Most of us living our daily grind has us packing all sorts of gadgets; from power banks to portable fans, we’ve got our own arsenal of devices that we use on a daily basis. And one of the most common things you’ll probably find — a pair of headphones.
Or in 2024, it’ll most likely be a pair of TWS earbuds or something in that form.
Recently, Huawei just announced its latest TWS — the open-ear FreeClip. Also on the market other options like the Sony LinkBuds or Shokz. But all in common are their open-ear designs. There are many benefits to this form factor but of course, it isn’t without faults.
What is open-ear and what are its benefits
Open-ear headphones, true to their name, don’t entirely cover or block the ears, allowing you to enjoy your music while staying attuned to your surroundings. These headphones, popular among outdoor enthusiasts and runners, offer a safety advantage by keeping you fully aware during activities. The magic lies in bone conduction technology, a concept dating back to Beethoven’s era. By bypassing the eardrum and sending vibrations directly to the inner ear, open-ear headphones provide an unconventional but immersive experience.
But why the shift towards open-ear headphones? Beyond their safety benefits, these headphones offer an immersive experience without disconnecting you from reality. True open-ear headphones do not seal off the ear canal, ensuring users remain connected to the ambient sounds.
Having gone through a pandemic, we should be more aware of hygiene. Open-ear headphones shine here given they just sit on the surface, avoiding the warm and moist environment of the ear canal. While it still varies, most design rests comfortably around the top of the ear. Apart from being more hygienic, this form factor offers better comfort for long-term wear.
Are open-ear headphones flawless? No. Achieving high sound quality can be a challenge, and they may struggle in noisy environments, too. So if you’re a biker in midst of a traffic jam, for example, your music may get drowned out.
But in any case, for those who appreciate what open-ear options bring to the table, it does offer an experience.
Is it for you?
A handful of options are available if you’re in the market for a pair of open-ear/bone-conduction headphones. One of the more attractive ones would be Huawei’s FreeClip but you’ve got options from Sony, Oladance if you want the best of the best, and the ever-popular Shokz to name a few. We were also able to try the Mojawa Run Plus bone conduction neckband and it wasn’t bad either.
Should you switch to open-ear? If you love your tunes but also want to stay aware of the world around you, open-ear headphones are worth checking out. Perfect for joggers and outdoor enthusiasts, they let you enjoy your music while keeping you in the loop, enhancing safety during activities. Plus, if you dig genres like classical music or are into podcasts and audiobooks, open-ear headphones may deliver a better overall experience.
Choosing between open-ear and regular headphones is all about context. If you’re hitting the outdoors and need to stay aware, open-ear is the way to go. But if you’re in a cozy, controlled setting and just want to drown out the world, traditional in-ear headphones might be your jam. Ultimately, if you’re after a blend of safety, comfort, and a cool audio experience, open-ear headphones could be the perfect match for your music journey.
