A review of the best open-ear earbuds for 2026, evaluating models from Bose, Shokz, Nothing, Baseus, and Soundcore based on audio quality, comfort, and workout performance.
Key facts
- •Bose Ultra Open Earbuds retail for $300 and feature an IPX4 water-resistance rating.
- •The Shokz OpenFit 2 uses air conduction technology to deliver sound near the ear canal.
- •Nothing Ear (Open) earbuds offer 8 hours of playback, with a total of 30 hours provided by the charging case.
- •Baseus Bowie MC2 earbuds are priced at $60 and are noted for solid call quality.
- •Soundcore AeroFit 2 earbuds feature four adjustable positions for the ear hooks to improve comfort.
Open-ear earbuds are a growing market segment designed to provide situational awareness for users, such as runners and cyclists, without sacrificing audio quality. These devices leave the ear canal open, offering an alternative to traditional noise-canceling earbuds. Recent testing of various models from brands including Bose, Shokz, and Nothing evaluated performance across categories like sound quality, comfort, workout-friendliness, and portability.
By the numbers
Premium and Mid-Range Options
Bose’s Ultra Open Earbuds are noted for their sound quality and comfort, though they carry a $300 price tag. They feature a clip-on design and physical playback buttons to prevent accidental touches. Shokz’s OpenFit 2, released in 2025, utilizes air conduction technology to provide clearer sound than traditional bone conduction models. These earbuds include both touch sensors and physical buttons, and they support multipoint connectivity for switching between devices.
Affordable and Value-Focused Picks
Nothing’s Ear (Open) earbuds, priced at $149, offer a minimalist design with a slim charging case and 8 hours of playback. For budget-conscious buyers, the $60 Baseus Bowie MC2 provides decent sound and clear microphone quality, though they lack the high-frequency clarity of more expensive models. Soundcore’s AeroClip and AeroFit 2 models are also highlighted for their value, with the AeroFit 2 offering adjustable ear hooks and wireless charging at a $100 price point.
Specialized Features and Design
The Shokz OpenDots One, priced at $200, features an interchangeable design where audio channels switch automatically based on which earbud is worn. They offer better battery life and wireless charging compared to the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. Meanwhile, the Soundcore AeroClip is noted for its crisp audio performance and inclusion of multiple ear grips to accommodate different ear sizes, though its charging case is relatively bulky.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Rolling Stone.
