Discover the Best Clip-On Earbuds for Crystal-Clear Audio in 2025

Finding the right earbuds can be a bit of a quest, right? Especially with so many options out there. If you’re like me and prefer to hear what’s going on around you while still jamming to your tunes or taking calls, then open-ear earbuds are the way to go. These aren’t the kind that stuff your ear canal. Instead, they sit a bit differently, letting in ambient sound. We’ve checked out a bunch of the best clip on earbuds for 2025 to help you figure out which ones are worth your cash. Get ready to find your next favorite pair.

Key Takeaways

• Open-ear earbuds offer a balance between listening to audio and staying aware of your surroundings, making them great for commuting or working.
• Models like the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds and Cleer ARC 3 focus on sound quality, comfort, and long battery life.
• When choosing, consider factors like fit, sound quality, battery duration, and any extra features like waterproofing or app controls.
• Budget-friendly options such as the JLab JBuds Open Sport provide good value without sacrificing too much performance.
• The best clip on earbuds for you will depend on your personal needs, whether that’s for sports, daily wear, or work calls.

1. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Bose has really tried something different with the Ultra Open Earbuds. Instead of shoving buds into your ear canal, these clip onto the outside of your ear. It’s a design that lets you hear your music or podcasts, but also everything going on around you.

These are seriously comfortable, so much so you might forget you’re wearing them. They feel light and don’t put any pressure inside your ear, which is a big plus if you find traditional earbuds annoying. The sound quality is pretty good, with clear highs, though the bass isn’t as strong as you’d get from earbuds that seal your ear.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

• Bose OpenAudio Technology: This is their special sauce that mixes your audio with ambient sound.
• Clip-Style Fit: They hook onto your ear, staying put without being intrusive.
• Immersive Audio Mode: This tries to make music and movies sound more spacious.
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Connect to two devices at once, like your phone and laptop.
• IPX4 Rating: They can handle splashes and sweat, so everyday use is fine.

Battery life is decent, around 7 hours, but it drops to about 4 hours if you use that Immersive Audio mode. They’re not the cheapest option out there, and if you’re looking for something for intense workouts or need absolute silence, these might not be the best fit. But for everyday listening, calls, and just staying aware of your surroundings, they’re a really interesting choice.

2. Cleer ARC 3 Open-Ear Earbuds

The Cleer ARC 3 Open-Ear Earbuds are a pretty solid choice if you’re looking for audio that lets you stay aware of what’s going on around you. They pack in some decent tech, like 16.2 mm drivers that work with Dolby Audio and Snapdragon Sound, which should give you pretty clear sound. These earbuds are built for comfort and awareness, making them great for long listening sessions without that plugged-up feeling.

One of the standout features here is the battery life. You’re looking at a total of up to 50 hours of playback when you factor in the charging case. That’s a lot of listening time between charges, which is super convenient if you’re on the go a lot or just don’t want to worry about topping them up constantly. Plus, they’ve got an IPX7 rating, meaning they can handle getting wet, so a bit of rain or sweat during a workout shouldn’t be an issue.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

• Sound Quality: 16.2 mm drivers with Dolby Audio and Snapdragon Sound.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 with multipoint pairing (connect to two devices).
• Battery Life: Up to 10 hours on a single charge, with an additional 40 hours from the case.
• Durability: IPX7 waterproof rating.
• Comfort: Flexible earhooks designed for a secure, comfortable fit.

While they do a good job of keeping you connected to your environment, don’t expect booming bass like you’d get from earbuds that seal into your ear canal. There can also be some sound leakage if you’re in a really quiet place, so keep that in mind if you’re in a library or a silent office. The charging case is also a bit on the larger side, which might be a minor inconvenience if you prefer to travel light.

3. Shokz OpenFit 2

Shokz has really stepped up its game with the OpenFit 2. If you’re familiar with their bone conduction stuff, you’ll notice these are different. They don’t actually conduct sound through your bones; instead, they use airwaves directed into your ear canal, but without blocking out the world around you. This is a big deal for anyone who likes to stay aware of their surroundings, like runners or cyclists.

What really stands out is the sound quality. It’s a noticeable jump from their older bone conduction models. The bass is deeper, and the overall sound feels much richer. They’ve got this DualBoost architecture that helps with that. Plus, they’ve added DirectPitch 2.0 technology, which is supposed to cut down on sound leaking out, so hopefully, people nearby won’t be jamming to your playlist.

Here’s a quick rundown of what you get:

• Long Battery Life: Expect up to 11 hours on a single charge, and a whopping 48 hours if you count the charging case. That’s pretty solid for a whole week of commuting or workouts.
• Comfortable Fit: They have these soft titanium earhooks that are designed to stay put without being annoying, even if you wear glasses. They feel pretty secure, which is a plus when you’re moving around.
• Connectivity: You can connect to two devices at once, which is super handy if you’re juggling your phone and laptop.
• Durability: They’re IP55 rated, meaning they can handle sweat and dust pretty well. So, no worries about using them during a tough workout.

One thing to keep in mind is that while they’ve improved sound leakage, it’s still an open-ear design. In very quiet places, people might still catch a bit of what you’re listening to. Also, they don’t have that auto-pause feature when you take them off. But honestly, for an open-ear option that balances awareness with decent sound and a comfortable fit, the Shokz OpenFit 2 are a really strong contender. They feel like a good step up for everyday users who want that open-ear experience.

4. JBL Soundgear Sense

JBL is known for making audio gear that sounds good without costing a fortune, and the Soundgear Sense earbuds are no exception. These are open-ear buds, meaning they don’t actually go inside your ear canal. Instead, they sort of hang off your ear, using air conduction to send sound your way. This is pretty neat because you can listen to your music or podcasts while still hearing everything going on around you – super handy if you’re walking in the city or need to keep an ear out for announcements.

The JBL Soundgear Sense aims to give you a good balance between hearing your audio and staying aware of your surroundings. They use JBL’s OpenSound Technology, and the company says it helps direct the sound into your ears without bothering people nearby too much. Plus, they come with these flexible ear hooks that feel pretty secure, and you can even attach a neckband if you want extra stability, which is nice for workouts or just being active.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

• Sound Quality: Features dual 16.2 mm drivers with JBL’s bass algorithms. It’s designed for clear audio with a bit of a bass boost, though don’t expect the deep rumble you’d get from earbuds that seal your ears.
• Battery Life: You get about 6 hours of listening time on a single charge, and the case holds another 18 hours, bringing the total to 24 hours. There’s also a quick-charge feature – 15 minutes in the case gives you about 4 hours of playback.
• Durability: They have an IP54 rating, which means they can handle splashes of water and dust. So, a little sweat during a workout or getting caught in light rain shouldn’t be a problem.
• Connectivity: Supports Bluetooth multipoint, so you can connect to your phone and laptop at the same time and switch between them easily.
• Controls & Customization: You can control playback and calls using touch controls on the earbuds, and the JBL Headphones app lets you tweak the EQ settings and customize those touch controls.

If you’re someone who likes to stay aware of your environment while still enjoying your audio, and you appreciate JBL’s sound signature, the Soundgear Sense is definitely worth checking out. They’re comfortable for long listening sessions and offer a good set of features for everyday use.

5. 1MORE Fit S50

The 1MORE Fit S50 earbuds are a solid choice if you’re looking for that open-ear style without completely sacrificing sound quality. They’ve got this neat earhook design that feels pretty secure, even when you’re moving around. What really stands out is how they manage to give you a decent amount of bass, which is often a weak point for earbuds that don’t seal your ear canal. It’s like they found a way to make the sound feel bigger than it should.

These earbuds are built tough, too. They come with an IPX7 waterproof rating, meaning you don’t have to worry about them if you get caught in the rain or have a really sweaty workout. That’s pretty impressive for this type of earbud. Plus, the battery life is quite good; you can get up to 11 hours on a single charge, and the case gives you an extra 27 hours. So, you’re looking at a lot of listening time before needing to find a power outlet.

Here’s a quick look at some key features:

• IPX7 Waterproof Rating: Great for workouts and unpredictable weather.
• Long Battery Life: Up to 11 hours per charge, 38 hours total with the case.
• Secure Earhook Design: Stays put during activity.
• Bluetooth 5.3: For a stable connection.
• AI Noise Cancellation: Helps make calls clearer.

While they do let in ambient sound, which is the point of open-ear designs, it does mean that in very quiet places, people nearby might hear your music. Also, if you’re someone who needs that deep, booming bass you get from sealed earbuds, these might feel a little less intense. But for general listening, podcasts, and staying aware of your surroundings, the 1MORE Fit S50 are a really good option.

6. Cleer ARC II Open-Ear Earbuds

The Cleer ARC II Open-Ear Earbuds are a solid choice if you’re looking for something comfortable for long listening sessions and want to stay aware of what’s going on around you. They use an earhook design, which means they don’t actually go inside your ear canal, making them a good pick for people who find traditional earbuds uncomfortable.

These buds come with 16.2 mm drivers and support Snapdragon Sound, which is supposed to give you pretty clear and balanced audio. They also have Bluetooth 5.3, so you can connect to two devices at once, which is handy if you’re switching between your phone and laptop a lot. Battery life is decent, offering up to 35 hours total with the charging case – about 8 hours on a single charge. They’ve also got an IPX5 rating, so they can handle some sweat and light rain, making them suitable for daily commutes or light workouts.

One of the neat features is the motion gesture control. You can tap or nod your head to answer calls or control playback, though it might take a little getting used to. The Cleer+ app lets you tweak the EQ settings and customize controls, which is a nice touch.

Overall, the Cleer ARC II earbuds strike a good balance between clear sound, comfort, and practical features for everyday use. They might not give you the deep bass you’d get from in-ear buds, and in very quiet places, some sound might leak out, but for staying connected and aware while listening to music or taking calls, they’re a pretty good option.

7. Soundcore AeroFit 2

The Soundcore AeroFit 2 earbuds are a solid choice if you’re looking for that open-ear design without sacrificing too much on sound quality or battery life. They use air conduction, meaning they sit just outside your ear canal, so you can still hear what’s going on around you. This is pretty handy if you’re walking in the city or need to keep an ear out for announcements.

What I really liked about these is how comfortable they are. They have these adjustable earhooks that you can tweak in four different spots. This means you can get a really snug fit, and they don’t tend to move around much, even if you’re a bit active. Plus, they’re IP55 rated, so a bit of sweat or dust isn’t going to be a problem.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

• Comfortable Fit: Adjustable earhooks for a secure, personalized feel.
• Decent Sound: 11.5mm drivers with BassTurbo tech aim to give you a bit more low-end punch.
• Long Battery: Up to 42 hours total playtime with the charging case, which is pretty impressive for this style.
• Clear Calls: A four-mic setup with AI noise reduction helps keep your conversations clear.
• Modern Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 with LDAC support for better audio streaming.

Now, they aren’t perfect. In really quiet places, you might notice some sound leakage, so people nearby could potentially hear your music. And if you’re someone who needs booming bass, these might feel a little light in that department compared to earbuds that seal your ear. But for everyday listening, commuting, or light workouts, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 provides a good balance of awareness, comfort, and reliable performance.

8. Sony LinkBuds

Sony’s LinkBuds are a pretty interesting take on the open-ear earbud concept. Instead of trying to cram a speaker into your ear canal, they use this unique open-ring design that basically leaves your ear open to the world. It’s a bit like wearing tiny speakers that are just outside your ear. This means you can hear your music or podcasts, but you can also hear everything going on around you – traffic, people talking, whatever. It’s a really different experience, and honestly, pretty cool for staying aware.

The biggest draw here is definitely the comfort and situational awareness. Because nothing is actually in your ear, they feel super light and you can wear them for hours without that plugged-up feeling. Plus, you don’t have to take them out to have a quick conversation or listen for announcements. They also have this neat adaptive volume feature that bumps up the sound when it’s noisy and lowers it when it’s quiet, which is pretty handy.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

• Open-Ring Design: Lets you hear your surroundings while listening to audio.
• Comfort: Extremely lightweight and designed for all-day wear.
• Adaptive Volume Control: Automatically adjusts loudness based on your environment.
• Multipoint Bluetooth: Connect to two devices at once, like your phone and laptop.
• Clear Calls: Sony’s Precise Voice Pickup tech helps with call clarity.

Now, if you’re someone who lives for booming bass or needs absolute silence to enjoy your music, these might not be your first pick. The open design means bass isn’t going to be as punchy as with earbuds that seal your ear, and there will be some sound leakage in quiet places. But for everyday listening, commuting, or just staying connected to your environment, the LinkBuds are a solid, comfortable choice.

9. JLab JBuds Open Sport Earbuds

Alright, let’s talk about the JLab JBuds Open Sport. These are a pretty solid choice if you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank but still gets the job done. They use that open-ear design, which means you’re not jamming anything into your ear canal.

The big win here is comfort, especially for longer listening sessions. Because they just clip on, there’s no pressure, and you can actually hear what’s going on around you. This is super handy if you’re out for a run, cycling, or just walking around town and don’t want to be completely cut off from traffic or people.

Here’s a quick look at what they offer:

• Sound Quality: Don’t expect booming bass, but the mids and highs are clear enough for most music and podcasts. It’s a balanced sound that works well for everyday listening. Solid sound quality is definitely a plus.
• Battery Life: You get a decent amount of playtime here, which is always a good thing. The charging case adds extra juice, so you’re usually covered for a full day.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth multipoint is a nice feature, letting you switch between your phone and laptop without a fuss.
• Durability: They’ve got a good rating for water and dust resistance, so you don’t have to baby them too much during workouts or daily commutes.

Now, they aren’t perfect. The sound isolation is pretty much zero, so if you’re in a really noisy place, you might struggle to hear your audio clearly. Also, the charging case is a bit on the larger side, probably because of the earhook design. But for the price, they really do hit a sweet spot for people who want to stay aware and comfortable while listening to their tunes or taking calls.

10. JLab Epic Open Sport Earbuds

Alright, let’s talk about the JLab Epic Open Sport Earbuds. These are pretty decent if you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank but still lets you hear what’s going on around you. They use air conduction, which basically means the sound comes at you from outside your ear canal. It’s a nice way to listen to music or podcasts without completely blocking out traffic or someone trying to get your attention.

These earbuds are a solid choice for everyday use, especially if you’re on a budget. They’re comfortable enough for long stretches, and the battery life is pretty good, too. You get about 7 hours on a single charge, and the case adds another 23 hours, so you’re looking at a total of 30 hours. That’s quite a bit of listening time before you need to find a plug.

Here’s a quick rundown of what they offer:

• Sound: 14.2 mm dynamic drivers are supposed to give you clear mids and highs. Don’t expect booming bass, though; that’s just not how open-ear designs work.
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.4 is on board, and it supports multipoint, so you can connect to your phone and laptop at the same time. Handy for switching between calls and work.
• Durability: They’ve got an IP55 rating, meaning they can handle sweat and dust pretty well. Good for workouts or just a dusty day.
• Customization: The JLab app lets you tweak the EQ settings and control layouts, which is a nice touch for the price.

Now, they aren’t perfect. Because they’re open-ear, you’re going to hear everything around you, which is the point, but it also means that if you’re in a really noisy place, like a busy street or a loud office, your music might get drowned out. Also, the bass response is pretty light. If you’re a bass head, these probably aren’t for you. The charging case is also a bit on the larger side, but it does the job.

Overall, the JLab Epic Open Sport earbuds are a good value. They offer comfort, decent battery life, and the awareness you get from an open-ear design without costing a fortune. They’re a practical pick for casual listening, commuting, or light exercise.

Wrapping Up Your Search for Open-Ear Audio

So, we’ve looked at a bunch of clip-on earbuds, and it’s pretty clear there’s a solid option out there for just about everyone in 2025. Whether you’re trying to stay aware of traffic on your commute, keep an ear on the office chatter, or just want something that feels more comfortable for long listening sessions, these open-ear designs are really changing the game. We checked out models that balance sound quality with awareness, have batteries that last forever, and fit so well you might forget they’re there. Don’t overthink it too much; pick the pair that fits your daily routine and your budget. Happy listening!

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly are open-ear earbuds and how do they work?

Open-ear earbuds are a type of earbud that doesn’t go inside your ear canal. Instead, they sit near your ear, often using a clip-on design or a small speaker that hovers just outside. This lets you hear your music or podcasts while still being able to hear important sounds around you, like traffic or people talking. They use air conduction, similar to how regular speakers work, to send sound to your ears.

Are open-ear earbuds good for exercising or sports?

Yes, many open-ear earbuds are fantastic for workouts! Because they don’t block your ears, you can stay aware of your surroundings, which is safer when running outside or cycling. Plus, many are designed to be sweat-resistant and have a secure fit so they don’t fall out when you’re moving.

Will people around me be able to hear my music with open-ear earbuds?

There can be some sound leakage, especially at higher volumes. Think of it like listening to a small speaker nearby. In very quiet places, like a library or a silent office, people close to you might be able to hear a faint sound. However, for most everyday situations like commuting or walking around, it’s usually not a big issue.

How does the sound quality of open-ear earbuds compare to regular earbuds?

Open-ear earbuds offer a different listening experience. They provide clear sound and good for podcasts or calls, but they might not have the same deep bass or the immersive, isolating sound you get from earbuds that seal your ear canal. They’re designed for awareness, so the sound is more natural and less intense.

Can I use open-ear earbuds for phone calls?

Absolutely! Most modern open-ear earbuds have built-in microphones designed to pick up your voice clearly. Many even have features to reduce background noise, so the person you’re talking to can hear you better, even if you’re in a busy place.

How long do open-ear earbuds typically last on a single charge?

Battery life varies a lot between models. Some can give you around 6-8 hours of listening time on one charge, while others, especially those with larger charging cases, can offer 20, 30, or even up to 50 hours of total playback time. It’s always good to check the specs for the specific model you’re interested in.