Best Open Earbuds (2026): Shokz, Bose, Soundcore, and More
I’ve tested dozens of open earbuds. My favorite ones let you hear the world and your tunes equally.
In the world of open earbuds, Shokz, Bose, Soundcore, and other brands offer various options for consumers to choose from. Shokz OpenDots 2 stand out as the best overall due to their long battery life, IP57 waterproof rating, and comfort, even when worn outside of the ear. The Shokz OpenDots Air and Shokz OpenFit Air 2 are more affordable alternatives.
Runner-up, the Soundcore Aeroclip, is praised for its comfort, battery life, and strong water and dust resistance. It comes in two versions - Aeroclip and Aeroclip 2 - and can be bought at a discount after the release of newer models. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, launched in 2024, provide excellent sound quality with physical button controls, but are significantly more expensive.
If budget is a concern, PearClip Pros offer a more affordable entry point, while Nothing Ear (Open) provide a unique slim design at an even lower price. JLab Epic Open Sport also offers a distinct feature with touch sensors and physical buttons on each earbud, but suffers from mediocre audio quality.
Written by urgent.news from Wired's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
