GoKawiilWIRED updates 2026 open-earbuds buying guide with new budget and premium picks
WIRED's latest roundup of open-ear headphones tests options across price points, including the Nothing Ear (Open) at $99, JLab Epic Open Sport at $100, EarFun Clip at $70, Shokz OpenFit Pro at $250, and the Suunto Wing 2 at $179. The reviewer is also currently testing the newer, cheaper Shokz OpenRun Air 2 as a potential budget alternative to pricier models.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
Open-ear headphones have become popular for runners and outdoor athletes who want to stay aware of surroundings, and this crowded market now spans everything from $70 budget picks to $250 noise-canceling hybrids. The guide highlights that higher price doesn't always mean better performance, as seen with the OpenFit Pro's weak noise cancellation, giving buyers a clearer sense of where value actually lies.
- Nothing Ear (Open) and EarFun Clip offer strong budget performance under $100
- Shokz OpenFit Pro's $250 noise-canceling feature underdelivers compared to dedicated options
- A cheaper Shokz OpenRun Air 2 is being tested as a potential new value pick
Shokz OpenRun Pro Open-Ear Headphones — If you're shopping the open-ear headphone market covered in this roundup, Shokz remains a leading name for secure, sweat-resistant open-ear listening during runs and workouts. The OpenRun Pro offers bone-conduction comfort so you can still hear traffic and surroundings while enjoying your music.
See Shokz OpenRun Pro Open-Ear Headphones on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: wired.com — Harry Rabinowitz, 2026-09-18
Published there as: “Best Open Earbuds (2026): Shokz, Bose, Soundcore, and More”
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