The convenience of wireless earbuds is hard to beat. However, these devices typically present two significant drawbacks: they sit inside your ears, which can lead to discomfort for some, and they generally block a lot of external sounds, making it hard to hear the world around you, posing potential hazards in certain situations.
Open-ear earbuds and other types of open-ear headphones address both challenges. Since they don’t sit inside your ear canal, they are incredibly comfortable — so much so that you may forget you're even wearing them. Additionally, because they don’t seal off your ear canal, you can hear your surroundings just as you would without earbuds, eliminating the need for a transparency or hear-through mode or having to remove an earbud.
If this sounds similar to bone-conduction headphones, you’re on the right track. Bone-conduction models offer comparable benefits, but they usually come in a neckband design, which many users find uncomfortable over time. Furthermore, they often don’t provide sound quality as good as that of open-ear (sometimes referred to as air-conduction) earbuds.
Earbuds without silicone eartips — such as Apple's original AirPods or Amazon's Echo Buds — are often referred to as open earbuds. We respectfully disagree with this classification. These products are better described as semi-open earbuds: they allow more external sound in compared to silicone-tipped buds, but they still partially block your ear canal.
Are open-ear earbuds and headphones perfect? Not quite. Achieving excellent sound quality can be challenging, they struggle in noisy environments, and most models tend to be larger and bulkier than traditional earbuds. Nevertheless, if you appreciate the advantages of open-ear earbuds, nothing else quite compares.
Here are our recommendations for the best open-ear earbuds and headphones. We have tested all of them and published full reviews for several, making each one a worthy consideration as you make your buying decision.
Best open-ear headphones overall
Oladance OWS Pro
- Comfy and secure
- Full-range sound
- Plenty of volume
- Incredible battery life
- Bluetooth Multipoint
- Rechargeable charging case
- Not ideal for loud locations
- Slightly awkward controls
- No wireless charging
- Bulky charging case
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 13.8 grams per earbud, 73.6-gram charging case |
| Open, closed, or semi-open | Open ear |
| Ambient sound modes | None, but do include a focus mode |
| Battery life | 16 hours; 58 hours total with charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | No |
One of the most expensive open-ear headphones you can currently buy, the Oladance OWS Pro are also some of the most sophisticated. From a sound and call-quality point of view, they come very close to a traditional set of wireless earbuds, and they’re very sleek and comfortable.
Their included charging case extends their overall battery life to a huge 58 hours, but it’s a large box — the biggest in its class — which means you may want to use the OWS Pro on their own. Thankfully, with 16 hours of battery life, you can do just that on most occasions.
They’re tough enough for basic workouts, and with Bluetooth Multipoint you can keep them connected to two devices at once — handy for any set of earbuds that you’ll likely want to wear all day. We were impressed with the OWS Pro’s Focus Mode — a kind of active noise cancellation (ANC) that targets just a small range of annoying frequencies — it’s the only open-ear ANC of its kind.
It would have been nice if (for the price) Oladance had given the charging case wireless charging, but given how infrequently you’ll need to charge it, this is hardly a deal breaker.
Best budget open-ear headphones
Baseus Eli Sport 1
- Under $100
- Comfy and secure
- Very effective bass mode
- Handy neck lanyard
- Bluetooth Multipoint
- No wireless charging
- Lanyard must be removed for charging
- Small touch-control area
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 10 grams per earbud |
| Open, closed, or semi-open | Open ear |
| Ambient sound modes | None |
| Battery life | 7.5 hours; up to 30 hours total with charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | No |
Budget-friendly products often require that you make some compromises, whether it's features, sound quality, or comfort. Yet, even though the Baseus Eli Sport 1 are one of the most affordable open-ear models you'll find (especially when you factor in the company's many and frequent discounts), they give you most of the benefits of going with an open-ear design.
They're very comfortable, they come with an attachable neck lanyard, and they sound surprisingly good. Fidelity-wise, they're not in the same league as our top picks, the Oladance OWS Pro and the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, but the Baseus have a bass enhancement mode that will prove really popular with those who rely on a driving beat to keep their workouts moving.
They're excellent for calls when indoors (and their Bluetooth Multipoint support keeps them connected to two devices at once) but you may want to avoid calls when jogging or cycling — the Eli Sport 1's mics aren't very well shielded from wind noise, which will annoy your callers.
As with most of the models in this list, they lack wireless charging, but otherwise, our only other caveat are the touch controls — which require a certain amount of precision to use.
Best premium open-ear headphones
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
- Comfy, glasses-friendly shape
- Open, airy sound
- Excellent controls
- Impressive spatial audio
- Doesn't block your ears
- Expensive
- No wireless charging
- No Bluetooth Multipoint (yet)
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 6.5 grams each earbud |
| Open, closed, or semi-open | Open ear |
| Ambient sound modes | None |
| Battery life | 7.5 hours; 17.5 hours with charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | No |
Bose's approach to the open-ear category is radically different than that of the rest of the models on our list.
Instead of using an earhook shape, which has a tendency to interfere with both eyeglasses and sunglasses, the Ultra Open Earbuds employ a flexible arc that lets them clip to the sides of your ears.
This not only gets them out of the way of glasses, but it also puts the speaker portion much closer to your ear canal, which is likely why these earbuds sound so much better than the competition. They're also much smaller than other open-ear models, with a charging case that is no bigger than the one Bose uses for its regular wireless earbuds, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds.
The design is very comfortable for extended periods — on par with the Shokz OpenFit — and the use of a large physical button on the back makes for one of the best sets of controls you'll find on any wireless earbuds.
Bose has also included its Immersive Audio (spatial audio) tech, with optional head-tracking. Spatial audio might not be for everyone, but Bose's version is one of the best.
Unfortunately, Bose charges a hefty price for the Ultra Open Earbuds, and as a result, we're shocked at the lack of wireless charging. At launch (February 2024), they also lacked Bluetooth Multipoint, though Bose promises that feature will be added soon.
If you like the idea of a clip-shaped earbud, but don't want to spend hundreds of dollars to experiment with a set of Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, check out the Sanag Z50S Pro Max. It uses the same basic concept, but at a sub-$50 price that anyone can afford.
Most comfortable open-ear headphones
Shokz OpenFit Air
- Great fit
- More affordable price
- New color options
- Allow you to hear the outside world
- Audio quality not quite as good
- App is just OK
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 8.7 grams each earbud |
| Open, closed, or semi-open | Open ear |
| Ambient sound modes | None |
| Battery life | 7 hours; 28 hours total with the charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | No |
The Shokz OpenFit Air earbuds are designed for comfort and situational awareness, setting them apart in the audio market. Instead of fitting snugly inside the ear canal, they rest just outside, allowing you to enjoy music or podcasts while staying alert to important surrounding sounds — ideal for activities like running or cycling where safety is crucial.
Featuring what Shokz calls advanced "DirectPitch" technology and Dolby Audio, these earbuds deliver crystal-clear sound for an enhanced listening experience. Their lightweight construction and flexible ear hooks provide a secure yet comfortable fit, making them suitable for extended use.
With up to 6 hours of playtime on a single charge and an IP55 water-resistance rating, they can withstand sweat and light rain, making them great for an active lifestyle. The Shokz OpenFit Air earbuds offer high-quality audio while keeping you connected to your environment, perfect for those who prioritize both sound quality and safety.
Best smart playback open-ear headphones
Sony LinkBuds Open
- Comfortable fit
- Much better balanced sound
- Surprising passive isolation
- Plenty of custom options
- LE Audio for Android
- Superb battery life
- Spatial sound is terrible
- Awkward voice controls
- Phone calls can be tough with background noise
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 4.1 grams per earbud |
| Open, closed, or semi-open | Open ear |
| Ambient sound modes | None |
| Battery life | 5.5 hours; 22 hours total with the charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | No |
The Sony LinkBuds Open are innovative earbuds designed for modern listeners who prioritize quality audio and environmental awareness. Their open-ring design allows ambient sound to flow in, helping users stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying music or phone calls — ideal for busy streets or collaborative spaces.
Despite the unique design, audio quality remains top-notch, featuring a ring-shaped driver that delivers rich sound across genres, from classical to hip-hop. Weighing just a few grams, they offer an ergonomic fit for hours of comfortable wear, staying secure during activities like walking or running.
Additionally, the LinkBuds Open include advanced smart playback controls, such as gesture recognition that pauses music when you speak, and adaptive volume control that adjusts based on ambient noise. Overall, they blend innovative design with superior sound quality and thoughtful features, making them a great choice for those who value both audio and connection to the world.
Best for sound quality open-ear headphones
Oladance OWS 2
- Excellent sound quality
- Great call quality
- Long battery life
- Bluetooth multipoint
- Non-rechargeable charging case
- No wireless charging
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 12.7 grams per earbuds |
| Open, closed, or semi-open | Open ear |
| Ambient sound modes | None |
| Battery life | 19 hours |
| Hi-res audio support | No |
They may not have the sleek appearance or the cool Focus Mode of the OWS Pro, but the Oladance OWS 2 have fantastic sound quality that beats all of the other models on this list except for the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds.
When you’re in a quiet environment, these open-ear headphones can deliver a listening experience that rivals some open-back wired headphones, with an airiness that you can only get when speakers aren’t jammed up against your ear canals. The Oladance app’s built-in equalizer helps fine-tune this experience with several presets and full manual control.
Speaking of manual control, you can change up all of the touch controls to suit your preferences, including volume control — something you may find absent on other models on this list. The OWS 2 are very comfy and come with small silicone sleeves to keep them from sliding around while running or working out, something the original OWS lacked.
The call quality is superb both indoors and outside, and Bluetooth Multipoint makes them ideal for moving between devices. Their 19-hour battery life is tied with the OpenRock Pro for the longest on the list.
Unfortunately, 19 hours is all you get: The charging case for the OWS is just that — it will charge the earbuds when connected to power (via USB-C) but it has no battery of its own.
Easiest-to-use open-ear headphones
Sivga SO1
- Good sound quality
- Adjustable earhooks
- Excellent battery life
- Wireless charging
- No Bluetooth multipoint
- No companion app
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 10 grams per earbud |
| Open, closed, or semi-open | Open ear |
| Ambient sound modes | None |
| Battery life | 9 hours; 46 hours total with the charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | No |
Most of the models on this list use touch controls, which some folks just don’t like. They can be inaccurate and they’re impossible to use with gloved hands. The Sivga SO1 ("ess-oh-one" for Sport Open, not "ess-zero-one") are an affordable way to go open-ear, with very acceptable sound quality, and their large, physical buttons make operation a little easier for those who struggle with touch controls.
There’s no companion app to change how the buttons work or to modify the EQ, and no Bluetooth multipoint, but they have good protection from water, excellent battery life (9 hours/46 hours total), and their case supports wireless charging — a rare feature even on the priciest models. It even has a digital readout that displays the exact amount of battery life remaining.
Best sporty open-ear headphones
Cleer Audio Arc II Sport
- Tons of features
- Snapdragon Sound
- UV antibacterial charging case
- Bluetooth multipoint
- No wireless charging
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 14 grams per earbud |
| Open, closed, or semi-open | Open ear |
| Ambient sound modes | None |
| Battery life | 8 hours; 27 hours in total with charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | No |
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a set of open-ear earbuds with as many features as the Cleer Arc II Sport. These things are packed with hi-tech options, like a germ-killing UV system inside the charging case, a built-in step counter function, and even head-based gestures that can be used for accepting calls and changing tracks for those times when your hands are busy doing other things.
They’re also loaded with the latest Bluetooth audio formats, including Bluetooth LE Audio and Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Sound for both hi-res and CD-quality lossless wireless audio.
The Arc II Sport use a spring-loaded hinge to keep themselves securely in place, so you’ll have no trouble using them for any kind of workout, something their IPX5 rating helps with too.
Sound quality and call quality are both very good on regular iPhones and Android phones, but if you happen to have an Android phone that supports Snapdragon Sound, you should get slightly better audio, and considerably better transmission of your voice on calls thanks to aptX Voice.
The Cleer+ app gives you a lot of control over the earbuds: preset and custom EQ, modification of the touch controls, the ability to turn on a reminder when you haven’t moved in a while, and another reminder if you accidentally leave your buds behind.
All of that, plus very good battery life (8 hours/35 hours total) and Bluetooth multipoint makes the Cleer Arc II an extraordinary value for the money. About the only thing that's missing is wireless charging.
Best waterproof open-ear headphones
1More Fit S50
- Fully waterproof
- Excellent battery life
- Wireless charging
- Bluetooth multipoint
- Limited touch controls
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 10 grams per earbud |
| Open, closed, or semi-open | Open ear |
| Ambient sound modes | None |
| Battery life | 10 hours; 38 hours in total with the charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | No |
If you need a set of open-ear earbuds that can survive full immersion in water, the 1More Fit S50 is your best (and only) option, with an IPX7 rating. Of course, it’s also a great pick for sound and call quality, though it falls just short of the Oladance OWS 2 and OWS Pro in both of these categories.
Still, it has a wireless charging case, which the Oladance models can’t match, and very clever silicone “sound loops” — small guides that position the earbuds in the ideal location for sound quality — another unique feature.
Battery life, at 11 hours per charge and 38 hours with the case is excellent, and Bluetooth Multipoint makes them a solid choice for all-day use when switching between devices. 1More has always offered great app support for its earbuds and the Fit S50 are no exception. You get EQ presets (though no manual EQ) and the ability to customize the touch controls.
Speaking of the touch controls, this is the S50’s one weakness. You only get four gestures: double and triple taps on each earbud, which isn’t enough if you want to control playback, calling, volume level, and voice assistant access — you’ll have to decide which of these is most important and use your phone for the others.
Best for battery life
OneOdio OpenRock Pro
- Good sound quality
- Great for calls
- Huge battery life
- Physical buttons
- No app support
- No wireless charging
- No Bluetooth multipoint
| Specification: | |
| Weight | 13 grams each |
| Open, closed, or semi-open | Open ear |
| Ambient sound modes | None |
| Battery life | 19 hours; 46 hours in total with the charging case |
| Hi-res audio support | Yes |
If battery life is your chief concern, the OneOdio OpenRock Pro are the endurance champs of the open-ear category with a huge 19-hour per charge claim, and 46 hours of total playtime. Sound quality is decent, and call quality is very good, though there’s no support for Bluetooth Multipoint. We like that they use physical buttons, but there’s no app for customization or EQ adjustments.
The OpenRock Pro offer IPX5 water resistance, and they’re available in three colors. Their charging case provides excellent protection for the earbuds, but it doesn’t support wireless charging and it’s a bit on the bulky side.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends. For sound quality and noise cancellation, regular earbuds are typically a better choice. But in areas like comfort, secure fit, battery life, and staying aware of your surroundings, open-ear earbuds have a distinct advantage.
No. ANC attempts to silence the outside world, whereas open-ear earbuds are designed to provide as small a barrier as possible between you and the world around you while still letting you hear your music. One minor exception is the Oladance OWS Pro, which has a version of ANC called Focus Mode. Unlike ANC on wireless earbuds, Focus Mode only attempts to cancel a very narrow section of high-frequency sounds that some people may find annoying. It is not a replacement for true ANC.
Yes. Open-ear earbuds are perfect for activities where you want to hear music while still being able to pay attention to the world around you. Runners, cyclists, and even those who workout indoors with a trainer can benefit from the design of open-ear earbuds.
Yes. Because open-ear earbuds let you hear your own voice as clearly as if you weren’t wearing earbuds at all, making calls less tiring. The only disadvantage is that if you’re conducting these calls in noisy environments, it might be harder to hear your callers.
Like regular wireless earbuds, some open-ear earbuds have excellent protection against water and dust, while other models have little to no protection. To be sure, check the IP rating on each model.
Most open-ear earbuds use an earhook design, which could interfere with glasses. If you’re very concerned, some models like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, Sony LinkBuds, and the Sanag Z50S Pro Max avoid the earhook design entirely.
If you play your music at very loud volume levels, there’s a good chance that sound will leak out and others around you will hear what you’re listening to. But at medium volumes (50% to 60%), very little sound will be heard. This will vary from one model to another.
