From Mashable · Bethany Allard · · 2m
7 best open earbuds of 2026: Expert tested and selected
Mashable tests top open earbuds for 2026: Shokz OpenDots One leads.
In brief
Mashable tests top open earbuds for 2026: Shokz OpenDots One leads. Mashable's expert tested Shokz OpenDots One as best open earbuds for 2026 with 10-hour battery life and good sound quality. Originally reported by Mashable.
Best for most people
Shokz OpenDots One offers best balance of sound quality, battery life, and comfort for daily use and workouts.
“Shokz isn't known for its sound quality, but the OpenDots One leave quite the impression.”
Best ear hook design
Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2 provides adjustable ear hook for secure fit during workouts and daily use.
“The newer release from the brand improved upon the older model by making the ear hook adjustable.”
Best value premium sound
Sony LinkBuds Clip delivers detailed audio at half the price of Bose Ultra Open earbuds.
“The sound was well-balanced, and even with my ear completely uncovered, I didn't notice any issues with the audio sounding distant or muddy.”
Best for comfort and sound
Bose Ultra Open earbuds provide excellent sound quality and comfortable clip design for extended wear.
“The sound was well-balanced, and even with my ear completely uncovered, I didn't notice any issues with the audio sounding distant or muddy.”
Best sounding ear hook design
Shokz OpenFit Pro features superior sound quality with ear hook design for active listening.
“The 11.8mm drivers deliver crisp and lively sound to keep runners fueled on long runs.”
Best if you also want ANC
Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro includes noise-cancelling technology for better audio clarity.
“The 11.8mm drivers deliver crisp and lively sound to keep runners fueled on long runs.”
Best for under $100
CMF by Nothing Clip Pro offers affordable open earbuds with good battery life and price point.
“The 11.8mm drivers deliver crisp and lively sound to keep runners fueled on long runs.”
Open-ear earbuds sit on the exterior of the ear
Open-ear earbuds sit on the exterior of the ear, but come in clip and ear hook models for different use cases.
“Open-ear earbuds sit on the exterior of the ear, but they also come in many shapes and sizes, from clip models to ear hook models.”
Bose Ultra Open earbuds
Bose Ultra Open earbuds have long been popular but are expensive at $299.00.
“The Bose Ultra Open earbuds have long been a popular pick, and the second generation model just dropped (alongside the new Bose Sport Open earbuds).”
Sony LinkBuds Clip
Sony LinkBuds Clip offers detailed sound at $198.00 with 9-hour battery life.
“The sound was well-balanced, and even with my ear completely uncovered, I didn't notice any issues with the audio sounding distant or muddy.”
Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2
Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2 provides solid sound quality at $79.98 with adjustable ear hook.
“The newer release from the brand improved upon the older model by making the ear hook adjustable.”
Shokz OpenDots One
Shokz OpenDots One delivers 10-hour battery life and good sound quality for $139.99.
“Shokz isn't known for its sound quality, but the OpenDots One leave quite the impression.”
Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro
Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro includes noise-cancelling technology for better audio clarity.
“The 11.8mm drivers deliver crisp and lively sound to keep runners fueled on long runs.”
CMF by Nothing Clip Pro
CMF by Nothing Clip Pro offers affordable open earbuds at $69.00 with good battery life.
“The 11.8mm drivers deliver crisp and lively sound to keep runners fueled on long runs.”
Best for comfort and sound
Bose Ultra Open earbuds provide excellent sound quality and comfortable clip design for extended wear.
“The sound was well-balanced, and even with my ear completely uncovered, I didn't notice any issues with the audio sounding distant or muddy.”
The headline
Mashable's expert tested Shokz OpenDots One as best open earbuds for 2026 with 10-hour battery life and good sound quality.
