Top Open Earbuds in 2025: The 8 Best Models Reviewed

Explore the best open earbuds of 2025 that blend excellent sound with innovative open design for your daily activities and workouts.

What Makes Open Earbuds Stand Out?

Open earbuds work differently from traditional in-ear models. Instead of sealing off the ear canal, they use innovative drivers positioned outside the ear to deliver sound directly to you without blasting it to everyone around. This unique design means you stay aware of your surroundings—perfect for commuting, workouts, or city running.

Some open earbuds hook behind the ear for stability, others clip on the side, and some rest gently in the ear bowl. They differ from bone conduction headphones, which also leave your ear open but transmit sound through the bones of the skull. We’ve included one bone conduction model in this list as well, showing how varied open earbud technology has become.

The market for open earbuds grew rapidly in 2025, with many audio brands releasing models aimed at everyday users—not just fitness enthusiasts. Our expert team rigorously tests each pair to ensure only the top performers make this list.

"Open earbuds keep your ears open without sacrificing sound."

Quick Picks of 2025’s Best Open Earbuds

1. Huawei FreeArc — Best Overall

These deliver premium sound, a great fit, and an affordable price tag. Android users should be cautious of app issues.

2. Anker Soundcore AeroClip — Best Budget Clip-On

A clean sound in a reliable clip design, solid for workouts and casual use.

3. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds — Best Premium Clip-On

Famous Bose sound quality packed in a popular clip design; pricey but worth it.

4. Apple AirPods 4 with ANC — Best for Apple Fans

Not fully open but not sealed either, with impressive active noise cancellation and spatial audio.

5. Honor Earbuds Open — Best with Active Noise Cancellation

Great ANC for Android users, plus a surprising live translation feature.

6. OneOdio OpenRock Pro — Best Battery Life

Endurance champion with 19 hours per charge and a total of 46 hours with the case.

7. Emeet AirFlow — Best for Calls

Comfortable, clear voice quality, and a detachable mic make these ideal for office use.

8. Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 — Best for Runners (Bone Conduction Hybrid)

A leader in bone conduction earbuds with a hybrid design offering exceptional comfort and sound quality for serious runners.

Detailed Reviews of the Best Open Earbuds

1. Huawei FreeArc

Pros:

• Superior sound quality
• Competitive pricing
• Comfortable and secure fit

Cons:

• Android app installation issues
• Moderate battery life
• Lacks extra features like ANC

If you care deeply about sound without the bulk of closed earbuds, Huawei FreeArc offers a groundbreaking open design that doesn’t compromise on bass or clarity. Though the app may frustrate Android users, these earbuds feel like a turning point in open-ear audio technology.

"Huawei FreeArc feels like a breakthrough for open-ear technology, combining comfort, durability, and sound quality."

2. Anker Soundcore AeroClip

Pros:

• Crisp, engaging audio
• Secure yet comfortable fit
• Easy-to-use companion app

Cons:

• Only IPX4 water resistance
• Noticeable sound leakage
• No ANC

Clip-style earbuds like these are all the rage in 2025, offering a sleek alternative to traditional behind-the-ear hooks. These deliver clear, bass-rich sound perfect for everyday wear and workouts, though they leak sound noticeably and lack noise cancellation.

3. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Pros:

• Minimal sound leakage
• Intuitive to wear and use
• Immersive audio experiences

Cons:

• Expensive
• Weight distribution feels uneven

Bose’s first foray into open earbuds shines with their signature immersive sound and a clip design that’s comfortable once you get used to it. They’re pricey but deliver premium audio for those who want the best.

4. Apple AirPods 4 with ANC

Pros:

• Impressive active noise cancellation
• Deep, dynamic sound
• Great spatial audio

Cons:

• ANC somewhat limited
• No volume controls on earbuds
• AirPods Pro 2 offers more value

Though not fully open, these Apple AirPods 4 with ANC balance openness with features like ANC and spatial audio perfect for Apple users. They fit well, especially for smaller ears, and sync seamlessly within the Apple ecosystem.

5. Honor Earbuds Open

Pros:

• Excellent sound
• Stable, comfortable fit
• Sophisticated ANC

Cons:

• Limited battery life
• Gesture controls can be annoying
• No equalizer

Honor’s earbuds deliver a rare feat: open design with effective active noise cancellation, plus a cool live translation feature that’s perfect for on-the-go communication.

6. OneOdio OpenRock Pro

Pros:

• Great battery life
• Comfortable fit
• Affordable

Cons:

• Mediocre sound quality
• Bone conduction isn’t perfect
• May catch hair

For those needing long battery life during heavy use, these earbuds offer the best endurance in the open-ear category, with a comfortable fit suitable for all-day wear.

7. Emeet AirFlow

Pros:

• Clear sound and voice
• Ideal for calls
• Stable and comfy fit

Cons:

• Plain design
• Open style might not suit everyone
• No ANC

These earbuds shine in an office setting, with crystal-clear call quality and a practical design that fits various environments.

8. Shokz OpenRun Pro 2

Pros:

• Excellent bone conduction sound
• Lightweight and secure
• Long battery life with fast charging

Cons:

• Pricey
• Unusual control layout

This hybrid bone conduction design enhances sound quality significantly, making them perfect for serious runners needing stability and stamina in their earbuds.

Other Open Earbuds We Tested

• 1More Fit Open Earbuds S50: Stylish but less stable for fitness.
• AceFast AceFit Pro: Decent fit but falls behind competition.
• Anker Soundcore C40i: Good bass but less comfort.
• Earfun OpenJump: Lightweight with good battery, but average sound.
• Edifier LolliClip: Impressive sound and ANC, but clunky app.
• Happy Plus Clip: Lightweight but poor sound and app.
• JLab JBuds Open Sport: Affordable with decent battery but harsh highs.
• OpenRock S: Great battery and price, but weak sound.
• Shokz OpenFit & OpenFit Air: Solid quality but less stable than newer options.

How to Choose the Best Open Earbuds for You

Open earbuds have evolved from behind-the-ear hooks to trendy clip-ons and even neckband hybrids. Your choice depends on style, fit, sound priorities, and features like ANC or battery life.

Considerations:

• Do you wear glasses? Clips might be comfier than hooks.
• Need noise cancellation? Some open earbuds now offer this surprisingly well.
• Budget? Prices vary widely, and value is key.
• Lifestyle? Think about where and how you'll use them.

Open earbuds keep you aware of your surroundings but generally won't match the sound isolation or bass depth of sealed in-ear models.

How We Test Open Earbuds

Our team tests every pair in real life—running, commuting, office use—to judge fit and stability without the usual ear canal seal. We evaluate sound clarity, bass impact, and whether they keep you connected to your environment as promised. Where applicable, ANC effectiveness is tested rigorously, knowing open buds can’t replicate sealed noise-cancelling cups.

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Conclusion

Open earbuds in 2025 offer exciting choices—from affordable models like Huawei FreeArc to premium Bose clips and innovative bone conduction hybrids from Shokz. Whether you prioritize sound, comfort, battery, or active noise cancellation, there’s an open earbud perfect for your lifestyle. Ready to keep your ears open to the world without losing quality? Which model fits your vibe?

FAQs

• What are the benefits of open earbuds over traditional in-ear models?
  Open earbuds allow ambient sounds in, keeping you aware of your surroundings while delivering quality audio without ear canal blockage.
• Can open earbuds provide active noise cancellation?
  Yes, some models like Honor Earbuds Open and Apple AirPods 4 include ANC, though it's less isolating than sealed earbuds.
• Are open earbuds suitable for workouts?
  Many are! Models with secure fit designs and sweat resistance, like Anker Soundcore AeroClip and Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, work well for exercise.
• Do open earbuds leak sound?
  Generally, yes. Open designs often allow sound to escape, which can bother those nearby in quiet environments.
• How long do open earbuds typically last on a charge?
  Battery life varies from around 4-8 hours per charge, with charging cases extending usage up to 40+ hours for some models.

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