As I look back at 2025, there’s one product that stood out a little more than most: open-earbuds. This year, I was introduced to the world of earbuds that let in all of the ambient sound around you, and I have to say, I’m impressed with what they can do.
As someone whose favorite thing about headphones is that they can shut out the world around you, providing a sense of calm while I listen to my favorite songs or a podcast, I was skeptical about the concept of letting all that sound in. But after rigorous testing of some of the best open-earbud releases this year, I might just be a convert. Here is a list of my favorites that I tested this year, and why they’ve taken up a regular spot in my earbud rotation.
Earfun Clip
If you're just getting into the world of open-earbuds, then the EarFun Clip earbuds are the best option for you. The whole point of open-ears is to let in as much ambient sound as possible so you can stay aware of your surroundings, but these block a little more out, so they feel more like regular earbuds.
I have come to accept that with most open-earbuds, I will be sacrificing some sound quality, as the music is just directed towards the eardrums because of the lack of ear seal, but this wasn’t an issue with the EarFun Clips. I was totally impressed by the sound profile, and my favorite workout songs sounded really awesome.
The flexible ear cuff also means they are super comfortable for prolonged wear. Other open-earbuds I have tried can be pretty heavy, but these offer a great balance between the front speaker and the back on the ears.
Soundcore Aeroclip
The Soundcore Aeroclip open-earbuds are twice the price of the Earfun Clip, but they're undoubtedly the best all-around performer I tested this year.
They are incredibly comfortable, to the point where I forgot to take them off after I had taken them out on a run. But to be honest, I didn’t want to take them off. The EQ customization settings are so good that I was able to get the ideal sound profile for any song I was listening to.
Unlike the EarFun Clips, these buds let in a lot more sound and are perfect for situations like running near roads, where you need to stay vigilant and take in everything around you to stay safe.
You can get 32 hours of battery life with the charging case, so I have been able to take them to the office and for my workouts without worrying about battery life every single day. And on top of all that, they look super sleek, almost like jewelry.
JLab Epic Open Sport
The JLab Epic Open Sport open-earbuds are a slightly different style from the previous two picks, but here at Tom’s Guide, we like some variety. These buds are more suited for intense workouts as the wrap-around earhook offers total stability even with a lot of movement.
From running to pilates, these buds have experienced all of my workouts and have weathered every test I have thrown at them. They even survived my rainiest run to date thanks to their IP55 waterproofing, which protects them from water splashes in all directions.
The choice between touch-sensitive and button controls also makes these buds a total winner for me. When I’m moving around, I find that button controls give me a lot more, well, control over the commands. Touch controls can sometimes prove finicky, but the physical buttons are very responsive.
I still prefer the Soundcore Aeroclips — they're so reliable and stylish — but the Epic Open Sports are a very close second for the fitness lover inside me.
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