In 2025, open earbuds have emerged as a popular alternative to traditional noise-canceling headphones, offering a unique listening experience that balances audio enjoyment with situational awareness. As these devices gain traction, I’ve dedicated a significant portion of this year to testing various models for TechRadar, aiming to identify the best options available in the market.
Open earbuds, also known as open-fit headphones, differ from conventional earbuds by positioning the sound drivers over the ear rather than inside it. This design allows users to enjoy music while remaining aware of their surroundings, making them particularly appealing to cyclists and runners. Despite their growing popularity among manufacturers, these earbuds are still a rare sight in everyday use.
The Rise of Open Earbuds
The concept of open earbuds is not entirely new, but their popularity has surged in the past six months. This trend is driven by a combination of increasing consumer demand for versatile audio solutions and advancements in technology that enhance the listening experience without compromising safety.
Open earbuds provide a solution for those who want to enjoy their music while staying alert to environmental sounds, such as traffic or conversations. However, this design can affect audio quality and fit, often requiring a sports loop to secure the earbuds in place during physical activities.
Top Picks for 2025
After extensive testing, I’ve identified three standout models that cater to different needs and budgets. These selections represent a cross-section of the best features and performance available in the open earbuds market today.
Earfun OpenJump
The Earfun OpenJump earbuds are not the top performers in terms of audio quality, but they offer exceptional value for money. Priced at $79.99 / £99.99 / AU$149.99, these earbuds are often available at a discount, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious consumers.
Earfun is known for producing affordable audio products, and the OpenJump continues this tradition with a sports loop design and open-ear configuration. While the build quality and audio performance may not match premium models, the price point justifies these compromises.
“Long-lasting buds aren’t just good for music addicts – some athletes hit the streets for an awfully long time too.”
The battery life of the Earfun OpenJump is impressive, catering to both music enthusiasts and athletes who require extended playtime. Despite being my third choice, their affordability makes them a compelling option for those seeking a budget-friendly entry into the open earbuds market.
Honor Earbuds Open
The Honor Earbuds Open stand out with their unique feature set, which includes noise cancellation—a rare offering in open earbuds. This feature mitigates ambient noise, enhancing the listening experience by reducing distractions from external sounds.
These earbuds also include a workout EQ mode and an AI translator app, although their battery life could be improved. The audio quality is excellent, with a bass-heavy sound profile and high maximum volume, addressing common issues found in open earbuds.
“You can buy them for £149.99 / AU$380 (roughly $200) so they will set you back as much as decent non-open-ears would.”
While the Honor Earbuds Open are the most expensive on this list, their advanced features and superior sound quality justify the investment for those seeking premium open earbuds.
Huawei FreeArc
My personal favorite, the Huawei FreeArc, offers the best sound quality among the open earbuds I’ve tested. They deliver balanced and detailed audio, setting them apart from competitors like the Honor Earbuds Open.
The fit of the Huawei FreeArc is secure and comfortable, suitable for various activities such as running, cycling, or gym workouts. The compact case provides adequate protection, although the app installation process is somewhat cumbersome for Android users.
“You can buy them for £99.99 (roughly $130, AU$200) which puts them roughly in the ballpark of most other similar buds I’ve tested.”
Despite lacking some features found in the Honor model, the Huawei FreeArc remains a top choice for those prioritizing sound quality and affordability. However, availability is limited in certain regions, which could be a consideration for potential buyers.
Looking Ahead
The open earbuds market is poised for continued growth as more consumers seek audio solutions that offer both quality and safety. As technology advances, we can expect further innovations that enhance the listening experience without compromising situational awareness.
For now, the Earfun OpenJump, Honor Earbuds Open, and Huawei FreeArc represent the best options in this evolving category, each catering to different preferences and budgets. As these products become more widely adopted, they will likely influence the future design and functionality of personal audio devices.
