I've tested dozens of open earbuds. My favorite ones let you hear the world and your tunes equally.
By Nexvoro Tech Wire
PUBLISHED FRI, SEP 18, 2026 9:58 AM UTC • 6 MIN READ
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Courtesy of Bose Save this story Save this story Open earbuds are the big new thing in headphone land. Unlike in-ear variants, open earbuds are like tiny speakers that rest on the ear and let outside sound in naturally, so you can fully hear the world around you. Some use a hook style that wraps around the back of your ear, while others are clip-ons that look more like statement-piece earrings. Style aside, they are excellent for anyone who finds traditional earbuds uncomfortable or wants full environmental awareness for activities like running, biking, or even just doing chores around the house.
I've tested dozens of models since 2022, and while I still recommend having a pair of noise-canceling earbuds , I also love open earbuds for specific use cases.
For more headphone recommendations, check out our guides to the Best Wireless Earbuds , Best Workout Headphones , and Best Wireless Headphones .
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Photograph: Harry Rabinowitz Photograph: Harry Rabinowitz Photograph: Harry Rabinowitz Photograph: Harry Rabinowitz Save to wishlist Shokz
The Shokz OpenDots 2 are everything I want open earbuds to be. These are truly take-everywhere, do-anything headphones. That's partly thanks to extremely long battery life - 10 hours on a single charge, and 40 hours total with the charging case. They also have an IP57 dust and waterproof rating, the same as premium, flagship earbuds like Apple AirPods Pro 3 and Samsung Galaxy Buds4 Pro. I've worn them in the rain, on the beach, and fully submerged them in water multiple times without issue.
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They're clip-ons that wrap around the earlobe, with the speaker end resting at the ear canal opening and the other end behind the ear. Importantly, the top of your ear is free for glasses, sunglasses, or hats. Like nearly all open earbuds, they let in sound from your surroundings, so don't expect them to be a great companion for long-haul flights or daily gym sessions.
They are a bit pricey, though. Shokz recently launched the lower-priced Shokz OpenDots Air and Shokz OpenFit Air 2 - I may update this recommendation depending on how my testing goes.
Photograph: Ryan Waniata Save to wishlist Soundcore by Anker
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Former WIRED reviewer Ryan Waniata is a huge fan of the Soundcore Aeroclip for a lot of the same reasons I love the OpenDots 2. The Aeroclip buds are light, comfortable, and stable on your ear, plus they have stellar battery life and strong water and dust resistance (not waterproof). Waniata used them for daily life: walking the dog, strolling with the baby, riding bikes, making dinner, and hanging out at home - any situation where you want your music but also want to be aware or talk to people. The Soundcore app is easy to use and offers plenty of customization for controls, EQ, and multipoint pairing.
The brand recently announced the Soundcore Aeroclip 2 and Aeroclip 2 Pro, which I will be testing soon. Look out for deals on these original Aeroclips as a result.
Photograph: Harry Rabinowitz Photograph: Harry Rabinowitz Photograph: Harry Rabinowitz Save to wishlist Bose
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds were a big deal when they launched in 2024 - a brand-new design from Bose and one of the biggest swings from a major brand in clip-on open earbuds. Two years later, they are still a solid, if expensive, option. That's mainly because of sound quality - these earbuds have a clearer, more defined sound than most competitors. Another differentiator is physical button controls on each bud, which I find easier to use than touch alternatives, especially when running or biking.
Like the Shokz and Soundcore, they are supremely comfortable, so much so that I sometimes forgot I was wearing them. But they are much pricier by comparison, and only worth it if you want the best sound quality in this clip-on form factor.
Photograph: Harry Rabinowitz Photograph: Harry Rabinowitz Photograph: Harry Rabinowitz Save to wishlist Soundpeats
Reporting synthesized and verified under Nexvoro.tech editorial guidelines. Full primary records referenced via Wired.
Reporting synthesized under Nexvoro.tech Editorial Standards • Referenced via Wired
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