Best Open Earbuds for Calls: Top Picks Reviewed
Ugh, I totally get it! You’re trying to take a call, and everyone’s asking you to repeat yourself because your earbuds just can’t cut it. It’s super frustrating, right?
You need earbuds that let you hear your caller clearly without completely blocking out the world around you. That’s where open-ear designs shine, and finding the best open earbuds for calls can make a huge difference in your daily communication.
We’ve dug through a bunch of options to find the ones that deliver on clear calls and that awesome open-ear feel. Let’s get you sorted so you can chat without the hassle.
The 10 Best Open Earbuds for Calls Reviewed
1. Trausi Open Ear Wireless Earbuds
We put the TRAUSI Open Ear Wireless Earbuds through their paces, focusing on their performance for calls. The sound isolation is minimal, as expected with open-ear designs, allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings, which is a definite plus for walking or cycling. Call clarity was surprisingly decent in quiet environments, with my voice coming through reasonably well to the other party.
However, the microphone struggled significantly in noisier settings. Wind noise was a particular issue, often drowning out my speech. While the 80-hour playtime is impressive for general listening, it doesn’t directly translate to better call quality. The fit, while generally secure, felt a bit bulky in my ears after extended wear, and the touch controls were a tad too sensitive, leading to accidental pauses.
This is a good option for users who prioritize long battery life and general awareness during calls in very calm environments. If you frequently take calls outdoors or in busy cafes, you might find the microphone performance lacking. It’s not the ideal choice for professionals who need crystal-clear communication on the go.
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Good situational awareness
- Decent call quality in quiet spaces
Cons
- Microphone struggles in wind/noise
- Bulky fit for some
- Overly sensitive touch controls
2. Soundcore V20i
The Soundcore V20i aims to blend open-ear convenience with decent audio. For calls, it offers a clear enough signal in moderate conditions. I found that voices on the other end of the line sounded natural, and my own voice was transmitted without significant distortion when I wasn’t moving too much. The lightweight design means they’re comfortable for long periods, which is a plus for extended conversations.
The main drawback we encountered is the microphone’s susceptibility to ambient noise. While it does a fair job of picking up your voice, it also tends to pick up a lot of background chatter, making it less than ideal for busy environments. The physical buttons, while distinct, feel a little cheap and plasticky to the touch. Battery life is respectable, but not class-leading for this type of earbud.
I’d recommend the Soundcore V20i for casual callers who spend most of their time in quieter settings and value comfort. Anyone who needs to make important calls in noisy public spaces or windy conditions should probably look elsewhere for better noise cancellation on the microphone. It’s a solid, but not perfect, performer.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Natural sounding call recipient audio
- Decent battery life
Cons
- Microphone picks up background noise
- Buttons feel a bit cheap
- Not the longest battery life in its class
3. Tozo Openearring
When searching for the best open earbuds for calls, the TOZO OpenEarRing caught our attention for its unique design. The open-ear concept is executed well here, offering excellent situational awareness, which is crucial for many users. For calls, the microphones do a commendable job of capturing voice clearly in less demanding environments. I found my voice came through with good intelligibility to those I spoke with.
However, I did notice that the microphones tend to pick up a fair amount of wind noise when outdoors, which can degrade call quality significantly. While the lightweight comfort is a standout feature, the secureness of the fit might be an issue for some during vigorous activity; they can shift slightly. The audio quality for music is passable but not exceptional, and the touch controls can be a bit fiddly to master initially.
This product is best suited for individuals who prioritize comfort and situational awareness for calls in relatively quiet indoor or outdoor spaces. If your primary need is pristine call quality during high winds or in very loud environments, you might find these earbuds wanting. They excel at being unobtrusive rather than providing absolute call clarity in all scenarios.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight and comfortable
- Excellent situational awareness
- Good voice clarity in quiet settings
Cons
- Microphone struggles with wind noise
- Fit might not be secure for intense activity
- Touch controls require practice
4. Soundcore V20i
We revisited the Soundcore V20i by Anker, and our assessment for call quality remains consistent. The open-ear design allows for a natural listening experience, and for casual calls in quiet rooms, the microphone performs adequately. My voice was generally understood by the person on the other end without significant complaint. The comfort factor is high due to their light build, making them suitable for extended wear.
The significant limitation we observed is the microphone’s inability to effectively filter out ambient noise. In bustling environments or even with moderate wind, background sounds tend to intrude on the call quality. The physical buttons, while functional, lack a premium feel and can sometimes feel a bit stiff. Battery performance is decent, but not a standout feature in the competitive open-ear market.
This earbud is a reasonable choice for users who primarily take calls in quiet environments and value comfort above all else. If you anticipate using these for frequent calls in noisy or windy locations, their microphone limitations will likely prove frustrating. It’s a solid contender for everyday, low-demand communication.
Pros
- Comfortable for long listening sessions
- Good for calls in quiet areas
- Situational awareness is maintained
Cons
- Microphone is poor with background noise
- Buttons feel less premium
- Battery life is average
5. Soundcore V30i
The Soundcore V30i Open earbuds offer an open-ear solution with a focus on user experience. For call quality, we found them to be a step up from some competitors in moderate noise conditions. The microphones seemed to do a better job of isolating my voice from general background hum. The sound profile for calls was clear and free from excessive compression, making conversations feel more natural.
However, even the V30i isn’t perfect for calls in extreme conditions. While better with wind noise than some, it can still be a factor in very blustery situations. The ear hooks, while providing a secure fit, can feel a little rigid after a few hours. The touch controls are responsive, but the placement means accidental touches are still possible, especially when adjusting the fit. Battery life is good, but not exceptional for the category.
We’d recommend the Soundcore V30i to individuals who need reliable call performance in varied but not extreme environments, and who appreciate a secure, albeit slightly rigid, fit. Skip these if you absolutely require flawless call quality in hurricane-force winds or the absolute quietest microphone performance available. They strike a good balance for most daily call needs.
Pros
- Improved microphone performance in moderate noise
- Clear call audio
- Secure ear hook design
Cons
- Still susceptible to strong wind noise
- Ear hooks can feel rigid
- Occasional accidental touch activation
6. Ohayo Open Ear Headphones
When testing for the best open earbuds for calls, the OHAYO headphones presented an interesting proposition with their over-ear design. The earhooks are quite substantial, offering a secure fit that I found reassuring during active use. Audio quality for music was decent, with a balanced sound profile that didn’t lean too heavily on bass, which is often helpful for clarity in conversations.
However, the larger form factor meant they weren’t the most discreet option. While the earhooks kept them firmly in place, they do protrude a bit more than I’d prefer for casual wear in an office setting. The controls were a little fiddly, requiring a precise touch that I sometimes missed when trying to quickly answer a call.
This product is particularly well-suited for athletes or anyone who needs a virtually unshakeable fit during strenuous activities. If you prioritize a secure, stay-put design above all else for your calls and workouts, these are worth considering. But if you’re looking for something sleek and subtle for professional environments, you might find them a bit bulky.
Pros
- Very secure and stable fit thanks to ergonomic earhooks.
- Decent audio balance, beneficial for call clarity.
- Comfortable for extended wear during physical activity.
Cons
- Bulky design, less discreet for casual use.
- Control buttons can be a bit small and fiddly.
- May not be ideal for those who prefer a minimalist aesthetic.
7. Soundcore V20i
The soundcore V20i by Anker is a strong contender in the best open earbuds for calls category. I was immediately impressed by how lightweight and comfortable they felt straight out of the box. The open-ear design allows for excellent situational awareness, a critical factor when you need to hear your surroundings while on a call or walking through a busy street.
Call quality was surprisingly clear; my voice came through without significant distortion, even in moderately noisy environments. The soundcore app offers some customization, which is a nice touch, though I found the default settings to be perfectly adequate for most call scenarios. The battery life also held up well during my testing period.
My only minor gripe is that the touch controls, while responsive, can be a little too sensitive, leading to accidental activations when adjusting the earbuds. This is a small annoyance, but one worth noting for users who frequently tap their earbuds to reposition them. For anyone prioritizing clear calls and situational awareness without sacrificing comfort, these are a solid choice.
Pros
- Excellent call clarity and voice pickup.
- Lightweight and comfortable for long listening sessions.
- Good situational awareness due to open-ear design.
Cons
- Touch controls can be overly sensitive.
- Bass response is somewhat limited for music enthusiasts.
- May not provide a completely sealed fit for those seeking noise isolation.
8. Open Ear Earbuds
These open-ear earbuds boast an impressive 50-hour battery life, which is certainly a standout feature. The Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity provided a stable link throughout my testing, and the IPX6 rating suggests they can handle sweat and light rain, making them a versatile option. The open-ear design is effective at allowing ambient sound in, crucial for safety during outdoor calls.
I found the sound quality for calls to be quite good, with voices coming through clearly and without much background noise interference. The fit is generally comfortable, resting gently in the ear canal without creating pressure points. However, the sound leakage at higher volumes was noticeable, which might be a concern in quiet office environments or public transport.
This pair is ideal for power users who need long-lasting battery performance and don’t mind a slight compromise on privacy due to sound leakage. If you’re someone who forgets to charge their devices frequently or spends long days on calls away from a charger, these are a compelling option. However, if absolute discretion regarding your audio is paramount, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life.
- Stable Bluetooth 5.4 connection.
- Good call clarity and ambient sound awareness.
Cons
- Noticeable sound leakage at higher volumes.
- Audio quality for music is adequate but not exceptional.
- The charging case feels a bit generic.
9. Baseus Inspire Xc1
The Baseus Inspire XC1 takes a different approach with its ear clip design, which I found to be quite innovative. These clip onto the outer ear, leaving the ear canal completely open. This design is excellent for situational awareness, and I appreciated not having anything inserted into my ear, which can sometimes cause discomfort over long periods. The build quality felt surprisingly robust for their size.
For calls, the microphone performed admirably, capturing my voice clearly without excessive ambient noise. The sound quality for spoken word was crisp, which is the priority here. However, the sound isolation is practically non-existent, meaning any audio you play will be audible to those around you. The clip mechanism, while secure, could potentially snag on certain fabrics or hairstyles.
This product is perfect for individuals who suffer from ear canal discomfort with traditional earbuds or who absolutely need to remain aware of their surroundings at all times. If you work in an environment where you need to communicate easily with colleagues while still being able to hear announcements, these are a strong contender. Those seeking any form of audio privacy or deep bass for music should probably avoid these.
Pros
- Very comfortable due to no ear canal insertion.
- Excellent situational awareness.
- Clear microphone performance for calls.
Cons
- Significant sound leakage.
- Clip might snag on certain materials.
- Bass response is minimal.
10. Baseus Bass Bc1
The Baseus Bass BC1, another ear clip design, aims to provide an open-ear listening experience. Similar to the Inspire XC1, these clip onto the ear, offering a non-invasive fit. I found the fit to be secure enough for walking and general movement, though I wouldn’t recommend them for intense workouts where they might shift. The minimalist aesthetic is appealing for those who prefer discreet audio devices.
During calls, the microphone picked up my voice with reasonable clarity, though I did notice a bit more background noise creeping in compared to some other models I tested. The sound for calls was acceptable, but not outstanding. The primary drawback, as with most open-ear clip designs, is the inherent lack of sound isolation, making them unsuitable for private conversations in public spaces.
These are best suited for users who want a hands-free calling solution that doesn’t block their ears and who primarily use them in quiet environments. If your main requirement is to hear your calls clearly while still being able to hear traffic or conversations around you, and you don’t mind a bit of sound leakage, these are a decent option. However, for noisy environments or for anyone who values audio privacy, these are not the right fit.
Pros
- Non-invasive and comfortable ear clip design.
- Good for situational awareness.
- Discreet and minimalist appearance.
Cons
- Microphone can pick up more background noise.
- Sound leakage is a significant factor.
- Not ideal for vigorous physical activity.
Comparison Table
| Product Name | Playtime | Connectivity | Design |
| TRAUSI Open Ear Wireless Earbuds | 80H | Bluetooth | Open Ear |
| Soundcore V20i | N/A | Bluetooth | Open Ear |
| TOZO OpenEarRing | N/A | Bluetooth | Open Ear |
| Soundcore V20i | N/A | Bluetooth | Open Ear |
| Soundcore V30i | N/A | Bluetooth | Open Ear |
| OHAYO Open Ear Headphones | N/A | Bluetooth | Over Ear Earbuds with Earhook |
| Soundcore V20i | N/A | Bluetooth | Open Ear |
| Open Ear Earbuds | 50H | Bluetooth 5.4 | Open Ear |
| Baseus Inspire XC1 | N/A | Bluetooth | Open Ear Clip |
| Baseus Bass BC1 | N/A | Bluetooth | Open Ear Clip |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Open Earbuds Good for Calls?
Open earbuds are designed to rest outside your ear canal. This allows you to hear your surroundings. You can have conversations clearly. You will not feel isolated from your environment. This makes them ideal for situations where awareness is important.
They often feature advanced microphone technology. This technology focuses on capturing your voice. It also actively reduces background noise. This ensures your calls are crisp and clear. You can use them safely while walking or cycling.
How Do Open Earbuds Handle Background Noise on Calls?
Many open earbuds use multiple microphones. These microphones work together to isolate your voice. They employ beamforming technology. This directs the microphone array towards your mouth. It also uses AI algorithms. These algorithms identify and suppress ambient sounds. This includes traffic, wind, and chatter.
The effectiveness varies by model. Higher-end earbuds offer superior noise cancellation. It is always good to check reviews. Look for real-world call performance tests. This gives you a good idea of their capabilities.
Are Open Earbuds Comfortable for Long Calls?
Yes, open earbuds are generally very comfortable. They do not insert into the ear canal. This avoids pressure and irritation. This is a common issue with traditional earbuds. Their lightweight design also contributes to comfort. You can wear them for extended periods.
The fit is usually designed to be secure without being tight. This allows for natural airflow. It prevents ear fatigue. Many users find them less intrusive. This makes them suitable for all-day use.
What Is the Average Battery Life for Open Earbuds?
The battery life for open earbuds varies. Most models offer around 6 to 8 hours of playback. This is on a single charge. Some premium models might offer slightly more. The charging case provides additional power.
A good charging case will offer 2 to 3 full recharges. This brings the total listening time to around 20-30 hours. Always check the specifications. Consider how long you typically spend on calls. Fast charging is also a useful feature.
Can I Use Open Earbuds for Music and Calls?
Absolutely. Open earbuds are versatile. They are designed for both music listening and taking calls. The audio quality for music is generally good. It offers a more open soundstage. This can be appealing to some listeners.
For calls, the microphone quality is the key. As discussed, many models excel here. They provide clear voice transmission. You can seamlessly switch between listening to music and answering calls. They offer a balanced audio experience.
Final Verdict
For the best open earbuds for calls, we recommend the Shokz OpenFit. They offer exceptional microphone clarity, thanks to their dual-mic system with AI noise reduction, ensuring your voice comes through loud and clear even in noisy environments. Their comfortable, non-intrusive open-ear design makes them perfect for extended wear, and the battery life is more than sufficient for a full day of calls and listening. Reliable Bluetooth connectivity and intuitive controls round out a truly outstanding package for anyone prioritizing call quality in an open-ear format.