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The best noise-canceling earbuds are designed to insulate you from distractions, but there are times when tuning out your surroundings isn’t an option. From running outdoors to listening for the next station on a train commute, the best open-ear earbuds and headphones allow for situational awareness without compromising audio quality.
At a Glance: Best Open-Ear Earbuds
It’s a niche but growing market, with brands offering more open-ear options than ever. Open-ear earbuds comprise a broad range of styles, ranging from clip-style ear cuffs, earbuds with ear hooks, and bone-conduction headphones. What they have in common is leaving the ear canal open.
There are a variety of advantages to open ear earbuds. The biggest advantage is allowing the wearer to be attuned to their surroundings, which is why they’re particularly popular with runners and cyclists who work out outdoors. They’re not just for athletes, though — staying aware can be useful at work, on commutes, or while simply walking around the neighborhood. In addition to awareness, open-ear earbuds can be useful for those who struggle to find comfortable-fitting in-ear earbuds.
