What Are Open-Ear Headphones? A Complete Guide to the Most Comfortable Way to Listen
Recently, open-ear headphones seem to be becoming more and more popular. Compared to traditional and in-ear or over-ear headphones, open ear headphones, open ear headphones are more ergonomic. It combines comfort, safety, and exceptional sound quality. That's also why many people start to use it in their daily lives.
In this guide, let's together explore what are open ear headphones, their benefits, and some user cases. Moreover, we will introduce you to some outstanding open-ear headphone products (AeroFit, AeroClip) and user feedback.
A New Way to Listen: Open-Ear Headphones
Open-ear headphones are also called bone conduction. As its name suggests, this kind of earphone can transmit sound vibration from our bones to our inner ear directly. Since it won't block our ear canal, it can provide us with a more comfortable way to listen.
Usually, we need to put the earphones inside our ears, and then we might not hear the surrounding environment. Open-ear headphones solve that potential problem. You can only put it on your cheekbone or the outer part of your ears. Therefore, you can still be fully aware of others while maintaining enjoyable music or podcast listening.
Types of Open-Ear Headphones
Below are some common types of open-ear headphones:
- Open-Back Over-Ear Headphones
- On-Ear Open Headphones
- Bone Conduction Headphones
- Clip-On Open Headphones
- Hybrid Open-Ear Headphones
Benefits of Open-Ear Headphones
Better Comfort
This is one of the most remarkable benefits of open-ear headphones. Traditional in-ear headphones and over-ear headphones both lead to discomfort issues. The former one will pressure your ear canal during extended use, while the latter one may make you feel heavy and hot in summer. However, these problems will no longer exist if you choose to use open-ear headphones. They offer you a comfortable experience even in long-term use.
Safer Using Process
Safety should be our top concern when choosing earphones. There might be potential risks when you wear earphones outdoors. Open-ear headphones can help you be aware of them all the time, especially when you are in crowded areas.
Better Ear Health
As we all know, our ears are very vulnerable. Due to direct contact with your ear canal, in-ear headphones often trap earwax and bacteria. That may lead to infections. Open-ear headphones can help you maintain better ear hygiene.
Use Cases: When Should You Choose Open-Ear Headphones?
Sports and Fitness
Open-ear headphones are your reliable partner when you do sports at the gym. Thanks to their stable and lightweight design, you don't have to worry about losing them while running or practicing.
Outdoor Adventures
Wear open-ear headphones when you are hiking, camping, or just simply walking in a park. They are suitable for those common outdoor activities. They ensure that you can immerse yourself in audio content and natural sound at the same time.
Commuting and Travel
Select open-ear headphones to listen to music when you're on the go. You will not miss important traffic information.
Work and Office
Open-ear headphones help you have better communication and collaboration with your colleagues, especially when you are in a busy office environment.
Recommended Open-Ear Headphones from soundcore
As an innovative earphone brand, soundcore has 2 excellent open-ear headphones: AeroFit and AeroClip.
AeroFit – Best for Sports and Fitness
The soundcore AeroFit is designed specifically for athletes and fitness enthusiasts. Below are some key features of AeroFit:
- Balanced and Clear Sound
AeroFit's driver has composite diaphragms with titanium-coated domes, which are better than most open-ear headphones. It provides you with a balanced sound, including symphonic mids, expansive soundstage and also crystal-clear highs.
- Crisp Calls All the Time
AeroFit open-ear headphones feature 4 mics and an AI noise reduction algorithm. They support you with pristine call quality for everyday conversations.
- IPX7 Waterproof with SweatGuard
These open-ear headphones have soundcore's exclusive SweatGuard tech. With their nano-coating and a unique chamber design, AeroFit can also perform smoothly even underwater. It has an IPX7 waterproof rating as well.
Notably, they are not designed for showering, swimming, or exposure to pools or ocean water. We don't suggest you use it under these conditions.

AeroClip – Best for Everyday Comfort
If you need a pair of open-ear headphones for everyday use, AeroClip is your ideal choice. Below are some key features of AeroClip:
- Adaptive Ultra-Comfort
Consider that some people may have a sensitive ear canal that might feel discomfort. AeroClip is designed with clip-on earbuds to reduce that kind of weakness.
- Flexible, Secure Fit
AeroClip's clip-on earbuds adopt an open-ring design. They can endure up to 20,000 bends. They can stay secure even for all-day wear.
- Clearer Audio and Richer Bass
soundcore's latest virtual bass technology enriches AeroClip's lows. They are complemented by a 12mmx12mm titanium-coated driver, which can bring you precise listening.
- Effortlessly Chic
Apart from high-quality output, AeroClip also features a fashionable design. There are 3 vibrant colours for you to select.

Are Open-Ear Headphones Right for You?
Now you have a total understanding of what are open-ear headphones and related details. If you are still confused about whether you should purchase open-ear phones or not, just reconsider these factors:
- Comfort
- Safety
- Audio Quality
- Use Cases
How Users Say: Real User Feedback
Let's check some real users' feedback on soundcoure's open-ear headphones:
"I loved my pair because they are great for the price, light, and have a comfortable fit for my ears (can even do running with no weird sensations). And they also have awesome battery life for Bluetooth earbuds. Even after one year of use, they still keep up with 7+ hours of nonstop listening on one charge." -------by Nina
“Delighted with these. I have tried several other styles that didn't suit. I am not a music buff, so the quality of the sound does not interest me. I just want to be able to listen to podcasts while doing mundane work and to take calls. As a cook with so much noise in the kitchen, listening to the radio just didn't work. I also love their looks. Not exactly like earrings, but close enough. The flexibility of the "arm" is also key.” -------by R.B.
Final Thoughts: The Open Ear Advantage
In conclusion, open-ear headphones represent a new modern lifestyle. You can effortlessly use it anywhere and anytime. With no exaggeration, it is the leading way in the future. Start your amazing music and podcast listening experience now with soundcore's open-ear headphones!