10 Best Open Ear Headphones 2025 in the United States

The SHOKZ OpenFit 2+ are bone conduction open-ear headphones designed for users who want to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying music or calls. They use advanced technology to deliver clear and rich sound, including thumping bass and crisp highs, enhanced by Dolby Audio via the companion app. Comfort is a strong point here—the lightweight 9.4g earbuds with soft silicone ear hooks fit securely and gently, making them suitable for long wear, even during exercise. The IP55 rating means they resist sweat and rain, so you can use them outdoors without worry. Battery life is impressive, offering up to 11 hours on a single charge and a total of 48 hours with the charging case. Quick charging and wireless charging add convenience to daily use.

Controls combine physical buttons and app customization, letting you adjust volume, skip tracks, and personalize settings easily. Call quality is boosted by four AI microphones that reduce background noise, making conversations clear in busy places. MultiPoint pairing allows connection to two devices simultaneously, which is handy for switching between work calls and music. On the downside, there’s no noise cancellation since these are open-ear headphones, so ambient noise is always present. Also, the sound may not be as immersive as traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones, especially in noisy environments.

The fit is generally comfortable but may feel different if you’re used to earbuds that go inside the ear canal. The SHOKZ OpenFit 2+ are well suited for active users and commuters who prioritize safety and comfort over complete sound isolation.

The SHOKZ OpenDots ONE are lightweight open-ear headphones designed for those who want to stay aware of their surroundings while enjoying music or calls. Weighing just 6.5 grams per earbud, they offer a secure and comfortable clip-on fit thanks to flexible materials that mold to your ear, making them easy to wear all day without discomfort. Sound quality is enhanced by Dolby Audio and Bassphere Technology, delivering clear and rich audio, though as an open-ear design, expect less bass impact and some sound leakage compared to traditional earbuds.

Battery life is impressive, with 10 hours per charge and up to 40 hours using the compact charging case. Fast charging adds convenience, giving 2 hours of playback from just 10 minutes of charging. Connectivity is solid with Bluetooth 5.4 and multipoint pairing, allowing connection to two devices at once, plus a companion app for customizing sound and controls. The earbuds are IP54 water resistant, making them suitable for workouts or light rain, though not for heavy water exposure.

Touch controls are responsive and customizable via the app, but open-ear designs may pick up more background noise during calls. These earbuds fit best for active users like cyclists, office workers, or anyone wanting to stay aware of their environment while listening. If you prioritize full sound isolation or deeper bass, these might not fully meet your needs, but their comfort, long battery, and world-aware audio make them a strong choice for open-ear headphone fans.

The Bose Ultra Open Bluetooth Earbuds use an open-ear design that allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while enjoying your music. This is great for outdoor use or when you need to stay alert, as the earbuds rest gently around the back of your ear without blocking your ear canal. Thanks to their lightweight and flexible fit, they can be quite comfortable for extended wear, although individual comfort may vary.

Sound-wise, Bose offers their OpenAudio technology delivering private, rich sound with an immersive feel, especially with their spatialized audio features. Since these earbuds don’t have noise cancellation, you might hear background sounds more than with closed earbuds. Battery life is solid, providing up to 7 hours of continuous use (less if immersive mode is on), plus a charging case that can recharge them multiple times, giving you up to 48 hours of standby time. They are water-resistant, which adds some protection against sweat or light rain, making them suitable for workouts or casual outdoor activities.

Controls are straightforward, using physical buttons and a companion app to manage music, calls, and sound modes, and Bluetooth multipoint lets you switch devices easily. The lack of noise cancellation means these earbuds may not be ideal if you want to block out noisy environments, and the clip-on style may not suit everyone’s ear shape. These earbuds are well suited for those who prioritize situational awareness and comfort during activities like exercising or commuting, while still enjoying good sound quality and long battery life.