Key takeaways
- Best overall: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 ($159 – $180).
- Open-ear designs leave your ears free to hear traffic and people, which is the whole point for runners and cyclists.
In this article
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Choosing open-ear headphones in the US is easier when someone has already sorted the good from the overpriced. Below are the open-ear headphones we would buy right now, the ones worth a second look and the ones we would skip, each with a typical price and the reason behind the call.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Quick answer
- Best overall: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 ($159 – $180)
- Premium pick: Bose Ultra Open Earbuds ($249 – $300)
Open-ear headphones compared
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 | Buy | 8.9/10 | $159 – $180 |
| Bose Ultra Open Earbuds | Buy | 8.8/10 | $249 – $300 |
| Shokz OpenFit 2 | Buy | 8.6/10 | $179 – $200 |
| Soundcore AeroFit 2 | Consider | 8.1/10 | $99 – $130 |
Our picks in detail
Shokz OpenRun Pro 2
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.9/10 · Typical price: $159 – $180
A safe choice: Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 earns a buy verdict with a score of 8.9/10, at a typical price of $159 – $180.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $249 – $300
For most people, Bose Ultra Open Earbuds is worth its usual price of $249 – $300. Our score: 8.8/10.
Shokz OpenFit 2
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $179 – $200
Shokz OpenFit 2 is one of the open-ear headphones we would buy in the US. It scores 8.6/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $179 – $200.
Soundcore AeroFit 2
Verdict: Consider · Score: 8.1/10 · Typical price: $99 – $130
Our verdict on Soundcore AeroFit 2 is consider: a decent option, but compare it with the picks above before paying $99 – $130.
What to check before you buy
- Open-ear designs leave your ears free to hear traffic and people, which is the whole point for runners and cyclists.
- Check the fit system (hook, clip or headband) and the weight, because they must stay put while you move.
- Sound leaks at higher volumes, so they suit outdoor and office use better than quiet trains.
What to skip
Common mistake: Expecting deep bass or noise cancelling: open-ear headphones cannot block outside sound by design.
When to buy
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November. Entry-level bone-conduction and air-conduction models work well for workouts; pay more for better bass and calls.
Compare more options
Search open-ear headphones on Amazon See top-rated open-ear headphones on Amazon
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best open-ear headphones in the US?
Our top pick is Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 (typically $159 – $180).
What should I check before buying open-ear headphones?
Open-ear designs leave your ears free to hear traffic and people, which is the whole point for runners and cyclists. Check the fit system (hook, clip or headband) and the weight, because they must stay put while you move.
When is the best time to buy open-ear headphones in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
What is the most common mistake when buying open-ear headphones?
Expecting deep bass or noise cancelling: open-ear headphones cannot block outside sound by design.