5 best open-ear-inspired wireless earphones in 2024

Open-ear headphones are popular among audiophiles as they deliver an immersive music listening experience while keeping the users fully aware of the surroundings. However, most of the open-ear headphones are big and bulky, and expensive, making them inaccessible for many.

This is where the open-ear-inspired earphones come into the picture. They look and function like regular earphones but with the characteristic of an open-ear headphone in a compact form factor. Compared to regular devices, open-ear-inspired wireless earphones are both practical and are best suited for those who like to listen to music or take calls while being aware of the surroundings.

Also read | From TWS with a touchscreen case to audio glasses: 8 unique headphones and earbuds for all budgets

Here are five such unique earphones worth considering in 2024:

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Sony Float Run

Comfortable headphones designed for runners (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Express) Comfortable headphones designed for runners (Image credit: Anuj Bhatia/The Indian Express)

As the name suggests, these wireless earphones are for those who run. These currently retail for Rs 16,990. The Sony Float Run (review) have an off-ear design and this means the earbuds will float on top of the ear, rather than covering them. Users will not face any ear fatigue even with continued usage. Powered by a 16mm driver, the wireless earphones can offer up to 10 hours of battery life, and these are also IPX4 rated, making them sweat resistant.

Sony LinkBuds

Sony LinkBuds review: These latest earbuds from Sony come with a unique design. Here’s how they perform. (Image credit: Nandagopal Rajan/ Indian Express

The Sony LinkBuds (review) also follow a similar concept, but unlike the Float Run, the LinkBuds are individual TWS-style buds. They have an open back, keeping the user aware of the surroundings. Currently available for Rs 13,990, the earbuds deliver up to 11 hours of battery life (with the case). These are IPX4 rated too.

Noise Pure Pods

Noise Pure Pods are cheaper than other options in the market (Express Photo) Noise Pure Pods are cheaper than other options in the market (Express Photo)

If you are on a budget, the Noise Pure Pods can be a great option. The Puds Pods use AirWave technology and air conduction mechanisms to deliver rich sound. They retail for Rs 2,999, and can offer up to a whopping 80 hours of battery per charge. They are also fitted with quad-microphones and offer excellent call quality. With Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, they also offer a stable connection with most modern smartphones.

Soundcore V30i

These earphones are meant for users with active lifestyles (Express Photo) These earphones are meant for users with active lifestyles (Express Photo)

These are quite similar to the Pure Pods but have a more premium and lightweight design. These can also be controlled via an app. These currently sell for Rs 5,999, and can offer 36 hours of music playback. Despite being open-ear style earbuds, they offer superior audio quality, powered by a 14.2mm driver.

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Bose Ultra Open Earbuds

Unique and expensive earphones (Express Photo) Unique and expensive earphones (Express Photo)

The Ultra Open earbuds by Bose are slightly on the expensive side. Priced at Rs 25,900, these earphones look different, and they also offer up to 48 hours of battery life. Powered by OpenAudio technology, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds offer private sound without blocking the environmental sound. On top of that, they also lock around the ear, which makes them look like fancy jewellery rather than an earbud.