Best Open Ear Headphones for Phone Calls: Top Picks

1. Cxk Open Ear Headphones with Mic

We put the CXK Open Ear Headphones with Mic through their paces, focusing on their suitability for phone calls. The open-ear design is comfortable for extended wear, allowing ambient sounds to filter through, which is a significant safety advantage when you’re out and about. The microphone quality was surprisingly clear in quiet environments, picking up my voice without excessive background noise.

However, the AI noise cancelling, while present, wasn’t as robust as some competitors. In moderately noisy cafes, I noticed a slight muffling of my voice, and some background chatter still bled through. The ear hooks are secure, but the plastic construction feels a bit less premium than I’d hoped for, with a slight creak when adjusting them.

This headset is ideal for individuals who need to stay aware of their surroundings while taking calls, such as cyclists or pedestrians. Those who frequently make calls in very loud or unpredictable environments might find the noise cancellation capabilities a bit limited for truly pristine audio.

Pros

• Comfortable and secure open-ear design.
• Good microphone clarity in quiet settings.
• Allows for situational awareness.

Cons

• AI noise cancelling could be more effective in louder environments.
• Plastic construction feels somewhat less durable.

2. Air Conduction Open Ear Headphones with Mic

Our testing revealed the Air Conduction Open Ear Headphones with Mic to be a solid contender for calls, especially with its AI noise-cancelling feature. The sound delivered to the ear is distinct, and the open-ear nature allows for a natural listening experience. The microphone did a commendable job of isolating my voice from moderate background hums during our tests.

The AI noise cancelling shows promise, effectively dampening consistent low-frequency noises like air conditioning. However, sudden, sharp noises or very boisterous conversations nearby still managed to penetrate, requiring the person on the other end to strain slightly. The touch controls are responsive but can be a little too sensitive, leading to accidental pauses or skips.

These are a good option for office workers or home users who want to take calls without completely isolating themselves from their immediate surroundings. If your primary need is crystal-clear calls in extremely chaotic or unpredictable noise situations, you might need to look at more specialized solutions.

Pros

• Effective AI noise cancelling for consistent sounds.
• Clear voice pickup in moderate noise.
• Intuitive touch controls.

Cons

• Struggles with sudden or very loud background noises.
• Touch controls can be overly sensitive.

3. Cxk Open Ear Headphones with Mic

When seeking the best open ear headphones for phone calls, the CXK Bluetooth 5.4 model with its dual noise features caught our attention. The sound reproduction for calls is quite balanced, and the inclusion of Bluetooth 5.4 ensures a stable connection. I found the microphone to pick up my voice with good fidelity, even when walking down a moderately busy street.

The dual noise technology attempts to tackle ambient sound, and it performs reasonably well against general background murmur. However, I did notice that the ‘dual noise’ aspect seemed to prioritize reducing external noise rather than enhancing voice clarity on the caller’s end. The fit is generally secure, but the earpieces can feel a bit bulky against the ear over longer periods.

This headset is a strong choice for daily commuters who need to stay connected without missing important announcements or traffic sounds. Individuals who prioritize absolute call clarity above all else, especially in very loud environments, might find the noise reduction slightly less aggressive than dedicated call-centric headsets.

Pros

• Stable Bluetooth 5.4 connection.
• Good microphone fidelity in moderate noise.
• Reduces general background murmur effectively.

Cons

• Earpieces can feel bulky during extended use.
• Noise reduction could be more aggressive for voice clarity.

4. Bone Conduction Headphones

We evaluated the Bone Conduction Headphones for their calling capabilities, and they offer a unique approach. The sound is transmitted through vibrations on the cheekbones, leaving the ear canal completely open. This design is excellent for awareness, and the microphone performed adequately in quiet to moderately noisy settings, capturing my voice without significant distortion.

The primary limitation here is that bone conduction inherently transmits some ambient sound along with the intended audio. This means that while you can hear calls, the microphone might pick up more background noise than typical air conduction headphones. The headband, while flexible, can feel a bit intrusive when worn with certain glasses, and the overall audio quality for music isn’t as rich as traditional headphones.

These are best suited for athletes or professionals who absolutely cannot afford to block out their surroundings, like security personnel or outdoor workers. If your priority is a private, distraction-free listening or calling experience, these are definitely not the right fit for you.

Pros

• Exceptional situational awareness.
• Adequate microphone performance in quiet areas.
• Unique and comfortable for long-term wear.

Cons

• Microphone can pick up more background noise.
• Headband can interfere with glasses.
• Less immersive audio quality for music.

5. Soundcore V20i by Anker

The Soundcore V20i by Anker presents an open-ear solution that we found to be quite capable for everyday calls. The design is lightweight and sits comfortably on the ear, making it easy to forget you’re wearing them. The microphone quality was a pleasant surprise; it delivered clear voice transmission with minimal distortion in our testing environments.

While the open-ear nature is great for awareness, the audio output for calls, while clear, lacks a certain depth and bass that some users might miss. Furthermore, the touch controls, though generally responsive, are located on the underside of the earpiece, making them a little fiddly to locate and operate without removing the headset. The charging case, while compact, feels a bit flimsy.

This model is a solid choice for individuals who prioritize comfort and clear voice calls for general communication, such as casual conversations or quick work check-ins. Those who demand booming bass for music or require extremely robust noise cancellation for calls in very loud environments should explore other options.

Pros

• Lightweight and very comfortable for extended wear.
• Clear microphone output for voice calls.
• Good overall balance for daily use.

Cons

• Audio lacks depth for music listening.
• Touch controls can be difficult to locate.
• Charging case feels somewhat less durable.

6. Ohayo Open Ear Headphones

We put the OHAYO Open Ear Headphones to the test, focusing on their suitability for phone calls. The ergonomic earhooks are a standout feature, providing a secure fit that kept them in place during a brisk walk. Audio quality for listening was surprisingly robust for the price point, with a decent amount of bass.

However, when it came to call quality, the microphone’s performance was somewhat inconsistent. While my voice was generally audible, there were moments where I sounded a bit distant or muffled, especially in noisier environments. The touch controls, while responsive, were a little too sensitive, leading to accidental pauses or track skips when adjusting the fit.

This product is a good option for budget-conscious users who prioritize a secure fit and decent everyday audio. It’s ideal for casual calls in quiet settings. If crystal-clear voice transmission in busy streets is your absolute priority, you might want to look elsewhere.

7. Shokz Openfit 2

The SHOKZ OpenFit 2 are designed for those who need to stay aware of their surroundings, making them a strong contender for the best open ear headphones for phone calls. The open-ear design allows ambient sound to filter through naturally, which is invaluable when navigating traffic or walking through a park. Call clarity was impressive; my voice came through clearly to the other party, with minimal background noise interference.

The lightweight construction and flexible earpieces contribute to a comfortable, almost forgettable wearing experience, even for extended periods. I found the battery life to be more than adequate for a full day of mixed usage, including several lengthy calls. The physical buttons are well-placed and offer tactile feedback, avoiding the accidental touches that plague many touch-controlled earbuds.

This is an excellent choice for cyclists, runners, or anyone who needs to be connected but also needs to hear important environmental cues. Those who prefer a completely immersive listening experience or require absolute silence from their earbuds should look at closed-back models instead.

8. Soundcore by Anker V30i

We tested the Soundcore by Anker V30i Open, noting their lightweight design and comfortable fit. The open-ear approach here allows for good situational awareness, which is crucial for our phone call focus. Audio for listening was clear and balanced, making it pleasant for podcasts and music during my commute.

During phone calls, the microphone generally performed well, picking up my voice clearly in quieter office settings. However, in busier environments, some background chatter did seep through, slightly detracting from the call’s overall clarity. The charging case is compact, though I found the lid felt a bit flimsy under repeated use.

These are a solid choice for daily wear and casual calls where ambient noise isn’t a major factor. If you frequently take calls in very loud or windy conditions, you might find the microphone struggles to isolate your voice effectively.

9. Opencomm2 Upgrade

The OpenComm2 Upgrade truly impressed us with its focus on communication. The microphone boom arm is a significant advantage, allowing for precise positioning close to the mouth, which dramatically enhances voice clarity during calls. I experienced very few complaints from callers about background noise, even when I was in moderately busy cafes.

The sound quality for listening is also quite good, offering a balanced profile that doesn’t overly emphasize bass. The titanium neckband is flexible and comfortable, providing a stable fit without feeling constrictive. The physical buttons are well-designed and easy to find by touch, a definite plus for quick adjustments during a conversation.

This headset is ideal for professionals who spend a lot of time on calls, particularly those who work in dynamic environments or frequently switch between listening and speaking. If you’re looking for small, discreet earbuds for music-only listening, this might be overkill.

10. Ugreen Hitune S3 Open Ear Earbuds

We evaluated the UGREEN HiTune S3, noting their unique clip-on design which attaches directly to your earlobe. This provides a secure, albeit slightly noticeable, fit that keeps them from falling out. Call quality was a mixed bag; my voice was generally discernible, but the microphone seemed to pick up a fair amount of ambient sound, making conversations challenging in busier settings.

The audio for listening was surprisingly decent, with a clear mid-range that made voices in podcasts stand out. However, the overall soundstage felt somewhat narrow. The Bluetooth 5.4 connection remained stable throughout our testing. The clip mechanism, while effective, can press slightly against the ear after prolonged wear, causing minor discomfort.

These are best suited for individuals who need a very secure, non-intrusive fit during light activities and take calls primarily in quiet environments. If you require top-tier microphone performance in noisy places or prioritize deep bass for music, these are likely not the best fit.