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 Soundcore AeroFit 2 open-ear headphones use a bone conduction design that keeps your ears free and aware of surrounding sounds, making them a great choice for outdoor activities or work where situational awareness is important. They prioritize comfort with soft materials and adjustable ear hooks that fit most ear shapes, ensuring a secure fit without pressure. Sound quality is enhanced by placing the drivers close to the ear canal, which doubles the bass compared to typical open-ear models and provides a richer listening experience with clear mids and highs. The inclusion of LDAC support also helps deliver high-resolution audio wirelessly.

Battery life is solid, offering up to 10 hours on a single charge and extending to 42 hours with the charging case, which supports wireless charging for convenience. Durability is good for everyday use with an IP55 rating, meaning these headphones resist sweat and light rain, though they shouldn’t be submerged in water. Controls are touch-based and straightforward, plus the headphones include useful features like AI voice translation for real-time language support, which is rare in this category.

While the sound is richer than many open-ear models, it won’t match the full depth and isolation of in-ear headphones, and there is no active noise cancellation, so background noise remains noticeable. Some users might find the touch controls sensitive or tricky at first. These headphones are well-suited for users wanting comfortable, open-ear headphones with improved bass, long battery life, and extra smart features, especially for outdoor or work use where staying aware of the environment is key.

The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are an open-ear, clip-on style headphone designed to keep you aware of your surroundings while enjoying your music. Using bone conduction-like technology called OpenAudio, they deliver private sound without blocking outside noise. This makes them a great choice for outdoor activities like running or cycling where situational awareness is important. They feel light and secure thanks to a flexible hook that rests behind the ear, maintaining comfort even during movement. The sound quality focuses on clarity and spatial immersion rather than deep bass, which is typical for open-ear designs.

Battery life offers a solid 7 hours of playtime per charge, with a compact case providing multiple recharges, totaling up to 48 hours standby time. Water resistance with an IPX4 rating protects against sweat and light splashes, suitable for workouts but not full submersion. Controls are straightforward, using app-based settings and physical buttons for switching modes, managing calls, and playback, though no active noise cancellation is included. Bluetooth 5.3 and multipoint connectivity allow seamless device switching. These earbuds excel in comfort, situational awareness, and convenience, but may not satisfy users who prioritize strong bass or noise isolation. Their premium build and features align best with fitness enthusiasts and those needing safe, open-ear listening rather than audiophiles seeking rich sound isolation.