Best open-ear earbuds

10 min read

Best open-ear earbuds

Earbuds that let you hear what's going on around you. That's what open-ear earbuds do. They're hugely popular with runners, frequent callers, and people who are always on the move. Find out whether they're right for you and which open-ear earbuds are best. We tested the best-known models. This list shows you which ones came out on top.

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Best open-ear earbuds 2026

These are the best open-ear earbuds we've tested so far. In short: the models that stay in place and sound the best. 

  1. DunRock Clip
    (Best open-ear earbuds tested (clip-on))
  2. JBL Soundgear Clips
    (Best clip-on earbuds under €100)
  3. JLab Flex Open Earbuds
    (Best clip-on earbuds under €50)
  4. Shokz OpenDots ONE
    (Best clip-on alternative)
  5. DunRock Air
    (Best open-ear earbuds with ear hooks)
  6. JBL Sense Lite
    (Best open-ear earbuds with ear hooks under €100)
  7. JLab JBuds Open Sport
    (Best budget open-ear earbuds with ear hooks)
  8. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
    (Best premium open-ear earbuds)

Open-ear earbuds test results

One thing stands out when we test open-ear earbuds: there are big differences in quality. Even between models in roughly the same price range. That's exactly why you shouldn't order a pair just because they look nice.

First, a quick guide to open-ear earbuds. It's important to understand the differences before you choose, especially since these earbuds are still fairly new. We see people buying the wrong type for what they need. A waste of both time and money.

There are 3 types of open-ear models:

  1. Clip-on earbuds (a clip on the side of your outer ear)
  2. Open-air / ear hook earbuds (with a hook that goes behind your outer ear)
  3. Bone conduction headphones*

*We've already put together a list of the best bone conduction headphones.

Best open-ear earbuds tested (clip-on) 2026

These are excellent open-ear earbuds right now. We keep this list up to date. A price change or a new model on the market can change the rankings.

1. DunRock Clip

Multipoint | Full, quality sound | Customizable with the DunRock App | Best mic with filters

  • Price: €79

These earbuds surprise you the moment you put them on: good sound for open-ear! The DunRock Clip sounds surprisingly full, and you're not stuck with the factory settings. The DunRock App lets you adjust the sound, controls, and more.

You also get multipoint (connect to 2 devices): they switch effortlessly between your laptop and phone. The icing on the cake? 4 microphones with an ENC filter. In short: for everyday use, calls, and light activity, this is a safe number 1 pick.

Best clip-on earbuds under €100

Want clip-on earbuds that keep things simple? Easy pairing, a comfortable fit, and sound that won't let you down? In this price range, JBL is often where you end up. Not because it's necessarily the most exciting brand, but because it usually gets this kind of product right.

2. JBL Soundgear Clips

Comfortable and lightweight | Surprisingly full sound | Easy-to-use JBL app

  • Price: ~€100

The Soundgear Clips are the kind of open-ear earbuds you buy because you don't want any hassle. Clip them onto your ears and you're ready. The fit takes some getting used to if you've only worn in-ears, but once it clicks, you may not want to go back. What stands out most is that the sound is clearer than you'd expect. Even the bass has real presence, without completely shutting out your surroundings. That makes them ideal for cycling, walking, or frequent calls. A bonus: they look quite elegant, especially in copper, almost like an accessory.

Best clip-on earbuds under €50

Under €50, good open-ear sound is often a gamble. But sometimes you just need an affordable option: earbuds that stay in place, connect quickly, and work well for music, videos, and calls. You mainly want them to get the basics right.

3. JLab Flex Open Earbuds

Surprisingly secure fit | Good value | App and multipoint (depending on version)

  • Price: €50-€70

These are the kind of earbuds whose price might make you skeptical, only to leave you pleasantly surprised. They connect quickly, go on and off without any fiddling, and often stay in place better than many sport in-ears that simply don't fit some ears.

This is exactly where open-ear shines: you stay aware of your surroundings while still getting enough from your audio to really enjoy it. Keep in mind that open-ear models can be more sensitive to wind and hair, partly because of the design. If you often take calls outdoors with long hair worn loose, that could be an issue.

Best clip-on alternative

Maybe you like the clip-on idea but want something different from JBL, or a more affordable alternative to premium models. Shokz is worth a look: they fit securely, feel compact, and do exactly what you'd expect from open-ear earbuds.

4. Shokz OpenDots ONE

Secure fit | Compact and lightweight | Great for walking and running

  • Price: ~€160

The OpenDots ONE is especially good if you want earbuds you can put on and forget about. The sound is better than you'd expect from this type, particularly the volume and fullness. But remember: open-ear is still open-ear. You'll hear your surroundings (that's the whole point), and in busy places you may need to turn up the volume a little. What really stands out here is the fit. If regular earbuds never feel quite right, these can be a welcome relief. And when you're running or exercising outdoors, you mainly want them to stay in place. They do.

Best open-ear earbuds with ear hooks

Open-air models with ear hooks are ideal if you want a secure fit around your ears. Many people prefer them to clip-on earbuds because the weight is distributed differently and the fit often feels more consistent, especially when you're moving.

5. DunRock Air

Multipoint | One of the best microphones in open-ear earbuds | Full sound + great value

  • Price: ~70

In our view, the DunRock Air is a pair you'll especially appreciate if you make lots of calls and switch between devices often. Multipoint works well, the microphone is notably good for open-ear earbuds, and the sound doesn't feel thin. Just like the Clip, you're not stuck with factory settings. The app lets you adjust the sound, change the controls, and make them your own. If you want open-ear earbuds with solid all-around quality without going straight to the most expensive options, this is a very smart choice.

Best open-ear earbuds with ear hooks under €100

Under €100, you mainly want everything to work well. Good sound that isn't tinny, a secure and comfortable fit, and an app that lets you fine-tune it. The JBL Sense Lite is exactly that kind of "I just want something good" choice.

6. JBL Sense Lite

Signature JBL sound | Plenty of adjustments (EQ) | Good fit (even with piercings)

  • Price: €99


Well, I hardly know where to look. Oh, right! The earbuds! The JBL Sense Lite are the kind of open-ear earbuds that have you thinking "this is nice" after the first hour of getting used to them. They sit on or around your ears, not inside them, so you don't get that blocked-off feeling. The sound is better than you'd expect. Well, not out of the box, but you can adjust the bass and overall sound profile in the app. They're also popular if regular earbuds always feel a little uncomfortable because of piercings or the shape of your outer ear. Though that applies to all open-ear earbuds, of course. One small drawback: the controls can be sensitive while you're still figuring out where and how to tap.

Best budget open-ear earbuds with ear hooks

Budget doesn't necessarily mean bad when it comes to open-ear earbuds, but keep your expectations realistic. You're mainly buying this type for comfort, safer outdoor activity, and enjoying music or podcasts without sore ears.

7. JLab JBuds Open Sport

Secure fit | Plenty of app settings | Great for sports and everyday use

  • Price: ~€70

If you mainly want earbuds that stay in place during workouts, walks, or bike rides, this is exactly the kind of open-air pair you'll appreciate. They fit around your ears, so they won't easily fall off, and your ears stay open. The sound is better than the price suggests, and the JLab app usually gives you plenty of room to adjust the sound profile. To be fair, open-ear earbuds can always pick up extra noise in strong wind, and some people find the controls take practice. But for the price, this is a very strong choice.

Tip: if you mainly want something for sports that feels a little tougher and more rugged, the JBL Endurance Zone is another very good option. The fit is rock-solid, the sound is powerful, and they're made for sweat, rain, and movement. (We left them out of the top 8 to avoid having quite so much JBL in one list.)

Best premium open-ear earbuds

You usually buy premium open-ear earbuds for one reason: comfort + quality, without compromise. Not because you want the biggest bass ever, but because you want something that stays comfortable all day and simply feels right.

8. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Exceptional comfort | High-quality sound | Premium finish

  • Price: ~€230

These earbuds cost a lot, but you do get that Bose experience: comfort, solid build quality, and refined sound. The main benefit is that your ear canals stay open, so you don't get the pressure or irritation you might with many in-ears. The fit is different from what you'd expect and takes a little getting used to. But if they suit the shape of your ears, you can wear them for hours without wanting to take them off. The downside? They're expensive, and open-ear earbuds are still sensitive to wind and busy surroundings. But if you want premium open-ear earbuds without compromising on comfort and quality, these are a top choice.

 

  • Those were the 8 best open-ear earbuds in our test. Keep going to learn more, or head back up to the list of 8 open-ear earbuds.

All about open-ear earbuds

Open-ear earbuds are becoming more popular, but quality and prices vary widely. Before buying, think carefully about how you'll use them: for sports, mostly for calls, or mainly for walking and cycling?

Do open-ear earbuds sound good?

Open-ear earbuds sound different from fully in-ear models. When we first tried open-ear earbuds a year or two ago, the sound was often underwhelming. The technology has improved enormously since then. Bass used to be the main thing missing. Now, good models can sound surprisingly full and balanced. But the biggest pitfall remains: going cheap here often costs you more in the long run. With the right open-ear earbuds, you can enjoy your audio without plugging up your ears.

Do open-ear earbuds stay in place?

We often talk to people whose earbuds generally won't stay in place. Our customer service team even hears every day from people who say their earbuds always fall out. We've found that open-ear models, such as clip-on and ear hook designs, can make a huge difference to the fit. People often tell us these are the first earbuds that don't fall out. That's exactly why this trend is growing so quickly: for many people, comfort and stability matter more than blocking out as much sound as possible.

Are open-ear earbuds healthier?

Open-ear earbuds can be a little gentler on your ears because your ear canals stay open. You can also hear your surroundings, which helps with safety in situations where sound warns you of danger, such as traffic. At the same time, the basic rule stays the same: don't listen too loudly for too long. Open-ear earbuds can feel safer, so people may turn them up without realizing it. Enjoy your audio, but keep the volume in check.

When should you avoid open-ear earbuds?

If you often take the train, work in a noisy office, or really want to shut everything out, open-ear earbuds usually aren't the best choice. You'll always hear more of your surroundings, and wind can be especially distracting outdoors. If you mainly want deep bass and that feeling of music playing right inside your head, good in-ears or headphones are more likely to satisfy you. Open-ear is especially good if you value comfort, safety, and easy calls.

⬆️ That's the end of our top 8 best open-ear earbuds. Do you remember which pair was number 1 on this list?

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