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10 Best Open Ear Headphones 2025 in the United States

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Our technology thoroughly searches through the online shopping world, reviewing hundreds of sites. We then process and analyze this information, updating in real-time to bring you the latest top-rated products. This way, you always get the best and most current options available.

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

SHOKZ New OpenFit 2 Open-Ear Headphones, True Wireless Bluetooth Earphones with Microphone, Earhook Earbuds with 48 Hours of Playtime, Fast Charging, IP55 Water-Resistant, with Carrying Bag, Black

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,129
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life

Most important from
1632 reviews

Sound Quality
Sound quality is rich and clear, with the ability to get really loud without others hearing what you're listening to.
Comfort and Fit
The fit is amazing and stays in place, providing a comfortable experience even during long use.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, offering up to 48 hours without needing special conditions.

The SHOKZ New OpenFit 2 Open-Ear Headphones offer a unique listening experience with their innovative open-ear design. The DualBoost composite drivers and OpenBass 2.0 algorithm deliver clear mids and highs with a rich bass, providing high-quality sound. At just 9.4 grams, these earhooks are lightweight and designed for comfort, using a Ni-Ti alloy that molds to your ear shape. Additionally, they are IP55 water-resistant, making them suitable for various weather conditions and activities.

With up to 11 hours of playtime on a single charge and a total of 48 hours using the charging case, these headphones are excellent for extended use. Fast charging is a bonus, giving you 2 hours of playtime with just a 10-minute charge. The open-ear design allows you to stay aware of your surroundings while maintaining good sound quality. Dual noise-canceling microphones ensure clear phone calls, and the DirectPitch 2.0 technology keeps your sound private.

Physical buttons on the earbuds allow for easy control of volume, track skipping, and call management, which can be customized further using the Shokz App. However, the absence of active noise cancellation might be a drawback for those seeking complete sound isolation. Additionally, the open-ear design, while beneficial for awareness, may not be ideal in very noisy environments. These headphones are best suited for users looking for a blend of situational awareness and sound quality, such as athletes and outdoor enthusiasts.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,129
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life

Most important from
1632 reviews

Sound Quality
Sound quality is rich and clear, with the ability to get really loud without others hearing what you're listening to.
Comfort and Fit
The fit is amazing and stays in place, providing a comfortable experience even during long use.
Battery Life
Battery life is impressive, offering up to 48 hours without needing special conditions.
#2

SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 - Open-Ear, Bone Conduction Sport Headphones - with Reflective Strip - Sweat Resistant, Workout Headphones - Secure, Wireless, Comfortable Fit-Deep Bass and Smart Mic App

Rating
9.8
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life

Most important from
4746 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is impressive, not quite as good as noise reduction headphones but still really good for open-ear design.
Comfort and Fit
These headphones are very comfortable; I often forget I'm wearing them, even during intense activities.
Battery Life
Battery life is excellent, lasting all day on a single charge, even with heavy use.
Connectivity
Quick and easy Bluetooth connection without the need for a special charger, using a standard Type-C.
Durability and Build Quality
The reflective tape and secure fit make them ideal for extreme conditions, like sky diving and bungee jumping.
Additional Features
Great for safety during outdoor activities, as they allow you to stay aware of your surroundings.

The SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 offers a unique open-ear, bone conduction design that is well-suited for users who need to stay aware of their surroundings, such as runners and cyclists. The sound quality is robust, combining bone conduction with air conduction technology to deliver clear highs and deep bass, making your music experience enjoyable during workouts. Additionally, it features dedicated EQ modes through the Shokz App, allowing you to customize your audio experience based on your environment.

With 12 hours of battery life, these headphones are reliable for extended use without frequent recharges. The Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity ensures a stable and quick connection to your devices within a 33 feet range. The dual wind-resistant microphones enhance call clarity, which is beneficial for taking calls on the go. Comfort is prioritized with an ergonomic design incorporating a Ni-Ti alloy memory wire that ensures a secure and stable fit, even during intense activities. The headphones are water-resistant, making them sweat-proof and suitable for outdoor use.

However, they don't offer active noise cancellation, which might be a drawback if you often find yourself in noisy environments. The durability appears solid with a lightweight, yet sturdy build. A notable downside could be the lack of noise control, which means that it might not be the best choice for users seeking isolation from external noise. If you're looking for comfortable, open-ear headphones for fitness activities with good sound quality and reliable battery life, the SHOKZ New OpenRun Pro 2 is a strong contender.

Rating
9.8
Sound Quality
Comfort and Fit
Battery Life

Most important from
4746 reviews

Sound Quality
The sound quality is impressive, not quite as good as noise reduction headphones but still really good for open-ear design.
Comfort and Fit
These headphones are very comfortable; I often forget I'm wearing them, even during intense activities.
Battery Life
Battery life is excellent, lasting all day on a single charge, even with heavy use.
Connectivity
Quick and easy Bluetooth connection without the need for a special charger, using a standard Type-C.
Durability and Build Quality
The reflective tape and secure fit make them ideal for extreme conditions, like sky diving and bungee jumping.
Additional Features
Great for safety during outdoor activities, as they allow you to stay aware of your surroundings.
#3

SHOKZ OpenDots ONE - Open-Ear Headphones - Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds with Microphone - Secure, Lightweight, Clip-On Fit - Premium Dolby Audio - Water Resistant - Fast Charging - Up to 40 hrs Playtime

Rating
9.6
Sound Quality
Comfort
Battery Life

Most important from
359 reviews

Sound Quality
Sound quality is impressive for open-ear design, delivering clear, rich audio that stands out from competitors.
Comfort
These earbuds offer exceptional comfort with flexible ear clips that you can wear all day, even while sleeping.
Battery Life
Battery life is excellent, providing up to 10 hours per charge and the ability to stay powered all day.
Connectivity
Calls come through crystal clear with minimal background noise interference, a notable improvement over similar products.
Controls and Features
The built-in wireless charging feature adds convenience, eliminating the need for additional cases or cables.

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.

Rating
9.6
Sound Quality
Comfort
Battery Life

Most important from
359 reviews

Sound Quality
Sound quality is impressive for open-ear design, delivering clear, rich audio that stands out from competitors.
Comfort
These earbuds offer exceptional comfort with flexible ear clips that you can wear all day, even while sleeping.
Battery Life
Battery life is excellent, providing up to 10 hours per charge and the ability to stay powered all day.
Connectivity
Calls come through crystal clear with minimal background noise interference, a notable improvement over similar products.
Controls and Features
The built-in wireless charging feature adds convenience, eliminating the need for additional cases or cables.

Buying Guide for the Best Open Ear Headphones

Choosing open-ear headphones is all about matching their unique characteristics to how, where, and why you plan to use them. Open-ear headphones are designed to let you hear both your music and your surroundings, making them great for activities like running, cycling, or working in environments where awareness of what's happening around you is important. To find the best fit, it’s helpful to understand what makes open-ear headphones different from other types, and which features matter most for your needs.
Design Type (Bone Conduction vs. Air Conduction)The design of open-ear headphones is important because it determines how sound is delivered and what wearing sensation you get. Bone conduction headphones rest on your cheekbones and send vibrations directly to your inner ear, while air conduction models sit near but not on your ears and use traditional speakers aimed at your ear canal. Bone conduction is typically better for people who want absolute awareness of their environment or have ear canal sensitivities, while air conduction may offer more natural sound but slightly less environmental awareness. To choose, consider your comfort, whether you have hearing issues, and the level of outside awareness you want.
Fit and ComfortFit and comfort is crucial because open-ear headphones are typically worn for active situations where you'll be moving a lot or wearing them for long periods. These headphones should stay secure without pinching or causing pressure. Some models use hooks, bands around the back of your head, or other securing methods. If you'll use them for running or workouts, look for stable and lightweight designs. If you’ll be sitting at a desk, you might prioritize softness or adjustability. Always consider how they'll feel after an hour or more, not just for a quick listen.
Sound QualitySound quality determines how enjoyable your music or podcasts sound, but remember that open-ear headphones generally don’t block out background noise. They usually offer less bass and ‘fullness’ compared to traditional headphones, but better models deliver clear and balanced audio. If you’ll mostly use them for podcasts or phone calls, speech clarity may matter more than music quality. If you want to enjoy music as much as possible in this format, look for richer sound and less ‘leakage.’ Choose based on what type of audio is most important in your daily routine.
Battery LifeBattery life measures how long you can use the headphones on one charge and is especially important for wireless models. Typical battery life can range from a few hours to over ten hours depending on features and volume. If you plan long listening sessions or don’t want to recharge often, look for models with longer battery life. For occasional or short uses, modest battery life may be sufficient. Think about your daily habits; if the headphones will be used for long commutes or all-day work, prioritize this spec.
Durability and Water ResistanceDurability and water resistance matter because open-ear headphones are often worn during active use where sweat, rain, or accidental drops are likely. Look for ratings like IPX4, IPX5, or higher if you expect a lot of moisture exposure. Choose more rugged or water-resistant headphones if you plan to work out, run outside, or use them in unpredictable weather. For purely indoor or gentle daily use, strong water resistance may not be necessary.
Controls and FeaturesHow you interact with your headphones can make a big difference in your experience. Open-ear headphones can offer different types of controls, like buttons, touch panels, or even voice assistants, and may include features like multi-device connections, built-in microphones, or customization via an app. For simple use, basic button controls may be best, while more advanced users might enjoy app integration or smart features. Consider how you want to adjust volume, skip songs, or take calls when wearing the headphones, and pick according to your tech comfort and intended use.

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