If in-ear earbuds aren’t your preference or you wish to remain mindful of your surroundings while enjoying music, open earbuds could be an excellent choice. Although noise-cancelling earbuds are still widely favored, open earbuds provide a distinct alternative for anyone seeking comfort and awareness of their environment.
What Are Open Earbuds?
Open earbuds are crafted to sit just outside your ear instead of fitting inside the ear canal. This configuration simulates the feeling of not wearing earbuds at all. They typically utilize ear hooks or cuffs to ensure they stay securely in place, making them suitable for individuals who find in-ear styles uncomfortable or want to stay alert to their surroundings.
These earbuds are available in a variety of designs, including clip-on and ear hook variations. Some are tailored for workouts, while others fit better for everyday use. As the range of open earbuds expands, we continue to evaluate new models and refresh our recommendations.
Why Choose Open Earbuds?
There are many reasons someone may prefer open earbuds:
1. Increased Awareness: Open earbuds let you enjoy your music or podcasts while remaining conscious of your surroundings—ideal for navigating busy streets or during commutes.
2. Comfort: Many users find open earbuds more comfortable for prolonged use since there’s nothing inserted into the ear canal.
3. Secure Fit: The construction of open earbuds, often utilizing hooks or cuffs, ensures they remain stable during physical activity, making them perfect for exercise sessions.
Potential Drawbacks
However, open earbuds do come with some drawbacks:
– Lack of Active Noise Cancellation: Because they don’t seal your ear canal, open earbuds will naturally allow ambient sounds to enter, making effective active noise cancellation challenging.
– Limitations in Sound Quality: While open earbuds can produce surprisingly good audio, they generally don’t offer the same depth and subtlety as in-ear or over-ear headphones. Audiophiles may perceive a reduction in detail.
– Sound Leakage: Certain models may allow sound to escape, particularly at higher volumes, which could be disruptive in quiet settings.
– Bulkier Cases: Open earbuds featuring ear hooks often include larger charging cases, which may not be ideal for those who like to travel light.
What About Bone Conduction Headphones?
Bone conduction headphones represent another type of open audio device. Instead of directing sound into your ears, they transmit vibrations through your skull. Brands such as Shokz are well-known for these types, which typically have a band that wraps around the back of the head. Although we consider them part of the open-earbud category, we have not yet conducted extensive testing on bone conduction models—but keep an eye out for upcoming updates.
What’s Coming Next
The market for open earbuds is rapidly growing, and we are continually assessing new offerings. Future reviews will include cost-effective options priced below $100 and more models from Shokz.
In our most recent testing round (as of May 2025), we reviewed several open earbuds, including:
– Nothing Ear (Open) – $149
– Sony LinkBuds Open – $199.99
– Anker Soundcore AeroClip – $169.99
– Shokz OpenFit Air – $119.95
While all these models delivered commendable performance, our top selections distinguished themselves through outstanding comfort and audio quality, particularly when considering their price point.
Final Thoughts
Open earbuds represent a superb choice for those seeking a more organic listening experience without compromising on awareness or comfort. Although they may not be the best for noise isolation or audiophile-level sound, they shine in terms of convenience, safety, and comfort. As new models become available, we will keep testing and updating our recommendations to assist you in finding the most suitable option for your needs.