I Tried 3 Types Of Open-Ear Headphones, And Here's What We Thought
I'm Amer, and I've always found traditional headphones to be a bit of a pain.
I find that they block out all the sounds around you, making it difficult to have a conversation or stay aware of your surroundings, and can be bulky and uncomfortable. Earbuds can be a bit better, but they still block out a lot of ambient noise and can feel intrusive if you wear them for long periods.
As someone who loves listening to music but also wants to stay connected to the world around me, I've been on a quest to find the perfect open-ear audio solution. I want something that's lightweight, comfortable, and allows me to hear my surroundings while still enjoying my tunes. (Plus, let's be real, nobody wants to lug around a pair of massive headphones that take up half their bag. I need something that's portable and easy to take on the go).
That's why I was so excited to try out these three different types of open-ear headphones – bone conduction, air conduction, and Bose's futuristic "hovering" technology.
Here's what I found:
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
Shokz
These futuristic-looking headphones use bone conduction technology to deliver sound vibrations through your cheekbones to your inner ear, bypassing the eardrum entirely. This allows you to listen to music or podcasts while still being able to hear everything going on around you. They are designed for runners and outdoor enthusiasts who want to stay aware of their surroundings.
They're incredibly comfortable and lightweight, making them perfect for workouts or long walks. The flexible titanium frame makes them super comfy and ensures they stay put, no matter how much you move around. The sound quality is surprisingly good, with clear highs and a decent amount of bass. The sound is surprisingly well-balanced and open, making them great for all sorts of genres. They also have a long battery life – up to 10 hours! and come with a handy app that lets you customise the EQ settings and switch between two listening modes: Standard Mode for everyday listening and Vocal Booster Mode for podcasts and audiobooks.
And don't worry about getting caught in the rain—the OpenRun Pro 2s are IP67 water-resistant, so they can withstand sweat and even a brief dunk in water. They also feature a dual-noise-cancelling microphone that reduces background noise during calls, ensuring clear communication even in noisy environments.
My Experience:
I was initially a bit sceptical about bone conduction technology, but the OpenRun Pro 2 completely won me over. The first thing I noticed was how comfortable they were. I barely felt them on my ears, even after wearing them for hours. And the sound quality was surprisingly good, with clear highs and a decent amount of bass.
But the real game-changer was the situational awareness. I could listen to my music while still being able to hear traffic, conversations, and other important sounds around me. This made me feel much safer when running or cycling outdoors, and it was also great for being able to hear colleagues or announcements in the office without having to take my headphones off.
Want to explore other open-ear options from Shokz?
Shokz offers a variety of open-ear listening devices to suit different needs. On their website, you can check out their full range, including specialised models like those designed for swimming.
What's brilliant about these:
Comfortable and secure fit, even during intense workouts
Great for situational awareness, making them ideal for outdoor activities
Good sound quality for open-ear headphones, with clear highs and decent bass
Long battery life (up to 10 hours) and quick-charge feature (1.5 hours of playtime with 5 minutes of charge!)
Handy app for EQ customisation and listening mode selection
IP67 water-resistant for sweat and rain protection
Dual-noise-cancelling microphone for clear calls.
Things to bear in mind:
They can be a bit pricey compared to traditional headphones, and are one of the more premium Shokz models
There can be some sound leakage at higher volumes, so may not ideal for quiet environments
They might feel a bit strange at first, but you'll quickly get used to them.
JBL Soundgear Sense
JBL
These open-ear earbuds use air conduction technology to deliver sound, meaning they don't actually go inside your ears. They sit just outside your ear canal and direct sound towards your eardrums, allowing you to hear both your audio and your surroundings.
They're a great option for anyone who wants to stay aware of their surroundings while still enjoying their music. They're also very comfortable to wear and come with a handy neckband that keeps them secure when not in use. Plus, if you prefer a different style, you can remove the neckband and simply wear the earbuds with the ear hooks. The sound quality is decent, with clear vocals and a balanced sound profile, making them suitable for a variety of genres. They have a multi-point connectivity feature that lets you connect to two devices simultaneously, and the JBL Headphones app offers features like EQ customisation, ambient sound control, and a "Find My Buds" function.
With an IP54 rating, the Soundgear Sense are resistant to sweat and light rain, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor use. They also feature a unique design that allows you to easily adjust the position of the ear hooks for a customised fit.
My Experience:
I was really intrigued by the air conduction technology of the JBL Soundgear Sense, and I have to say, they didn't disappoint. The first thing I noticed was how lightweight and comfortable they were. I could barely feel them on my ears, even after wearing them for a few hours straight.
The sound quality was also surprisingly good, with clear vocals and a balanced sound that worked well for a variety of genres. I particularly enjoyed listening to podcasts and audiobooks with them, as the open-ear design allowed me to hear my surroundings while still being able to clearly hear the spoken word.
The multi-point connectivity was a great feature, as I could easily switch between listening to music on my laptop and taking calls on my phone. And the adjustable ear hooks ensured a secure and comfortable fit, even during workouts.
What's brilliant about these:
Discreet and comfortable design, suitable for all-day wear
Good sound quality for open-ear earbuds, with clear vocals and balanced sound
Multi-point connectivity for seamless switching between devices
Affordable price point compared to other open-ear options
Feature-rich app for customisation and added functionality
IP54 water-resistant for sweat and light rain protection
Adjustable ear hooks for a customised fit
Versatile wearing styles with optional neckband.
Things to bear in mind:
The open-ear design, while excellent for situational awareness, might not provide complete privacy for your listening experience in quieter environments
The touch controls offer convenient access to various functions, but they might require a slight learning curve for users who are new to this type of interface.
Price: £129
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Bose
These innovative earbuds showcase Bose's relatively recent foray into the world of open-ear audio, having just launched their first open-ear model in 2024. They use a unique design that doesn't involve traditional ear tips or bone conduction. They sit just outside your ear canal and use tiny speakers to direct sound towards your ears while still allowing ambient sound to pass through.
The result is an open and spacious sound that's surprisingly immersive for open-ear headphones. They also boast impressive call quality, thanks to their advanced microphone system that effectively isolates your voice from background noise. They're incredibly comfortable to wear and come with a powerful app that lets you customise the EQ settings and access Bose's unique ActiveSense technology, which automatically adjusts noise cancellation based on your surroundings.
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are IPX4 water-resistant, meaning they can withstand sweat and light rain, but they're not designed for submersion in water. They also feature a unique "open-ear" design that doesn't put any pressure on your ear canal, making them ideal for people who find traditional earbuds uncomfortable.
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds were the ones I was most excited to try, and they definitely lived up to the hype. The sound quality is simply outstanding for open-ear earbuds. It's clear, balanced, and surprisingly immersive, with a decent amount of bass. I was particularly impressed with how well they handled complex music with lots of different instruments and vocals.
The comfort level is also top-notch. The earbuds are incredibly lightweight, and the unique design means there's nothing actually inside your ear canal, so they're incredibly comfortable to wear for long periods. I almost forgot I had them on!
The ActiveSense technology is a really cool feature that automatically adjusts the noise cancellation level based on your surroundings. This means you can enjoy your music without being completely cut off from the world around you, and it's especially useful when you're out and about and need to be aware of your surroundings.
While the call quality was generally okay, I did find that in particularly noisy environments, it could sometimes be a bit challenging for people on the other end to hear me clearly
Overall, I was blown away by the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds. They're expensive, but they deliver a premium audio experience that's unlike anything else on the market. If you're looking for the best possible sound quality and comfort in an open-ear design, these are the earbuds for you.
What's brilliant about these:
Excellent sound quality for open-ear earbuds, with a surprising amount of depth and bass
Comfortable and secure fit, even during workouts
Unique and futuristic design that doesn't block your ears
Good battery life and a convenient charging case
Powerful app with ActiveSense technology and call quality enhancements
IPX4 water-resistant for sweat and light rain protection
Open-ear design for maximum comfort.
Things to bear in mind:
Expensive compared to other open-ear options
The ActiveSense technology is a cool feature, but it can take some getting used to as it automatically adjusts the noise cancellation level.
The microphone quality is decent, but it might not be ideal for those who frequently make calls in extremely noisy settings.
The Verdict:
Open-ear headphones and earbuds offer a unique and refreshing listening experience, allowing you to enjoy your audio without being completely isolated from the world around you. Whether you're a runner, a commuter, or simply someone who wants to stay aware of their surroundings, there's an open-ear option out there for you.
The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is a great all-around choice, offering a comfortable and secure fit, good sound quality, and excellent situational awareness. The JBL Soundgear Sense are a more affordable option that's perfect for casual listening and everyday use. And the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds provide the best sound quality and most immersive experience of the three, making them ideal for those who prioritise audio performance.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. But no matter which option you choose, you're sure to appreciate the freedom and flexibility that open-ear audio provides.
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