensures a secure fit. It’s making them ideal for any workout. Additionally, the OpenRun Pro offers impressive battery life, with up to 10 hours of continuous music, calls, and podcasts, and a quick 5-minute charge that provides up to 1.5 hours of use. Available in various colors, including Black, Beige, Blue, and Pink, these headphones are the perfect companion for any fitness enthusiast.

SHOKZ OpenRun Pro

Price : $179.00

Want to unparalleled comfort and performance with the SHOKZ OpenRun Pro Bluetooth Bone Conduction Sport Headphones? Featuring a secure, bud-free design, these sweat-resistant headphones offer premium sound quality and enhanced safety for your workouts and runs. Enjoy up to 10 hours of continuous music and calls, with a quick charge feature for added convenience.

Unique Selling Points

🎧 Open-Ear Comfort
🔊 Premium Sound Quality with Bone Conduction
🔒 Secure, Lightweight Fit
💦 Sweat Resistant Design
🔋 10 Hours of Music & Calls
⚡ Quick Charge Feature

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Pros

🎵 Greatly Improved Sound: Experience enhanced audio quality with the greatly improved sound of these headphones, providing a more immersive listening experience.

🪶 Light and Comfortable to Wear: Designed for extended wear, these headphones are lightweight and comfortable, ensuring you can enjoy your music or podcasts for hours without discomfort.

⚡ Quick-Charge Feature: The quick-charge feature allows you to get back to your music faster, providing convenience for those times when you’re in a hurry.

🎛️ Larger, Easier to Use Controls: Enjoy the convenience of larger controls that are easier to use, giving you quick access to volume adjustments, track changes, and call management.

Cons

🔔 More Noticeable Vibrations: While providing an immersive experience, the increased vibration may be more noticeable, potentially affecting your overall listening experience.

💸 More Expensive Than OpenRun: With added features and enhancements, these headphones come at a higher price point compared to the OpenRun model, which may not fit everyone’s budget.

TAGRY K08 Open Ear Headphones

TAGRY K08 Open Ear Headphones – a true game-changer in the realm of wireless earbuds. It’s offering a perfect blend of advanced technology and user-centric design. These headphones redefine the way you experience music and calls on the go. The LED digital display on the charging case provides clear visibility of remaining battery life, ensuring you never miss a beat. With an astounding 80 hours of playtime. You can enjoy uninterrupted music sessions without the hassle of frequent recharging.

The K08 earbuds boast an IPX7 waterproof rating, making them your ideal companion for workouts, outdoor adventures, or daily commutes, regardless of the weather conditions. The open-ear design embraces your ears with a natural fit, while soft silicone ear hooks ensure a secure and comfortable fit during any activity.

TAGRY K08 is equipped with twin 16mm air-conducting drivers. these earbuds deliver a rich and immersive sound experience that will transport you into the heart of your favorite music tracks. The finely-tuned microphone system ensures crystal-clear call quality. It’s allowing you to stay connected with friends and family without interference from background noise.

Navigate your audio world effortlessly with smart touch controls, enabling seamless control of volume, track selection, and call management with just a tap of your finger. The compact and portable charging case, measuring just 2.6 inches on its longest side, ensures that your earbuds are always ready for action, whether you’re on the move or at home.

With Bluetooth 5.3 technology, the K08 earbuds offer lightning-fast connectivity and a stable connection range of up to 33 feet, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted audio experience wherever you go.

TAGRY K08 Open Ear Headphones

Price : $83.99 Now $43.00

Where Comfort, Clarity, and Connectivity Meet. Embrace 80 Hours of Uninterrupted Playtime with Waterproof Design and Hi-Fi Sound.

Unique Selling Points

🔋 Exceptional Battery Life
💦 IPX7 Waterproof
👂 Comfortable Open Ear Design
🎵 Crystal-Clear Sound
🖐 Smart Touch Controls
🌟 Portable Design
📶 Bluetooth 5.3 Connectivity

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Why You Should Using Open Ear Earbuds?

Open-ear earbuds, also known as bone conduction headphones, offer several benefits over traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones:

1. Awareness of Surroundings: Open-ear earbuds allow you to hear ambient sounds while listening to music or taking calls. This is particularly useful for outdoor activities like running or cycling, where situational awareness is crucial for safety.
2. Comfort: Some people find traditional earbuds or headphones uncomfortable, especially for extended periods. Open-ear earbuds don’t go inside the ear canal, which can alleviate discomfort for those who dislike the feeling of something inside their ears.
3. Reduced Ear Fatigue: Because they don’t create a seal in the ear canal, open-ear earbuds can reduce the feeling of pressure or fatigue that some people experience with in-ear headphones.
4. Prevention of Ear Infections: In-ear headphones can contribute to ear infections by trapping moisture and bacteria in the ear canal. Open-ear earbuds, which sit outside the ear, may reduce this risk.
5. Compatibility with Hearing Aids: For individuals with hearing aids, open-ear earbuds can be a more comfortable option since they don’t interfere with the hearing aid’s placement or function.
6. Convenience for Calls: Open-ear earbuds typically have microphones positioned closer to the mouth, which can result in clearer audio during phone calls compared to traditional earbuds or headphones.

Overall, open-ear earbuds provide a unique listening experience that prioritizes comfort, safety, and situational awareness, making them a valuable option for certain users and activities.

F&Q

Are open-ear earbuds better?

Open-ear technology transmits audio directly into your ear, providing rich bass and vibrant sound quality that bone conduction can’t match. There are many scenarios where open-ear audio technology truly excels. Here are some of the best situations to use this style of headphones:

1. Outdoor Activities: Perfect for running, cycling, or hiking, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings.

2. Office Environment: Ideal for keeping an ear on conversations while enjoying your favorite music or podcasts.

3. Traveling: Great for keeping tabs on announcements at airports or train stations without missing a beat.

4. Home Use: Excellent for listening to music or watching videos without completely isolating yourself from your environment.

In these situations, open-ear earbuds can provide a superior audio experience, balancing immersion with awareness.

Are open-ear headphones healthier?

Yes, open-ear headphones can be healthier for your ears. Since they sit above your ear canal, they eliminate the discomfort of having a device pushed into your ears. This design reduces ear pressure and, consequently, minimizes ear fatigue. Additionally, their lightweight nature means they won’t press against the sides of your head, making them comfortable for prolonged use. Here are some more benefits:

1. Improved Hygiene: Less contact with your ear canal reduces the risk of ear infections.

2. Hearing Protection: Allows you to keep the volume lower while still hearing your surroundings, protecting your hearing health.

3. Reduced Risk of Ear Damage: Eliminates the risk of damage from deep insertion, common with traditional earbuds.

Overall, open-ear headphones offer a comfortable and healthier alternative for prolonged audio enjoyment.

What are the disadvantages of open-ear headphones?

While open-ear headphones offer many benefits, they do come with some drawbacks:

1. Sound Leakage: At maximum volume, sound can leak out, potentially disturbing others in quiet environments.

2. Noise Isolation: They don’t provide the same level of noise isolation as in-ear or over-ear headphones, making them less suitable for noisy surroundings.

3. Audio Quality: The open design can sometimes result in less immersive audio quality compared to closed-back headphones.

4. Security of Fit: They may not stay in place as securely as in-ear models during vigorous activities.

Are open-ear headphones good for phone calls?

The effectiveness of open-ear headphones for phone calls largely depends on the quality of the built-in microphone, which can vary between different products, much like traditional headphones and earbuds. In my experience, open-ear headphones perform adequately for calls, especially in quiet environments. However, their performance can be less reliable in noisy settings, so it’s crucial to choose a model with a high-quality microphone if clear call audio is a priority.

Considering these points, if you need headphones for quiet environments or require strong noise isolation, over-ear headphones might be a better choice.

Can others hear open-ear earbuds?

Yes, open-ear earbuds, including both air-conduction and bone-conduction types, can have some sound leakage, particularly at higher volumes. This means people nearby might hear your music. The degree of sound leakage depends on the specific design of the earbuds and the surrounding environment. If you need privacy and minimal disturbance to others, it’s important to consider this potential drawback.

In conclusion, open-ear earbuds offer a range of benefits that make them a compelling alternative to traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones. Their design prioritizes comfort, safety, and situational awareness. It’s making them particularly well-suited for outdoor activities, long listening sessions, and individuals with specific needs such as hearing aids.