Happiness is spiritual. Making sure the things around you bring you joy is key in obtaining a feeling of wellness. Today I'm going to share my journey trying to find the right earbuds. I have tiny ears, I tried the AirPod Pro and they just kept falling out of my ears. I could feel my level of frustration growing daily just wearing those AirPods. Every time they dropped on the floor my blood pressure spiked. I went on the great earbud hunt. Below I outline my results. I've also added the songs I tested with, let me know what you think.
Shokz OpenFit Air
Technology: Air Conduction (not bone conduction as in their previous models)
Battery Life: 7 hours on a single charge, 28 hours with the charging case
Water Resistance: IP54
Price: Around $180
Pros:
Comfortable, open-ear design that leaves the ear canal free.
Excellent for staying aware of surroundings during outdoor activities.
Lightweight and secure fit.
Cons:
Sound quality, while decent, lacks the deep bass that music enthusiasts might crave.
Pricey for the sound output compared to other models.
The Shokz OpenFit Air prioritizes comfort and awareness with its air conduction technology, making it ideal for runners or those who need to hear their surroundings. However, audiophiles might feel the sound quality is underwhelming compared to higher-end options. I was disappointed that they were not bone conducting. I really love this technology and would love to see them move to an open ear version that uses this without the need to wrap a headset around my head.
Bose Ultra Open
Technology: Open-Ear with Bose OpenAudio™
Battery Life: 10 hours
Water Resistance: IPX4
Price: ~$229 (but I snagged mine on holiday sale!)
Pros:
Incredible sound quality with deep bass and rich, clear tones.
Exceptional comfort for long listening sessions.
Premium materials and build quality.
Cons:
Expensive, but worth every penny for the quality.
My personal favorite, the Bose Ultra Open, delivers phenomenal sound. From Prince and Journey to Gregorian chants and Enigma, every genre sounds like a live performance. If you’re nostalgic for that moment Dolby surround sound hit your living room, you’ll be thrilled with these earbuds. Yes, they’re pricey, but if you can catch a sale like I did, don’t hesitate.
1MORE S7
Technology: Air Conduction
Battery Life: 8 hours on a single charge, 24 hours with the charging case
Water Resistance: IPX5
Price: ~$150
Pros:
Sleek design with good sound quality for the price.
Secure fit, even during physical activity.
Decent bass and midrange clarity.
Cons:
Bass response is less powerful compared to Bose.
Limited app functionality for customizations.
The 1MORE S7 is a solid middle-ground choice. While it doesn’t match the Bose for sound quality, it’s much more budget-friendly and still provides a secure, comfortable fit. It’s great for everyday use. However, I found them not as comfortable as the Shokz.
Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro
Technology: Hybrid Noise Cancellation with Air Conduction
Battery Life: 7 hours on a single charge, 26 hours with the case
Water Resistance: IPX5
Price: ~$130
Pros:
Impressive noise cancellation for open-ear buds.
Customizable EQ via the Soundcore app.
Affordable.
Cons:
Slightly bulkier design compared to others.
Bass response isn’t as rich as Bose or 1MORE.
The Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro offers excellent value, especially if noise cancellation is a priority. While the sound quality isn’t groundbreaking, it’s a great budget option for those who want a balance of features.
While each of these earbuds offers something unique, the Bose Ultra Open stands out as the clear winner. The sound quality is simply unmatched, with deep bass, clear vocals, and an immersive listening experience that left me amazed. They may be on the pricier side, but for anyone who loves music as much as I do, they’re absolutely worth it. Whether it’s Prince, Disturbed, or Enigma, these earbuds deliver every time.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, the 1MORE S7 and Anker Soundcore Liberty Air 2 Pro are great options. For outdoor enthusiasts who prioritize safety and comfort, the Shokz OpenFit Air is a solid choice, although the sound quality doesn’t quite match up to the Bose.
Finding the right earbuds can transform your listening experience. For me, the Bose Ultra Open has been a game-changer, and I couldn’t be happier. If you’re ready to invest in an incredible pair of earbuds, keep an eye out for holiday sales—you won’t regret it.
From pleasure to ritual these things are amazing!
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