Open earbuds are the rising trend for those who want music without isolation. Whether you’re a runner, cyclist, or simply prefer situational awareness, these earbuds sit comfortably outside your ear, delivering sound without blocking your surroundings.
This guide cuts through the noise, highlighting three top picks for Black Friday 2025: the Shokz OpenDots One (best overall), the Bose Ultra Open (premium upgrade), and the Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2 (best for workouts).
Why Open Earbuds?
Traditional earbuds seal off your ears, creating a private but potentially unsafe listening experience. Open earbuds solve this: you hear your music and traffic, colleagues, or approaching dangers. They’re also more comfortable for many users, avoiding the pressure and irritation of in-ear designs.
Our Picks: Black Friday Deals in Mind
Below, we’ve tested and ranked the best open earbuds available, with a focus on performance, comfort, and value during Black Friday sales.
1. Shokz OpenDots One: The Sweet Spot
Best for most people. At $199.95, the Shokz OpenDots One deliver impressive sound quality, long battery life (10 hours per charge, 40 with the case), and a secure clip-on design. They compare favorably to Bose in sound, but at a lower price.
- Key Features: Lightweight, unobtrusive, multipoint pairing, silicone grip for stability during exercise.
- Why We Picked It: These earbuds hit the sweet spot between performance and price. The clip-on design is secure without being overly tight, and the sound quality is surprisingly good for open-ear design.
2. Bose Ultra Open: The Premium Choice
Best upgrade pick. Priced at $300, the Bose Ultra Open deliver exceptional sound quality, immersive audio options, and a comfortable, pinch-free design.
- Key Features: Excellent sound clarity, immersive audio mode, comfortable fit, tactile controls.
- Why We Picked It: If you prioritize sound quality above all else, the Bose Ultra Open are the way to go. While more expensive, they deliver a premium listening experience without sacrificing situational awareness.
3. Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2: The Workout Warrior
Best ear hook design. At $100, the Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2 are the best value for workouts, boasting 10 hours of battery life, IP55 water and dust resistance, and adjustable ear hooks.
- Key Features: Adjustable fit, durable design, long battery life, AI language translation feature.
- Why We Picked It: The AeroFit 2 combine durability, comfort, and affordability. The adjustable ear hooks ensure a secure fit during intense activity, and the long battery life ensures they won’t die mid-workout.
Open Earbuds vs. Bone Conduction: What’s the Difference?
Open earbuds sit just outside your ear canal, while bone conduction headphones transmit sound through your skull. Both leave your ears open, but bone conduction may offer a different sound profile. We’ll be testing bone conduction options in the future.
The Future of Open Earbuds
The market is expanding rapidly. Expect more affordable options, improved sound quality, and new features like AI-powered noise cancellation in the coming years.
Black Friday Deals: Keep an eye on sales for the Bose Ultra Open ($100 off) and the Anker Soundcore AeroFit 2 ($77.99 for Amazon Prime members)