The Top 5 Open-Ear Buds | Which One Is The Best?

I put five of the best open-ear buds through their paces to find out which one is the absolute best!
Watch the video to find out more!
0:00 Intro
0:16 The Contenders
1:19 What's An Open-Ear Bud?
2:02 Design, Comfort & Fit
8:02 Battery Life & Charging
11:46 Connectivity
15:14 Controls
18:30 Smartphone Apps
20:17 Sound Quality
26:14 Conclusion
Disclosure: I got free samples from all manufacturers for testing and reviewing but I will not receive any payment or monetary compensation whatsoever for doing this comparison. What I say in the video is my own opinion and I only share my personal experience with you guys. But these following links are affiliate links which means that I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting the channel.
🛒 You can buy the Cleer Arc II Sport:
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🛒 You can buy the Shokz OpenFit:
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🛒 You can buy the Oladance OWS 2:
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🛒 You can buy the OneOdio OpenRock Pro:
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🇨🇦 amzn.to/43BjU8g
🇬🇧 amzn.to/3Cb3W9K
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You can buy the Haylou PurFree Buds through their official website (not an affiliate link): haylou.com/products/haylou-pu...
Link to the GROVEMADE desktop accessories online store:
grovemade.com/?rfsn=7135468.4...
❕Do not forget to use the code "ANDYSTECH" to get a 10% discount ❕💰
Follow me on Instagram @andystechtone
Thanks for watching!
#truewireless #openear #sportsearbuds #openfit #shokz #cleeraudio #oladance #haylou #oneodio #comparison #bestearbuds

[@radu_serban]

Thank you for the review, I know it was a hard work! ❤

[@AndysTechTone]

Thanks, I appreciate it, some effort went into this one for sure.

[@davidmmuench]

Great detailed comparison! Thank you for making this video!

[@AndysTechTone]

No worries man, thanks for tuning in again 😎

[@Haylou]

Thanks Andy for your hard work! Fantastic analysis, all-encompassing. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to bringing you more innovative products in the future!😄

[@mestadtler]

Great review, comprehensive, I have the OWS2, fit for both work and workouts are great, and am told the voice call quality is very good as well.

[@AndysTechTone]

Yeah the OWS 2 is indeed a great package overall

[@solis561]

Great video ! Thanks looking forward to seeing your next video 😊👍

[@AndysTechTone]

Glad you liked it, thanks for watching 😊

[@randallk204]

What a FANTASTIC review Andy. So many great important details...this must have been A LOT, a LOT of work... I currently have the Oladance gen1 AND now the Cleer Arc 2's also. To my ears the Cleer buds are miles, ok lol, kilometers better in sound quality over the Olys. But as you said everybody's ears are different and are different sizes. I find the Arc ii's to have a MUCH wider frequency response esp in the treble over the Oladance. haha all that said? I do find SOMETHING about the Oladance buds to be sort of more polished and stable, or something like that, while the Cleer seems maybe more beta-ish. So I use both about 50/50..I may have a slight overall preference for the Arcii's, new firmware came JUST today for the Arcii's...seems head gestures are working WAY better now and less overly sensitive than when I first got them. Again, GREAT helpful review.!

[@AndysTechTone]

I knew that most people would prefer the “in your face” sound of the ARC II over the OWS 2 but I like how smooth or polished it is as you just said.

[@MichaelEKaz]

This was a very helpful video, thank you!

[@AndysTechTone]

Glad you found it helpful, thanks for watching 😊

[@starlights50]

Andy, you continue to refine your excellent review style. I'm curious how you would compare OEbuds versus bone conduction headsets in general with respect to transparency (and sound leakage).

[@AndysTechTone]

Thanks, in general I would say transparency is just about the same while bone conduction has a slight advantage in terms of sound leakage. But it depends on what model you use and what volume you listen to your music at of course. But open-ears don’t have vibrations and the sound quality potential is much better especially at the bottom octaves

[@ChiaDai]

​@@AndysTechToneThis is extremely helpful. I was considering bone conduction (namely shokz open run) but with your comment, I see no advantage of bone conduction over open ear design ( except for when one has damaged eardrum ). Oladance 2 it is!

[@bengoey]

Very good comparison, thank you.

[@AndysTechTone]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for watching

[@1cybdiver]

Glad you covered multipoint that's always a deal maker or breaker for me

[@StreetShots79]

That was an outstanding review. Nice.

[@AndysTechTone]

Glad you liked it, thanks for watching 😊

[@torelliandreadogacademy42]

AGAIN!! Congratulations on the good work you are doing and keeping us informed!! is it true that when I use this type of headphones I will need to have and their case with me so that they work properly?? or i can leave their case at home ?? Thank you !!

[@AndysTechTone]

In general you will need the case

[@glenvest5256]

Great review! I'm looking for new ear buds (or something similar) and only just recently happened across articles about the "open-ear" category. I'm looking seriously at JBL - Endurance Peak 3, but I'm liking what I'm reading and hearing now about the Oladance OWS 2 ... mostly because of your reviews! I do NOT need a lot of bass, but I think I need to be able to adjust the high-end frequencies ("screechy"!) down, so having an EQ in the app is a requirement for me. I have a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro, but they're kinda finicky to fit into my ears, so I'm returning them to get something else. I realize that comparing JBL - Endurance Peak 3 vs Oladance OWS 2 is kind of "apple vs orange" ... but which would you recommend?

[@hampuspersson7855]

Thanks a lot for your review. Appreciate someone focus on the open ear gengre! Would love to see a review on the JBL soundgear sense and JVC open ear buds as well!

[@AndysTechTone]

my comparison of some more affordable open-ears just dropped on the channel but unfortunately neither the JBL nor the JVC is featured...

[@seefeel2043]

Thanks for great review!

[@AndysTechTone]

No worries, thanks for watching 😊

[@daveweber1331]

Excellent reviews! 👍👍

[@AndysTechTone]

Glad you think so, thanks for watching 😊

[@cdturner59]

Great video! Thank you. I have the openrocks, which I love, but, and this is a big but! When I sweat a lot when working out the sweat will clog the speakers and cause sound to go out completely. I bought my wife a pair of shokz and she loves them and I really do too, but they're a bit dainty for me I feel like. This video definitely helps and gives me a lot to think about.

[@AndysTechTone]

Glad you found it useful, thanks for watching 😊

[@XaverDu]

Excellent review thx

[@AndysTechTone]

Thanks for watching!

[@ilijadobre]

Hi Andy, thank you for this very comprehensive and informative review. I always end up on your channel when making a decision on whether or not to buy a new set of earphones. Now, I need to search for new pair, because as of recently my tinnitus condition got a bit more noticeable so I want to explore if there is an option that suits the best my tinnitus, by in the first place not worsening it. I read a bit on the web, but there is conflicting information out there. Somewhere I find bone-conducting and open-ear options are the best, but in some other places, I heard that ANC earbuds are the option to go because they allow you to listen to music with a lower volume by blocking outside noise. Of course, I'm aware that you cannot give any medical advice, but thought maybe you have some experience with tinnitus, and maybe you can generally recommend headphones over earbuds, or bone-conduction/open-ear earphones over in-ear ones or vice versa... Also, if you know that some producer is marketing their earphones as "tinnitus friendly" I would appreciate it if you could share that with me... Thanks in advance!

[@AndysTechTone]

Tinnitus is not always related to actual ear or hearing issues but can also be caused by an underlying health condition or some neurological problems so from that perspective there is not much advice I can give. That said, in terms of the long term health of your ears and hearing I believe that bone conduction might be your best bet as that technology completely bypasses your eardrums when producing sound. I’d say that in-ear buds are the worst in that regard and open-ears might be slightly more safe. But that’s just me and my thoughts. And it all depends on your use case. In noisy environments you’re are better off with ANC headphones unless awareness is crucial for your safety. In a quiet office and on the road, open-ears can be a good option though. Of course lower volume is always beneficial in terms of protecting your hearing in the long run so using ANC with a reduced level of volume could help too.

[@ilijadobre]

@@AndysTechTone thanks Andy for your fast answer and the time you took for it. I do not know the root cause for my tinnitus, but I think I'm gonna go with bone conduction ones most probably. What do you think about over the ear headphones for my case? Are there some suitable for running?

[@AndysTechTone]

@@ilijadobre I’d never run using over-ears but maybe that’s just because I tend to sweat a lot 😊

[@torelliandreadogacademy42]

Congratulations for the good work you are doing and keeping us informed!! I would like to ask you (talking all about sports headphones) what is the main difference between the Open-Ear headphones and Earbuds. Talking Only for bluetooth with hooks. Thank you for your ansuer !!

[@AndysTechTone]

traditional in-ear buds go into your ear canal, stopping any sound from getting in or out. Open-ears, like these in this test do not block your ear canals, so you get to hear your surroundings and your music at the same time

[@MegaAVINASH24]

does it also means sound leaks outside and other person sitting next to me can hear the sound?

[@alur9160]

Excellent job!! HI from México

[@AndysTechTone]

Hey, thanks! 😎

[@s4kicks3]

Great review Andy! I just went from the OWS1 to the Cleer Arc II and am very happy with the sound upgrade but not so much with the comfort as the Oladance comfort was wonderful. I must ask you in a different note if you don't mind. I'm trying to guess where you are from originally as I cannot peg your accent and my background is eastern European although I live in Canada. Just curious.

[@AndysTechTone]

I'm Hungarian so Eastern Europe was a good guess 😎

[@s4kicks3]

That was my guess as I do have Hungarian family. Thanks for all your great reviews, you are my #1 resource and I have purchased more than once based on your recommendations. Keep up your great work!

[@AndysTechTone]

@@s4kicks3 thanks, I appreciate that 😊

[@andrew_watkins]

Thanks Andy! Very comprehensive. You've swung me from the Cleer Arc towards the Shokz OpenFit - but I think I'll hold off a while longer to see what the upcoming OWS Pro has to offer.

[@AndysTechTone]

There is always something new coming

[@andrew_watkins]

​@@AndysTechToneOWS Pro to be announced tomorrow, according to Twitter leak - looks sleek, very interesting...

[@ChiaDai]

@@AndysTechTone Would you review OWS pro in the near future ? I don't see much advantages over Ola 2 from the website but of course real experience is what it matters.

[@AndysTechTone]

@@ChiaDai that was my first impression too, let’s hope there will be some upgrades though. A test sample is on its way so my OWS Pro review is coming soon enough…

[@dr.arnoldbenitez5642]

Andy, OWS2 overall are the best, I forget I have them on and the sound is out of this world, love them.

[@AndysTechTone]

They are my favourites too 😎

[@nebulousshade1091]

Have you tried the Oledance Pro? I’m trying to figure if want the OWS2 or Pro

[@broderwow]

Thx for the review. I would like to know if there are any cheeper options for this kind of buds?

[@AndysTechTone]

There are many now, I'm planning to test a few in October

[@broderwow]

@@AndysTechTone cannot wait for the new video :)

[@brandonwiese219]

Thank you so much. This was great.

[@AndysTechTone]

Glad you found it useful, thanks for watching 😊

[@batdroid2705]

As always, thanks. What's do you personally use for the gym?

[@AndysTechTone]

In the gym I only use in-ears, mostly the LG TF8 or the AirPods Pro 2

[@batdroid2705]

@@AndysTechTone thank you! Time to watch your review of the tf8

[@robp3431]

Awesome, fully-detailed review which was both interesting and informative, start to finish ! As a cyclist, I appreciate that you included fit in conjunction with eyewear and helmet. I do wonder how the buds do at higher speeds ie 20+ mph with respect to wind noise. Wind noise is something I'm very sensitive to (not painful, I just don't like it), and would select the buds which have the least wind noise possible as criteria #1 over all else.

[@AndysTechTone]

They all have pretty much the same annoying wind noise over 20mph...

[@mattjones351]

@@AndysTechTone did the noise reduction make much of a difference with the Oladance OWS 2 when cycling? I've purchased the Cleer Arc II Sport but was wondering if I could have had a better time cycling with the Oladance OWS 2, or whether either way, I'm in for a heap of wind noise?!

[@AndysTechTone]

@@mattjones351 noise reduction will change nothing about wind noise unfortunately or at least I did not notice any difference

[@mattjones351]

@@AndysTechTone appreciate the reply mate! I'll stick with my Cleers 👍

[@MsAnak1980]

love your review

[@AndysTechTone]

Glad you do, thanks for watching 😊

[@theterminaldave]

Can you use the Cleer with PC games and use push to talk ingame VoIP? Is the imaging sufficient to have a good experience?

[@STR82DVD]

It's crazy how much is scene has changed since you made this video.

[@AndysTechTone]

Yeah, tell me about it. I cannot even keep up...

[@STR82DVD]

@@AndysTechTone Andy, I bought the Openrock X but in all honesty, I wish I hadn't. They are a step back in terms of comfort, fit and sound reproduction compared to the OG Openrock Pro. Brutal at this price point.

[@ahmadahmad-bw6vg]

thank you for your answer please tell me which one has better sound quality clarity and more accurate sound the Shokz or the sennheiser momentum 3 thank you

[@AndysTechTone]

the Sennheiser, obviously

[@MyALPHAguy]

can you please tell me which one is LOUDER? I use an intra ear-protector in my ears so I can remain in silence plus I also use a 3M Peltor X5A covering my "in-ear" protector... that's why I need the loudest open-ear phone...

[@chaseivey28]

I got the shokz open fit today because i have had and been happy with all their products they are pretty loud and i love them im curious to how much louder the cleer arc ii are then the open fit? Louder would be better for wind noise while riding motorcycles but the open fit are louder than their bone conducting ones

[@vietanhpham8345]

Hi, I wonder to ask u a question. Have your Shokz openfit been leaked soud to outside?

[@AndysTechTone]

The Cleer Arc II are significantly louder

[@DroidLocks6971]

I listened to your video on my shokz open fit . I'm thinking to get oladance ows2 Because the battery life is over twice what my open fit are

[@samuelsepri1653]

Tell me which has better sound quality?

[@AndysTechTone]

But the OWS2 doesn't have a battery inside the case

[@MrBrettStar]

Which would you suggest for running where comfort is most important?

[@AndysTechTone]

The OWS or maybe the Shokz

[@leollca]

Can any of them be used as an audio amplifier working as hearing aid device?

[@AndysTechTone]

I'm not aware of such feature unless there is a smartphone app that can do that when connected to any of these

[@J.D.Vision]

What about the new Oladance OWS Pro's? a bit more expensive, but I would like to know if they're somewhat better. 🤷

[@AndysTechTone]

Yep, that review is out already

[@noykrub]

Which one is best microphone for phone call ? thanks

[@AndysTechTone]

It must be the Shokz or the Haylou

[@johnehoward]

Did I hear you say that there's a lag with the video audio with Android using the shokz?

[@AndysTechTone]

Yep, I said it but just because that's what I experienced

[@cjh526]

The openfit supports multipoint with firmware upgrade

[@AndysTechTone]

Now it does, yes

[@donaldanderson1645]

I am slightly hard of hearing. Which one has the best and highest volume control.?

[@AndysTechTone]

The Cleer ARC II is the loudest by far

[@a1club982]

What will you recommend for me I loved arc 2 and Oladance ? I use them for gym workouts please choose the best one for me

[@AndysTechTone]

I’d buy the one that’s more comfortable which is the Oladance in my case. Not sure about you though. Personal note: I never use open-ears in the gym, only outside…

[@a1club982]

@@AndysTechTone my gut went with oladance especially after seeing that small silicon grip on to secure it even more im going to buy it today… you did very nice and fair review I hope you keep it that way very bright future don't get greedy and don't let them buy you out peace and love your brother from Saudi 🇸🇦

[@AndysTechTone]

@@a1club982 good choice, let us know the OWS works for you 👍

[@a1club982]

@@AndysTechTone hello Andy this is my update I wanted you to know this OWS2 is amazing i have received it today and it didn’t fit my ear as I have very small ears but the silicon attachment did the trick now it fits perfectly and I loved it amazing sound the multipoint is on point if it wasn’t for that attachment I would have returned it once again than you for your review

[@AndysTechTone]

@@a1club982 interesting to hear how that piece of silicone improved the fit, thanks for sharing your experience 👍 enjoy your tunes 😎🎶

[@eriktred]

I own the oladance and shokz. Both are great for running. I alternate.

[@alur9160]

Who sound better?

[@eriktred]

@@alur9160 they are very close in sound quality.

[@samuelsepri6316]

@@alur9160yea who?

[@samuelsepri1653]

Yea which sound better, please answer me?

[@eriktred]

@@samuelsepri1653 I would say the shokz, but they are very close.

[@Jay-ws7tv]

How do they fit with glasses?

[@AndysTechTone]

I had no issues with wearing sunglasses occasionally but of course I don't wear glasses all day long

[@DV1979]

How about OpenRockS? Is 89.99 less discount

[@AndysTechTone]

I'm working on a comparison with some open-ears under 100 bucks and that will feature the OpenRock S

[@marioz3760]

nice review. Just one thing that the buttons are all physical. Maybe better fit would be mechanical.

[@AndysTechTone]

Noted 😊

[@saucy-wi6ft]

nd few months ago bose discontinued their open earbuds

[@AndysTechTone]

They will hop back on the open-ear train if they see how high the demand is right now

[@jesusace83]

why didnt jbl make the cut ?

[@enkidu77]

where is the call quality test??

[@AndysTechTone]

I did a short with some tests

[@Omglolwut]

I have the Shokz and Oladance…. I can’t stand the Shokz. Took them on one trip and never used them again. I use my Oladance all the time they are so comfortable I often forget I have them on.

[@AndysTechTone]

I keep forgetting them too 🙄

[@h1a8]

Codecs have no bearing on sound quality as far as the human can tell. Talking about them is a waste. Do a blind test and you will see

[@picanha694]

Most people only use spotify on them so i got your point.

[@AndysTechTone]

Telling me to stop wasting time talking about the specs of the products I'm testing is actually a waste... 😎

[@AndysTechTone]

I, for one, have never used Spotify myself

[@evanderwright8136]

To much