It seems as if we, as a society, have collectively moved on from wired earphones that always got tangled in our bags to wireless earbuds and AirPods. They’re convenient and easy to carry around, but they’re not perfect.
Sometimes they feel uncomfortable, especially after long use. Your ears get sweaty, the buds start slipping, and before you know it, one pops out and disappears under a car seat (or worse, down a drain). Many people have lost countless pairs of earbuds because one ear went missing or the whole case vanished.
Then, there’s the simple fact that some of us just don’t like the feeling of sticking tiny buds into our ears. But we still want to listen to music, podcasts, or take calls on the go. That’s where having open-ear headphones comes in.
What Are Open-Ear Headphones?
Unlike earbuds that sit inside your ear canal, open-ear headphones sit just outside your ear. Some use air conduction (they push sound towards your ear without sealing it), while others use bone conduction (sending vibrations through your cheekbones so you “hear” the music without anything blocking your ears).
With open-ear headphones, you can listen to music while still hearing what’s going on around you, from traffic, conversations, or your gym instructor shouting “one more rep!”. This makes them more comfortable, more hygienic, and often safer for outdoor activities like running or cycling.
If that sounds like your thing, here are seven open-ear headphones you can buy right now.
1. Oraimo OpenCirclet 2
Oraimo has really thought about the small annoyances of earbuds and solved them here. These sit outside your ears with a flexible band that’s soft but firm enough to stay put. As a result, you’ll get all-day comfort without the “stuffed ears” feeling.
The sound is full thanks to something Oraimo calls “Open-Ear Bass Boost.” Basically, it means you still get deep bass and clear treble, even without having the speakers inside your ears. What’s cool about the OpenCirclet 2 is that it doubles as a fitness tracker.
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Oraimo OpenCirclet 2
It counts your steps while you move, so you don’t need to carry your phone or smartwatch everywhere. Safety is also a big plus because your ears aren’t blocked, and you can stay aware of your surroundings while running or cycling.
Other handy extras include 16-hour battery life, fast charging (10 minutes = 6 hours), water resistance (IPX5) for sweaty sessions, and even dual device connection, meaning you can connect to your phone and laptop at the same time.
In short, this headphone has so many features that prioritise comfort, sound quality, and fitness tracking all in one.
READ ALSO: Why Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Is Among the Best Budget Fitness Trackers
2. Huawei FreeArc
The FreeArc open-ear headphones squash the belief that open-ear means “average sound.” Huawei has managed to make these sound so good that you might forget they’re not traditional earbuds. You get real bass and balanced audio, not tinny or hollow like some cheaper open designs.
Battery life is solid as well, with seven hours per charge and 23 hours with the case. They’re also IP57 water-resistant, so sweat or rain won’t damage them. Comfort is where they shine as they fit well and feel natural, even during long use.
The only downside is the app. If you’re on Android, it can be a hassle to install since it’s not on the Google Play Store, but iOS users can download it. Still, you don’t need the app to enjoy the FreeArc; you can just pair them normally and use them as is.
3. Soundcore V20i by Anker
These are designed with comfort in mind. The V20i can be adjusted in four different positions, allowing you to rotate it until it sits perfectly on your ears. This makes a huge difference for people who usually struggle with fit.
Sound quality is impressive thanks to 16mm drivers (that’s a fancy way of saying the speakers inside are large enough to produce rich bass and crisp highs). They also come with BassUp technology, which means your music will feel punchy instead of flat.