The 7 best open-ear earbuds for comfort and situational awareness

Open-ear earbuds have gained significant popularity as a comfortable alternative to traditional in-ear models. By sitting outside the ear canal, these devices allow users to maintain full situational awareness while listening to audio, making them ideal for workouts or office environments. While they lack active noise cancellation and may suffer from minor sound leakage, recent advancements from brands like Bose, Sony, and Shokz have significantly improved audio quality and spatial features. The market now offers a wide range of options, from premium models like the Bose Ultra Open to budget-friendly alternatives under $100 from brands such as Soundcore and CMF by Nothing. Available in cuff, ear hook, and bone conduction styles, these earbuds prioritize comfort and safety without sacrificing the listening experience. As the technology matures, these devices are becoming a staple for users who prefer not to have their ear canals obstructed.