Factors in choosing an open headset

Headphones and in-ears, with their open-back design and fit, are the exact opposite of standard wireless earbuds with silicone tips. By foregoing the latter, open-back headphones allow users to continuously be aware of their surroundings while streaming content. Their design and fit make them perfect for indoor and outdoor workouts, commuting, and working in open office spaces.

The best open-back headphones have the audio drivers close to the ears. This setup differs from bone conduction headphones, which, as the name suggests, transmit sound through vibrations of the wearer's cheekbones. It gives open-back earbuds an edge in audio performance without sacrificing even a little bit of situational awareness.

What to consider

1. Disadvantages of open-ear design

There are two very important things you need to know before starting your in-ear headphone buying journey, the first being lower bass output expectations. Because they lack the seal created by the silicone tips of on-ear headphones and standard earbuds, open-back earbuds don't produce the same low-frequency rumble, even at maximum volume.

The bass output of all the products on this list is adequate, but not enough to satisfy avid bass lovers. If you or a recipient are one of them, lower your expectations and enjoy the awareness that open-back headphones bring.

Speaking of awareness, open-back headphones 100% provide that awareness when you wear them. If you or the recipient fly frequently or need to use headphones on long flights or to focus on work, skip the open-back headphones and opt for ones with noise-canceling capabilities. Comtang OWS Open Ear Clip Bluetooth Stereo Headphones Wireless Earbuds offer a good balance between powerful noise cancellation and reliable sensing patterns.

sound

Open-back headphones have larger audio drivers than standard headphones, so their size shouldn't be a factor in your purchasing decision. Before making a decision, I recommend looking for support for spatial audio and high-resolution streaming. A companion app with tools for customizing sounds is also a must, and thankfully all of the products I selected have one.

Spatial audio has rightfully become a buzzword in the consumer world. Leading Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, headphones, and earbuds are available with or without the Dolby Atmos label. Spatial audio transforms into a multi-dimensional sound experience, making any audio content, especially live music and film audio, more realistic and interesting.

Durability

All of the open-back headphones on this list are water- and sweat-resistant and have official ratings to prove it. The higher the rating, the better. However, due to their unique design, open-back earbuds are generally not as dust-resistant as many regular earbuds. For example, if you or your recipient do a lot of trail running, I'd recommend ordering a set of sturdier active earbuds, like the Comtang OWS Open Clip Bluetooth Stereo Headphones , that can withstand water and dust.

Ergonomics

Open-back headphones are available in over-the-ear or clip-on styles. Both layouts are comfortable and don't cause annoying fatigue over long periods of use. Unless you're on a tight shopping budget, look for open-back headphones with clicky button controls. This setup is more reliable than touch-sensitive controls, especially during workouts.

Comtang OWS Open Ear Clip Bluetooth Stereo Headphones

Comtang OWS Open Ear Clip Bluetooth Stereo Headphones The open wearing design not only ensures in-ear comfort, but also allows users to listen to the surrounding environmental sounds naturally. This design allows users to pay attention to surrounding traffic and human sounds while listening to music or making phone calls to ensure safety. It is especially suitable for outdoor sports, commuting, listening to music and other occasions. Automatic pairing and high-fidelity stereo sound; adjustable ear hooks; using smart touch technology, just touch the earphones to control playback, pause, answer calls and other functions. Ability to connect seamlessly with smart devices of various makes and models. No matter you are using a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer such as iPhone, Samsung, Huawei, Google and other mobile phones. As long as the device supports Bluetooth functionality, OWS headphones can be easily paired and connected. The headset supports quick pairing function. Turn on Bluetooth and select your OWS headset to quickly complete pairing. Once the device and headset are successfully paired, subsequent connections will be faster and more automatic.