Noise-canceling headphones have dominated the headphone market for some time now, but open-ear headphones have become a much more prevalent option for people looking for headphones that leave their ears open to their surroundings. Open-ear headphones can include bone-conduction headphones, but more options provide better sound quality if bone conduction is not your style. Whether you are going for a run, have kids you need to keep an ear open for, or want a new option, there is an excellent open-ear headphones option for everyone.
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1
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Bose’s Ultra Open Earbuds are hands down one of the most unique audio options I’ve seen in recent times. These metallic ear-cuffs with gold accents look more like fashion accessories than tech, weighing just 6.3g each and clipping to the bottom of your ear without blocking your ear canals. The OpenAudio tech somehow manages to deliver surprisingly clear sound despite not being jammed in your ears.
The Immersive Audio feature creates this cool spatial effect where music feels like it’s around you rather than blasting directly into your ears, but it does knock your battery down from 7.5 to 4.5 hours. They connect via Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint pairing, so you can switch between your laptop and phone without the usual reconnection headache. The IPX4 rating means they’ll survive your sweaty workouts, and the physical button controls are way more reliable than those finicky touch sensors on other earbuds.
2
Beats Powerbeats Pro 2
The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 delivers a lot of meaningful upgrades that justify its price point. The 20% lighter redesigned chassis uses nickel-titanium alloy ear hooks that provide superior grip while maintaining flexibility, essential for high-intensity workouts. With five silicone tip sizes and IPX4 water resistance, they’re engineered for a secure, customized fit.
Sound performance benefits from dual-element dynamic diaphragm transducers and the Apple H2 chip, delivering clearer highs and deeper bass than the previous generation. The adaptive EQ automatically adjusts sound in real-time based on ear fit, while ANC and Transparency modes let you control your audio environment. Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking creates an immersive listening experience when you want it.
The standout technical feature is the integrated heart rate monitoring—LED optical sensors measure blood flow 100+ times per second, feeding real-time performance data to compatible fitness apps. Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connectivity, physical button controls, and cross-platform compatibility make these practical for daily use. Battery performance is quite impressive as well: 10 hours of playback (8 with ANC), extending to 45 hours with the 33% smaller charging case. And to top it all off, we have Fast Fuel charging to provide 1.5 hours of playback from just 5 minutes of charge time.
3
SHOKZ OpenFit
The SHOKZ OpenFit delivers surprisingly solid tech in the open-ear category where most options sound like a phone speaker in another room. The “dolphin arc” hooks are quite clever, featuring dual-layered silicone with internal memory wire that actually fit in great with your ears. At 8.3g per bud, they’re featherlight, and the split design balances weight surpsisingly well. That velvety silicone finish feels premium against your skin, too, a nice touch for something you’ll wear for hours.
Tech-wise, we’re working with 18×11mm dynamic drivers use carbon fiber diaphragms (literally 20x stronger than steel) and DirectPitch technology that aims sound precisely at your ear while minimizing leakage. The OpenBass algorithm somehow squeezes respectable low-end from drivers that don’t touch your ears. Not skull-rattling, but definitely present.
Battery hits seven hours (28 with the case), and the IP54 rating handles sweat and light rain thanks to double-layer waterproof mesh. Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint means easy device switching, and the SHOKZ app’s five-band EQ lets you tweak sound to your preference.
4
Anker Soundcore V30i
Anker’s Soundcore V30i is currently highway robbery given what you’re paying for. These aren’t your typical “sounds like a tiny radio playing next door” open-ears. The TPU ear hooks stay put without the death grip of competitors, and their 9.3g weight disappears during wear. What’s interesting is the closed-back design despite being “open-ear” – a contradiction that actually results in better sound isolation than you’d expect.
The 14.2mm bio-material drivers deliver surprising clarity across the 20Hz-20kHz range. That said, the BassUp technology and acoustic nozzle design squeeze respectable low-end performance that’ll make you double-check they’re not actually in your ears.
Twelve hours of playback (36 with the case) demolishes most competitors, and the 10-minute quick charge for 3 hours of use comes in handy when you have things to do and places to be. The IPX5 rating handles sweat without complaint, and those four beamforming mics with AI noise reduction are a welcome addition. Great value for sure. Just don’t tell Anker they’re undercharging.
5
Nothing Ear (Open)
Nothing’s first crack at open-ear audio lands with their signature transparent flair, but, and I’m glad to report that there’s a lot of substance behind the style. The wrap-around design uses nickel-titanium wire inside silicone hooks, the same material used in those indestructible eyeglass frames. This creates a three-point contact system that distributes the already light 8.1g weight evenly.
The 14.2mm titanium-coated drivers use a patent-pending stepped diaphragm design. Their Sound Seal System with directional speakers minimizes sound leakage, and the Automatic Bass Enhance algorithm does a remarkable job compensating for the fact that you’re not working with in-ears.
Battery performance is solid at 8 hours standalone and 30 with the case, and the 120ms Low Lag Mode isn’t industry-leading but works well enough for casual gaming. There’s also the Clear Voice Technology with AI processing trained on 28 million noise scenarios, which, from what I’ve been hearing from fellow users, is living up to the hype.
The Nothing X app adds genuinely useful features like shareable EQ profiles and Find My support, though the ChatGPT integration is oddly locked to Nothing phones only. For tech-forward users who want environmental awareness without sacrificing (too much) audio quality, the Ear (Open) delivers Nothing’s minimalist aesthetic with maximum functionality.
6
EarFun OpenJump
I’m going to go a little unconventional with my next pick and go with the EarFun OpenJump. Mostly because it doesn’t just copy the competition and actually improves on them at nearly half the price. The standout engineering here is the three-point support system with aerospace-grade titanium alloy construction wrapped in skin-friendly silicone.
At a featherweight 7.8g, they’re among the lightest in class, creating that “am I even wearing these?” sensation. Tech-wise, EarFun hasn’t cut corners. The 14.2mm wool composite drivers deliver a surprisingly refined sound, especially in the mids where vocals take center stage.
The Hi-Res Audio certification with LDAC support (Android only, sorry iPhone folks) is virtually unheard of at this price point. Bass response is pretty nice too, but it might be best to keep your expectations in check when it comes to the sub-bass. Battery-wise, we’re working with a 11-hour standalone (8 with LDAC) and a massive 42 hours with the case. The IPX7 rating is a nice touch, and we have our usual Bluetooth 5.3 with multipoint connection and Google Fast Pair, which makes device switching painless.
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FAQ
Q: Are open-ear headphones better than bone-conduction headphones?
Since open-ear headphones do not have to go through your bones to transmit sound, they can comparatively deliver a much richer and full sound. That being said, bone conduction headphones still have their advantages, especially for athletes who need that extra water and dust resistance that other headphones can’t provide.
Q: Can others hear open-ear headphones?
Thanks to clever driver design, most of the headphones in this guide have minimal leakage for most volume levels. That said, if you are absolutely blasting music at 100% volume, there will be a fair amount more sound leakage compared to a pair of in-ear earbuds at the same volume.
Q: Are there any health benefits compared to traditional earbuds?
Besides the obvious safety aspects of maintaining situational awareness, open-ear designs eliminate several common earbud issues. No more ear canal irritation, reduced risk of ear infections from trapped moisture, and less ear wax impaction (yes, that’s a thing). They also help prevent the potentially harmful pressure changes that sealed earbuds can creat