Daniel Mercer
Open earbuds are designed to rest comfortably on the outer ear, offering a variety of styles, from clip-on to ear hook designs. Some models cater specifically to fitness enthusiasts, while others serve well for daily use. A standout option is the Bose Ultra Open earbuds, renowned for their exceptional sound quality and diverse color options. with a price tag of $299, they aren’t your only or most budget-friendly choice.
In the following sections, we highlight some of the top open earbud models available in 2026, after thoroughly testing options from brands like Soundcore, Sony, Shokz, and various budget-friendly alternatives.
What Defines Open Earbuds?
Open earbuds are crafted to create a listening experience that feels almost like not wearing them at all. Unlike in-ear models that fit into your ear canal, open earbuds rest just outside the ears, as their name suggests. Some utilize an ear hook to secure the speaker component, while others feature an ear cuff design.
Individuals typically choose open earbuds for three primary reasons:
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They deliver a private listening experience while allowing you to remain fully aware of your surroundings, akin to an advanced transparency mode.
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Many find that not having an earbud inserted into their ear generally enhances comfort.
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The design, featuring hooks and cuffs, ensures a secure fit while keeping you alert, making them ideal for workouts, professional environments, or daily activities.
What Limitations Do Open Earbuds Have?
As noted earlier, open earbuds lack active noise cancellation. This is primarily due to their design, which intentionally allows external sounds in, making it challenging to cancel noise effectively without covering the ear canal.
Due to this open design, audiophiles may find these earbuds less suitable. While they do not sound poor—many users report a pleasantly surprising audio experience—there is some loss of detail in the music when not having the earbuds actually inserted in the ear.
Several models come equipped with equalizers through their companion apps, allowing you to tailor the sound to your preferences. Our top sound picks, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds and Shokz OpenFit Pro earbuds, even include spatial audio capabilities that perform impressively.
Most open earbuds also incorporate technology to minimize sound leakage. While these models generally do a good job of keeping audio contained, some leakage may occur, particularly at higher volumes.
Certain open earbuds—especially those featuring ear hooks—may come with slightly bulkier cases. If you prioritize traveling light, this aspect is worth considering.
How Do Bone Conduction Headphones Compare?
Bone conduction earbuds function by utilizing your skull to transmit sound waves, rather than directing sound into your ear like traditional models. Typically, a band secures the headphones in place around the user’s head.
Shokz, the leading brand in this category, is well-known for producing high-quality bone conduction headphones. While we classify them as open earbuds, we have yet to test any bone conduction earbuds—stay tuned for updates regarding our experiences with them.
What Are Our Future Testing Plans?
The market for open earbuds is evolving rapidly, prompting us to test more models as they become available. Recently, we added the Sony LinkBuds Clip and Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro to our review guide.
To the earbuds featured in our initial guide from May 2025, we evaluated the Nothing Ear (Open) earbuds ($149), Sony Linkbuds Open ($199.99), Anker Soundcore AeroClip earbuds ($169.99), and Shokz OpenFit Air ($119.95). While none of these options were inadequate, we found our selected picks to excel in comfort and sound quality, particularly when considering their price points.
David Bridges
