Open earbuds allow you to listen to music or podcasts while remaining aware of your environment. After testing 42 pairs of wireless earbuds, a Filter tester found the best open earbuds in the US. These earbuds are designed to keep ear canals unobstructed, making them ideal for activities like cycling, cooking, or walking the dog.
Why Choose Open Earbuds?
Unlike traditional noise-cancelling earbuds that seal the ear canal, open earbuds use innovative designs to position the speaker outside the ear. This eliminates the plugged-up feeling and allows you to hear environmental sounds naturally. While they may not deliver as much bass, they provide a more natural listening experience for situations where situational awareness is important.
Best Overall: Soundcore Aeroclip Earbuds
The Soundcore Aeroclip Earbuds offer a blend of value, sound quality, and comfort. Priced at $149.99 (originally $169.99), they feature a C-shaped clip that secures to the ear. They provide up to 8 hours of playback (24 hours with the charging case), dust and water resistance, and responsive touch controls. The sound is full and expressive with better bass than most rivals.
Best Premium: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, now $199 (originally $299), deliver the best sound quality in the category. Their unique coil frame design provides a secure clip-on fit. They feature spatial audio, precise dynamics, and full-bodied sound. Battery life is not specified, but they offer premium build and audio performance.
Best Budget: Acefast AceFit Air Open-Ear Headphones
At just $21.99, the Acefast AceFit Air earbuds provide exceptional value. They offer clear sound with good vocal and instrumental expression, though treble can be thin at times. Battery life is 6 hours per charge (25 with the case). The charging case is slim and stylish.
Best Budget Clip-On: EarFun Clip 2 Earbuds
The EarFun Clip 2 earbuds, priced at $63.98, are a minimalist clip-on option with push-button controls and a lightweight nickel-titanium design. They offer up to 11 hours of playback (40 with the case), a game mode for low-lag audio, spatial audio, and a headphones finder. Sound is light on bass but clear for instruments and dialogue.
Best In-Ear Open: Sony LinkBuds Open
The Sony LinkBuds Open, at $228, feature ring-shaped drivers that sit inside the ear without blocking it. They provide boosted bass and solid detail. Unique features include cheek-tap controls and adaptive volume adjustment based on environment. Battery life is 8 hours (22 with the case), and call quality is impressive.
