Best Open Earbuds, Tested and Reviewed (2025): Bose and More

1 month ago

Best In-Ear Option
Sony’s original Linkbuds were conscionable nan 2nd unfastened earbuds I reviewed, and they’re still among nan astir distinctive. Their declare to fame is simply a ring-shaped driver pinch a halfway spread to fto successful nan world, deviating from astir clip-on aliases wrap-around buds. The Linkbuds Open (7/10, WIRED Recommends) build disconnected nan original pinch an attachable fin to support them much tightly successful spot and an updated sound signature for much bass. I felt nan request to set their EQ for clarity, and their caller touch controls—which fto you pat either nan buds aliases nan broadside of your face—aren’t nan astir responsive. Otherwise, these are a coagulated action for those who’d alternatively insert their buds than wrap aliases clip them on.
Specs
Battery life successful buds: 8 hours
Battery life pinch case: 22 hours
IP Rating IPX4
Best Bone Conductors
These halo-style headphones from Shokz (formerly Aftershokz) aren’t technically unfastened earbuds, but for illustration each models connected our list, they support your ears people unfastened for workouts and different activities. The OpenRun Pro 2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) usage nan brand's signature bone-conduction vibrating pads to nonstop sound done your cheekbones alternatively than your ears. Shokz has perfected nan method to supply a richer and much balanced sound by adding “air conduction” that pairs directional drivers pinch nan pads. WIRED contributor Michael Sawh enjoyed nan Pro 2's boosted bass, moreover if they mislaid immoderate clarity complete nan original Open Run Pro. Their creation is IP55 dust- and water-resistant successful a ray and durable circlet to thief you push your assemblage while busting your jams.
Specs
Battery life successful buds: 12 hours
Battery life pinch case: N/A
IP Rating IP55


Battery life successful buds:	8 hours
Battery life pinch case:	22 hours
IP Rating	IPX4


Battery life successful buds:	12 hours
Battery life pinch case:	N/A
IP Rating	IP55

Honorable Mentions

Open earbuds are becoming nan basking inclination successful wireless audio, meaning location are plentifulness of bully options that don't make our apical list. Here are immoderate different pairs worthy considering.

Earfun OpenJump for $80: Earfun’s OpenJump connection accessible sound and awesome waterproofing successful 1 of nan astir comfortable wrap-around designs I’ve put on. It’s difficult to hit their price, but they autumn into 1 of nan biggest pitfalls of unfastened earbuds correct now: awkward controls pinch hit-or-miss response, particularly connected nan move. They’re still a bully value, and would beryllium each nan much tempting connected a bully sale.

JLab Epic Open Sport for $115: JLab’s Epic Open Sport don’t person standout sound value aliases a slimline design, but their operation of a comfy and unchangeable fresh and earnestly accessible controls makes them worthy a look astatine their value point. Their operation of existent buttons and touch pads provides convenient and customizable power connected nan go, a rarity successful this budding genre. I wish they had amended telephone quality, and their deficiency of instrumental assemblage aliases item makes euphony alternatively dull, but they get nan occupation done without breaking nan bank.

Shokz OpenDots One for $200: Shokz’s first clip-on unfastened earbuds are a coagulated effort, pinch awesome artillery life and a sporty creation that feels for illustration a operation betwixt Bose’s Ultra and Soundcore’s Aeroclip. Their astir intriguing instrumentality is nan expertise to switch either bud for your near aliases correct ear, which is cool if not each that practical. Their sculpted sound is clear and comparatively thumpy, but leaner up apical than my favorites. I was hoping for much for nan money, on pinch amended telephone value and much versatile controls, though features for illustration a wireless charging lawsuit adhd value. If you for illustration nan style and don’t mind paying up for swappable buds, they could beryllium worthy considering.

Edifier Lolliclip for $130: Edifier’s latest clip-on earbuds are much of a hybrid betwixt unfastened and semi-open, pinch an AirPods-style extremity looped to a backside battery. The fresh feels much intrusive than my favourite unfastened earbuds and creates excessively overmuch upwind guidance for biking, but they're comfy capable for wide deterioration and fto you switch either bud for near aliases right. The buds heap connected nan extras, from multipoint pairing to wellness features, but their marquee option, sound canceling, does much harm than bully successful astir scenarios. Their champion plus is clear sound pinch comparatively beefy bass, which combines pinch their agelong artillery life for a viable action for nan money.