# 7 best open earbuds of 2026: Expert tested and selected

> Mashable tests top open earbuds for 2026: Shokz OpenDots One leads.
- Title: 7 best open earbuds of 2026: Expert tested and selected
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: shokz, open earbuds, bose, sony, soundcore, airpods, earbuds, 2026, mashable, best earbuds, technology, culture
- Source: Mashable — https://mashable.com/roundup/best-open-earbuds-2026-expert-tested
- Author: Bethany Allard
- Published: 2026-10-18T09:00:14+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: shokz, open earbuds, bose, sony, soundcore, airpods, earbuds, 2026, mashable, best earbuds, technology, culture
## 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.
## Key takeaway

Mashable's expert tested Shokz OpenDots One as best open earbuds for 2026 with 10-hour battery life and good sound quality.