Open-ear headphones (clip-on)

What makes open-ear different

An open model never enters the ear canal: the clip sits on or behind the lobe and the sound arrives from the side. Your ear stays free — their only advantage, but a decisive one.

• Safety outdoors. You hear cars, cyclists and the person next to you — the best choice for running and cycling.
• Office. A colleague can talk to you without you taking anything out.
• Comfort. Nothing inside the ear: no pressure, no blocked feeling, and nothing to fall out.
• The trade-off. Bass and isolation: fine in a quiet room, outmatched by closed models in aircraft noise.
• How they hold. A clip wraps the lobe, an ear hook grips the rim — both stay put better than a tipped bud.

See also

For isolation and bass, take in-ear headphones or over-ear models. For play, see gaming headsets.

Frequently asked questions

Can people around me hear them? In a quiet room, somewhat — keep the volume moderate in an office.

Do they stay on while running? Yes, a clip or ear hook holds better than a tipped bud.

The full range is in the headphones category.