Open earbuds let you tune in without tuning out the world. Here are the five best pairs

Don’t float through the world in an AirPod bubble – enjoy music or podcasts and carry on using these tested favorites

• https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2026/apr/24/best-wireless-earbuds">I tested 42 pairs of wireless earbuds to find the best in US

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In a feat of engineering that borders on magic, the https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2026/apr/24/best-wireless-earbuds">best wireless earbuds can silence the noisy world around you at the tap of a finger.

So, why would you buy open earbuds, which are specifically designed to let in environmental sounds?

Frankly, I didn’t understand the appeal of them either until I started testing them, and now I use open earbuds even more than my noise-cancelling earbuds.

For situations from https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter-us/2026/jul/04/best-hiking-daypacks-tested-reviewed">hiking to running errands, these are the headphones you should be wearing.

Here’s what you’re missing out on, and a few of the best pairs to try.

Best overall open-ear earbuds:

Soundcore Aeroclip Open-Ear Earbuds

Best premium open-ear earbuds:

Bose Ultra Open Earbuds