The 7 best open earbuds stay put, sound great, and keep us aware of the world

Open-ear earbuds sit on the outside of the ear, providing a private listening experience while leaving the ear canal completely unobstructed. They come in various designs, such as clip models and ear hook models, catering to both exercise and everyday use. Popular choices include the Bose Ultra Open earbuds, now in their second generation, and the Bose Sport Open earbuds, priced at $299 and $199 respectively.

However, they are on the pricier side compared to other audio categories. The growing popularity of open earbuds has led to the emergence of newer premium competitors from brands like Sony and Shokz, as well as more budget-friendly options from brands like Soundcore, EarFun, Raycon, and CMF by Nothing. Our testing of open earbuds across different price ranges has identified seven top picks.

Open earbuds enable a near-earbud-free listening experience, allowing users to stay aware of their surroundings, making them comfortable for various activities like exercising, working, or simply navigating daily life. They typically lack active noise cancellation and may not appeal to audiophiles due to their open design. However, many models feature equalizers in their companion apps to enhance sound quality.

While some open earbuds excel in isolating sound, others may experience leakage, particularly at higher volumes. Most pairs also have slightly bulkier cases, especially those with ear hooks. Open earbuds are generally worn in three styles: cuff, ear hook, and bone conduction. Cuff earbuds clip onto the ear, ear hook models have a hook around the back of the ear, and bone conduction earbuds sit behind the ears.

Proper positioning is crucial for optimal sound quality. Other than the latest Bose Ultra Open earbuds and Bose Sport Open earbuds, we are also testing the Apple AirPods 5, Sony LinkBuds Clip, Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro, Nothing Ear (Open) earbuds ($149), Sony Linkbuds Open ($199.99), and Anker Soundcore AeroClip earbuds ($169.99).