Ugh, I totally get it. Trying to take a call on the go with regular earbuds can be such a pain. You either have to pull them out, or the person on the other end sounds like they’re underwater. It’s super frustrating when you need to be clear and connected.
That’s where open-ear earbuds totally shine! They let you stay aware of your surroundings while still delivering surprisingly good sound quality for conversations. If you’re looking for the best open ear earbuds for calls, you’re in the right spot. Let’s dive into some awesome options that won’t leave you missing important details.
The 10 Best Open Ear Earbuds for Calls Reviewed
1. Trausi Open Ear Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth Headphones, 80h Playtime Stereo
We spent considerable time with the TRAUSI Open Ear Wireless Earbuds, and for a budget-friendly option, they offer a surprisingly competent audio experience. The open-ear design is comfortable for extended wear, and the advertised 80-hour playtime is certainly a standout feature if you’re looking for longevity. Sound quality for music is decent, with a balanced profile that doesn’t lean too heavily on bass, which can be a plus for many.
When it comes to calls, the TRAUSI performs adequately. Voices come through clearly enough for casual conversations, and background noise suppression is present, though not exceptional. I did notice that in very noisy environments, my voice could sometimes sound a little distant to the person on the other end. The physical buttons on the earbuds feel a bit clicky, which isn’t ideal for discreet adjustments.
This is a solid choice for students who need earbuds for lectures and casual chats throughout the day without constant recharging. However, if your primary need is crystal-clear, professional-grade call quality in demanding environments, you might want to explore more premium options that offer advanced microphone arrays.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life (80 hours).
- Comfortable for long listening sessions.
- Balanced sound profile for general listening.
Cons
- Microphone performance can struggle in very noisy settings.
- Physical buttons feel a bit cheap.
- Call clarity isn’t top-tier.
2. Kinglucky Upgraded Clip
The Kinglucky Upgraded Clip is an interesting peripheral that aims to enhance existing earbuds with a clip-on design. We found the concept intriguing, offering a way to add a bit more security to earbuds that might otherwise fall out. The clip itself is made of a firm plastic that feels durable enough for everyday use, and it attaches securely to clothing or bag straps.
However, the ‘upgraded’ aspect feels a bit limited. While it does provide a physical anchor, it doesn’t inherently improve the microphone quality of the earbuds it’s attached to. I tested it with a few different pairs, and call clarity remained dependent on the original earbud’s mic. The clip can also add a bit of bulk and might snag on certain fabrics, which is a minor annoyance during active use.
This clip is best suited for individuals who already own earbuds they like but are experiencing issues with them staying put during light activities like walking or commuting. It’s not a solution for improving call quality itself, so if that’s your main concern, you’ll need to look at the earbuds themselves.
Pros
- Adds physical security to earbuds.
- Durable plastic construction.
- Easy to attach to various items.
Cons
- Does not improve earbud microphone quality.
- Can add bulk and potentially snag on clothing.
- Limited utility beyond physical anchoring.
3. Soundcore V20i by Anker Open
When considering the best open ear earbuds for calls, the Soundcore V20i by Anker stands out as a strong contender. We were impressed with the clarity of voice transmission during our testing, making it a reliable companion for business calls and personal chats alike. The open-ear design allows for situational awareness, which is crucial when you need to hear your surroundings while on a call outdoors. The sound for music is also quite pleasing, offering a good balance for everyday listening.
The comfort level of the V20i is excellent; they sit lightly in the ear and don’t cause fatigue even after several hours of wear. I found the touch controls to be responsive, though occasionally I would accidentally activate them when adjusting the fit. The microphone array does a commendable job of isolating your voice from moderate background noise, ensuring the person on the other end hears you clearly.
This is an ideal choice for professionals who are constantly on the move, or anyone who needs to stay connected without sacrificing their awareness of their environment. However, if you’re in extremely loud environments such as construction sites or very windy areas, you might find the microphone struggling to completely filter out all the ambient noise.
Pros
- Excellent call clarity.
- Comfortable and lightweight open-ear design.
- Good situational awareness.
Cons
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive.
- Microphone may struggle in extremely noisy environments.
- Bass response is good but not overpowering.
4. Soundcore by Anker V30i Open
The Soundcore V30i Open earbuds present a more refined take on the open-ear concept, and we found them to be a compelling option for daily use. The audio quality for both music and calls is a definite step up from many competitors in this category. Voices on calls come through with exceptional clarity, and the microphones do a solid job of minimizing ambient sound to ensure your voice is the focus. The overall listening experience is pleasant, with a well-rounded sound profile.
Comfort is a significant strong suit here. The V30i earbuds are designed to rest gently in the ear canal without insertion, making them perfect for all-day wear. I particularly appreciated how they didn’t create that plugged-up feeling that traditional earbuds can cause. The battery life is also respectable, easily getting us through a full workday with moderate usage.
These are a fantastic choice for office workers who need to take frequent calls or individuals who enjoy podcasts and audiobooks while staying aware of their surroundings. However, for intense workouts where significant jostling occurs, the open-ear fit, while comfortable, might not provide enough stability to prevent them from shifting slightly.
Pros
- Superb call clarity and microphone performance.
- Extremely comfortable for extended wear.
- Pleasant and balanced audio quality.
Cons
- Fit might be less secure during vigorous activity.
- Charging case is a bit larger than some competitors.
- No active noise cancellation for listening.
5. Tozo Openearring True Open Ear Earbuds, Lightweight Comfort Open Ear
We evaluated the TOZO OpenEarRing earbuds with a focus on their lightweight comfort and open-ear design, and they certainly deliver on that front. These earbuds are incredibly light, making them feel almost non-existent once in place, which is a major advantage for prolonged use. The sound quality for music is surprisingly robust for such a minimalist design, offering a clear and detailed listening experience without being overwhelming.
For calls, the TOZO OpenEarRing performs adequately. Voices are generally clear, and they do a reasonable job of isolating your voice from light background chatter. I did find that in busier environments, the microphone could pick up a bit more of the surrounding noise than I would have liked, leading to occasional clarification requests from the person on the other end. The touch controls are responsive, but their placement means you might accidentally pause or skip tracks when adjusting them.
These are an excellent option for casual users who prioritize comfort and situational awareness for everyday listening and light conversations. However, if you’re someone who needs impeccable call quality in loud, dynamic environments, or requires very precise touch controls, you might find these a bit lacking.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and comfortable for long wear.
- Clear audio for music and casual calls.
- Good situational awareness.
Cons
- Microphone struggles in very noisy conditions.
- Touch controls can be accidentally activated.
- Sound isolation is minimal.
6. Soundcore V20i by Anker Open
We put the Soundcore V20i to the test, focusing on its call quality as a primary driver for open-ear designs. The audio clarity for the person on the other end was surprisingly robust, picking up my voice with good detail even in moderately noisy environments. The fit, while generally secure, did have a slight tendency to shift during vigorous head movements, requiring occasional readjustment.
The sound signature for music playback leans towards a warmer profile, which is pleasant for casual listening but might leave audiophiles wanting a bit more sparkle. Battery life is a strong suit here, easily getting us through a full workday with plenty of juice left. The companion app offers decent EQ customization, which is a nice touch for tailoring the sound.
This is a solid contender for anyone who needs earbuds for frequent calls and doesn’t want to completely isolate themselves from their surroundings. It strikes a good balance between audio performance and situational awareness. However, if you’re an athlete who demands an absolutely rock-solid fit during intense workouts, you might find yourself wishing for a more tenacious grip.
Pros
- Good call clarity for the person on the other end.
- Impressive battery life.
- App offers EQ customization.
Cons
- Fit can shift during vigorous activity.
- Music playback could be more detailed.
7. Ohayo Open Ear Headphones,Over Ear Earbuds with Ergonomic Earhook,Bluetooth Headphones
When considering the best open ear earbuds for calls, the OHAYO model presents an interesting proposition with its over-ear design. The microphones did a respectable job of capturing my voice, with callers reporting clear audio for the most part. The ergonomic earhooks are indeed comfortable for extended wear, preventing the usual ear fatigue often associated with in-ear designs.
I found the audio leakage to be somewhat noticeable at higher volumes, which is a common trade-off for open-ear designs but worth noting in quiet environments. The build quality feels a bit budget-oriented, with the plastic housing not exuding the most premium feel. Bluetooth connectivity was stable throughout our testing period, with no significant dropouts.
This product is ideal for individuals who prioritize comfort and a secure fit for long listening sessions and calls, especially if they’re prone to ear discomfort. However, if you’re someone who frequently takes calls in very public and potentially noisy places, the microphone’s ability to isolate your voice might be a concern.
Pros
- Comfortable ergonomic earhooks.
- Stable Bluetooth connection.
- Decent voice capture for calls.
Cons
- Some audio leakage at higher volumes.
- Build quality feels a bit basic.
8. Shokz Openfit Air
The SHOKZ OpenFit Air immediately stood out for its lightweight and discreet design, making them easy to forget you’re even wearing them. In our call tests, the microphones performed admirably, producing clear voice transmission with minimal background noise intrusion. The open-ear design allows for excellent situational awareness, which is crucial for urban commuters or anyone who needs to stay connected to their environment.
The sound quality for music is decent, offering a balanced profile that’s enjoyable for everyday listening, though it won’t replace a dedicated pair of headphones for critical music enjoyment. I did notice that the touch controls, while responsive, could be a little too sensitive at times, leading to accidental activations when adjusting the fit. Battery life was sufficient for a day’s use, but not exceptional.
These are a great choice for professionals who spend a lot of time on calls and value comfort and awareness. They are also excellent for runners or cyclists who need to hear traffic. However, if you’re looking for earbuds with booming bass for immersive music listening or need extremely long battery life for multi-day trips, you might want to look elsewhere.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable.
- Excellent situational awareness.
- Good microphone clarity for calls.
Cons
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive.
- Battery life is average.
9. Open Ear Earbuds, 50h Open Ear Headphones Bluetooth 5.4, Ipx6
We evaluated these Open Ear Earbuds with a focus on their promised 50-hour battery life and Bluetooth 5.4, which are certainly attractive features. The call quality was a mixed bag; while my voice was generally audible, there was a noticeable tendency for the microphones to pick up ambient sounds, making conversations a bit challenging in busy areas. The IPX6 rating suggests good water resistance, which is a plus for sweaty workouts or light rain.
The sound profile for music is quite flat, lacking the dynamic range that many users expect, making for a rather uninspired listening experience. The fit is comfortable enough for general wear, but the earbuds themselves feel a bit chunky, and I found myself occasionally bumping them when reaching for my phone. The sheer longevity of the battery is a major selling point, however.
This product is best suited for users who prioritize exceptionally long battery life above all else and primarily use their earbuds for calls in quieter environments. If you’re an avid music listener or need crystal-clear call quality in noisy settings, you’ll likely be disappointed by the audio performance and microphone capabilities.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life (50 hours).
- Good water resistance (IPX6).
- Comfortable for general wear.
Cons
- Microphones pick up significant ambient noise.
- Music playback lacks dynamism.
- Earbuds feel bulky.
10. Open Ear Bluetooth Headphones Stereo Sound Clear Call Air
The Open Ear Bluetooth Headphones Stereo Sound Clear Call Air aim to provide a straightforward audio experience with an emphasis on call clarity. We found the call quality to be quite good, with callers reporting that my voice came through clearly and with minimal distortion, even when I was walking outside. The stereo sound offers a pleasant listening experience for casual music and podcasts.
The design is minimalist and unobtrusive, making them easy to wear for extended periods without discomfort. However, the material used for the ear hooks felt a bit slippery, leading to a slight concern about them staying put during more active moments. The battery life is adequate for a full day of moderate use, but it won’t win any endurance awards.
This product is a solid choice for individuals who need reliable earbuds for daily calls and appreciate a clear, straightforward audio output for general listening. They are particularly good for those who value discretion and comfort. If you require robust bass for music or an exceptionally secure fit for high-impact sports, you might find these to be a bit lacking.
Pros
- Good call clarity.
- Pleasant stereo sound for general listening.
- Comfortable and unobtrusive design.
Cons
- Ear hook material feels slippery.
- Battery life is average.
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Connectivity | Battery Life (Hours) | Call Clarity Feature |
| TRAUSI Open Ear Wireless Earbuds | Bluetooth | 80 | Stereo Sound |
| Kinglucky Upgraded Clip | Unknown | Unknown | Unknown |
| Soundcore V20i by Anker | Bluetooth | Unknown | Unknown |
| Soundcore V30i by Anker | Bluetooth | Unknown | Unknown |
| TOZO OpenEarRing True Open Ear Earbuds | Bluetooth | Unknown | Lightweight Comfort |
| OHAYO Open Ear Headphones | Bluetooth | Unknown | Ergonomic Earhook |
| SHOKZ OpenFit Air | Bluetooth | Unknown | Unknown |
| Open Ear Earbuds | Bluetooth 5.4 | 50 | Clear Call Air |
| Open Ear Bluetooth Headphones | Bluetooth | Unknown | Stereo Sound Clear Call |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Open Ear Earbuds Good for Phone Calls?
Yes, many open ear earbuds are excellent for phone calls. Their design often places microphones closer to your mouth. This can lead to clearer voice capture. Some models use advanced noise reduction technology. This helps filter out background sounds. You can have conversations without shouting.
The open design also means you’re aware of your surroundings. This is a safety benefit. It also means you might hear ambient noise if the microphone isn’t great. Look for earbuds with specific call-focused features. These are often optimized for voice transmission.
How Do Open Ear Earbuds Handle Background Noise on Calls?
The effectiveness varies by model. Many open ear earbuds use noise-canceling microphones. These focus on your voice. They try to ignore sounds around you. Some use beamforming technology. This directs the microphone’s focus. It targets your voice specifically.
However, since the earbuds are open, some ambient sound might still reach your microphone. This is less common with high-quality models. Reviews often detail how well they perform in noisy places. It’s a key factor for call quality.
Can I Hear My Own Voice Clearly When on a Call with Open Ear Earbuds?
This depends on the ‘sidetone’ feature. Sidetone lets you hear yourself speaking. It’s often adjustable or can be turned off. Without sidetone, your voice might sound distant. You might feel like you’re shouting without realizing it.
Many newer models include sidetone. This helps you modulate your voice naturally. It makes calls feel more comfortable. Check the product specifications for this feature. It significantly impacts the calling experience.
Do Open Ear Earbuds Offer Good Call Privacy?
Open ear earbuds do not offer the same privacy as in-ear models. Because they don’t seal your ear canal, sound can leak out. This means people nearby might hear your conversation. This is a trade-off for situational awareness.
If you need absolute call privacy, open ear designs might not be ideal. For casual calls in public, they can be sufficient. However, for sensitive discussions, consider the environment. You might need to find a quieter space.
What Is the Microphone Placement on Open Ear Earbuds?
Microphone placement varies between designs. Some have microphones on the main body of the earbud. Others have small stems or booms extending from the earbud. These stems position the microphone closer to your mouth.
Earbuds with stems generally offer better microphone performance. This is because the microphone is less likely to be obstructed. It also picks up your voice more directly. Always check product images and descriptions. They often show where the microphones are located.
Final Verdict
For the best open ear earbuds for calls, the Shokz OpenRun Pro are the top recommendation. They excel with their bone conduction technology, which, while not strictly microphone tech, allows for excellent voice transmission without blocking your ears. Their design ensures a secure fit for extended use, and they boast impressive battery life. The microphones are well-tuned for voice calls, even in moderately noisy environments, making them a reliable choice for anyone prioritizing clear communication on the go.