Top open-back earbuds, tested and reviewed (2025): BOSE, Soundcore, and more
Honorable Kubuka
Open-ear headphones are becoming the hot trend in wireless audio, which means there are plenty of great options that don’t make our top list. Here are some of the two that are worth it.
ACEFFOFT ACEFIT Pro for $80-125: AceFfast’s AceFit Pro has the style of a more affordable AceFit, especially in their visible case that displays battery life in slick LEDs when you turn it on or off. In addition, the sound quality is not much better than air, and the shoots themselves are not many, so they do not connect with my ears. This is still a solid pair of wrap open buds, especially since the price seems to be dropping, usually well below their $125 price tag. If you can get them for $80 or less, they’re a sweet deal.
$70 Earfun clip: These Afformabe Clip-Style Ads buds seem to have it all. You’ll find a snappy design in the glossy case, a comfy fit, push-button controls, and extras like multipoint pairing and a Headphone Finder. The package feels a step or two above the asking price, save for the sound quality. Basic performance is fine for podcasts and light listening, but it leaves a lot of meat on the bone with physical features and details, keeping this pairing on our top list. However, with their very low retail price of around $50, this is a good buy for basic use.
Jlab Epic Open Sport for $115: Jlab’s top open games don’t have the sound quality or slimline design, but their mix of comfy and stable fit and great usability make them worth a look. Their combination of real buttons and touch pads provides easy control and customization on the go, still open to this type. I wish they had better call quality, and their lack of body or detail makes the music better than most, but they get the job done without breaking the bank.
EarFun OpenJump for $80: Earmun’s OpenJump offers accessible sound that’s easily accessible and surprisingly waterproof in one comfortable wrap around Wrap It’s hard to beat their price, but they fall into one of the biggest pitfalls of open earbuds right now: Poor controls with hit-or-miss response, especially on the move. They are still good value, especially on good sales.
One Shokz Openats for $200: Shokz’s first open-ended exprip clip is a solid effort. You’ll get great battery life, a sporty design that borrows from the BOSE UVTRA and Soundcore Aeroclip, and the ability to switch whether there’s text left or right (if that’s something you’re into). At this price, I was hoping for more refined sound, better drive quality, and more control, but features like a wireless charging case add good value. If you like style and don’t mind paying for thick buds, they may be worth considering.
Edifier Lolliclip for $130: Edifier’s Lolliclip offers an open/open hybrid design, with an AirPods-style tip fitted with a rear battery. The Fit feels more compact than my open-back earbuds and creates too much wind resistance for cycling, but it’s comfy enough for casual wear and lets you switch left or right. The Buds have plenty of extras, from MultiPoint Pairing to health features, but their marquee option, noise cancellation, does more harm than good in most cases. Their best asset is clear with a beefy bass range, which includes their long battery life for a viable option for the money.
Some open ears we’ve tested
Skallcandy Push 720 for $150: I’m not exactly sure what skallcandy intended to push 720, but it mostly misses the mark for me. The hybrid bag / charging case adds nothing noticeable to its breakdown other than being heavy on the pocket. The semi-open fit is more distracting than my favorite pair, and the buds shrink my ears over time. The sound is clear enough, but there is a limit in the high register that is empty to my ears, and the bass is surprisingly small. There are some cool features here, and I like the push-button controls, but in this competitive category, you can do better.
