This was the year that open-ear buds hit the mainstream! There are so options to select from that it’s getting hard to choose. So let’s look at the top 10 open-ear style buds.
📹 Check out our in-depth video review!
10. Cleer Arc II Sport
Starting off our countdown, the Cleer Arc II Sport impresses with crisp sound and robust features like Snapdragon Sound and multipoint support. However, call quality and comfort might not meet everyone’s standards.
Pros:
- Excellent sound clarity
- Strong battery life
- Multipoint support adds convenience
Cons:
- Subpar call quality in noisy environments
- Ear hooks can be uncomfortable
Ratings: Overall: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Comfort: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
9. OneOdio OpenRock S
The OneOdio OpenRock S is a budget-friendly option that delivers a respectable 12.5 hours of battery life. It’s durable and performs well in calls, making it a great choice for active users.
Pros:
- Affordable price point
- Durable with an IPX5 rating
- Good battery life
Cons:
- Build quality feels cheaper
- Sound lacks the depth of the Pro version
- Limited control options
Ratings: Overall: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Sound Quality: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ | Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
8. 1More Fit SE (S30)
At number eight, the 1More Fit SE (S30) stands out for its comfort and solid battery life. Its thinner hooks are a boon for glasses-wearers, although the sound profile may not suit bass lovers.
Pros:
- Great value for the price
- Comfortable fit with glasses
- Good battery performance
Cons:
- No volume control on calls
- The sound profile is treble-heavy
- No wireless charging
Ratings: Overall: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
7. SoundCore AeroFit
The SoundCore AeroFit offers an impressive IPX7 rating, long battery life, and thoughtful design elements like a colorblind-friendly battery indicator. However, it’s somewhat let down by its call performance in noisy and windy situations.
Pros:
- Long-lasting battery life
- High IPX7 water resistance
- Multipoint support
Cons:
- Average call quality in windy conditions
- Limited control customization
- No wear sensor or wireless charging
Ratings: Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
6. Oladance OWS Pro
Oladance OWS Pro at number six exudes premium feel with its sleek design and comes in five colors. It’s comfortable with sunglasses, offers multipoint support, and has a battery life that surpasses expectations. The call quality, however, is not its strongest suit.
Pros:
- Premium design with a sleek finish
- Comfortable with sunglasses
- ‘Noise cancelling’
- Long battery life with case support
Cons:
- Struggles in noisy and windy call conditions
- Some reports of interference and connection issues
- Lack of wireless charging
Ratings: Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
5. Oladance OWS Gen 2
Halfway through our list, the Oladance OWS 2 impresses with its updates, solid 20-hour battery life, and wingtips for stability. While it shines in battery and design, it falls short in volume and IPX rating.
Pros:
- Impressive battery life
- Comfortable and stable design
- Easy pairing process
Cons:
- Low peak volume
- Only IPX4 rated
- Charging case does not include a battery
Ratings: Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
4. Shokz OpenFit
Shokz OpenFit takes the fourth spot with its feather-light build and comfortable fit. It boasts an IP54 rating, making it a dust and sweat fighter. Although the battery life is on the lower end, its call clarity is commendable.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight and comfortable
- Dust and water-resistant with an IP54 rating
- Clear call quality in most conditions
Cons:
- Lower battery life compared to others
- Touch controls can be finicky
- No wireless charging
Ratings: Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ | Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3. OneOdio OpenRock Pro
🎧 Buy the OneOdio OpenRock Pro
The bronze medal goes to the OneOdio OpenRock Pro. A surprise entry as a first-gen product, it impresses with sound consistency, retro design, and reliable button controls. It’s a strong contender with substantial battery life and admirable call quality.
Pros:
- Excellent comfort with adjustable hooks
- Consistent sound quality
- Retro design with reliable button controls
Cons:
- Case design is not pocket-friendly
- No app support for additional customization
- Additional cost for a silicone case
Ratings: Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
2. Tozo OpenBuds
Just shy of the top spot, the Tozo OpenBuds offer an incredible value proposition. They deliver a rich bass and balanced sound profile, customizable through the app’s EQ settings. The earpiece design that moves independently of the earhook ensures a consistent listening experience.
Pros:
- Exceptional value for the price
- Balanced and bassy sound profile
- Innovative earpiece design for consistent sound
Cons:
- Limited controls for call handling
- Multipoint functionality can be glitchy
- Sideloading requirement for firmware updates
Ratings: Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
1. SoundCore AeroFit Pro
🎧 Buy the SoundCore AeroFit Pro
Topping our list, the SoundCore AeroFit Pro stands out with its comfortable Shokz OpenFit style earhooks, neckband design for those who prefer it, and LDAC support for high-quality sound. It’s a perfect blend of form and function, making it the number one choice for open-ear bud enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Shokz OpenFit style earhooks for utmost comfort
- Neckband design adds versatility
- Support for high-quality LDAC audio codec
Cons:
- Color options are limited at launch
- IPX5 rating is good but not the best
- Battery life could be impacted by LDAC usage
Ratings: Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sound Quality: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ | Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Conclusion
This year’s lineup of open-ear buds offers an option for every type of listener, with each product bringing its own unique strengths to the table. Our in-depth testing has provided insights into each bud’s performance, comfort, and sound quality. Be sure to check out our video to see our detailed reviews and discover which buds are our personal favorites.
