Since I test audio but also like to exercise, I’ve started to become a big fan of the best open-earbuds; in fact, TechRadar has published 12 of my reviews of these ear canal freeing earbuds in the last year alone (counting, as I’m currently listening to the next pair).
In 2025, I’ve tested 34 pairs of headphones or earbuds for TechRadar, but the category of open earbuds is the one that’s seen the most growth and the one I want you to know about now. It’s got much better here, people – but only if you buy the right pair.
Not versed in open earbuds? I can be your guide. They’re like your average earbud, except they don’t go fully into your ear. This lets you hear surrounding sounds like traffic, dogs, train announcements, your name at your doctor’s surgery and so on. This is great for safety and awareness (though traditionally not so much for sound quality – more on this in a minute).
In fact there’s one particular pair of open earbuds I tested this year that was so good, I’d consider buying another pair as a gift or back-up (if there’s a good deal, of course). And I’ve got two other picks which I’ve already waxed lyrical about in features for TechRadar but that’d be absolute must-buys if they see a discount.
Following that, I’ve got two more picks that are worth keeping an eye out for. So let’s go!
The only 5 Black Friday open earbuds deals to look for
The Shokz at the very top of this roundup are the pair I’m really hoping to see a deal on, if their higher-than-the-rest price didn’t make that clear. But I’d also love to see the Huawei or Honor get a discount, as they’re the two best non-clipping type open-ears of 2025.
And for the budget-conscious among you, the Earfun and OneOdio options are still worthy buys, only missing out on higher star ratings due to missing few extra perks and unique selling points in what is now a fiercely competitive open-ear market.
Here are current best prices on the above earbuds as a roundup for quick comparison.
The two types of open earbuds
There are two types of open earbuds you can buy.
The most common kind, and the one that describes most of my picks above, are sports-loop style buds. Like your average exercise headphone, they’re kept in place with a loop that goes around your ear, and which holds the speaker above your ear.
The other kind, which I’ve actually got in my top pick (the Shokz), and in one of my longer watchlist picks above, is clip or cuff-style headphones. They’re smaller and sit at the bottom of your ear, held by a counterweight.
I’ve found the latter kind, on average, more reliable. Sports-loops range in fit and hold, but I’ve never tested a clip-style bud that shakes or falls out. They also tend to offer a higher standard of audio quality; some of the best-sounding open-ears have been sports-loop, but all of the worst ones are too.
Which should you buy? I’d honestly recommend trying to find a way to check out both, just so you can see which you prefer. But if you’re going by sport, clipping earbuds are best for cyclists (as they don’t get in the way of headphone straps) while I prefer sports-loop ones for gym workouts or ones where I’ll go prone, as the design keeps them firmer in place. For running, I’ve found both can be alright.
Places to check for Black Friday deals
US:
UK:
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tom.bedford@hotmail.co.uk (Tom Bedford)
