I tested 3 of the best-selling cheap open earbuds on Amazon, from Belkin, Anker and Tozo — and there’s a clear winner for me

I recently tested three budget open earbuds available on Amazon: Belkin SoundForm ClearFit, Anker Soundcore V20i and Tozo OpenEarRing. The aim was to determine which one offered the best combination of stability, audio quality and ambient noise awareness.

Fit and stability proved to be the biggest challenge with open earbuds. They need to remain in place without the use of in-ear tips, which makes them more prone to slipping or bouncing around. Belkin's ear hook design felt short and bulky, causing instability during movement. Soundcore's longer hooks provided better stability, although they could be unstable during particularly sweaty runs.

Tozo's clip-on design was the most comfortable and secure, fitting well over the helix at the side of the ear. No other design proved as reliable and comfortable.

In terms of audio performance, expectations were low. Belkin's buds struggled to deliver high volume levels, resulting in a tinny, distant sound with little bass and blurred instrument definitions. Soundcore's buds were more versatile, offering clearer podcast vocals and acceptable sound quality for instrumental tracks. Tozo's clip-on design allowed for proper ear canal openness, and the buds remained comfortable throughout prolonged use.

Considering overall performance, the Tozo OpenEarRing emerged as the clear winner, providing a comfortable fit, acceptable audio quality and effective ambient noise awareness. The Belkin buds were unsuitable for most music genres and Soundcore's were a close second with a slightly better audio performance.